Guarding the Gate: Defending Sustainable Use with Doug Chiasson

On this episode of Talk Is Sheep, Kyle welcomes back Doug Chiasson, Executive Director of the Fur Institute of Canada and co-host of The Truth About Fur podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about conservation, advocacy and the future of sustainable wildlife use.Kyle and Doug begin with the growing Canadian Wildlife Conservation Partnership and its mission to unite hunters, anglers, trappers, outfitters, falconers and conservation organizations behind a stronger national voice. Doug draws on his experience working in federal and provincial politics to explain what truly influences decision-makers—and why personal conversations, original letters and meaningful relationships carry far more weight than another form email.The conversation then turns to the growing pressure on science-based wildlife management. From proposed fur restrictions in Colorado and Oregon’s IP28 initiative to the loss of British Columbia’s grizzly bear hunt and mink-farming industry, Doug explains how emotional campaigns and politically motivated decisions can quickly override wildlife science.This episode is also a reminder that the sustainable-use community cannot afford to fight among itself. Whether it is trapping, hunting, angling, firearms ownership, predator management or the use of wild fur, every loss weakens the entire community.The message is clear: protecting our hunting and trapping heritage is not someone else’s responsibility. Every one of us has a role to play. Show up, build relationships, tell better stories and make sure elected officials understand that wildlife, conservation and sustainable use matter to the people they represent.Presented by: @sitkagearSponsored by our conservation partner: @gunwerksThank you to Sitka Gear and Gunwerks for investing in healthy wildlife and sustainable ecosystems.Supported by: @yeti @zeisshunting @frontiersmengear @onxhunt @stoneglacier @gunwerks @schnee_hunt @precision.optics