YORK, S.C. – July 31, 2026 – The Connecting with Conservation (CWC) Podcast is proud to host guests from notable brands Weatherby, Christensen Arms, Ducks Unlimited and Mule Deer Foundation on recent episodes. Hosts Dr. Jon Gassett of Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) and Jim Curcuruto of Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) welcome guests for informative discussions on how manufacturers and non-profit groups work together to help manage and fund land, fish and wildlife conservation in America.
These episodes feature a slate of guests with vast experience in the outdoor and conservation arenas: Luke Thorkildsen, COO of Weatherby; Shane Meisel, president of Christensen Arms; Mark Horobetz, manager of national R3 programs at Ducks Unlimited; and Greg Sheehan, president and CEO of Mule Deer Foundation.
“The cycle of conservation funding in America has been the envy of the world for nearly a century,” said CWC Podcast co-host and producer, Jon Gassett. “Manufacturers of products such as firearms, ammunition, bows, arrows, rods, reels and lures, coupled with state wildlife agencies, conservation groups, and millions of active hunters, anglers, trappers and target shooters (HATSTM), are the main reason why we have healthy habitat and thriving wildlife populations.”
The American System of Conservation is directly funded by manufacturers and HATSTM, with more than $3.6 billion contributed annually, which is around $10 million a day. Learn how land, fish and wildlife conservation are funded in America here.
The Connecting with Conservation Podcast was created to allow a broad mix of guests from wildlife agencies, industry manufacturers and non-government organizations to share their stories about how their organizations support outdoor recreation and conservation. The conversational format, informative guests and compact 30-minute episodes make it a great addition to any podcast rotation.
To watch these featured episodes, click the links below:
Subscribe to The Connecting with Conservation Podcast’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss an episode. To become a guest on an upcoming episode of The Connecting with Conservation Podcast, reach out to Dr. Jon Gassett ([email protected]) or Jim Curcuruto (jim@stewardsofconservation.
About OSCF:
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with all facets of the outdoor industry to improve cultural acceptance of gun ownership, hunting, fishing, trapping, and target shooting. We use research-based communications and engagement programs that help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers, and Shooters) and promote the positive contributions HATS make to society. To learn more about OSCF programs; “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag,” “Come With!,” “Connecting with Conservation,” “Donate A Deer” and the “Outdoor Industry Communication Council,” please visit www.OutdoorStewards.org, follow @OutdoorStewards on Instagram or contact Jim Curcuruto at (203) 450-7202, [email protected]. Keep up with the latest from OSCF on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
About Wildlife Management Institute (WMI):
WMI was founded in 1911 by conservation- and business-minded people alarmed by declining wildlife populations. Recognizing the need for dedicated professionals, the founders established a small, independent organization focused on wildlife restoration and habitat conservation. As a private, non-profit (501[c]3) organization, WMI operates from field offices, employing highly skilled wildlife scientists to address critical conservation issues. WMI plays a crucial role in advancing wildlife management through a diverse array of activities. Learn more at https://wildlifemanagement.institute/.
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