LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast: Season 2, Episode 13 – "Tyler Greenly: Professional Wildlife Guide"

Release Date: December 30, 2024

In this engaging episode of the LGBTQ Outdoors Podcast, hosts Justin Yoder and Mallory interview Tyler Greenly, a professional wildlife guide based in Wyoming. The conversation delves into Tyler's journey in wildlife biology, his experiences as an LGBTQ individual in the outdoors, and his passionate involvement in conservation efforts.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode begins with Justin Yoder introducing himself and welcoming Mallory, a board member currently enjoying the outdoors in Oklahoma. They briefly discuss the podcast's expansion to include video content and highlight the beauty of the current season.

Justin (00:31): "What do you do when you come out as LGBTQ and love the outdoors?... Accept it, change it, create it."

2. Expanding the LGBTQ Outdoors Community

Mallory shares exciting updates about the Ambassador program and the growth of local chapters across the United States. She emphasizes the importance of connecting the LGBTQIA+ community through outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Mallory (02:05): "It's been incredible to see this grow from two ambassadors back in 2021 up to about 55 ambassadors across the US right now."

3. Introducing Tyler Greenly

Justin introduces Tyler Greenly, mentioning that Tyler's partner was the podcast's very first guest, whose episode continues to be the most listened to. This connection underscores the ongoing relationship between Tyler and the podcast community.

Justin (06:36): "That episode has ranked up the most listens, which kind of makes sense since it was the first one we ever did."

4. Tyler's Journey into Wildlife Guiding

Tyler recounts his upbringing in Colorado, where his love for the outdoors was nurtured by frequent excursions into the woods with his parents. This early exposure led him to pursue a career in wildlife biology, eventually becoming a professional wildlife guide in Wyoming.

Tyler (07:16): "I feel like there's not a typical day working in this field."

5. The Art of Wildlife Tracking

The conversation shifts to Tyler's expertise in wildlife tracking. He shares a pivotal childhood experience tracking elk and encountering a mountain lion, which solidified his passion for tracking and wildlife biology.

Tyler (10:24): "That was the moment where I was like, okay, I love this. This is something I enjoy."

6. Safety Protocols and Bear Encounters

Justin and Mallory discuss recent mountain lion sightings in urban areas like Dallas Fort Worth, highlighting the challenges of wildlife conservation amidst urban expansion. Tyler provides valuable insights into distinguishing between black bears and grizzlies, emphasizing appropriate safety measures.

Tyler (40:00): "If you see a grizzly... you want to give that grizzly bear as much space as you can and back away with it."

7. Misconceptions About Wildlife Guiding

Tyler addresses common misconceptions about his profession, clarifying that a significant portion of wildlife guiding involves logistical and research work rather than solely trekking through wilderness areas.

Tyler (29:25): "There's a lot of behind the scenes work in order to find these animals."

8. Essential Tools for Wildlife Guides

The discussion highlights the tools Tyler employs in his fieldwork, including trail cameras, high-quality optics like binoculars and spotting scopes, and GPS technology. He explains how these tools aid in tracking and observing wildlife effectively.

Tyler (32:59): "We use a lot of different tools at our disposal. It kind of depends on the methodology that we're using."

9. Tyler's Identity and Inclusivity in the Outdoors

The podcast delves into Tyler's identity as a cis gay man and the challenges he faces in a predominantly rural and traditionally masculine outdoor environment. He underscores the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces within the outdoor community.

Tyler (47:06): "I identify as a CIS gay man and I am engaged to my fiance out here... everyone in the community has been pretty accepting."

10. Conservation Efforts and Environmental Education

Tyler elaborates on the role of wildlife guides in conservation, emphasizing the importance of environmental education. He discusses initiatives like fence removal and highway constructions to protect animal populations, particularly addressing issues like those faced by the famous Bear 399.

Tyler (51:29): "Wildlife guides are really involved in the environmental education field... it's to teach people about conservation."

11. Tyler's Current Projects and Future Goals

Currently, Tyler is working on a wolf video project aimed at raising awareness and educating the public about wolf behavior and conservation outside Yellowstone. He hopes to inspire younger generations to engage in conservation efforts and wildlife biology.

Tyler (61:27): "I'm working on a wolf video project... hoping to create a miniseries to release on YouTube or on Instagram."

12. Rapid Fire Questions

The episode includes a fun segment of rapid-fire questions where Tyler shares his favorite animals, surprising encounters, dream outdoor destinations, essential gear, and preferred snacks during excursions.

Justin (57:07): "What's your favorite animal to track or guide?"

Tyler (57:07): "At the moment, wolves. But that might change in the future."

13. Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, Tyler expresses his gratitude for being part of the podcast and reiterates his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and educated outdoor community. Justin and Mallory commend his efforts and encourage listeners to engage with Tyler's projects.

Tyler (63:34): "Thank you so much... we need more community in some of these more rural, wild areas."

Justin (64:28): "We're thankful for your time and sharing with our community and our listeners."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tyler on the unpredictability of wildlife guiding:
  "I don't know, I feel like there's not a typical day working in this field."
  (00:00)

• Mallory on the growth of the Ambassador program:
  "It's been incredible to see this grow from two ambassadors back in 2021 up to about 55 ambassadors across the US right now."
  (02:05)

• Tyler on his first wildlife tracking experience:
  "That was the moment where I was like, okay, I love this. This is something I enjoy."
  (10:24)

• Tyler on safety with different types of bears:
  "If you see a grizzly bear... give that grizzly bear as much space as you can and back away with it."
  (40:00)

• Tyler on the role of wildlife guides in conservation:
  "Wildlife guides are really involved in the environmental education field... it's to teach people about conservation."
  (51:29)

• Tyler on his wolf video project:
  "I'm working on a wolf video project... hoping to create a miniseries to release on YouTube or on Instagram."
  (61:27)

Connecting with Tyler Greenly

Listeners interested in Tyler's work and upcoming projects can follow him on Instagram at @Tyler_Greenly and stay tuned for his wolf video miniseries, set to release in January.

Supporting LGBTQ Outdoors

The episode also highlights the Trailblazer Society, encouraging listeners to partner with LGBTQ Outdoors to enhance community engagement and support conservation efforts. More information can be found on their website LGBTOutdoors.com.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the life of a professional wildlife guide who not only excels in his field but also actively works towards making the outdoors more inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community. Tyler Greenly's insights provide valuable lessons on wildlife conservation, tracking, and the importance of fostering diverse outdoor spaces.