Episode Summary: Roundup 148 || The Wildest Legislative Session In Recent Memory

Introduction

In the 148th episode of Roundup, hosted by Blood Origins Inc., Mike Axelrod, along with guests Brittany and Robbie, delves into what they describe as the "wildest legislative session in recent memory." Released on March 19, 2025, this episode offers listeners an in-depth analysis of the tumultuous legislative landscape affecting hunting and wildlife conservation across various states. The conversation navigates through complex legislative challenges, the interplay between state commissions and lawmakers, and the critical role of education in shifting public perception about hunting and conservation.

Unprecedented Legislative Activity

The episode kicks off with Mike Axelrod expressing the foundational mission of Blood Origins: to "convey the truth about hunting" (01:03). Brittany echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that hunting encompasses much more than merely the act of killing animals. As the legislative session progresses, the trio notes an escalation in the number and intensity of bills introduced, spanning states like New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, California, Wyoming, and Montana.

Brittany reflects on the previous year's legislative focus, stating, "Last year legislative season wasn't that bad because we concentrated on 127 so much" (02:05). However, this year surpasses all expectations with a barrage of bills targeting various aspects of hunting regulations, wildlife management, and species protection. The discussions highlight the struggle to balance wildlife populations with human expansion, leading to contentious legislative proposals.

The Role of Wildlife Commissions vs. Legislature

A central theme of the episode revolves around the tension between wildlife commissions and legislative bodies. Brittany passionately argues against the legislature's encroachment on commission-led wildlife management, saying, "I hate bills. We're using the legislature to override the commission" (03:27). She advocates for allowing commissions, composed of wildlife experts, to make informed decisions without political interference.

Robbie adds depth to this argument by discussing how commissions can become risk-averse due to the threat of lawsuits, which stifles proactive wildlife management. This reluctance often necessitates legislative intervention, leading to what Brittany describes as "ballot box biology" — a misalignment of scientific data with political agendas.

Key Legislative Bills: AB 1038 and SB 818

The discussion delves into specific legislative measures impacting wildlife management:

1. California's AB 1038: Introduced in 2024, this bill aims to reintroduce controlled hunting of black bears using hounds. Mike Axelrod mentions, "the Bayer plan came out in 2024... lots of public comment" (05:04). Brittany explains that AB 1038 seeks to empower the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to manage the growing black bear population, which has surged to between 60,000 and 80,000 individuals. The bill proposes increasing the bear harvest quota from the stagnant 1,700 bears to a sustainable 16%, aligning with scientific recommendations.

2. SB 818 in El Dorado County: This bill permits the use of dogs for hazing and lethal take of mountain lions to protect livestock and human safety. Brittany highlights the urgent need for such measures in El Dorado County due to increased depredation events, including livestock losses and human attacks. She states, "there's a human death and an attack that happened" (31:03), underscoring the bill's significance in maintaining ecological balance and public safety.

Conservation Strategies and Public Education

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the necessity of educating the public to foster a better understanding of hunting's role in conservation. Brittany asserts, "At the end of the day... it all comes down to a lack of education to the general public" (11:11). The guests discuss the importance of mainstreaming positive narratives about hunting and wildlife management to counteract misconceptions perpetuated by anti-hunting groups.

Mike Axelrod emphasizes the need for strategic communication: "if you want these things to pass... what's our long term strategy?" (49:08). This involves educating hunters to confidently advocate for conservation-friendly policies and investing in media strategies that highlight the symbiotic relationship between hunting and wildlife preservation.

Challenges with Public Lands and Political Dynamics

The episode also touches upon the contentious debate surrounding public lands in the United States. Brittany expresses concern over political maneuvers to privatize public lands, which could severely impact hunting and conservation efforts. She notes, "I would love it if the Republicans championed public lands" (39:25), highlighting a perceived lack of proactive stances from major political parties in preserving these critical habitats.

Mike Axelrod adds, "Public land loss can't just happen at the pen stroke... there's too many processes and judicial levels" (42:17). The discussion underscores the complexity of public land management, involving multiple layers of legislation and judicial oversight, making swift changes nearly impossible but not impossible under sustained advocacy.

Future Strategies and Long-term Goals

Towards the episode's conclusion, the hosts deliberate on formulating effective long-term strategies to influence legislation and public opinion. They stress the importance of:

• Building Coalitions: Collaborating with like-minded organizations to amplify the conservation message.
• Strategic Campaigning: Engaging with legislators and the public through targeted campaigns and educational initiatives.
• Media Engagement: Utilizing media platforms to disseminate accurate information and counteract misinformation about hunting and conservation.

Mike Axelrod underscores the need for a concerted effort: "Have you ever had a situation where an anti hunter has used the howl platform and changed the wording... we haven't championed these things that we do every single day" (51:08). This emphasizes the necessity of a unified and proactive stance in advocacy efforts.

Conclusion

In this episode of Roundup, Blood Origins Inc. provides a comprehensive overview of the formidable legislative challenges facing hunting and wildlife conservation. Through insightful discussions, the hosts highlight the critical need for expert-led wildlife management, strategic public education, and robust advocacy to navigate the complex interplay between politics and conservation. The episode serves as a clarion call for the hunting community to unite, educate, and strategically influence legislation to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and effective conservation practices.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Axelrod: "So there's a reason why I started Blood Origins and that reason is simple is that I wanted to convey the truth about hunting." (01:03)

• Brittany: "I hate bills. We're using the legislature to override the commission." (03:27)

• Brittany: "At the end of the day... it all comes down to a lack of education to the general public." (11:11)

• Mike Axelrod: "It's impossible to logistically implement [animal welfare policies]..." (18:20)

• Brittany: "We have a billion dollar industry... and we don't mainstream our message." (15:44)

• Mike Axelrod: "if we want these things to pass... what's our long term strategy?" (49:08)

• Brittany: "We want effective management for ecosystems, for everything, for all of wildlife." (29:25)

• Mike Axelrod: "Nothing's going to move... until you get our message out." (35:35)

References:

• Timestamps are indicated in square brackets and correspond to the transcript provided.
• Speakers are identified by their names as they appear in the transcript.