In this episode of the East Meets West Hunt podcast, Beau sits down with Mark Kenyon (Wired to Hunt / MeatEater) for an in-depth conversation about the current state of hunting, public lands, and conservation in America.

They dive into how becoming a father changes your perspective on the future, why public lands are facing more complex threats than ever, and how hunters and anglers can actually make a difference. From private land access challenges and leasing pressure to the Land & Water Conservation Fund and the Boundary Waters mining issue, this conversation breaks down what’s happening — without the noise — and focuses on practical action.

If you care about access, opportunity, and making sure the next generation can hunt and fish the way we have, this is one you’ll want to hear.

Topics:

00:00:00 — Intro

00:03:10 – Catching up with Mark Kenyon

00:10:16 – Mark’s conservation journey & stepping into his new role at MeatEater

00:18:02 – The Alaska moment that reshaped how he views public lands

00:23:01 – The biggest current concern: public land protections under pressure

00:29:30 – Multiple use, resource extraction & why it’s not black and white

00:37:10 – State vs. federal engagement — where hunters can truly make impact

00:46:08 – The private land access problem, leasing & shrinking opportunity

00:50:32 – Three practical ways to protect hunting access

01:18:15 – Boundary Waters explained: what’s happening & why it matters nationally

Ep. 479: Are We Losing the Right to Hunt? Private Land, Public Ground & the Future of Access w/ Mark Kenyon