Best Nephi Cole Podcasts (2025)

1
Rep. Zinke's San Juan Hill 52:51

13d ago52:51

52:51

The proposal to sell or otherwise dispose of hundreds of thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah was pulled from the US House Reconciliation bill. The guys talk about how it happened, and how Representative Zinke's red line, along with hundreds of thousands of public lands lovers from across the country speaking out, helped pull a rabb…

1
Nearly A Half A Million Acres of Public Land Identified for Sale or Exchange 1:16:35

22d ago1:16:35

1:16:35

It happened. Through a middle of the night amendment to the House Natural Resources Committee Reconciliation bill, nearly 500,000 acres of public lands in Utah and Nevada were identified for expidited sale/exchange. The guys break this down, and give some options for staying engaged in the process.By David Willms, Nephi Cole

1
Public Land Sales and Congressional Budget Reconciliation 1:20:05

1M ago1:20:05

1:20:05

You've probably seen the rumors about selling public lands using a process called Reconciliation. But, what exactly is that process, and what would it mean for public lands. The guys break down the Reconciliation process, and why public lands are on the radar of some law makers. Then, they talk about the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, a…

1
Millions of Acres Unlocked: The Corner Crossing Decision 55:53

3M ago55:53

55:53

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals just found that corner crossing--the act of crossing from one parcel of federal land to another parcel of federal land while momentarily passing through the airspace of a private landowner--is legal (in 6 states). Dave and Nephi explain the decision, talk about the states where the judgment applies, and what it mea…

1
What Do the Secretary of the Interior's Recent Orders Mean 1:08:29

3M ago1:08:29

1:08:29

This episode is wonkier than most--and that's saying something. Newly minted Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, recently issued a series of Secretarial Orders that have some in the conservation space criticizing him. Dave and Nephi give a civics 101 and explain what a Secretarial Order is and what they do. Next, they dive into some of the orde…

1
Thousands Fired at Federal Land Management Agencies 1:13:42

3M ago1:13:42

1:13:42

Thousands of federal employees within the country's land management agencies were recently laid off. Dave and Nephi try to explain what happened, why it happened, and what it could mean for everything from grizzly bear delisting to enjoying your national parks. They also tell you who to contact if you've got concerns. Lastly, Dave made a mistake in…

1
A Grizzly Decision 1:09:09

4M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

In early Jamuary, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposed rule that denied Montana and Wyoming's petition to delist grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems. The reasons behind the decision are complicated. Dave and Nephi explain what happened, and what the decision could mean for gri…

1
US Supreme Court Declines Utah’s Public Lands Case 15:00

5M ago15:00

15:00

In this quick hitter, Dave and Nephi provide an update on the State of Utah's efforts to dispose of public lands--calling their perpetual ownership by the federal government unconstitutional. In a one sentence order, the United States Supreme Court declined to exercise its original jurisdiction and hear Utah's case. The guys explain the decision an…

1
What to Expect When You're Expecting a New Administration 1:03:28

5M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

Dave and Nephi talk about what to expect as the Biden administration winds down and transitions to the Trump administration. They discuss what could happen to recent decisions of the Biden administration in the new administration, what the Congressional Review Act is and how will it apply, what last minute secretarial or directors mean, what to exp…

1
The Lost Episode with Jim Heffelfinger, Chris Parish and Leland Brown 1:12:13

5M ago1:12:13

1:12:13

Dave and Nephi recorded this episode in a back room of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Conferfence in September of 2024, and thought the file was lost forever, but some Nephi wizardry brought it back from the dead. The guys are joined by renound wildlife biologist, Jim Heffelfinger, as well as Chris Parish and Leland Brown of the Nort…

1
13 More States Support Public Lands Disposal 1:25:08

7M ago1:25:08

1:25:08

13 states have joined Utah in calling for the disposal of public lands. Dave and Nephi discuss which states, and what this means. They also discuss the banning of recreational shooting in Bears Ears National Monument, and provide an update on a bill that would allow Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania. We call this segment--how to kill a bill.…

1
How We Kill Birds 58:19

8M ago58:19

58:19

Bird numbers are down sharply across North America over the past 50 years. Dave and Nephi dive into some of the data about what's killing all the birds, and discuss a little bit about what can be done to mitigate some of the losses. Hint: cats don't come out looking great in this episode.By David Willms, Nephi Cole

1
Utah Goes All In On Public Lands Disposal Effort 1:30:06

9M ago1:30:06

1:30:06

In late August, the state of Utah asked the United States Supreme Court to hear a case, where if Utah prevails, it could force the federal government to sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of more than 18 million acres of public lands in Utah, and potentially hundreds of millions of acres of public lands across the country to states, or the highes…

