Through the Gates

In this powerful joint episode of Through the Gates and Rokcast, Sam Weaver sits down once again with Dan Gates, Executive Director of Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM), to break down the escalating fight for science-based wildlife management in Colorado.

Dan explains the behind-the-scenes political pressure, legislative maneuvering, and activist tactics threatening hunting, fishing, agriculture, and wildlife conservation across the West. From the mountain lion hunting ban proposals, to attacks on furbearer management, to the wolf introduction fallout — this is the most in-depth look at what’s REALLY happening in Colorado’s wildlife policy arena.

If...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan sits down with Randy Jackson, founder of Rustic Living / Rustic Log Furniture, to explore how true craftsmanship, sustainable forestry, and Colorado heritage come together in heirloom-quality furniture. Randy shares how a simple Mother’s Day project grew into a decades-long business built on responsibly harvested dead-standing aspen, rigorous quality control, and a deep commitment to reducing waste through long-lasting, handcrafted products.

Listeners will discover how sustainably sourced forest products support both healthy ecosystems and local economies, why natural aspen creates timeless rustic pieces, and how Randy’s team works clos...

In this urgent episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates sits down with special guest Swartout to break down why Colorado is entering its “Dunkirk moment” in the battle to defend the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Just as Winston Churchill rallied a nation to protect its future, hunters, ranchers, biologists, and Colorado citizens must now stand together against political pressure, misinformation, and agenda-driven attacks on hunting and science-based management.

This conversation lays out what’s at stake:
• The growing disconnect between urban political forces and rural working landscapes
• Threats to predator management, wildlife funding, a...

Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commissioner Murphy Robinson joins Through the Gates for the most transparent, engaging, and wide-ranging interview he’s ever given. Murphy opens up about his lifelong love of fishing and hunting, how he unexpectedly ended up on the CPW Commission, what it’s like navigating political pressure, and his mission to keep wildlife management science-based, ethical, and accessible for future generations.

Murphy dives deep into the realities of modern wildlife policy — the growing urban-rural divide, how politics threatens responsible conservation, the impact of ballot-box biology, and why both hunters and non-hunters need to understand the North...

In Episode 70 of Through the Gates, we sit down with Mark Lamm, former Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Area Wildlife Manager with 39 years of on-the-ground experience stewarding Colorado’s wildlife, habitat, and public lands. Mark’s career spanned duties as a district wildlife manager, area wildlife manager, mentor to younger officers, and a leading voice for practical, science-based wildlife conservation across South Park, Gilpin/Clear Creek, Jefferson County, and the Front Range interface.

This episode provides one of the clearest inside looks at what responsible wildlife management actually requires—the biology, public pressure, politics, habitat work, fishery improv...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan takes listeners inside Colorado’s Furbearer Management Working Group — where the growing divide between science-based wildlife management and emotional, anti-hunting ideology is on full display.

He breaks down how certain activist organizations are pushing to shift Colorado’s wildlife policies away from ecosystem-level conservation toward the protection of individual animals, challenging decades of proven success under the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

From coyotes and beavers to wolves and bobcats, the discussion reveals how these groups aim to redefine what “management” means — and how that could impact hunte...

In this Through the Gates update, Dan breaks down the latest in Colorado’s wildlife politics—from the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission meeting and fur-bearer regulations to the future of bison, wolverine and beaver management.

He shares why science-based wildlife management matters more than ever and exposes how emotion-driven policy threatens the North American Model of Conservation. We're pulling excerpts from Colorado's Wildlife Story, a book encompassing the first 100 years of responsible wildlife management to truly shed light on the adaptivity and successes of science-based management.

Dan also discusses the new Women of Conservation Calendar, a ce...

In this episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates sits down with his counterpart in the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project , Gaspar Perricone, to peel the curtain on the intricacies of wildlife policies. This episode provides valuable insight into the process and procedures of wildlife policy making from the commission through the legislature and ballot initiatives. Get educated on the process, strategy and opportunity to join the fight to Save the Hunt against ideologies and misinformation threatening science-based management and the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. These Two Individuals are likely the most recognized and engaged Sportsmen in...

