Through the Gates

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 84 - Wild Harvest Matters Feb 03, 2026

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In this episode of Through the Gates, we break down the growing legislative threats facing sportsmen, conservationists, landowners, and everyday Coloradans — and why these battles go far beyond hunting and fishing.
From Senate Bill 26-043, which seeks to regulate firearm barrels, to Senate Bill 26-062, targeting rodent control products and pest management, this episode exposes how policy decisions driven by ideology — not science — can directly impact public safety, food security, wildlife management, and personal freedoms.
The conversation then shifts to something every person can understand: food. We dive deep into the Wild Harvest Initiative, led by Shane Mahoney and Conservation Visions, and explain why wild food is a critical, renewable resource — not just for hunters and anglers, but for society as a whole.
You’ll hear how the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation remains the most successful conservation framework in the world, how hunting and fishing fund billions in conservation, and why disconnecting people from wild food and natural resources threatens both ecosystems and human well-being.
This episode connects the dots between:
• Wildlife conservation
• Sustainable food systems
• Public health
• Science-based management
• And the increasing influence of politics over expertise
Whether you hunt, fish, farm, or simply eat — this episode affects you.

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Ep. 83 - Be an Influence Jan 27, 2026

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Jana Waller Bair, founder of Skull Bound Chronicles, joins the show to talk about hunting, storytelling, conservation, and what it means to live an unapologetic outdoor life in a world increasingly hostile to hunting traditions.
Jana shares her journey into hunting, how Skull Bound Chronicles was built to give hunters a voice, and why authentic storytelling matters more than ever. The conversation explores the challenges women face in the hunting space, the growing cultural divide around hunting, the importance of being educated and engaged, and why science-based conservation must remain the foundation of North American wildlife success.
Dan and Jana dive into the pressures coming from anti-hunting activists, the role of social media and censorship, and why hunters must stand firm, educate the public, and engage in policy conversations. From personal experiences in the field to the future of hunting media, this is an honest, thoughtful discussion about protecting wildlife, heritage, and conservation through responsible use.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, new to the outdoors, or simply interested in conservation and public lands, this episode offers insight into why hunting is not just relevant — it’s essential.

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Ep. 82 - They Want to Ban Furbearer Hunting Jan 20, 2026

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The fight over furbearer hunting and trapping is escalating — and most people have no idea what’s actually happening.
In this episode of Through the Gates, we expose the growing political push to ban or restrict furbearer hunting, trapping, and wildlife utilization under the guise of “science” and “compassion.”
From bobcats and beavers to coyotes and ringtails, activist organizations are using misleading narratives, public pressure, and regulatory creep to undermine science-based wildlife management in Colorado and beyond.
We break down:
Why predators do not self-regulate near human populations
How fur bans quickly turn into total harvest bans
What the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission is facing right now
Why regulated trapping and hunting actually reduce conflict
How conservation funding depends on hunters and trappers
If hunting, trapping, conservation funding, or the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation matters to you, this episode explains what’s really at stake — and why staying silent is not an option.
👇 Join the movement defending science-based wildlife management
SaveTheHuntColorado.com

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Ep. 52 - Fred Eichler/Ralph Cianciarulo Aug 22, 2025

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After a short update about wolf legislation, beaver and fur bearer working groups and the continued undermining efforts of the anti-hunters we jump back to the 2025 Outdoorsman Days event where Dan had the opportunity to sit downed with Fred Eichler and Ralph Cianciarulo.
Fred Eichler highlights the importance of passing down traditions, building community, and ensuring that wildlife management stays rooted in science—not politics. @fredeichler
Ralph joins the conversation with passion and urgency, stressing the rural–urban divide in understanding hunting and trapping. He explains how ballot-box biology and emotional activism threaten Colorado’s future, and why events like Outdoorsman Days give sportsmen and women a platform to educate, connect, and push back against misinformation. @The_Choice_TV
👉 Subscribe to Through the Gates for more unfiltered conversations about conservation, politics, and protecting the future of our outdoor heritage.
Watch More Episodes of Through the Gates here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUcMnqu5zxI&list=PLVjalEoOauqM3xLSHrq3FO680x-XriQcD
🔗 Brought to you by Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management
🎯 Learn more: https://savethehuntcolorado.com

