Episode 60 - Protecting Hunting and Fishing Rights Through Colorado’s Western Heritage with Christine Koeppen

What happens when hunters stop reacting and start protecting their way of life before the next fight? Christine Keppen joins Hunt Fish Freedom for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, hounds, horses, ranching, conservation, and the fight to protect Colorado’s Western way of life. A lifelong Colorado native, cowgirl, hunter, houndswoman, mother, and agricultural media professional, Keppen offers a firsthand perspective on what it means to live a lifestyle increasingly caught between growing development, political pressure, and changing public perceptions. The conversation digs into the fight surrounding Colorado’s Proposition 127 and what it taught hunters about the importance of defending every method of hunting, from mountain lion hunting with hounds to waterfowl hunting, bird dogs, and fishing. Keppen explains how the Colorado hunting community rallied together, educated the public, and built new connections between people who may have never considered themselves part of the same fight. The group also explores the push for a constitutional right to hunt and fish, drawing lessons from Florida and discussing how proactive protections could change the way sportsmen respond to future threats. Along the way, Keppen shares why science-based wildlife management matters, how hunters can have productive conversations with non-hunters, and why simply talking to people outside your normal circle may be one of the most effective forms of conservation advocacy. At its core, this is a conversation about family, food, stewardship, Western heritage, and making sure future generations still have the opportunity to hunt and fish. Follow Hunt Fish Freedom for more weekly hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoors conversations. Follow Christineon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissy_koeppen/  Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor conversations. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app! Don’t forget to leave a 5 star review and SUBSCRIBE on Apple or Spotify Check out the IOTR website: International Order of T. Roosevelt | Protect At-Risk Wildlife Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19zGf29wGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Follow us on X: https://x.com/iotrofficial?s=21&t=SzcoQxiDPMWvFcFPurrzNw Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iotr_official?igsh=dXp5b284dXJpOXlq&utm_source=qr