The Conservation Cooperative, by the New England and New York Chapters of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is short, engaging, and informative. Each episode will elevate your knowledge of conservation issues in the Northeast and make you a more effective advocate for our public lands, waters, and wildlife.
Conservation Cooperative: Episode 12 - Wild Turkey Research in Rhode Island
Dive into this episode of Conservation Cooperative for a look at the kind of partnerships that make a difference. We go inside a unique, ongoing study of Rhode Island's wild turkey population, a project that only works because of the collaboration between the state agency (RI Fish & Wildlife), academic faculty and grad students (URI), and conservation partners like BHA. It's a story of practical research that's ready to be put to use, directly benefiting the wildlife and wild places we all care about.
Guests Include
Lizzi Bonczek, PhD. Wildlife Biologist. Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife
Dylan Bakner, PhD. Postdoctoral Researcher. University of Rhode Island
Show Related Links
URI Land and Sea Bird Migration Research Group (https://mcwilliamslab.com/)
Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
Hunting has always been about more than the taking of an animal, it's about community, stewardship, and sharing the bounty. In this episode of Conservation Cooperative, we explore how modern hunters are expanding that age-old tradition through venison donation programs, turning successful hunts into powerful tools for wildlife management and community support.
We'll learn about two initiatives: Venison for Vermonters, started by two game wardens who saw a need in their own communities, and Massachusetts' Hunters Share the Harvest, a state-run program that's reducing deer overpopulation while feeding families in need. You'll hear firsthand from the wardens, biologists, and food pantry organizers on the front lines, and discover how donated venison is becoming a sought-after resource in food-insecure households.
From the backroads of Vermont to the islands of Massachusetts, this episode reveals how hunters are not just managing landscapes, they're changing hearts, filling plates, and strengthening the bond between wild harvests and human need.
Guests Include
Warden Abigail Serra. Warden Service Division, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Sgt. Jeffrey Whipple. Warden Service Division, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Catherine Appling-Pooler. Director of Policy, National Deer Association
Alicia Blais. Programs Director & Founder, Daniel's Table
Martin Feehan, PhD. Deer & Moose Project Leader. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
Show Related Links
Venison for Vermonters - Vermont
Hunters For the Hungry - Massachusetts
National Deer Association Venison Donation Map
Daniel's Table (https://www.danielstable.org/)
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
17 Sept 2025
Conservation Cooperative: Episode 10, Moose on the Edge & Shaping the Future of New Hampshire Conservation
Join us as we explore the history of moose in New Hampshire, the science behind their management, and the role of community-driven conservation. We’ll hear from Henry Jones, the Moose Project Leader for NH Fish & Game, and learn how the University of New Hampshire’s Wildlife Modeling & Management Lab is using trail cameras, drones, and other innovative tools to gather critical data on moose populations and a whole lot more across the state.
We’ll also meet volunteers from the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) New England Chapter, who are lending their time and expertise to help with data collection in the White Mountains. Their passion for wildlife and wild places is a reminder that conservation is a team effort, and that the future of moose and the Northeast’s wild heritage depends on all of us.
Guests Include
Henry Jones. New Hampshire Fish & Game, Moose Project Leader.
Mairi Poisson. UNH Wildlife Modeling & Management Lab.
Brian Bird. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Chapter Coordinator.
Jeff Swayze. Backcountry Hunters & Angler, Chapter Leader.
AJ Hunter. Owner, HuntLyte. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Member.
Show Related Links
New Hampshire Fish & Game (https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/)
UNH Wildlife Modeling & Management Lab (https://sites.usnh.edu/moll-lab/)
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
9 Jun 2025
Conservation Cooperative: Episode 9 One Year Recap & Updates
The Conservation Cooperative reviews its first year, featuring updates and audio clips from guests Krysten Schuler, Ben Gahagan, Meredith Naughton, and Benjamin Letcher, highlighting key conservation stories.
