What makes someone kill an animal and still claim to care deeply about nature? Can the act of hunting foster environmental stewardship? These somewhat provocative questions lie at the heart of my conversation with Thorsten Gieser, an anthropologist studying hunting practices and their deeper meaning in modern society.

Our discussion explores the complex emotional landscape of hunting and challenges common misconceptions about hunters taking pleasure in killing. Through personal accounts and research findings, Thorsten explains how the difficult experience of taking an animal's life, when approached mindfully, can lead to deeper environmental awareness and connection with nature. We also discuss how various factors, from hunting traditions to modern technology, influence the relationship between hunters and the natural environment.

Our conversation takes a turn when we discuss hunting rituals and their role in modern society. Rather than dismissing them as outdated customs, Thorsten explains their crucial function in creating space for reflection and processing the weight of taking life. We end the episode with a discussion about how hunters can better engage in public debates about their practice, suggesting that acknowledging the moral complexity of killing might lead to a more productive dialogue about conservation and our relationship with nature.

Further reading:

• Thorsten Gieser | The BOAR Project
• Recreational killing of wild animals can foster environmental stewardship | Nature Sustainability

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How to Get Started in Deer Hunting in Ireland

What happens when Pacific salmon invade Atlantic waters? How does a Soviet-era experiment from the 1950s continue to impact Norwegian rivers today? We’re answering these questions in conversation with Jude Isabella, founder and editor-in-chief of Hakai Magazine. This episode was inspired by her three-week journey along Norway's border with Russia, documented in her article ‘Where the Rivers Run Pink’. The article tells the complex story of pink salmon that have established themselves in Norwegian rivers after straying from Russian waters. Our conversation, however, goes beyond the article itself and reveals the details and stories that didn't make it into the article.

In our discussion, we explore Norway's evolving approach to managing this invasive species. While initial reactions focused on eradication, the situation has developed into a more nuanced strategy of population control. Jude shares insights about local initiatives to handle the influx of pink salmon, from volunteer-run fish traps to commercial processing operations, and how these invasive fish are becoming part of the local food chain.

We also examine the broader ecological implications of this invasion. While pink salmon are often viewed as a threat to native Atlantic salmon, Jude reveals surprising findings about their potential benefits to river ecosystems. The episode concludes with thought-provoking reflections on novel ecosystems and how we adapt to inevitable environmental changes in our rapidly transforming world.

Further reading:

• Hakai Magazine - bioGraphic
• Where the Rivers Run Pink | Hakai Magazine

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Can hunting be an effective way to manage human-wildlife conflict? What happens when well-intentioned wildlife protection measures backfire? I spoke with Jens Ulrik Høgh, a Scandinavian hunting journalist, to find answers to these questions through the lens of Romania's bear management crisis. When hunting was banned in 2016 under pressure from animal rights groups, it led to an unexpected surge in human-wildlife conflict, with 300 people being mauled and 26 killed by bears that had lost their fear of humans.

Through many examples from Romania, Africa and Scandinavia, Jens explores how regulated hunting can serve as a vital conservation tool. He challenges common misconceptions about trophy hunting and explains how hunting tourism provides critical financial incentives for protecting wildlife habitats. We discuss how local communities in various parts of the world depend on hunting not just for wildlife management but also for economic sustainability. This highlights the complex relationship between wildlife conservation and local people's livelihoods.

The conversation concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of hunting, supported by growing public acceptance. Jens also provides valuable insights into how hunters can better communicate about their activities, emphasising the importance of honesty, factual accuracy and sensitivity to others' feelings. His practical advice focuses on building bridges between hunters and non-hunters rather than creating further divisions.

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The calendar year is coming to an end. Since the episode's scheduled date falls on the last day of the year, I feel it's fitting to publish a 2024 recap episode featuring the most interesting clips from all the episodes published this year - or rather, last year (2024).

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Unlike many podcasters who take a break over Christmas, I'm not taking breaks. Instead, as I do every year, I'm publishing a special episode with seasonal wishes and, most importantly, with a big thank you to all of you for being here with me, subscribing to the podcast whether on a podcast app or YouTube and particularly for signing up to my newsletter. I would also like to welcome new subscribers as well as give big shout-outs to those of you who have been with me for many years. Thank you!

In the episode, I give you a rundown of what's coming in the new year, starting with episodes that have already been recorded and are scheduled for release in early 2025, and finishing with changes to my social media presence and publishing schedule. This type of update is normally reserved for my supporting members on Buy Me a Coffee. But it's Christmas time, so there you go!

