Grizzlies, Public Voices, and Mule Deer: WGFD's Brian Nesvik – Part Two of a Special Series
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
Release Date: 11/14/2023
Echoes of the Tracks: Breanna Ball & the Wyldlife Fund
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
Joey, Janet and Chris sit down with Breanna Ball with The Wyldlife Fund—a nonprofit partner created in 2019 to help fill funding gaps for Wyoming Game and Fish priorities, with 90% of funds going to on-the-ground work. Breanna shares how the fund has grown from about $500,000 raised in 2020 to over $4.4 million last year, and how that support turns into fast, measurable conservation wins. They talk wildlife crossing projects, including how roughly $1 million in support helped strengthen a federal grant application. Breanna also explains the Red Desert Fence Initiative, prompted after severe...
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Putting the 'U' in Hunt: Evan Cooper’s First Bull Elk Story
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
Evan was selected to participate in Wyoming’s “Un Hunt” program, creating an opportunity that brought the Coopers to the West for a hunt they’ll never forget. Evan describes the experience in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there with him. The heart of the episode is the story of when Evan harvested his first bull elk. It’s not told as a highlight reel. It’s told honestly: the anticipation, the effort, the nerves, the reality of it all—and the pride that comes after. For Evan, this wasn’t “just” a successful hunt. It was proof of strength. Proof of progress....
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The Heart and Hope Behind MFF’s “Putting the U in Hunt” Program
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
This truly touching episode of Wild Things & Wild Places brings listeners into the heart of the Muley Fanatic Foundation’s Putting the U in Hunt program — a life-changing experience for youth facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Hosts Joey Faigl and Janet Crofts sit down with longtime volunteers John Grossnickle and Jason Faigl, who share deeply personal stories from their years helping with these special hunts. From emotional first encounters to unforgettable moments in the field, this conversation highlights the compassion, teamwork, and purpose that drive everyone...
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What Is a Conservation Easement? Kerry Schultz with the Green River Valley Jackson Hole Land Trust Explains
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
In this episode of the Wild Things & Wild Places podcast, hosts Joy Faigl, Janet Crofts, and Chris Steffen sit down with Kerry Schultz, Program Director of the Green River Valley Jackson Hole Land Trust. Kerry breaks down the concept of conservation easements, which are legal agreements between private landowners and a qualified entity such as a land trust to permanently protect the land from development. She explains how these agreements play a vital role in conservation, particularly on private lands that are essential for wildlife habitats and migration corridors. The conversation dives...
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Summer Projects 2025 Has MFF Working Hard for Mule Deer
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
In this episode of Wild Things and Wild Places, Janet, Chris, and Joey from the Muley Fanatic Foundation recap their busy and impactful summer of 2025. The team took part in fawn captures in the Wyoming Range to support ongoing mule deer monitoring efforts, gathering critical data on population health. They also tackled invasive species and habitat restoration through Cheatgrass spraying near Rock Springs and Juniper removal south of town—both essential to preserving quality mule deer habitat. Additional efforts included sagebrush mowing in Kemmer, Wyoming, where the goal was to...
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Bear Tracks & Good Company: A Conversation with Jessica Evans
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
In this laid-back and personal episode of Wild Things & Wild Places, we welcome Jessica Evans...hunter, business owner, and all-around outdoor enthusiast from Rock Springs, Wyoming. Jessica pulls up a chair and shares her story in a way that feels like you're right there beside her in the field, on the mountain, or at the truck tailgate after a long day outdoors. She walks us through her early memories of hunting with her parents, how she found her own path in the sport after college, and the thrill of her first antelope hunt. But it’s not just about the harvest—it’s about what you...
