First and Foremost Mike Sells is a trapper and we're lucky to be able to share his life story from running away from home, learning how to trap, becoming an influence in the industry all while balancing his job as a game warden. His story spans decades of dedication to wildlife management, trapping traditions, and defending the North American Model against extremist agendas.

Hear firsthand stories from the field—finding the passion, managing wildlife populations with science, developing calls and tactics, and witnessing the changing landscape of conservation policy. From working boots-on-the-ground to facing political battles against anti-hunting organizations, this conversation sheds light on the reality of managing wildlife.

Whether you’re a hunter, angler, trapper, or conservation-minded citizen, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Caitlyn Taussig to dig deep into the crossroads of agriculture, wildlife management and ever growing Urban/Rural Divide. Dan and Caitlyn discuss how it’s impacting rural communities, ranching families, and the future of wildlife management. We explore the growing urban–rural divide, misunderstandings between Front Range residents and Western Slope producers, and why knowing where your food comes from is more important than ever.

From real on-the-ground experiences with predators to thoughtful conversations about community, policy, and conservation, this episode bridges the gap between two worlds. Whether you're a rancher, a hunter, or someone who simply cares about responsible wildlife management and local food systems, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

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While you're out in the woods pursuing your passion, remember that Dan Gates and the Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management continue to fight for your ability to do so. Fresh off another Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting Dan recaps much of what took place including the rhetoric of anti-hunters that is being fed through talking points rather than actual knowledge or experience. Political talking points around “ecosystems,” “biodiversity,” and “cruel harvest” are being leveraged to undermine science-based wildlife management without any alternative other than to Just Ban It. From wolves and fur-bearers to new management plans, we break down what happened, why it matters, and what’s coming at the November meeting in Sterling.

We also touch on mountain lion season, fur-bearer studies, beaver management controversies, and why staying informed is critical as activist groups try to influence policy behind the scenes.

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In this update episode of Through the Gates, we kick things off by announcing the Women of Conservation Calendar — celebrating the women who helped defeat Proposition 127 and continue to defend Colorado’s wildlife heritage.

Then we dive into critical updates ahead of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting on October 9th, covering agenda items like bison management, wolf depredation compensation, trapping regulations, and the growing pressure from anti-hunting groups to bypass science-based processes.

We break down why these upcoming months are pivotal for sportsmen, conservationists, and anyone who values the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

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In this episode of Through the Gates, we sit down with Jessica Whitaker, a young female hunter who proves that you don’t have to be “born into it” to make an impact. From her first hunts to becoming an outspoken advocate at rallies, banquets, and wildlife commission meetings, Jessica’s journey shows how new hunters—especially women—are reshaping the future of conservation.

Jessica shares candidly about the hurdles she faced starting out, the misconceptions fueled by social media, and why it’s critical for more women and young people to step into the outdoors. Her story is about self-sufficiency, community, and protecting the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation against ballot-box biology and animal rights extremism.

If you’re curious about hunting, conservation, or simply overcoming barriers to entry, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step.

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In this hard-hitting episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates breaks down his ongoing efforts to continue to Save the Hunt. The relentless political battles shaping Colorado’s future, from ballot-box biology to rewilding agendas, Gates exposes the intent of animal rights extremists and their full fledged assualt on wildilfe management at the legislature, CPW Commission and appointments are setting the stage for the Polis administration to dismantle, not only our way of life, but responsible wildlife management.

We dive into the ongoing tug-of-war over wildlife management, the clash between urban activists and rural voices, and the stakes for hunters, anglers, and every Coloradan who values responsible conservation. Along the way, Gates explains where he has been fighting to preserve the North American Model - Commission meetings, multiple working groups, the legislature and of course more ballot box biology.

If you care about the future of science-based wildlife management, the survival of Colorado’s outdoor heritage, and the fight against powerful interest groups pushing censorship and control, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

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In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates introduces CRWM contributor Adam Welborn to relive an unforgettable sheep and caribou hunt in the Northwest Territories—a true dream hunt made possible by years of planning, research, and sacrifice.

But this episode is more than just hunting stories. Adam sits down with Outfitter Clay Lancaster to discuss conservation, wildlife management, and the global fight against animal rights extremism. From Canada’s battles over predator management and gun restrictions to Colorado’s fight against ballot-box biology, this conversation highlights the urgent need to defend science-based wildlife management worldwide.

Featuring stories from the field, reflections on the North American Model of Conservation, and insight from outfitter Clay Lancaster, this is a must-listen for hunters, conservationists, and anyone who cares about the future of wildlife.

#DreamHunt #WildlifeManagement #ThroughTheGatesPodcast #Conservation #SaveTheHunt

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In this episode of Through the Gates, host Dan Gates sits down with Loren Shragg of Good Bull Outdoors/Good Bull Guided to dig into wildlife photography, education about wildlife management and internet censorship. From behind-the-scenes stories of photographing elk, moose, and deer in Rocky Mountain National Park to the political chaos of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction, this episode pulls no punches.

Loren exposes the hidden side of the fight: how animal rights groups use propaganda, how ballot initiatives threaten the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and how the biggest internet platforms are censoring hunting-related content to silence sportsmen and limit conservation voices online.

We also dive into:
- The challenges of guiding and photographing wildlife.
- Why social media algorithms amplify activism but suppress hunting.
- The clash between animal welfare vs. animal rights.
- How hunters and conservationists can organize a “standing army” to push back.

This isn’t just about hunting—it’s about the future of Colorado’s wildlife, rural communities, and outdoor heritage.

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