1
Ballot Box Biology with Gaspar Perricone 1:07:18

10M ago1:07:18

1:07:18

Organizers in Colorado gathered enough signatures to put a proposal to end mountain lion and bobcat hunting on the ballot this fall. Gaspar Perricone has been fighting this, and other ballot box biology efforts for years. He joins Dave and Nephi to discuss what it all means for the future of hunting and wildlife management. The guys also raise a gl…

1
Project 2025: What it Means for Wildlife and Public Lands 1:18:45

10M ago1:18:45

1:18:45

A lot of people in the media have opinions on Project 2025, a conservative think tank's vision for a republican led government. But, has anyone actually read it? Dave and Nephi breakdown what it actually says about the future of public lands and wildlife. Spoiler: it's a mixed bag. The guys also discuss a new innovative pilot project to encourage n…

1
SCOTUS Overturns the Chevron Doctrine: What it Means 1:28:45

11M ago1:28:45

1:28:45

The Supreme Court recently overturned the 40 year old Chevron Doctrine, which required courts to give discretion to agency interpretations of the statutes Congress entrusted them with administering. Dave and Nephi break down the history of the Chevorn Doctrine, what the Supreme Court actually said, and what the pros and cons of this decision could …

1
The BLM Public Lands Rule 1:20:11

12M ago1:20:11

1:20:11

Dave is getting lazy. It took him almost a month to publish this episode after recording it. However, the timing is still good. Recently the States of Wyoming and Utah sued the federal government to challenge the Bureau of Land Management's controversial "Public Lands Rule". In this episode, Dave and Nephi discuss the rule. What it does. What it do…

1
The Wolf Torture Fallout; EXPLORE Act passes House; Court Decides Tribal Treaty Hunting Rights Case 1:07:06

1y ago1:07:06

1:07:06

The guys break down a number of current events in hunting and conservation. First, they condem the torture and killing of a wolf in Wyoming. Then, they analyze ways to address a gap in the law to ensure behavior like this is appropriately punished if it ever occurs again. Next, they break down the U.S. House passing the EXPLORE Act and a recent cou…

1
Ethics of Technology in Hunting 1:32:54

1y ago1:32:54

1:32:54

Technological innovations are a way of life and influence hunters every year. State wildlife agencies and state legislatures are constantly trying to balance principles of fair chase with the benefits of new technology to hunters. In this episode, the guys discuss some of that technology and debate whether or not it should be used in hunting. Techn…

1
The Decades Long Wolf Delisting Fight Continues 1:20:17

1+ y ago1:20:17

1:20:17

Earlier in February, the US Fish and Wildlife Service made a determination that a population of wolves delisted years ago in the Western United States should not be relisted under the Endangered Species Act. However, the decision is more complicated than that, and could create some unintended consequences for these states down the line. The guys ex…

1
Pontificating on the Complexity of State Hunting/Fishing Regulations - and Other Stuff 1:19:10

1+ y ago1:19:10

1:19:10

Dave and Nephi recorded this episode in January to, among other things, alert non-resident hunters of changes to elk hunting application processes in Wyoming. Of course, they didn't release the episode until mid-February--after the application deadline. So, hopefully it helps for 2025. Other topics discussed include: upcoming sage grouse management…

1
Land for Sale in the Tetons and Challenging a Hunter Harassment Law in Wisconsin 1:25:28

1+ y ago1:25:28

1:25:28

In an episode recorded a month ago, but only released today because Dave dropped the ball on doing his part to keep this podcast going, the guys discuss a controversial state land disposal proposal near Grand Teton National Park and a recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision regarding the constitutionality of Wisconsin's hunter harassment law. …

1
Wolves, Mountain Lions, MapWaters Act, and Elk Hunting 1:08:48

1+ y ago1:08:48

1:08:48

Hunting season is well underway, which means the guys aren't recording much, and when they do they take weeks to publish. However, they found time to sit down and talk about some current events that hunters and anglers should care about. They discuss: collaboration in SW Wyoming on land use planning; wolf reintroduction; ballot box biology strikes …

1
Having a Voice in Federal Land Management Planning 1:16:32

1+ y ago1:16:32

1:16:32

The guys sit down with Josh Coursey, CEO of the Muley Fanatic Foundation and host of the Wild Things & Wild Places podcast, to discuss a controversial Resource Management Plan (RMP) in Southwest Wyoming. They correct misinformation about the draft RMP, speak to the importance of local collaboratives, explain how the Bureau of Land Management could …

1
Wildlife Conservation with Chris Tymeson of Safari Club International 1:14:10

1+ y ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Chris Tymeson earns his gold jacket by joining the guys for the fifth time--this time representing Safari Club International (SCI). They discuss the history of SCI, and the type of legal and governmental affairs work SCI does on behalf of hunters around the country and world. In a Your Mountain first, Chris also arbitrates a series of disputes betw…

