York, S.C. – December 18, 2025 – The Connecting with Conservation (CWC) Podcast is proud to welcome a lineup of several guests with deep expertise in legal, regulated trapping. These guests include Jake DeBow of New England Naturals, Jason Wisniewski of Fur Takers of America, Tom Decker of the Office of Conservation Investment and Jason Lupardus of Turkeys for Tomorrow.
With the 126th Christmas Bird Count underway, thousands of birders from across the country are looking to the skies to count and report on all types of birds. Hundreds of species will be seen, and millions of sitings will be reported. With many bird populations facing steep declines, wildlife agencies are using all the tools available to them to reverse this trend. An often-overlooked wildlife management tool that is extremely important to bird populations is trapping.
“The significance of trappers and trapping is often overlooked in today’s society,” said CWC Producer and Co-Host Jon Gassett. “The benefits of trapping are many, and we appreciate our recent guests coming on to inform viewers of how trapping plays a significant role in managing for healthy wildlife populations.”
DeBow discusses the benefits of fur-based products and beaver as a food staple at his dinner table in Season 2, Episode 49.
Wisniewski covers different types of trapping and the benefits to overall wildlife populations from managing predators and bird nest raiders in Season 2, Episode 13.
Decker covers science-based best management practices for trapping in Season 2, Episode 37, with the trapping discussion starting at the 21:50 mark.
Lupardus notes the impact predation has on turkey populations and how trapping balances populations on Season 2, Episode 46, with the trapping discussion starting at the 23:55 mark.
The Connecting with Conservation Podcast was created to allow a broad mix of guests from wildlife agencies, industry manufacturers and non-government organizations to share their stories about how their organizations support outdoor recreation and conservation. The conversational format, informative guests and compact episodes make it a great addition to any podcast rotation.
Be sure to subscribe to The Connecting with Conservation Podcast’s YouTube and PodBean channels to be alerted to new episodes that drop weekly.
To become a guest on an upcoming episode of The Connecting with Conservation Podcast, reach out to Dr. Jon Gassett or Jim Curcuruto.
Media Contact
Tim Brandt
The Murray Road Agency
tim.brandt@murrayroadagency.com
About OSCF
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with all facets of the outdoor industry to improve cultural acceptance of gun ownership, hunting, fishing, trapping and target shooting. We use research-based communications and engagement programs that help recruit the next generation of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) and promote the positive contributions HATS make to society. To learn more about OSCF programs; “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag,” “Come With!,” “Connecting with Conservation,” “Donate A Deer” and the “Outdoor Industry Communication Council,” please visit www.OutdoorStewards.org, follow @OutdoorStewards on Instagram or contact Jim Curcuruto at (203) 450-7202, jim@stewardsofconservation.org. Keep up with the latest from OSCF on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
About Wildlife Management Institute (WMI):
WMI was founded in 1911 by conservation- and business-minded people alarmed by declining wildlife populations. Recognizing the need for dedicated professionals, the founders established a small, independent organization focused on wildlife restoration and habitat conservation. As a private, non-profit (501[c]3) organization, WMI operates from field offices, employing highly skilled wildlife scientists to address critical conservation issues. WMI plays a crucial role in advancing wildlife management through a diverse array of activities. Learn more at https://wildlifemanagement.institute/
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