148: Environmental Dialogue with Rob Yorke

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3qgNo82dP4MTlofEYJSo9u?si=a0425ff193284d74 Those of you who follow me on social media already know that last week I gave a presentation about the use of podcasting for communicating complex and nuanced ideas to non-experts. The presentation was part of the 7th International Journalism Symposium on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Wildlife Resources. The symposium was moderated by … Continue reading 148: Environmental Dialogue with Rob Yorke →

147: Woodcock Research and Hunting with James O’Neill

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lJ0NUyd2J2FXQzjQLk5KT?si=c93bbd43a44942fb The woodcock is one of the most interesting birds. It is a wader that adapted to the woodland habitat. It has a range of unique characteristics like 360-degree vision, a flexible bill and white tail feathers that reflect up to 30% more light than the feathers of any other bird. It is also a … Continue reading 147: Woodcock Research and Hunting with James O’Neill →

146: Multi-Generational Outdoors Teaching with Emanuel Rose

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hOsBDyZkH2ll9DoIDeZOX?si=ee676cae69e84c0c Once again we are coming back to the subject of getting the young generation educated about nature and involved in experiences they might otherwise miss. It’s a theme that has been discussed on my podcast several times. It also comes back time and time again during my conversations about the state of nature and … Continue reading 146: Multi-Generational Outdoors Teaching with Emanuel Rose →

145: The Future of Hunting with Richard Prideaux

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HhwknMTL2usVF4tUmNQqm?si=931592636903417e With declining wildlife populations, expanding urbanisation and dwindling social acceptance of hunting I often question whether this activity has a future. Add to the list the ageing population of hunters and the minimal recruitment of new hunters from young generations and the picture doesn’t look pretty. So is hunting fading into the history books … Continue reading 145: The Future of Hunting with Richard Prideaux →

The NARGC Seminar on The Open Seasons Order and Sustainable Hunting

When I received the invitation to attend the National Association of Regional Game Councils (NARGC) seminar on the Open Seasons Order and Sustainable Hunting, I accepted without hesitation. The seminar featured an outstanding lineup of guests and speakers from Ireland and mainland Europe. The timing of the seminar was not coincidental. Ireland is obligated to … Continue reading The NARGC Seminar on The Open Seasons Order and Sustainable Hunting →

How do you feel when you squeeze the trigger?

On several occasions, I have been asked by non-hunters how I feel when I squeeze the trigger. Obviously, this question is meant to ascertain how I feel about taking an animal's life. When I get these questions I often refer back to the very first animal I harvested. A female feral goat that I shot … Continue reading How do you feel when you squeeze the trigger? →

Episode 124: African Wildlife Conservation with Lilian Mremi

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Ue73g4hvkMuS9177c5OPe?si=c70bc4b6bbeb4d28 Those of you who either read the excellent book “Cries of the Savanna” by Sue Tidwell or listened to the podcast episode with her are familiar with Lilian Mremi, a Game Scout and Tanzanian Wildlife Ranger. Shortly after the episode was published many of you expressed great interest in hearing directly from Lilian. I … Continue reading Episode 124: African Wildlife Conservation with Lilian Mremi →

Episode 121: Cries of the Savanna with Sue Tidwell

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5HxaFqNcltM1E2NAQOVD7G?si=f2686540950645c9 In this episode, once again, we’re going to take on the subject of hunting in Africa. Our guest is Sue Tidwell, the author of a wonderful book titled “Cries of the Savanna” that I reviewed in last week’s blog post. And since I really liked the book I was itching for the opportunity to … Continue reading Episode 121: Cries of the Savanna with Sue Tidwell →

Cries of the Savanna by Sue Tidwell – A Book Review

Hunting in Africa is a controversial subject that I have discussed with expert guests a few times on my podcast. I also follow related social media discussions. Unfortunately, I get the impression (confirmed on many occasions) that people taking part in these discussions have very limited, or purely theoretical, experience. This often leads to ridiculous … Continue reading Cries of the Savanna by Sue Tidwell – A Book Review →

Episode 119: Land and Deer Management in Scotland with Megan Rowland

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2i5v0bVI1gAMvnp70gI2QX?si=f7323d9ad0db4c59 For many of you, Megan Rowland needs no introduction. She is a Deer Management Officer for NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency. Before that, she worked as a surveyor for RSPB Scotland where she surveyed the entire suite of Highland bird species. She has also been a volunteer for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, a local Raptor … Continue reading Episode 119: Land and Deer Management in Scotland with Megan Rowland →