JRE #914 – Ryan Callaghan & Kenton Carruth

2/8/2017

Joe Rogan Podcast #914 – Ryan Callaghan & Kenton Carruth

This podcast focuses on the outdoors, specifically hunting and conservation. The episode features Ryan Callaghan, Director of Conservation and Public Relations at FirstLite, and Kenton Carruth, the co-founder of FirstLite. The conversation centers around the benefits of Merino wool, public land conservation, and the challenges facing wildlife management, particularly in the context of wolf reintroduction and predator control.

Underlying themes throughout the podcast include the importance of protecting public lands and the complexities of balancing human activities with wildlife conservation. It also delves into the unique experiences and challenges associated with hunting and the ethical considerations surrounding the practice.

Major Topics:

Here are 15 major topics discussed in the podcast:

1. **Merino Wool and its properties:**
   • Naturally moves sweat away from the skin.
   • Retains 80% of its heat even when wet.
   • Provides excellent temperature regulation for outdoor activities.
   • Synthetic materials are attempting to mimic Merino wool’s properties.
2. **Public Land Conservation:**
   • Importance of protecting federally owned lands for public access and recreation.
   • Discussion of HR 621 and HR 622, bills that aimed to sell off public land and reduce federal law enforcement presence.
   • The role of social media in rallying public support for public land conservation.
   • The unique and vast public land system in the United States, particularly in the western states.
3. **Bureau of Land Management (BLM):**
   • Focuses on revenue generation through grazing leases, oil and gas extraction, and other activities.
   • The contentious history of grazing leases and the impact on wildlife.
   • The role of BLM in managing vast areas of public land, often in areas that failed to be colonized.
   • The balance between grazing, resource extraction, and wildlife conservation on BLM lands.
4. **American Prairie Reserve (APR):**
   • A private nonprofit organization purchasing private land in the Midwest to create a large-scale public reserve.
   • Aims to reintroduce bison and other species to recreate a historic prairie ecosystem.
   • Plans to open up block management, allowing hunting on the reserve once established.
   • Controversial aspects include the potential reintroduction of predators like wolves and grizzly bears.
5. **Wolf Reintroduction and Management:**
   • The controversial reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park in the 1990s.
   • The impact of wolves on elk populations and the ongoing debate about their role in the ecosystem.
   • The hunting of wolves in Idaho and the role of population management.
   • The unique characteristics and challenges of managing wolves, including their intelligence and social behavior.
6. **Hunting as a Skill and Conservation Tool:**
   • The importance of ethical hunting and the responsibility involved in making a clean kill.
   • The challenges of hunting with a bow and arrow, emphasizing the level of skill and concentration required.
   • The role of hunting in managing wildlife populations and the importance of understanding predator-prey dynamics.
   • The potential impact of hunting on the overall health and diversity of the ecosystem.
7. **Predator Control and Wildlife Management:**
   • The use of helicopter gunning to control wolf and coyote populations in certain areas.
   • The ethical considerations surrounding predator control and the debate about its necessity.
   • The impact of predator control on the ecosystem and the potential for unintended consequences.
   • The role of science and data in making informed decisions about wildlife management.
8. **Hunting in New Zealand:**
   • The unique hunting opportunities in New Zealand due to the introduction of non-native species.
   • The challenges of managing overpopulated deer and other animals in the absence of native predators.
   • The use of helicopters and other methods to control populations and maintain the hunting experience.
   • The ethical considerations surrounding hunting non-native species and the impact on the ecosystem.
9. **The Importance of Physical Fitness in Hunting:**
   • The physical demands of hunting, particularly in rugged terrain.
   • The importance of physical preparation for a successful hunt.
   • The relationship between physical fitness and mental focus in hunting.
   • The potential dangers of hunting and the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
10. **The Mental Game of Hunting:**
    • The role of anxiety and pressure in hunting, particularly when faced with a trophy animal.
    • The importance of developing a mental strategy and process to stay calm under pressure.
    • The connection between physical and mental preparedness in hunting.
    • The unique challenges and rewards of hunting with a traditional bow and arrow.
11. **The Importance of Experience in Hunting:**
    • The value of mentorship and learning from experienced hunters.
    • The importance of testing equipment and techniques in real-world conditions.
    • The role of trial and error in refining hunting skills.
    • The importance of understanding and respecting the animal being hunted.
12. **Hunting as a Psychedelic Experience:**
    • The intense and often surreal nature of encounters with wild animals.
    • The potential for hunting to evoke a sense of awe and wonder.
    • The connection between hunting and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
    • The transformative nature of hunting experiences and their lasting impact on individuals.
13. **The Importance of Conservation Funding:**
    • The significant financial contribution of hunting and fishing to wildlife conservation.
    • The role of hunting license fees and other revenue streams in funding wildlife management programs.
    • The importance of supporting organizations like Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA) that advocate for public land conservation.
    • The potential for hunting and fishing to play a larger role in funding conservation efforts in the future.
14. **The Unique Experience of Public Land Hunting:**
    • The freedom and autonomy of planning and executing a hunt on public land.
    • The challenges and rewards of navigating rugged terrain and unpredictable conditions.
    • The sense of adventure and self-reliance associated with public land hunting.
    • The importance of respecting public land and following ethical hunting practices.
15. **The Ethical Considerations of Hunting:**
    • The debate surrounding the ethical implications of hunting, particularly in the context of animal welfare.
    • The importance of understanding the role of hunting in wildlife management and the ecosystem.
    • The need for responsible hunting practices that minimize suffering and promote conservation.
    • The potential for hunting to foster a connection between humans and the natural world.
16. **The Importance of New Experiences:**
    • The value of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and seeking new experiences.
    • The potential for new experiences to broaden one’s perspectives and enhance one’s life.
    • The importance of embracing novelty and challenging the status quo.
    • The benefits of connecting with nature and appreciating its beauty and complexity.

Memorable Quotes:

Here are 5 memorable quotes from the podcast:

1. “If you can possibly kind of, you know, shrink your stink footprint just by a little bit, it can be the difference between succeeding that season or not.” – Ryan Callaghan on the importance of minimizing odor while hunting.
2. “Public land owner. That’s a such an important point for people because they I didn’t know it, at all until I went with you guys.” – Joe Rogan on the importance of understanding the public land system and its significance.
3. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone.” – A recurring theme throughout the podcast, emphasizing the importance of protecting public lands for future generations.
4. “It’s not like this furry kinda thing. They’re they’re pissed.” – Joe Rogan on the reality of wolves as ruthless predators, contrasting with the romanticized image often portrayed in popular culture.
5. “It’s the most difficult way to get your food than shooting an animal with a bow and arrow. It doesn’t exist unless you wanna fucking use a spear.” – Ryan Callaghan emphasizing the challenge and skill involved in bowhunting.