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Join Dan Gates on this unique episode of Through the Gates Podcast as he visits the Museum of the Fur Trade. Dan is joined by museum Director NaKaya Fester who discusses the story of the museum, history of the fur trade and how modern fur trade contributes to responsible wildlife management and use of natural resources. 

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First and Foremost Mike Sells is a trapper and we're lucky to be able to share his life story from running away from home, learning how to trap, becoming an influence in the industry all while balancing his job as a game warden. His story spans decades of dedication to wildlife management, trapping traditions, and defending the North American Model against extremist agendas.

Hear firsthand stories from the field—finding the passion, managing wildlife populations with science, developing calls and tactics, and witnessing the changing landscape of conservation policy. From working boots-on-the-ground to facing political battles against an...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Caitlyn Taussig to dig deep into the crossroads of agriculture, wildlife management and ever growing Urban/Rural Divide. Dan and Caitlyn discuss how it’s impacting rural communities, ranching families, and the future of wildlife management. We explore the growing urban–rural divide, misunderstandings between Front Range residents and Western Slope producers, and why knowing where your food comes from is more important than ever.

From real on-the-ground experiences with predators to thoughtful conversations about community, policy, and conservation, this episode bridges the gap between two worl...

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While you're out in the woods pursuing your passion, remember that Dan Gates and the Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management continue to fight for your ability to do so. Fresh off another Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting Dan recaps much of what took place including the rhetoric of anti-hunters that is being fed through talking points rather than actual knowledge or experience. Political talking points around “ecosystems,” “biodiversity,” and “cruel harvest” are being leveraged to undermine science-based wildlife management without any a...

In this update episode of Through the Gates, we kick things off by announcing the Women of Conservation Calendar — celebrating the women who helped defeat Proposition 127 and continue to defend Colorado’s wildlife heritage.

Then we dive into critical updates ahead of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on October 9th, covering agenda items like bison management, wolf depredation compensation, trapping regulations, and the growing pressure from anti-hunting groups to bypass science-based processes.

We break down why these upcoming months are pivotal for sportsmen, conservationists, and anyone who values the North American Model of Wild...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Jessica Whitaker, a young female hunter who proves that you don’t have to be “born into it” to make an impact. From her first hunts to becoming an outspoken advocate at rallies, banquets, and wildlife commission meetings, Jessica’s journey shows how new hunters—especially women—are reshaping the future of conservation.

Jessica shares candidly about the hurdles she faced starting out, the misconceptions fueled by social media, and why it’s critical for more women and young people to step into the outdoors. Her story is about...

In this hard-hitting episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates breaks down his ongoing efforts to continue to Save the Hunt. The relentless political battles shaping Colorado’s future, from ballot-box biology to rewilding agendas, Gates exposes the intent of animal rights extremists and their full fledged assualt on wildilfe management at the legislature, CPW Commission and appointments are setting the stage for the Polis administration to dismantle, not only our way of life, but responsible wildlife management.

We dive into the ongoing tug-of-war over wildlife management, the clash between urban activists and rural voices, and the st...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates introduces CRWM contributor Adam Welborn to relive an unforgettable sheep and caribou hunt in the Northwest Territories—a true dream hunt made possible by years of planning, research, and sacrifice.

But this episode is more than just hunting stories. Adam sits down with Outfitter Clay Lancaster to discuss conservation, wildlife management, and the global fight against animal rights extremism. From Canada’s battles over predator management and gun restrictions to Colorado’s fight against ballot-box biology, this conversation highlights the urgent need to defend science-based wildlife management worldwide.

In this episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates sits down with Loren Shragg of Good Bull Outdoors/Good Bull Guided to dig into wildlife photography, education about wildlife management and internet censorship. From behind-the-scenes stories of photographing elk, moose, and deer in Rocky Mountain National Park to the political chaos of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction, this episode pulls no punches.