1
The Summer Conservation Rundown 54:01

1+ y ago54:01

54:01

Dave and Nephi are back after taking a podcasing summer break. In this episode, the guys run down some of the biggest conservation stories that took place while they were climbing peaks, fishing, and entering shooting competitions. Topics include: a new national monument, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Evnironmental Protection Agency and wate…

1
New Oil and Gas Leasing Rules from BLM 1:31:25

2y ago1:31:25

1:31:25

The Bureau of Land Management just released a draft rule that, if finalized, would significantly change the way in which oil and gas leases are issued on public lands. The guys break down what it means for the industry, and the public at large. They also offer a tip of the hat to Backcountry Hunter and Anglers CEO, Land Tawney.…

1
Support for Hunting in the United States Declines 1:19:31

2y ago1:19:31

1:19:31

A recent study shows that support for hunting, fishing, trapping, and the shooting sports in the United States has declined over the past 3 years (though it's still very high). The guys dive into the results, what it means for hunters and anglers, and things to think about to ensure strong public support long into the future.…

1
SCOTUS defines Waters of the United States 1:37:39

2y ago1:37:39

1:37:39

Jonathan Wood from the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) joins the guys to discuss a landmark SCOTUS case, Sackett v. EPA, which defines "waters of the United States" under the Clean Water Act. They break down the decision and explain what it means for states, landowners, hunters, and others. Johathan also shares his Mountain. Don't m…

1
The Corner Crossing Decision 1:23:13

2y ago1:23:13

1:23:13

In a long anticipated decision, a Federal judge recently found that four hunters did not commit a civil trespass when corner crossing in Wyoming's checkerboard lands. Great news for those four hunters, but what about the rest of us? Is corner crossing now legal? The guys break down the decision and explain what it might mean for you as you plan you…

1
The Bureau of Land Management's Proposed Conservation Rule 1:24:48

2y ago1:24:48

1:24:48

The Bureau of Land Management is proposing a new rule that would allow companies, individuals, and NGOs to lease lands for restoration. They also propose to elevate conservation as a multiple use on par with other land uses. This proposal has generated some controversy. Dave and Nephi assign themselves different perspectives and discuss.…

1
The Politics of Wildlife Management 1:10:09

2y ago1:10:09

1:10:09

Congress is considering several bills that would remove a number of species from the protections of the Endangered Species Act. Dave and Nephi discuss them. Other topics include: bird flu in California condors; catastrophic losses of pronghorn and mule deer this winter; Wyoming's corner crossing case; and the Colorado legislature's new action on wo…

1
Breaking down Willow (not the classic 1980s film) 1:20:13

2y ago1:20:13

1:20:13

The Biden administration recently gave the green light to a controversial oil project in northern Alaska. Dave and Nephi wade into the issue. They discuss why many in the conservation world oppose it, why others support it--including how it fits into the national security debate and the climate debate. They also provide an update on a New Mexico st…

1
Advocacy and Grizzlies: Making a Point vs. Making a Difference 57:03

2+ y ago57:03

57:03

The US Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced it would consider Montana's and Wyoming's petitions to delist grizzly bears. The guys do a deep dive into the decision, the state politics, the legal process, and what it means for grizzly bears in the West. They also discuss a frustrating trend in state legislatures, and Dave encourages attending…

1
Boundary Waters, Tongass, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve 1:12:11

2+ y ago1:12:11

1:12:11

Dave and Nephi break down a bill that could require leasing tens of millions of acres of public land to replenish the strategic petroleum reserve. They also discuss the administration's decision to prevent mineral leasing in the Boundary Waters area of northern Minnesota, and to reinstate roadless rule protections in Alaska's Tongass National Fores…

1
Wolves, Bears, and Bills 1:32:12

2+ y ago1:32:12

1:32:12

Grizzly bears and wolves remain hot topics. Dave and Nephi provide an update on Colorado's efforts to reintroduce wolves, and how the public can get involved in the process. Then, they break down a recent 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that challenged grizzly bear recovery plans, and discuss what the decision means for bear recovery/delistin…

1
Lead Ammunition on Wildlife Refuges and the Colorado River Water Catastrophe 1:28:13

2+ y ago1:28:13

1:28:13

Dave and Nephi end 2022 discussing some hot topics in conservation, including a Recovering America's Widlife Act update (update since recording: it didn't pass in 2022), and teeing up a needed deeper dive into the Montana Crazy Mountains access saga. They also discuss the resolution of a recent case brought by Center for Biological Diversity challe…

1
Whose Land is it Anyway: Contentious Access Issues in the West 1:29:01

2+ y ago1:29:01

1:29:01

Jonathan Wood, Vice President of Law & Policy at the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), joins the guys to discuss some contentious access issues in the West. They dive into a New Mexico stream access case that may find its way to the US Supreme Court, and then provide an update on a land access dispute in the Crazy Mountains of Montan…

