In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Kira Cates to talk about one of the most overlooked issues in conservation today, the decline of reptiles and amphibians.From habitat loss to public perception, this conversation breaks down why herpetofauna are struggling and why they matter more than most people realize. Kira shares insight from field work and research, explaining how these species fit into larger ecosystems and what happens when they start to disappear.We also get into misconceptions around reptiles, the role of land management, and how hunters, anglers, and everyday outdoorsmen can play a role in conservation.If you care about wildlife, biodiversity, and protecting public lands, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.Subscribe for more conversations on hunting, fishing, conservation, and the people working to protect wild places.Join Kira in Thailand here: https://www.worldpackers.com/epic/experiences/volunteer-with-kindred-spirit-elephants/slots/jd720260524KIRAC?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnIA0_DexaU9LuTdwhjTY3UNM1We3iR8ROmrvXVpdSThfTGY-t_mHzp1gVYi4_aem_XrL4vtNDf2uvYky8IRj_wgKira's YouTube: @kiracates Kira's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kira_fauna/#WildLifeOutdoors #Conservation #Herpetology #Snakes #Amphibians #EndangeredAnimals #EndangeredSpecies

Chronic Wasting Disease is one of the most controversial and misunderstood issues in modern deer management. In Part 2 of our conversation, Tim Horton returns to break down the science, the myths, and the real challenges surrounding CWD in wild deer populations.In this episode we dive deeper into the biology of the disease, how it spreads through the landscape, and what current research is telling us about genetics and resistance within whitetail populations. Tim also explains the role that deer breeding operations and management strategies may play in the future of combating the disease.We also discuss how CWD is impacting hunters, land managers, and wildlife agencies across the country. From testing programs and surveillance to long term conservation implications, this conversation explores what the future of deer hunting could look like if the disease continues to spread.Whether you are a deer hunter, conservationist, or simply interested in wildlife management, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful look at one of the most important issues facing North American wildlife today.Wild Life Outdoors is a podcast about hunting, fishing, public lands, conservation, and the people who dedicate their lives to understanding and protecting the wild places we all care about.Subscribe for more conversations with scientists, guides, conservationists, and outdoorsmen who live close to the land.Timmy Horton Outdoors: https://www.facebook.com/TimmyHortonBass/02:15 How CWD actually spreads across landscapes06:30 The role of genetics in disease resistance11:20 What current CWD research is revealing16:45 The impact of CWD on wild deer populations22:10 How states are responding to the disease27:30 The role of deer breeding operations33:40 Management strategies moving forward39:15 What hunters should understand about CWD45:00 The future of whitetail deer and conservation#WildLifeOutdoors #Conservation #Wildlife #TimHorton #TimmyHortonOutdoors #DeerHunting #CWD #Conspiracy

Chronic Wasting Disease is one of the most controversial topics in modern deer management. In this episode, Russell sits down with deer breeder and CWD researcher Tim Horton to unpack the science, the politics, and the real world implications surrounding CWD.What causes CWD to spread?Are current management strategies actually working?And could genetic resistance be the key to protecting wild deer herds?This conversation dives deep into the role of selective genetics, captive deer breeding, and how science is shaping the future of whitetail management. Russell and Tim discuss how resistant genotypes may influence herd survival, the differences between wild and captive testing, and why the conversation around CWD has become so heated among hunters, biologists, and policymakers.The discussion went longer than expected, so this episode has been split into two parts. Part 2 releases next week.If you care about the future of whitetail deer, hunting, and science based wildlife management, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.Subscribe for more conversations with hunters, scientists, conservationists, and outdoor leaders.Timmy Horton: https://www.facebook.com/TimmyHortonBass/0:00 Intro0:16 Welcome to the show8:58 CWD explained in simple terms16:41 Genetic resistance in whitetail deer20:27 Research and studies on CWD in Arkansas23:14 Deer populations and management challenges25:43 Scientific disagreements and study limitations31:50 Tim Horton background in captive deer breeding34:22 Testing and monitoring deer health36:06 Captive deer vs wild deer genetics38:11 Risk discussion and public perception of CWD41:43 State responses to CWD outbreaks42:01 Real world example from South Dakota elk wintering grounds#CWD #Hunting #Conservation #DeerHunting