Loren exposes the hidden side of the fight: how animal rights groups use propaganda, how ballot initiatives threaten the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and how the biggest internet platforms are censoring hunting-related content to...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Veronica Yovovich, Human-Wildlife Conflict Specialist with CSU Extension, to tackle one of the most pressing issues in Colorado today: the impacts of wolf reintroduction by ballot box biology.

From working directly with livestock producers to navigating the fallout of Proposition 114, Veronica shares insight into the challenges ranchers face, the uncertainty surrounding wolf management, and how science-based solutions can help bridge divides between rural communities, policymakers, and the public.

We discuss:

The realities of human-wildlife conflict across the West

Colorado’s un...

In Episode 56 of Through the Gates, we sit down with Patt Dorsey, former Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) leader and current Regional Director for the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). With decades of experience at the intersection of wildlife biology, policy, and public engagement, Patt shares valuable insight into the challenges of managing Colorado’s wildlife amid political and social pressures.

This conversation covers everything from the role of ballot-box biology and public perception in conservation, to the importance of expert-driven management in balancing the needs of wildlife, hunters, and non-consumptive users alike. Patt also discusses her ca...

In Episode 55 of Through the Gates, we sit down with Teller County Sheriff and CO Governor Candidate Jason Mikesell to break down the political forces shaping Colorado’s future. This conversation digs into the reality of ballot-box biology, rural vs. urban divides, and the growing influence of Denver politics on communities across the state.

We explore how decisions at the Capitol and by appointed commissions are impacting ranchers, landowners, and everyday Coloradans — often with little transparency or accountability. Beyond wildlife policy, the discussion dives into Colorado’s broader political issues: rising crime, ongoing debates over immigration, the state’...

In Episode 54 of Through the Gates, we dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Colorado’s outfitters and guides. From navigating shifting wildlife policies to ensuring fair access for hunters and landowners, this conversation highlights the critical role outfitters play in both conservation and Colorado’s outdoor economy.

Guests break down how ballot-box biology, shifting regulations, and public pressure are impacting the future of outfitting. They share firsthand experiences about running hunts, working with landowners, and keeping Colorado’s hunting traditions alive in the face of increasing scrutiny.

This is a must-listen for hunters, guides, and an...

In this episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates speaks with John Aliss of United Houndsmen of Colorado and Austin Parr of Discount Fishing Tackle about the latest challenges facing hunters, anglers, and conservationists at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.

From debates on live bait bans, fur-bearing animals, and beaver management groups, to broader issues like rewilding, eminent domain, and anti-hunting initiatives, this conversation sheds light on the growing threats to science-based wildlife management.

Both guests share their firsthand experiences at commission meetings, the importance of showing up, and why Colorado sportsmen and...

After a short update about wolf legislation, beaver and fur bearer working groups and the continued undermining efforts of the anti-hunters we jump back to the 2025 Outdoorsman Days event where Dan had the opportunity to sit downed with Fred Eichler and Ralph Cianciarulo.

Fred Eichler highlights the importance of passing down traditions, building community, and ensuring that wildlife management stays rooted in science—not politics.  @fredeichler

Ralph joins the conversation with passion and urgency, stressing the rural–urban divide in understanding hunting and trapping. He explains how ballot-box biology and emotional activism threaten Colorado’s future...

In Episode 51 of Through the Gates, we head to the Furtakers of America Convention in Spencer, Iowa to uncover the challenges hunters, trappers, and conservationists are facing as politics, activism, and ballot-box biology threaten the future of wildlife management. Dan meets with Paul Antczak, Bret Bohn and Ivy O’Guinn - stars of the History Channel series "Mountain Men," as well as Iowa DNR conservation officer Katherine Hoeppner. The guests share stories from the field, and the opportunity they have with their respective roles to educate about the North American Model and the role of sustainable hunting and trapping.