12 Apr 2025
Conservation Cooperative: Episode 8, Part II CWD Preparedness in the Northeast
This is Part II of or our two part look at Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) preparedness and prevention in the Northeast. In this episode we will hear from the leading experts on how a number of different states, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine, and Massachusetts, to be precise, are positioning the state wildlife agencies to be prepared for Chronic Wasting Disease.
Guests Include
Krysten Schuler, PhD. Department of Public & Ecosystem Health. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Martin Feehan, PhD. Deer & Moose Project Leader. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
Dylan Ferreira. Principal Wildlife Biologist, Deer & NE Cottontail Rabbits. Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife
Nathan Bieber. Wildlife Biologist, White-tailed Deer. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Nick Fortin. Wildlife Biologist - Deer & Moose Project Leader. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Show Related Links
Cornell Wildlife Health Lab (https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/)
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
24 Feb 2025
Conservation Cooperative: Episode 7, Part I - CWD Preparedness in the Northeast
In this episode we are going to explore Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) preparedness and prevention in the Northeast. As you might know, the Northeast is currently the last CWD free region in the country. We’ll hear from experts in zoonotic disease and learn some of the ways that state agencies and BHA are working to protect our wild deer herds and quite possibly the future of deer hunting and conservation as we know it in the Northeast
Guests Include
Krysten Schuler, PhD. Department of Public & Ecosystem Health. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Mike Woods. New England BHA Chapter Chair.
Show Related Links
Cornell Wildlife Health Lab (https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/)
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
7 Jan 2025
Conservation Cooperative: Episode 6 - The Field of Human Dimensions
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating field of Human Dimensions in wildlife and natural resources management. Discover how this discipline is shaping informed decision-making among state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Whether you’re already familiar with the Human Dimensions or hearing about it for the first time, you'll learn how it’s helping to address some of our most pressing conservation challenges.
Guests Include
Josh Morse, PhD. University of Vermont
Jody Simoes, Ph.D. Human Dimensions Project Coordinator. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Shelby Perry. Wildlands Ecology Director. Northeast Wilderness Trust.
Show Related Links
Journal Article: Ecosystem service assessment of coyote stories reveals tradeoffs from human–coyote interactions in rural Vermont, United States. Conservation Science and Practice. Joshua W. Morse, Cheryl E. Morse, Rachelle K. Gould. October 2024.
Northeast Wilderness Trust (https://newildernesstrust.org/)
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
Become a member today!
17 Oct 2024
Conservation Cooperative: Episode 5, Part II - Brook Trout & Climate Change
In Part II of our look at brook trout we are going to hear from fisheries managers and state officials from around the Northeast and learn how climate change is influencing brook trout management and fishing regulations.
Guests Include
Adam Kautza. Coldwater Fishery Resource Project Leader. MassWildlife.
John MaGee. Program Supervisor for the Inland Fisheries Division. NH Fish & Game
Mason Trumble. Deputy Commissioner - Environmental Conservation. CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Brian Eltz. Senior Fisheries Biologist. CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Fred Henson. Cold Water Fisheries Unit Leader. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Nate Camp. BHA Volunteer/Tenkara Wizard
Show Related Links
Journal Article: Concurrent warming and browning eliminate cold-water fish habitat in many temperate lakes. Stephen F. Jane, Thomas M. Detmer, Siena Lr. Larrick, and Siena L. Larrick. 2024.
Benjamin H. Letcher USGS Profile
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
Become a member today! (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/join)
16 Sept 2024
Conservation Cooperative: Episode 4, Part I - Brook Trout & Climate Change
Episode Preview Description
Today, we’re diving into the world of brook trout - how they’re being affected by our changing climate, and what that means for the future. We are also going to take some time to appreciate this incredible species. Ongoing research here in the Northeast is revealing some amazing insights into the resilience and adaptability of these beloved fish.
