Conservation Cooperative

Conservation Cooperative: Episode 12 - Wild Turkey Research in Rhode Island

Dive into this episode of Conservation Cooperative for a look at the kind of partnerships that make a difference. We go inside a unique, ongoing study of Rhode Island's wild turkey population, a project that only works because of the collaboration between the state agency (RI Fish & Wildlife), academic faculty and grad students (URI), and conservation partners like BHA. It's a story of practical research that's ready to be put to use, directly benefiting the wildlife and wild places we all care about. Guests Include Lizzi Bonczek, PhD. Wildlife Biologist. Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife Dylan Bakner, PhD. Postdoctoral Researcher. University of Rhode Island Show Related Links URI Land and Sea Bird Migration Research Group [https://mcwilliamslab.com/] Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife [https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife] Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/] Follow us on social media! New England Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/] New York Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/] HQ [https://www.instagram.com/backcountryhunters/] Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/]

Conservation Cooperative: Episode 11 - Venison Donation Programs: Fighting Hunger & Managing Deer

Hunting has always been about more than the taking of an animal, it's about community, stewardship, and sharing the bounty. In this episode of Conservation Cooperative, we explore how modern hunters are expanding that age-old tradition through venison donation programs, turning successful hunts into powerful tools for wildlife management and community support. We'll learn about two initiatives: Venison for Vermonters, started by two game wardens who saw a need in their own communities, and Massachusetts' Hunters Share the Harvest, a state-run program that's reducing deer overpopulation while feeding families in need. You'll hear firsthand from the wardens, biologists, and food pantry organizers on the front lines, and discover how donated venison is becoming a sought-after resource in food-insecure households. From the backroads of Vermont to the islands of Massachusetts, this episode reveals how hunters are not just managing landscapes, they're changing hearts, filling plates, and strengthening the bond between wild harvests and human need. Guests Include Warden Abigail Serra. Warden Service Division, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Sgt. Jeffrey Whipple. Warden Service Division, Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Catherine Appling-Pooler. Director of Policy, National Deer Association Alicia Blais. Programs Director & Founder, Daniel's Table Martin Feehan, PhD. Deer & Moose Project Leader. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Show Related Links Venison for Vermonters - Vermont [https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/donate/venison-for-vermonters] Hunters For the Hungry - Massachusetts [https://www.mass.gov/info-details/masswildlifes-hunters-share-the-harvest-program] National Deer Association Venison Donation Map [https://deerassociation.com/deer-processors/] Daniel's Table [https://www.danielstable.org/] Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/] Follow us on social media! New England Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/] New York Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/] HQ [https://www.instagram.com/backcountryhunters/] Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/]

Conservation Cooperative: Episode 10, Moose on the Edge & Shaping the Future of New Hampshire Conservation

Join us as we explore the history of moose in New Hampshire, the science behind their management, and the role of community-driven conservation. We'll hear from Henry Jones, the Moose Project Leader for NH Fish & Game, and learn how the University of New Hampshire's Wildlife Modeling & Management Lab is using trail cameras, drones, and other innovative tools to gather critical data on moose populations and a whole lot more across the state. We'll also meet volunteers from the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) New England Chapter, who are lending their time and expertise to help with data collection in the White Mountains. Their passion for wildlife and wild places is a reminder that conservation is a team effort, and that the future of moose and the Northeast's wild heritage depends on all of us. Guests Include Henry Jones. New Hampshire Fish & Game, Moose Project Leader. Mairi Poisson. UNH Wildlife Modeling & Management Lab. Brian Bird. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Chapter Coordinator. Jeff Swayze. Backcountry Hunters & Angler, Chapter Leader. AJ Hunter. Owner, HuntLyte. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Member. Show Related Links New Hampshire Fish & Game [https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/] UNH Wildlife Modeling & Management Lab [https://sites.usnh.edu/moll-lab/] Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/] Follow us on social media! New England Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/] New York Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/] HQ [https://www.instagram.com/backcountryhunters/] Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/]

Conservation Cooperative: Episode 9 One Year Recap & Updates

We've got a special episode for you today. Believe it or not, we've been doing Conservation Cooperative for a year now! So, it's a great time to look back at some stories, do some updates, and hear some audio from some of our guests this year. Guests Include Krysten Schuler, PhD. Department of Public & Ecosystem Health. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ben Gahagan, PhD. Recreational Fisheries Program Leader. Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Meredith Naughton. Recreation & Wildlife Researcher Benjamin Letcher, Ph.D. Ecologist. Show Related Links Cornell Wildlife Health Lab [https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/] Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/] Follow us on social media! New England Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/] New York Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/] HQ [https://www.instagram.com/backcountryhunters/] Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/]

Conservation Cooperative: Episode 8, Part II CWD Preparedness in the Northeast

This is Part II of or our two part look at Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) preparedness and prevention in the Northeast. In this episode we will hear from the leading experts on how a number of different states, New York, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine, and Massachusetts, to be precise, are positioning the state wildlife agencies to be prepared for Chronic Wasting Disease. Guests Include Krysten Schuler, PhD. Department of Public & Ecosystem Health. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Martin Feehan, PhD. Deer & Moose Project Leader. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Dylan Ferreira. Principal Wildlife Biologist, Deer & NE Cottontail Rabbits. Rhode Island Fish & Wildlife Nathan Bieber. Wildlife Biologist, White-tailed Deer. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Nick Fortin. Wildlife Biologist - Deer & Moose Project Leader. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Show Related Links Cornell Wildlife Health Lab [https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/] Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/] Follow us on social media! New England Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newenglandbha/] New York Chapter [https://www.instagram.com/newyorkbha/] HQ [https://www.instagram.com/backcountryhunters/] Check out the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Website [https://www.backcountryhunters.org/]