Ep. 25: Reflections With Ronnie DeMasters

New Mexico has become the poster child for the privatization of wildlife in the United States. The privatization, commodification and commercialization of wildlife, which is supposed to be managed as a public trust resource has countless consequences to the future of hunting. How is it that this state, with such a deep hunting culture and tradition allowed the opportunity to pursue wild game to become increasingly available to the wealthy regardless of residency status at the expense of New Mexicans?In this episode, Jesse Deubel and Adrian Angulo sit down with a man who was selling hunting opportunities and lobbying elected and appointed officials to provide him and his colleagues more private supply of that publicly owned product before either of these co-hosts were even born. A long-time outfitter and one of the first New Mexicans to work as a lobbyist for that industry, Ronnie DeMasters walks listeners through the process that got NM to where it is today. In his reflections, Mr. DeMasters acknowledges the damage that privatization of our public wildlife has on the future of all hunting. As we continue down this dangerous path, it's New Mexico resident hunters who pay the price through their inability to obtain a permit to hunt big game in their home state. There is a lot of history captured in this discussion and you might hear some familiar names. Enjoy the listen and please sign up at www.takebackyourelk.com if you haven't done so already.