Blood Origins Podcast Summary

Title: Blood Origins
Host/Author: Blood Origins Inc.
Episode: Episode 544 - Ned Makim | 5,510,384 Dead Pigs
Release Date: March 13, 2025

Introduction to Ned Makim and the Australian Pig Doggos and Hunters Association

In Episode 544 of "Blood Origins," host Mike Axelrod engages in an insightful conversation with Ned Makim, the National President and Acting Executive Director of the Australian Pig Doggos and Hunters Association. Ned discusses his pivotal role in transforming the perception of pig hunting in Australia by leveraging data to demonstrate its environmental and economic benefits.

Changing the Narrative: A Data-Driven Approach

Ned emphasizes the importance of changing how pig hunting is perceived, not just as a sport but as a significant contributor to conservation efforts. He states, “It brings awareness to non-hunters that it's more than just killing animals” (02:43). This perspective aims to showcase hunters as dedicated conservationists rather than mere game killers.

The Great Australian Pig Hunt Initiative

A major focus of the discussion is the Great Australian Pig Hunt, an initiative designed to collect comprehensive data on pig hunting's impact. Ned explains, “The whole premise behind it is to create data to showcase how good a job these guys are actually doing” (02:53). This competition encourages hunters to participate actively while providing valuable statistics to support conservation programs.

Key Components of the Hunt:

• Data Collection: Hunters submit information monthly about their pig hunts, including the number of pigs killed.
• Prizes and Sponsorships: To incentivize participation, the hunt offers substantial prizes, supported by sponsors like Caliber Country and Wild Game Innovations Australia.
• Nationwide Participation: The initiative aims for country-wide engagement to ensure the data accurately reflects the true impact of pig hunting across Australia.

Ned proudly reveals, “We have killed 5,510,834 pigs” (05:17), highlighting the substantial contribution hunters make to controlling pig populations.

Partnerships and Sponsorships

The success of the Great Australian Pig Hunt relies heavily on partnerships with local businesses and sponsors. Ned acknowledges the support from companies like Caliber Country and Wild Game Innovations Australia, which provide essential gear and financial backing. He mentions, “They are incredibly supportive of the lifestyle and they also hooked us up… and they were thrilled that we were interested” (26:24).

Relationship with Government and Media

Building a collaborative relationship with government bodies and the media is crucial for the association. Ned explains how they engage with government agencies by providing data that aligns with governmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This strategic interaction helps in gaining legitimacy and support for their conservation efforts.

Regarding media relations, Ned shares strategies to handle public perception: “If you've got to deal with the media, the first person into the newsroom tends to be treated as either the hero or the credible source” (77:22). By proactively sharing their successes and data-driven results, they aim to shape a positive narrative around pig hunting.

Challenges and Overcoming Stereotypes

Despite their efforts, the association faces challenges such as combating stereotypes and misinformation about hunters. Ned remarks, “All bigotry is based on ignorance” (06:25), emphasizing the need for education and open dialogue to dispel negative perceptions.

Specific Challenges Discussed:

• Social Media Backlash: Negative and uninformed comments on social platforms can undermine their efforts. Ned notes, “The dumbest and most ignorant people will make the most noise” (12:40).
• Internal Organization: As a volunteer-driven organization, maintaining structure and direction is vital. Ned shares, “We've only got a small percentage of that [120,000 pig hunters]... We don't want to become... just want to hunt” (11:03).

Economic and Environmental Impact

One of the standout points in the discussion is the economic and environmental benefits of pig hunting. Ned provides a compelling comparison: “The government spent $13 million to get about 100,000 pigs. Now our guys are spending about a million dollars a day hunting pigs” (43:29). This highlights how hunters offer a cost-effective alternative to government-led pest control programs.

Environmental Benefits:

• Population Control: Hunters significantly reduce pig populations, mitigating their destructive impact on agriculture and native ecosystems.
• Conservation Funding: The economic contributions from hunting help fund broader conservation initiatives, ensuring sustainable environmental management.

Future Plans and Expansion

Looking ahead, Ned outlines plans to continue and expand the Great Australian Pig Hunt with seasonal variations to maintain interest and participation. He mentions, “This coming year we'll do one in the winter for us and the dry season for the north of Australia” (52:21). Additionally, they aim to enhance their data collection methods and foster stronger collaborations with academic institutions for advanced research.

Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Hunting Community

The episode concludes with Ned expressing optimism about the future of pig hunting in Australia. By focusing on data-driven results, strategic partnerships, and effective communication, the Australian Pig Doggos and Hunters Association is paving the way for a more respected and impactful hunting community. Mike Axelrod commends Ned’s efforts, stating, “You're doing the right way, man... keep doing what you're doing, brother” (72:20).

Notable Quotes

• Ned Makim (02:43):

  “It brings awareness to non-hunters that it's more than just killing animals.”

• Ned Makim (05:17):

  “We have killed 5,510,834 pigs.”

• Ned Makim (06:25):

  “All bigotry is based on ignorance.”

• Ned Makim (12:40):

  “The dumbest and most ignorant people will make the most noise.”

• Ned Makim (26:24):

  “They are incredibly supportive of the lifestyle and they also hooked us up… and they were thrilled that we were interested.”

• Ned Makim (43:29):

  “The government spent $13 million to get about 100,000 pigs. Now our guys are spending about a million dollars a day hunting pigs.”

• Ned Makim (52:21):

  “This coming year we'll do one in the winter for us and the dry season for the north of Australia.”

• Ned Makim (77:22):

  “If you've got to deal with the media, the first person into the newsroom tends to be treated as either the hero or the credible source.”

• Ned Makim (72:23):

  “We've got to ensure we're proactive in our approach, engaging with all stakeholders and presenting our data-driven successes.”

Conclusion

Episode 544 of "Blood Origins" offers a comprehensive look into the transformative efforts of the Australian Pig Doggos and Hunters Association under Ned Makim’s leadership. By adopting a data-centric approach, fostering strategic partnerships, and effectively managing public relations, the association is reshaping the narrative around pig hunting and demonstrating its vital role in conservation and the economy.

Timestamps Reference

For ease of navigation, notable quotes and key discussions are referenced with their corresponding timestamps in brackets (e.g., [02:43]).