Blood Origins Roundup 152: Cheetah Project Update, Black Bears + Donuts, And More
Release Date: May 21, 2025
Introduction
In the latest episode of Blood Origins Roundup, hosts Ashley and Mike Axelrod delve into significant developments in the hunting and conservation landscape. Covering updates from the Department of the Interior, black bear harvest programs, and the ongoing Mozambique Cheetah relocation project, this episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of current initiatives aimed at balancing hunting practices with conservation efforts.
Department of the Interior Announces Expansion of Hunting and Fishing on National Wildlife Refuges
One of the episode's highlights is the announcement from the Department of the Interior regarding the major expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on national wildlife refuges across the United States.
Ashley [15:18]: “He has announced 42 new proposed hunting opportunities across 87,000 acres within the national wildlife refuges.”
Mike Axelrod emphasizes the significance of this move, noting that it represents a substantial increase in hunting areas compared to the previous administration.
Mike Axelrod [15:19]: “That's a lot in the federal land system. It's like... Isn't that like a 1% increase?”
Ashley clarifies that while the total acreage might seem modest, the number of hunting areas will be quintupled, providing hunters with more accessible public hunting opportunities.
Ashley [15:24]: “It's going to quintuple the number of stations that will be open to hunting from the last administration.”
The hosts discuss specific states benefiting from this expansion, including Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington, fostering excitement among hunters for new public hunting grounds.
Black Bears Harvest Programs: Legislative Developments and Ethical Considerations
A substantial portion of the conversation centers on black bear hunting regulations, particularly focusing on legislative changes in Connecticut and Florida, as well as Louisiana's evolving bear management strategies.
Connecticut's Potential Bear Hunting Season
Ashley brings attention to Connecticut's Senate approval of a bill that could pave the way for a regulated black bear hunting season, contingent upon the governor's assessment of bear-related threats.
Ashley [22:26]: “So if you live in or around Connecticut and you would like to see science prevail up there because they have apparently a very healthy black bear population, then now's the time to call your members.”
Mike examines the legislative nuances, highlighting that the bill focuses on public safety rather than introducing a trophy hunt, aiming to responsibly manage bear populations.
Mike Axelrod [24:10]: “For the record, the bill was not about a trophy hunt. It was about public safety that is presently in danger because of our inaction.”
Florida's Public Listening Sessions
Florida is another focal point, with the state conducting public listening sessions to finalize its bear harvest management plan. The discussion hints at an optimistic outlook, with no major obstacles reported from these sessions.
Ashley [25:04]: “Florida's having another public listening session this week.”
Louisiana's Bear Management and Baiting Practices
Louisiana's second bear hunting season introduces a lottery system to better regulate the number of bears harvested. The state has increased the number of available tags and extended baiting periods to ensure selective hunting practices.
Mike Axelrod [27:00]: “They are increasing the number of bears allowed to be taken. They're still going to operate on the number of tags and that's it.”
Ashley raises ethical concerns about baiting practices, questioning whether attracting bears with donuts and other human foods might inadvertently increase human-wildlife conflicts.
Ashley [32:01]: “I just think that if the science shows that the data is there to support the harvest and to support hunting, I don't think you should have to lump a bunch of donuts in your backyard to draw the bears to you to have to hunt them.”
Mike defends the baiting strategy as a short-term measure to achieve specific hunting goals without long-term negative impacts.
Mike Axelrod [31:53]: “But there may be incidences where your female percentage skews out.”
The conversation underscores the balance between effective wildlife management and maintaining ethical hunting standards, reflecting the organization's commitment to responsible conservation.
Mozambique Cheetah Relocation Project: Progress and Challenges
Shifting focus to international conservation efforts, Mike provides an update on the Mozambique Cheetah relocation project. The initiative aims to bolster cheetah populations in Africa through strategic relocations, despite facing logistical and financial hurdles.
Mike Axelrod [04:45]: “For the final move of the year for our cheetahs... we have to get another import permit issued from Mozambique to Royburg.”
Ashley expresses concern over the costs associated with relocating injured cheetahs, highlighting the financial commitment required to ensure their successful transfer and integration into new habitats.
Ashley [05:49]: “Good grief. But, yeah, almost to the end.”
The hosts discuss the importance of ensuring that relocated cheetahs can establish stable home ranges and contribute to population growth, emphasizing the project's long-term conservation goals.
Mike Axelrod [07:23]: “Hopefully they establish home ranges very quickly... and make some cheetah cubs.”
Listener Engagement and Conservation Initiatives
Throughout the episode, Blood Origins encourages listener participation in conservation efforts. The organization seeks conservation stories and wishes from the community, offering support through equipment donations to enhance research and habitat management.
Ashley [11:59]: “Bushnell is eager to help you get set up for conservation success. Send us your conservation story...”
Closing Remarks
In wrapping up the episode, Ashley and Mike reiterate their commitment to conveying the truth about hunting and its role in conservation. They invite listeners to engage with Blood Origins, support ongoing projects, and contribute to shaping future conservation policies.
Mike Axelrod [49:37]: “We appreciate you listening. Leave a review, share it with your friends, and most importantly, do what's right to convey the truth around.”
Conclusion
Blood Origins Roundup 152 effectively bridges the gap between hunting and conservation, providing insightful updates on legislative changes, ethical hunting practices, and international conservation projects. Through engaging discussions and actionable insights, the episode underscores the organization's mission to foster a more informed and responsible hunting community committed to global conservation efforts.