Through the Gates

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 face...

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 administrat...

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 ...

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 hid...

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 surroundin...

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...

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...

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 impa...

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 init...

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 ...

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 Katherin...

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 ...

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)
- W...

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 fol...

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.<...

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 thre...

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...

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 consequ...