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Ep. 46 - Through the Gates - Defending the North American Model Jul 25, 2025

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In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates is joined by two veterans of wildlife policy in Colorado—former CPW Commission Chair John Howard and longtime wildlife professional Dean Riggs—for a deep dive into the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

They share decades of field and policy experience to help listeners understand what’s at stake: how ballot initiatives, shifting politics, and public misinformation are threatening science-based wildlife management. If you care about conservation, hunting, public lands, or just want to understand the system behind wildlife decisions in the West—this conversation is for you.

📢 Learn why Colorado’s wildlife is more than just ballot box fodder—it's a legacy of science, sacrifice, and stewardship.

🔔 Subscribe for more on conservation, wildlife policy, and how you can make a difference.

🔗 Download the educational video series: https://f.io/kBZpUsX2
🌐 Visit https://savethehuntcolorado.com to get involved.

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Ep. 44 - Save the Hunt - Ram Rendezvous Jul 16, 2025

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Dan heads to Bozeman, MT for the Ram Rendezvous with Wild Sheep Foundation and Schnee's Boots. He talks conservation, ballot box biology, and what’s coming next for wildlife management.
#RamRendezvous #WildSheepFoundation #Conservation #BallotBoxBiology #DanGates #SavetheHunt #HuntingPolicy #BozemanMT #WildlifeManagement #WesternHunting #PublicLands #SchneesBoots

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Ep. 38 - Save the Hunt - Hijacking Conservation: What Initiative 98 Really Means Jun 18, 2025

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In this urgent episode of Through the Gates, we break down the truth behind Initiative 98—a new ballot proposal that could dismantle Colorado Parks & Wildlife, strip science-based wildlife management from professionals, and hand authority to unelected special-interest commissions. From the false promises of conservation to the erosion of private property rights, Dan Gates dives deep into how this initiative threatens hunting, agriculture, and land use in Colorado.
🎯 Key Topics:
-What Initiative 98 really proposes
-Why hunters, ranchers, and conservationists should be alarmed
-The truth about the “Wildlife Corridors Act”
-How Initiative 98 would override CPW and the North American Model
-Action steps to protect Colorado’s wildlife future
🔥 If you care about hunting rights, public land access, wildlife conservation, or private property freedoms—this is a must-listen.
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Ep. 28 - Save the Hunt - Viking Armament May 07, 2025

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Returning to you from the Mile High Hunt and Fish Expo, Dan Gates is joined by Grant Gillespie of Viking Armament. The two dive into custom firearms, popular ballistics, the ethics of long range hunting (spoilers, it takes practice) and their involvement with the efforts to Save the Hunt in Colorado.
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Ep. 27 - Through the Gates - Hunt, Lift, Eat. May 02, 2025

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Dan is joined at the Mile High Hunt and Fish Expo by Luke Cox, co-founder of Hunt Lift Eat. These to rockstars share a conversation about health and fitness, the conservation landscape and the hunting community; how we can organize, message, educate and ultimately Save the Hunt.
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Ep. 16 - Through the Gates - Fighting for the Western Lifestyle Mar 19, 2025

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Whether it's hunting, rodeo, ranching, cowboy hats - you name it - the western way of life is constantly under attack. Christine Koeppen joins the show after playing a vital role in defeating ballot measures, legislation and commission policies that would impact everything she and her family lives for. Working with Dan Gates and CRWM Christine became a role model for women who hunt, rodeo and ranch - showing that she does have a voice in this fight and her lifestyle is worth fighting for.
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