Celebrate the first 50 episodes of the Through the Gates podcast with producer Sean Ender as look back at some of our featured guests and their stories of conservation, wildlife management, hunting adventures and more. This compilation celebrates our accomplishments with the show thus far as we look to expand upon the relationships we've built and set ourselves up for success in our ongoing effort to defend the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and Save the Hunt.

🔗 Brought to you by Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management
🎯 Learn more: https://savethehuntcolorado.com

In case you missed...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Shorty Gorham, world-renowned PBR bullfighter and proud advocate for science-based wildlife conservation. From 27 years in the arena to the dedicated life of a houndsman, Shorty shares an unfiltered look at his lifestyle, commitment,  and the grit behind protecting bull riders and the hunting tradition.

We cover:
- His rise in Professional Bull Riders (PBR)
- What it takes to fight bulls at the highest level
- Life after retirement
- His passion for hounds and mountain lion hunting

👊 This is more...

In this emotional and brutally honest episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates sits down with Colorado ranchers Nikki Day and Amanda Cerveny as they share what really happened after the Copper Creek Pack of wolves were secretly dropped near their homes in Pitkin County.

These aren't activists. These are mothers, wives, and land stewards living with the consequences of ballot box biology, a reintroduction that isn't following the science and leaders who outright lie to the people impacted the most. Hear what state officials didn’t t...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates delivers a critical update on Colorado’s ongoing wildlife policy battles—including an inside look at the fur bearer working group and the rising influence of animal rights extremists in shaping wildlife regulations. With Amendment 14 already limiting science-based tools for wildlife management, new petitions now threaten to ban the sale and use of all fur-bearing species in Colorado.

Dan unpacks how these campaigns, driven by emotion—not data—undermine the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Plus, get an exclusive preview of the upcoming Outdoorsman Days event celebrating the 50th...

In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates is joined by two veterans of wildlife policy in Colorado—former CPW Commission Chair John Howard and longtime wildlife professional Dean Riggs—for a deep dive into the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

They share decades of field and policy experience to help listeners understand what’s at stake: how ballot initiatives, shifting politics, and public misinformation are threatening science-based wildlife management. If you care about conservation, hunting, public lands, or just want to understand the system behind wildlife decisions in the West—this con...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we revisit the 7 Tenets of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation—the foundation of science-based wildlife management in the U.S. and Canada. Host Dan Gates breaks down each principle and how they’re being threatened by ballot box biology, misinformation, and political agendas.

Featuring a powerful speech from conservation icon Shane Mahoney, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who cares about public land access, ethical hunting, and the future of wildlife management in North America.

🎯 Learn how to use these 7 tenets as tools to educate others...

Dan heads to Bozeman, MT for the Ram Rendezvous with Wild Sheep Foundation and Schnee's Boots. He talks conservation, ballot box biology, and what’s coming next for wildlife management.

#RamRendezvous #WildSheepFoundation #Conservation #BallotBoxBiology #DanGates #SavetheHunt #HuntingPolicy #BozemanMT #WildlifeManagement #WesternHunting #PublicLands #SchneesBoots

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On this week's episode of Through the Gates we sit down with lifelong rancher and conservationist Rusty Ross, whose family has been working the same Colorado land since 1904. Rusty shares raw, personal stories of surviving not one but TWO mountain lion attacks, land management, the toll of predator mismanagement, and the impact of ballot-driven wildlife policy on rural families and ranching traditions. We dive into the consequences of wolf reintroduction, rising predator populations, and the growing disconnect between urban voters and those who live with the realities of wildlife every day. From firsthand lion encounters to the collapse of...

This is the full force of the anti-hunting agenda coming to fruition and it's time to reengage. Host Dan Gates lays out the multi-faceted approach from the anti-hunters that we're facing currently and that will all align - coming to a head this year and next to end hunting. Led by the Polis administration, their agenda aims to dismantle Colorado Parks and Wildlife and all forms of consumptive use through more ballot box biology, eroding 125+ years of science-based wildlife management, stacking the wildlife commission, agenda driven working groups and more. We cannot afford to lose at any level...