Speaking of support, if the approach of Christmas has made you feel generous, you can always channel your generosity by supporting my work on Buy Me a Coffee. The only way I'm finding time for all the editing and content production is in the early mornings - we're talking 5 am early mornings. So extra caffeine comes in really handy, especially at this time of year when we have to wait unusually long for the first rays of daylight.

Finally, I wish you and your loved ones a merry and peaceful Christmas filled with good conversations and cheerful moments. May the new year bring you closer to nature and much-needed good news for conservation. Thank you for being part of this journey and stay tuned for 2025!

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This episode is a real treat for all those who are interested in bowhunting, bowhunting culture and the ethics of bowhunting compared to rifle hunting. Everything sprinkled with a healthy dose of hunting stories.

It feels like I’m one of the only very few who talks about bowhunting with European listeners in mind. Indeed, I would like to see hunting with archery tackle being legalised and popularised on the old continent. In my view, the notions that it’s inhumane or somehow unethical are ill-advised and plain wrong. It is especially disturbing when such unwise opinions are expressed with confidence by hunters or veterinary practitioners who have no experience or previous exposure to bowhunting.

To talk about these matters I’m joined by expert bowhunter Jim Clark. In our conversation, Jim shares a wealth of knowledge about bowhunting as well as some of his personal stories. As always I didn’t shy away from asking him hard questions to tease out the potential downsides of using archery tackle over firearms.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable conversation and it only made me want to try my hand at bowhunting even more. I will keep talking about hunting with archery tackle to at least provoke a constructive discussion among European hunters and hunting organisations alike. If you would like to see bowhunting legalised, please leave a comment. What are your thoughts?

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This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.

How much influence do personal experiences of high-ranking officials have on EU environmental policies? What happens when science-based conservation collides with political interests? Can farmers and environmentalists find common ground in nature restoration? In this episode, I talk to Faustine Bas-Defossez, Director for Nature, Health and Environment at the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), who provides insights into the complex world of EU environmental policymaking.

In our conversation, we discuss several pressing environmental issues, including the recent changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the controversial recommendation to lower wolves’ protection status in Europe and the implementation challenges of the Nature Restoration Law. Faustine explains how scientific evidence sometimes takes a back seat to political motivations, using the example of how a single incident involving the European Commission President's pony influenced wolf protection policy. She also discusses the challenges of balancing agricultural practices with environmental protection, highlighting the systemic changes needed in our food production and consumption patterns.

The discussion ends on an optimistic note with Faustine sharing a success story from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture. She describes how representatives from seemingly opposing interests - from environmental NGOs to industrial farming organisations - reached a meaningful consensus on future agricultural policies. This achievement demonstrates that despite the challenges and polarization in environmental politics, collaborative solutions are possible when stakeholders commit to constructive dialogue.

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In this episode I'm joined by Declan Quigley to explore the history of sturgeon in Irish waters. We talk about the recent campaign by the Irish Wildlife Trust to reintroduce this ancient fish. The conversation dives into the history of sturgeon in Ireland, discussing their critical endangerment and the factors that led to their decline, including overfishing and habitat loss. Declan shares his extensive research findings, revealing that while sturgeon haven’t been confirmed to spawn in Irish rivers, they have a historical presence in coastal waters. The episode highlights the challenges and potential for sturgeon farming as a conservation tool, as well as the importance of preserving knowledge about these remarkable creatures. Listeners will also discover the cultural significance of sturgeon in Ireland and the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of this iconic species.

Takeaways:

• The Irish Wildlife Trust advocates for a feasibility study to reintroduce sturgeon into Irish waters.
• Despite historical presence, evidence suggests sturgeon may have never spawned in Irish rivers.
• Sturgeons are ancient fish, often referred to as living fossils due to their long evolutionary history.
• Declan Quigley highlights the critical decline of sturgeon populations due to overfishing and habitat loss.
• Efforts in France aim to breed sturgeon, potentially leading to increased sightings in Irish waters.
• Sturgeon farming may contribute positively to conservation by supplying caviar and reducing poaching.

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Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books

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Mentioned in this episode:

This is the Conservation and Science podcast Replay series, a curated collection of best episodes from last year. If you are new to the show, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up with the most popular episodes from the back catalogue. And if you’re a regular listener, maybe you missed one of those or want to listen to one of them again. Don’t worry! The new episodes are being published on the regular fortnightly schedule, so keep tuning in for the new content every other Tuesday.