Guests Include
Adam Kautza. Coldwater Fishery Resource Project Leader. MassWildlife.
Stephen Jane, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Fellow. University of Notre Dame
Benjamin Letcher, Ph.D. Ecologist. USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center.
Show Related Links
Journal Article: Concurrent warming and browning eliminate cold-water fish habitat in many temperate lakes. Stephen F. Jane, Thomas M. Detmer, Siena Lr. Larrick, and Siena L. Larrick. 2024.
Benjamin H. Letcher USGS Profile
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
Become a member today!
In this episode of the Conservation Cooperative, we’re going to look at how roads impact wildlife, the role that wildlife crossings can play on the landscape, and how the New York Wildlife Crossings Act, which is on the verge of becoming law, could make a big impact for both animals and people.
Guests Include
Ben Goldfarb. Award Winning Journalist and Author of Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet (https://www.bengoldfarb.com/crossings)
Kate Cleary, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies. SUNY Potsdam. Acting President of Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative.
Erin Sito. U.S. Public Policy Director. Wildlands Network.
Brian Bird, Ph.D. New England, New York, New Jersey Chapter Coordinator. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
Show Related Links
New York Newsletter Signup
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Become a member today!
We are talking striped bass, the most sought after fish on the eastern seaboard. Often described as “everyman’s fish” it’s pursued by an extraordinarily wide range of anglers. Those anglers could be shorebound, or they could be on a million dollar center console. A lot of people also fish for stripers, NOAA estimates over 20 million trips a season, and so, the fishery has a significant cultural and economic impact up and down the coast. Once hailed as a conservation success story, now, the future of the stock is in question.
In this episode we’ll dive into the latest science that will inform future management decisions and look at the different factors that fishery managers are considering. In addition, we’ll discuss how New England and New York BHA are working to restore future abundance of this fish we love.
Huge thank you to our guests!
Guests Include
Charles Witek. Conservationist and Fisheries Policy Expert. NY BHA Policy Team Member.
Mike Woods. New England BHA Chapter Chair.
Ben Gahagan, PhD. Recreational Fisheries Program Leader. Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
Kimberly Fine. Fisheries Biologist. Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
Will Poston. Policy Associate. American Saltwater Guides Association
Nichola Meserve. Fishery Policy Analyst, Interstate Management. Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
Show Related Links
Citizen Science Data Portal - MA Division of Marine Fisheries (https://madmf.shinyapps.io/striper/)
Citizen Scientist Information Page - MA Division of Marine Fisheries
Sportfish Angler Data Collection Team - MA Division of Marine Fisheries
Charles Witek’s Blog - One Angler’s Voyage
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
Become a member today!
12 May 2024
Conservation Cooperative: Episode 1 - Vermont Trail Development and Our Wild Places
Our first episode looks at an issue that the New England Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) has been grappling with for a few years, the rapid development of recreation trails and their encroachment on wild places. We’ll explore some of the factors that are driving trail development in the state of Vermont and how it impacts the conservation of our wildlands and wildlife. This is a huge topic and one we’ll perhaps return to in the future. Consider this episode your primer on the topic.
Big thank you to everyone who came to the table to discuss this topic.
Ethan Dreisigacker. New England BHA Board Member
Meredith Naughton. Wildlife Biologist
Allison Adams. Director. Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative (FEMC)
Dave Furman. New England BHA Member
Andrea Shortsleeve. Private Lands Habitat Biologist. Vermont Fish & Wildlife (https://vtfishandwildlife.com/)
Nick Bennette. Executive Director. Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA)
RJ Thompson. Executive Director. Vermont Huts Association
Follow us on social media!
New England Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/)
New York Chapter (https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/)
HQ
Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website (https://www.backcountryhunters.org/)
Become a member today!
Who has been a guest on Conservation Cooperative
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Krysten Schuler
Ben Gahagan
Meredith Naughton
Benjamin Letcher
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Spotify
4.4 / 5
12 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
97
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
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