Inside Colorado's Troubling Wolf Reintroduction:

In this explosive Through the Gates episode, fifth-generation ranchers Tim Ritschard and Doug Bruchez expose the truth behind the state’s wolf reintroduction fallout.This is the raw truth that chronicles exactly what has happened on the ground; from mass depredations, the total betrayal of a management plan, biologists and ranchers being kept in the dark and a political agenda determined to dismantle the Western lifestyle and wildlife management.

💥 This is a real-world experience and timeline for those impacted by ballot box biology. Whether you voted for wolf reintroduction or not...

Salida Gunshop | Wildlife, Gun Laws & the Fight to Save Colorado Conservation

In this joint episode with the Salida Gunshop, Dan Gates sits down with Adam Nelson and Josiah Nierman to break down the threat of Initiative 98—and why it's a direct attack on Colorado Parks & Wildlife. We also dive into the state's fast-evolving gun laws and how new regulations are hammering FFLs, retailers, and Second Amendment rights.

TOPICS COVERED:
✅ The truth about Initiative 98 and defunding CPW
✅ How anti-hunting groups are playing long-ball politics
✅ What’s really happening with Colorado’s...

🔥 URGENT: Congress Is Trying to Sell Off YOUR Public Lands | What You Need to Know NOW

In this special Through the Gates update, producer Sean Ender and guest Ryan Bronson (Dir. of Government Affairs, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) break down a fast-moving threat in the U.S. Senate: a hidden provision in the federal reconciliation bill that would mandate the sale of 2–3 million acres of prime public land across 11 western states.

This isn’t just politics—it’s a direct threat to wildlife habitat, public access, and the North American Model of Conserva...

In this special edition of Through the Gates, we sit down with Doug Barnes, a master taxidermist, lifelong sportsman, and conservation advocate based in Penrose, Colorado. Doug shares his journey from apprentice to award-winning artist, and explains how taxidermy is not just art—it’s a form of reverence for wildlife, rooted in the North American model of conservation.

Doug opens up about the evolution of taxidermy, the unseen impacts of predator management, and why hunters play a critical role in sustaining wildlife populations. From mounting bighorn sheep to speaking out against misinformation around hunting, Doug’s perspe...

In this urgent episode of Through the Gates, we break down the truth behind Initiative 98—a new ballot proposal that could dismantle Colorado Parks & Wildlife, strip science-based wildlife management from professionals, and hand authority to unelected special-interest commissions. From the false promises of conservation to the erosion of private property rights, Dan Gates dives deep into how this initiative threatens hunting, agriculture, and land use in Colorado.

🎯 Key Topics:

-What Initiative 98 really proposes
-Why hunters, ranchers, and conservationists should be alarmed
-The truth about the “Wildlife Corridors Act”
-How Initiative 98 would override CPW and t...

In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Mark Turner—lifelong Idaho Springs resident, traditional bowhunter, and outfitter behind Rocky Mountain Big Game Adventures. Mark shares his deep-rooted hunting heritage, how he helps hunters pursue bighorn sheep, goats, and moose, and why conservation and political engagement matter now more than ever.

Topics:
- Colorado big game hunting
- Traditional bowhunting evolution
- Proposition 127 & hunter rights
- The future of wildlife management

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Brandon Duarte with StealthHunter Gear joins the show to share his thoughts on what it means to be a responsible hunter with the use of gear the assists us in our pursuits. Fair Chase will always be the utmost importance and the gear we use can help us practice, learn, manage wildlife and properties so that we remain ethical, responsible and engaged in the pursuit. All the while the wrong gear in the wrong place with the wrong users can ruin the outdoor experience, no matter what your pursuit - respecting the wildlife, landscape and rules lead to the...