- How did you first hear about the CWC?
I first heard about the CWC by being served one of its ads on Instagram! It definitely was a scroll stopper and I clicked through. I was very intrigued by the content the CWC was putting out and wanted to learn more! As soon as I poked around for a little bit, I immediately knew I wanted to be involved in the work the CWC was doing.
- What is your role on the CWC?
I serve as the media and marketing representative on the council. My role is to help oversee the creative executions of all content put out by the CWC.
- Tell us about your background when it comes to conservation.
I grew up in a hunting home, but it’s something I took for granted. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I started to gain more of an interest in hunting, so I guess you could call me an adult-onset hunter. As soon as I got out once, I was completely hooked. I could tell that something deep inside me was resonating with this process of going out to wild places and harvesting food for my family. I spent those first few years just absorbing as much hunting content as I could, and soon came across The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. I was enamored by the work of Valerius Geist, Shane Mahoney, and so many other notable conservationists. Since then, I have constantly strived to always be a student of wildlife conservation and be as involved as I possibly can.
- Why are you so involved with conservation?
I quickly realized that this feeling of deep connection to the land and to wildlife was something my kids might not be able to experience some day. And that terrified me. I needed to get involved in conservation efforts to do even a tiny part to help preserve wild places and wildlife for generations to come.
- What is your favorite wildlife species and why?
Without a doubt: elk. I am so enamored that these large, magnificent animals can survive in often harsh environments. The pursuit of elk is unmatched to any effort I’ve had in the mountains and those efforts have had a profound impact on me. Also, once you’ve heard a bugle rip through woods at a very close range, you can’t un-feel that feeling.
- What is your favorite thing about living in Colorado?
Way too many things to list! But if I had to pick one, it’s that it allows me to raise a family in a place where we have so much access to wild places right in our backyard. My 8-year-old daughter just climbed her first 14er this last weekend (Grays)! That is just one small example of why we love living here.
- What do you wish Coloradoans knew about the council or wildlife?
Well, it truly aligns with the mission of the council. I wish that more Colorado residents understood more clearly the benefits of wildlife, wildlife management, and wildlife-related recreational opportunities in Colorado, specifically hunting and fishing. The more people we can educate, the more we can ensure a bright future for Colorado’s wildlife.
- What types of outdoor recreation do you partake in?
My family spends a large majority of the summer weekends camping! We enjoy fishing, hiking and stargazing by the fire after the sun goes down. (S’mores and all)
- What is your most memorable story about wildlife or being out in the wild?
It’s probably a tie between my first elk hunt and my first fishing trip with my kids. Both had profound impacts on me. The image of my kids’ eyes lighting up at the sight of a brook trout hitting their line will always stay with me.
