Podcast Summary: Roundup 153 || Cheetahs, Connecticut Sunday Hunting, And Australia’s Hunting Expansion!

Podcast Information:

• Title: Blood Origins
• Host/Author: Blood Origins Inc.
• Description: Blood Origins is a non-profit organization that combines unique storytelling and conservation to transform perceptions of hunting and enhance the funding of global conservation programs.
• Episode: Roundup 153
• Release Date: June 11, 2025

1. Introduction and Personal Updates

Mike Axelrod initiates the episode by reiterating Blood Origins' mission to convey the truth about hunting beyond the act of killing animals. He emphasizes the broader implications of hunting on conservation and community development.

Travel Experience: Mike shares his recent travel experiences, detailing the extensive journey back home. He discusses logistical aspects, such as choosing helicopter over road travel to expedite the return from Mbadsi Camp to Embadse Camp. Mike highlights efficiencies like Global Entry, stating:

“If you don't have Global Entry and they don't have the electronic kiosks, which Atlanta doesn't, it could take two and a half hours to get through customs.”
(03:00)

Brittany adds personal anecdotes about family activities and the challenges of keeping children engaged, reflecting on the universal experience of parents managing screen time.

2. Cheetah Relocation Project

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Blood Origins' cheetah relocation initiative aimed at conserving cheetah populations in South Africa by relocating them to Mozambique.

Project Status:

• Phase One Completion: 17 cheetahs successfully relocated to Mozambique.
• Mortality Rate: One cheetah died during the first move, resulting in a 5.8% mortality rate, which is below the literature's expected 20% for translocations.
• Future Plans: The team plans to relocate two more cheetahs within the next three to four months.

Operational Challenges: Mike elaborates on the complexities of an open-range relocation project bordered by international boundaries:

“It's surrounded by an international border, which makes fetching cheetahs a little bit more logistically challenging.”
(11:04)

Monitoring and Management: They discuss the use of satellite tracking to monitor each cheetah's movements and behaviors. The team prioritizes monitoring specific individuals based on their activity, ensuring efficient use of resources. Mike emphasizes the importance of documenting these decisions for future presentations at the Wildlife Society Conference in 2026.

3. Hunting Legislation Updates

The episode delves into recent legislative developments affecting hunting across various U.S. states.

Connecticut: Connecticut has passed legislation permitting Sunday hunting on private lands, though it excludes bear hunting for now. Mike humorously remarks on a misstatement regarding which state achieved this:

“Maine will never get Sunday hunting.” (17:36)

Florida: Florida is on the brink of expanding its bear hunting season. Anti-hunting proponents have devised a strategy to flood the tag lottery system by encouraging non-hunters to enter, potentially displacing traditional hunters. Mike expresses skepticism about the success of this tactic:

“I don't think that Mike Lee is going to be able to single-handedly get it through the Senate.”
(38:10)

Michigan: A positive development from Michigan, where the House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a bill mandating hunter education in schools. Brittany highlights the bill's success and encourages listeners to support it further:

“House Bill 4285... passed 101 to 7.”
(23:11)

Other States: Discussion extends to legislative actions in Washington, California, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, emphasizing the ongoing battle between pro-hunting and anti-hunting factions.

4. International Hunting and Conservation Efforts

Australia's Hunting Expansion: A groundbreaking shift in Australia's hunting policies is highlighted, with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers (SFF) party backing new hunting legislation. Mike shares insights from his interactions with Robert Borsak, leader of the SFF party, who has been instrumental in advancing this agenda.

“Robert Borsak is the leader of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party. SFF.”
(26:11)

Key Points:

• Legislation Scope: Opening up state forest lands previously off-limits to hunting.
• Political Support: Unprecedented backing from traditionally anti-hunting parties, including the New South Wales Labor Party.
• Amendments and Challenges: Libertarian factions within the party propose additional measures to protect national parks from future hunting expansions.
• Expected Outcome: Borsak is optimistic that the bill will be signed by the end of June.

Global Implications: Brittany emphasizes the interconnectedness of global conservation efforts, highlighting how policies in one country can set precedents internationally. She underscores the importance of international treaties and collaborative efforts in tackling issues like invasive species and wildlife trafficking.

“Nobody lives on an island anymore. So that's, I think, our philosophy as an organization.”
(32:35)

5. Zimbabwe's Elephant Population Management

Overpopulation Crisis: Zimbabwe faces a critical overpopulation of elephants, severely impacting local ecosystems. Willie Pabst from Solid River Conservancy spearheads a controversial initiative to cull 50 elephants to mitigate environmental damage.

“He’s been the first person to stick his neck out and go, okay, we're gonna take out 50.”
(35:14)

Impact on Habitat: The excessive number of elephants is degrading ancient baobab trees and altering savannah landscapes. Willie’s actions aim to restore ecological balance, though they are met with significant backlash.

Operational Details:

• Current Population: Approximately 2,550 elephants in SABE, exceeding the recommended 800.
• Additional Reserve: Modique Medique game reserve hosts around 1,500 elephants, far surpassing its capacity of 250.
• Environmental Consequences: The unchecked elephant population is converting large canopy forests into grasslands, affecting biodiversity.

6. Texas Public Lands Expansion

Land Acquisition: Texas has successfully added 10,000 acres to its public lands, enhancing opportunities for hunting and conservation. Key additions include:

• Dinosaur Valley
• Ray Roberts
• Lake S. Park
• Post Oak
• Enchanted Rock
• Government Canyon

Hunting Opportunities: This expansion increases the number of public hunting parks from 45 to 52 over the past five years, providing more venues for hunters and supporting local conservation efforts.

“They have increased the number of parks that you can hunt from 45 to 52 just in the past five years.”
(37:49)

7. Upcoming Projects and Partnerships

Wild Origins India Partnership: Blood Origins is set to collaborate with Wild Origins India, expanding their conservation and hunting initiatives globally. This partnership involves:

• Collaborative Hunts: Indian hunters will engage in their first hunting experiences in Texas.
• Culinary Integration: Plans to feature an Indian Michelin-starred chef preparing game meat, fostering cultural exchange and promoting sustainable hunting practices.

“We are very happy with that. They're coming out on Sunday to hunt for the very, very, very first time in Texas.”
(39:52)

Future Events: The collaboration includes filming hunts and culinary sessions, with intentions to host exclusive events like a chef’s table in Houston to showcase the fusion of hunting and gourmet cooking.

8. Personal Health Updates

Brittany's COVID Recovery: Brittany shares her battle with a severe COVID-19 infection, emphasizing the lingering effects and her ongoing recovery process. She humorously recounts the unpredictability of recent events, balancing personal anecdotes with professional discussions.

“I had really bad Covid last week and didn't even know that people still got it, but I did.”
(41:26)

Mike’s Resilience: Mike lightheartedly remarks on enduring numerous challenges, likening his perseverance to having his "appendages fall off," underscoring the relentless nature of their conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Mike Axelrod and Brittany wrap up the episode by reaffirming Blood Origins' commitment to truthful storytelling and effective conservation through hunting. They encourage listeners to engage with ongoing projects and stay informed about legislative changes affecting the hunting community.

“Do what's right to convey the truth around hunting.”
(42:43)

This episode of Blood Origins' Roundup 153 offers a comprehensive overview of current conservation projects, legislative battles, and international efforts shaping the future of hunting and wildlife management. Through insightful discussions and firsthand experiences, Mike and Brittany provide valuable perspectives for both hunters and conservationists alike.