Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast

Echoes of the Tracks: Breanna Ball & the Wyldlife Fund

Joey, Janet and Chris sit down with Breanna Ball with The Wyldlife Fund—a nonprofit partner created in 2019 to help fill funding gaps for Wyoming Game and Fish priorities, with 90% of funds going to on-the-ground work. Breanna shares how the fund has grown from about $500,000 raised in 2020 to over $4.4 million last year, and how that support turns into fast, measurable conservation wins. They talk wildlife crossing projects, including how roughly $1 million in support helped strengthen a federal grant application. Breanna also explains the Red Desert Fence Initiative, prompted after severe 2022–23 pronghorn losses that were made worse by fences and highways. She walks through how research and prioritization tools guide where fence conversions happen, what it can cost, how quickly projects can move, and what "opened habitat" really means. The episode also covers pooled migration fund projects, how private foundations and matching federal dollars multiply impact, ways listeners can donate, and upcoming Mule Deer Days [https://www.muledeerdays.org/] events and seminars featuring the Unwired documentary. Don't miss Mule Deer Days 2026 — March 13–15, 2026. Mark your calendar and come be part of the biggest weekend for mule deer, conservation, and the hunting community.

Putting the 'U' in Hunt: Evan Cooper's First Bull Elk Story

Evan was selected to participate in Wyoming's "Un Hunt" program, creating an opportunity that brought the Coopers to the West for a hunt they'll never forget. Evan describes the experience in a way that makes you feel like you're right there with him. The heart of the episode is the story of when Evan harvested his first bull elk. It's not told as a highlight reel. It's told honestly: the anticipation, the effort, the nerves, the reality of it all—and the pride that comes after. For Evan, this wasn't "just" a successful hunt. It was proof of strength. Proof of progress. Proof that his body and spirit could carry him into something big again. For Erin, it's impossible not to hear the emotion underneath every word: the gratitude, the relief, the pride, and the awe of seeing her son experience joy after everything they've been through. This episode also highlights the mission behind the " Putting the U in Hunt" program and the people who make experiences like this possible. The conversation underscores the shared commitment of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Muley Fanatic Foundation to create impactful, meaningful opportunities for youth facing life-threatening illnesses—opportunities that are more than a getaway. If you need a story that restores your faith in people—and reminds you why the outdoors can mean so much—this episode is it.

The Heart and Hope Behind MFF's "Putting the U in Hunt" Program

This truly touching episode of Wild Things & Wild Places brings listeners into the heart of the Muley Fanatic Foundation's Putting the U in Hunt program — a life-changing experience for youth facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Hosts Joey Faigl and Janet Crofts sit down with longtime volunteers John Grossnickle and Jason Faigl, who share deeply personal stories from their years helping with these special hunts. From emotional first encounters to unforgettable moments in the field, this conversation highlights the compassion, teamwork, and purpose that drive everyone involved. You'll hear how the program brings families together, creates lasting friendships, and shows what can happen when people unite for something bigger than themselves. It's a reminder that sometimes, a single hunt can change many lives. Learn more about the Muley Fanatic Foundation and the Putting the U in Hunt program at www.muleyfanatic.org. [https://www.muleyfanatic.org/]

What Is a Conservation Easement? Kerry Schultz with the Green River Valley Jackson Hole Land Trust Explains

In this episode of the Wild Things & Wild Places podcast, hosts Joy Faigl, Janet Crofts, and Chris Steffen sit down with Kerry Schultz, Program Director of the Green River Valley Jackson Hole Land Trust. Kerry breaks down the concept of conservation easements, which are legal agreements between private landowners and a qualified entity such as a land trust to permanently protect the land from development. She explains how these agreements play a vital role in conservation, particularly on private lands that are essential for wildlife habitats and migration corridors. The conversation dives into examples of easements in Wyoming, the process and challenges of putting them in place, and the financial side of things, including funding sources and potential tax benefits for landowners. Kerry and the hosts also highlight how conservation easements not only safeguard landscapes but also provide lasting benefits to ecosystems and communities alike. You won't believe how much time will pass just listening to this conversation on conservation easements — it's that engaging! The episode wraps up with some personal hunting plans and a look ahead at upcoming Muley Fanatic Foundation events, tying together the importance of conservation with the culture and lifestyle of those who cherish the outdoors.

Summer Projects 2025 Has MFF Working Hard for Mule Deer

In this episode of Wild Things and Wild Places, Janet, Chris, and Joey from the Muley Fanatic Foundation recap their busy and impactful summer of 2025. The team took part in fawn captures in the Wyoming Range to support ongoing mule deer monitoring efforts, gathering critical data on population health. They also tackled invasive species and habitat restoration through Cheatgrass spraying near Rock Springs and Juniper removal south of town—both essential to preserving quality mule deer habitat. Additional efforts included sagebrush mowing in Kemmer, Wyoming, where the goal was to improve forage conditions by promoting the growth of new, nutritious plants. The group also previewed the upcoming Porcupine Creek project, which will reduce conifer encroachment in Aspen stands through prescribed burns. Janet shared updates on a vegetation study with the Monteith Shop, focusing on mule deer browsing habits in the Big Piney area by analyzing vegetation and fecal samples. The episode wraps up with a look ahead at future restoration work and newly allocated funding...reinforcing the Muley Fanatic Foundation's dedication to conservation and habitat health across Wyoming.