Episode 16: Walking with Grizzlies - Jason Matzinger on Bear Recovery, Conservation & Western Hunting

Guest:Jason Matzinger — Host of IntoHigh Country on Sportsman Channel, award‑winning conservation filmmaker, andlifelong Montana hunter.Episode Summary:Cody sits down with JasonMatzinger to talk spring bear season, the explosive rise of grizzlypopulations, and the importance of telling real conservation stories. Jasonshares how he built Into High Country, why he creates long‑form conservationfilms, and what it takes to produce cinematic hunting content in rugged westerncountry.They also dive into the future ofhunting, the responsibility of today’s hunters, and how to pass the torch tothe next generation.🔥 Key Topics CoveredSpring bear hunting in MontanaDry winters, bear movement, andlow sightingsRifle vs. bow for spring bearsJason’s filmmaking origins andearly solo filmingBuilding a professional film crewThe purpose behind Project Elk,Mule Deer, Landlocked, SelectiveNew film: Walking With GrizzliesGrizzly bear delisting, populationdata, and conflictConservation ethics &generational responsibilityFilming gear, Canon setups, andfield workflowHunting solo vs. building a team🎬 Featured FilmsMentionedProject Elk — How hunting fundsconservationProject Mule Deer — Migrationcorridors & habitatCircle of Life — Governor tags& wildlife fundingProject Landlocked — Public landaccess issuesSelective — The true meaning oftrophy huntingWalking With Grizzlies — Grizzlyrecovery & delisting📍 Where to Find JasonInstagram: @jasonmatzingerTV: Into High Country on SportsmanChannelStreaming: MOTV, CarbonTV,Waypoint TVYouTube: Into High CountryEpisode Timestamps00:03 — Opening: Bear Hunting inMontana01:06 — Weather Differences AcrossStates01:25 — Low Bear Sightings & ABlonde Bear Encounter02:09 — Archery vs. Rifle forSpring Bears02:56 — Introducing Jason &Into High Country03:46 — Busy Spring: Family,Banquets, Sheds, Turkey, Bears04:41 — Football Talk: MontanaState Bobcats06:04 — Jason’s Son: Rodeo,Trades, and Future Plans07:54 — Jason’s Background &What Drives Him10:05 — Walking With Grizzlies:New Documentary13:48 — Conservation Values &Passing the Torch15:19 — Why Grizzlies Must BeDelisted20:21 — Grizzlies Expanding IntoNew Areas21:44 — Early Filmmaking Years24:01 — Building a ProfessionalFilm Crew26:29 — The Difficulty of Self‑FilmingHunts28:22 — Camera Gear & FilmingSetup29:37 — Jason’s Films & TheirPurpose36:10 — Chasing a Ghost: The GiantBull Elk FilmJason describes the multi‑yearjourney of hunting a legendary bull.38:36 — What It Takes to Kill aMonarch Bull43:15 — How to Consistently KillMature Animals46:48 — Favorite Species to Hunt48:00 — Elk Tactics: Calling,Water, and Strategy52:52 — A Wild Story: ThePorcupine Killer01:00:35 — Upcoming HuntsNebraska whitetails, Patagonia redstag, and a future desert sheep hunt.01:03:04 — Solo vs. Hunting WithOthers01:08:15 — Walking With GrizzliesRelease Plans01:09:16 — Where to Find Jason’sWorkSocial media, Sportsman Channel,MOTV, YouTube, CarbonTV, Waypoint.