1
From Scarcity to Abundance: The History of Game Management 1:14:06

2+ y ago1:14:06

1:14:06

The guys take a deep dive into the history of wildlife management in America, using Wyoming's journey as as example. They discuss: how wildlife laws progressed from the 1860s to the modern era; how important the Pittman-Robertson Act passing was to state management efforts; what revenues make up state wildlife agency budgets; why the firearms indus…

1
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery 1:37:21

2+ y ago1:37:21

1:37:21

Renowned biologist, and Wildlife Science Coordinator for the Arizona Game & Fish Department, Jim Heffelfinger, joins the podcast for a deep dive into the good science, bad science, politics, influencers, successes, and failures associated with Mexican gray wolf recovery. Jim's captivating story spans several decades and will leave you both apprecia…

1
Banned Birds from Canada, and a Dubious Damage Claim 1:02:56

2+ y ago1:02:56

1:02:56

In this episode, Dave asks for help understanding the impacts Eurasian collared doves have on mourning doves. The guys also discuss the issues surrounding importing harvested game birds from Canada; how the damages claimed by the landowner in Wyoming’s corner-crossing case are a head scratcher; and new attacks on the Pittman-Robertson Act from some…

1
RETURN Act, Corner Crossing, and the Senate's Inflation Reduction Act 1:21:05

3y ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Dave and Nephi provide updates on the RETURN Act (Pittman-Robertson defunding act) and the infamous corner crossing case from Wyoming. Then they dive into the freshly passed (as of today) Inflation Reduction Act. Love the bill or hate it, the guys don't care. They just hope to cut through the hyperpartisan politics dominating the airwaves, and let …

1
A Federal Proposal to Gut Wildlife Funding for States 1:03:33

3y ago1:03:33

1:03:33

In late June, nearly 5 dozen members of Congress co-sponsored a bill that would end the 100+ year excise tax on firearms and ammunition, which contributes more than $1.1 billion to state wildlife agencies each year. Dave and Nephi explain the history of the Pittman-Robertson Act, break down the bill, discuss how the excise taxes are used, and expla…

1
Permanent Wildlife Funding Nears and 70,000 Acres of New Public Access 50:54

3y ago50:54

50:54

After a month away from recording due to Nephi building a house and Dave completing a fellowship in Europe, the guys are back. They discuss Recoving America's Wildlife Act, the major Congressional hurdle it cleared, and when it might become law. They also discuss a land acquisition by the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming that creates access to …

1
Corner Crossing Update and Proposed Lead Ammunition Ban 1:18:36

3y ago1:18:36

1:18:36

The guys discuss a recent bill in Congress that would ban lead ammunition on US Fish and Willdife Service lands. They also jump back into the corner crossing issue with an analysis of the Wyoming litigation. Other topics include, transferrable landowner tags, National Corndog Day, why Nephi constantly interrupts Dave, and a teaser on a Sunday hunti…

1
The Open Fields Doctrine and the 4th Amendment 1:17:52

3y ago1:17:52

1:17:52

After a long absence, Mike McGrady rejoins the podcast to discuss the open fields doctrine and search and seizure laws under state and federal constitutions. They explain what the open fields doctrine is, the cases that gave rise to it during prohibition, and a recent Tennessee decision limiting a game warden's ability to enter private property. Ot…

1
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation with Tim Brass of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers 1:20:13

3y ago1:20:13

1:20:13

Tim Brass of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers joins the guys to talk about the North American Model of Wildlife Management. Topics include: what is the model; does the model work; what are the biggest threats to the model; should we rethink the model; Tim's mountain; and more.By David Willms, Nephi Cole

1
The Energy Debate 1:02:07

3y ago1:02:07

1:02:07

NOTE: THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED PRIOR TO THE US BANNING RUSSIAN OIL IMPORTS, BUT THE MATERIAL REMAINS RELEVANT TODAY. Nephi and Dave discuss oil and gas policy in the US since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Topics include: the problems with the “drill baby drill” and “keep it in the ground” mindsets; why energy companies aren’t drilling; why rene…

1
Relisting Wolves (again) 57:24

3+ y ago57:24

57:24

A Federal District Court just reinstated protections for wolves in 44 states, and the Fish and Wildlife Service announced they will consider whether to relist wolves in the Northern Rockies. What does this all mean? Dave and Nephi dive in, but leave a lot of questions on the table for a future episode. Tune in.…

1
Thinking Outside the Box: The Path for State Management of Federally Listed Species 1:16:43

3+ y ago1:16:43

1:16:43

The guys discuss an idea to use the Endangered Species Act in a way that encourages state management of federally listed species. They also discuss: late velvet in mule deer; a bad goose hunt; a good goose hunt; hunting wolves near Yellowstone National Park; appreciation of wildlife professionals; and more.…

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Nephi Cole Podcasts

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