In this episode of Podbean All Things Wolf and Wild Carnivore Connection, we sit down with Erik Nylund, former natural resource advisor to U.S. Senator Jon Tester during the time wolves in the Northern Rockies were removed from the Endangered Species Act. Erik takes us behind the curtain and explains what was happening inside Washington when that decision was made. He shares what factors were being considered, the political pressures surrounding the issue, and why the final decision to delist wolves unfolded the way it did. It’s an honest look at a pivotal moment in modern wolf policy that still shapes wolf management in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming today.

Just as important, Erik offers practical insight for those of us working to protect wolves and other wildlife today. He talks about what actually moves the needle in politics, how advocates can be more effective when dealing with lawmakers and agencies, and why staying engaged and informed matters. If you care about wolves and want to understand how policy decisions really get made—and how we can influence them moving forward—this is a conversation you will want to hear.

Join three friends in a random discussion about Montana's native carnivores, non hunting community and wildlife management. Dave Stallings and Greg Price are both fair-chase, ethical hunters who eat what they kill. Dave focuses on wildlife reform through his Substack, “From The Wild Side,” and works to include non-hunters in wildlife decisions. Greg only hunts deer and elk and serves on Montana FWP’s Region 2 Citizen Advisory Council. Neither hunts native carnivores. Both strongly defend wolves, grizzly bears, and other large carnivores, and regularly testify before Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Montana Legislature. From the Wild Side: https://substack.com/@davidstalling?utm_source=global-search

"all things wolf and wild" is a Wolves of the Rockies production.

“The level of mortality is historic and catastrophic. And I’m worried about next winter, because the thing is, compromise and reasonability seems to be gone.” This is a snippet of the article -- Ryan and I sit down and discuss the 8 month long investigation that led him to serious issues within the Montana governance and the killing of America's wolves just outside the borders of Yellowstone National Park -- by rangers that work for them.

ARTICLE: https://theintercept.com/2022/07/20/wolves-yellowstone-ranger-montana-greg-gianforte/