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Public Lands in Public Hands: Important Message
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
In this episode of the MFF Podcast, the focus is on the controversial topic of selling public lands, a pressing issue in Wyoming and other Western states. The special guest is Jess Johnson, Government Affairs Director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation (WWF), who will soon be heading to Washington, D.C. to represent Wyoming. The discussion underscores the potential catastrophic impact the proposed sale of 2 to 3 million acres of public land has on outdoor recreationists, hunters, campers, and the wildlife that depends on these lands. The bill's vague and broad language, lack of community...
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New Voices, Same Mission: Wild Things & Wild Places Welcomes a New Hosting Crew
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
This episode of Wild Things & Wild Places marks the first with our new crew! While Josh is off doing important work in D.C., the Muley Fanatic Foundation podcast lives on and it’s in great hands. Meet your new hosts: Joey Faigl, Chris Steffen, and Janet Crofts—a trio of longtime MFF champions who bring deep knowledge, big laughs, and a whole lot of heart to the mic. In this transition episode, they reflect on Josh’s impact, share some behind-the-scenes banter, and give a glimpse of what’s ahead for the podcast. Expect all the things you’ve come to love: honest conversations,...
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Joshua Coursey: So Long, Not Goodbye
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
This week's episode of Wild Things & Wild Places is an emotional one. Host Joshua Coursey is setting out on a new adventure, but this is not goodbye, just a “see you later.” The podcast can continue, and Josh will remain a part of the MFF family forever. He’s taking on a new role working for the government, and while it’s bittersweet, it’s also an exciting new chapter. This episode is especially heartfelt for all who have known Josh or been involved with the Muley Fanatic Foundation. The bond between Josh and Joey shines through... a grand friendship built on trust, passion, and...
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Josh & Joey: Genuine, Real, and All About the Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
This one feels like sitting around the campfire with old friends. In this episode of Wild Things & Wild Places, Joshua Coursey is joined by his longtime friend and fellow co-founder of the Muley Fanatic Foundation, Joey Faigl. These two have been in it together since the beginning building MFF from the ground up with a shared love for wildlife, conservation, country, and community. Recorded at the Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo in Denver, this episode is raw, uncut, and straight from the heart. No script... just two guys reflecting on where it all started, where it’s going, and what...
info_outlineIn this captivating second installment of our two-part series, we once again welcomes Brian Nesvik, the Director of Wyoming Game and Fish, for an enlightening discussion guided by Joshua Coursey.
Central to this episode is the state of the Grizzly Bear in Wyoming. Brian Nesvik brings his expertise to the table, offering an in-depth update on the status of these majestic creatures. Where does Wyoming stand in terms of Grizzly Bear management and conservation?
But the conversation doesn't stop there. A key concern highlighted in this episode is the noticeable decline in public attendance and input at wildlife management meetings. Why is public engagement waning, and what can be done to reverse this trend? Nesvik delves into the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of wildlife in Wyoming, emphasizing the need for more voices to join the conversation.
Furthermore, the episode also explores the measures being taken to protect one of Wyoming's iconic species, the Mule Deer. With their numbers under threat, understanding the steps being taken to ensure their survival is crucial for anyone interested in the future of Wyoming's diverse ecosystems.
Led by our guide Joshua Coursey, this episode is not just a discussion but a journey through the complexities of wildlife management. As we navigate these topics, we invite listeners to explore further by visiting the Wyoming Game and Fish website, where more information and resources on these critical issues are available.
In the latest Campfire Chat following our episode, we're joined by Faith Roby, a dedicated nursing student in the final stretch of her program and an enthusiastic hunter. Faith shares her recent exhilarating experience of harvesting her first elk alongside her fiancé. Balancing the demanding schedules of clinicals and school with her passion for hunting, she opens up about the challenges they faced during the hunt, which didn't quite start as planned. Despite the initial setbacks, Faith's story culminates in a triumphant and memorable harvest, offering a candid glimpse into the perseverance and joy found in balancing life's passions and responsibilities.
Don't miss out on furthering the journey with Wild Things & Wild Places. Become a member of the Muley Fanatic Foundation and help make a difference. Join an organization that gets things done. Find out more here.