EatWild 98 - Blood Origins: Hunting for conservation from Africa to BC - Robbie Kroger

Is hunting good for wildlife and conservation? As hunters, we attempt to convey the story of how hunters contribute to conservation. We identify as conservationists and espound on our contributions to wildlife management efforts. These actions and connections are often unseen or not understood. It's a complex story to tell, and so I invited Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins to help better understand how to convey the role of hunting in wildlife management and conservation to those outside our community.

 

Robbie is a master at connecting the dots between hunting, wildlife value, and habitat preservation in his storytelling. He has elevated the importance of hunting as a conservation and wildlife management tool. He shares the journey of Blood Origins, a project aimed at communicating the heart of a hunter and dispelling misconceptions about hunting. He also addresses the privilege of hunting and the role of sharing the harvest with others.

 

The conversation explores the value of hunting and its connection to nature, the importance of supporting a positive message about hunting, the challenges faced by indigenous communities in accessing land for hunting, the ownership of First Nations territories, the impact of hunting bans on wildlife, and a dream hunting opportunity in British Columbia.

 

EatWild Podcast takeaways

• Hunting plays a crucial role in conservation and wildlife management.
• Connecting the dots between hunting, wildlife value, and habitat preservation is essential.
• Not everyone is meant to hunt, but those who do should prioritize sharing the harvest.
• Hunting for food and valuing wildlife are powerful arguments in favour of hunting. Hunting is a primal and deeply ingrained activity for many individuals, providing a sense of connection to nature and fulfilling innate desires.
• When discussing hunting with others, it is essential to use language that supports a positive message and highlights the benefits of hunting, such as wildlife conservation and habitat protection.
• Indigenous communities in Canada and other post-colonial nations are reclaiming their connection to land and requesting that resident hunters respect their traditional territories.
• The ownership of First Nations territories in Canada is complex, with some lands owned by the Crown and others being repatriated to indigenous communities.
• Hunting bans can have unintended consequences, including the loss of value for wildlife and the need for alternative sources of revenue for local communities.
• A dream hunting opportunity in British Columbia is coastal black bear hunting, which offers a unique experience in a beautiful setting.
• Supporting organizations like Blood Origins Canada can help promote a positive image of hunting and support conservation efforts.
• Individuals can support Blood Origins Canada through the Conservation Club, which offers various membership levels and monthly giveaways.
• There is potential for collaboration between Blood Origins and the EatWild Podcast to create content and events that promote hunting and conservation.

The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. It is an essential tool for making you more comfortable in the woods. The app's mapping layers, navigation tools, and hunting regulations are packed into it to give you the information you need on your next adventure. 

As always, Seek Outside brought this podcast to you. They make unique ultralight tents and packs for your next adventure. Use the discount code EATWILD on your next purchase. Please use this Seek Outside Affiliate link to let them know you heard about Seek Outside from our podcast. 

Stop in at Beere Brewing and take advantage of a 10% discount on your purchase. Use the code EATWILD10 on your next purchase. Beere makes a great selection of bright, crisp beers perfect for the patio or around the campfire.