Ahi Va

If one wants to learn to play the guitar, a quick search on Google will likely reveal a variety of instructors in your state willing to provide lessons. If you have a guitar, and maybe even if you don't, the process of beginning to learn how to pick the strings is relatively easy. A quick internet search, a couple phone calls and a few dollars later, one will likely be receiving professional coaching on how to produce music on that instrument. Overcoming the barriers to entry when it comes to hunting, and especially Western hunting is far more challenging. Generally speaking, it takes many hard-earned seasons of trial and error for one to become proficient in the art and science of hunting elk. One way to reduce your learning curve and expedite your path to success in the field is to hire a professional coach. When it comes to coaching elk hunters no one is more qualified than Joe Giglia of Elk Bros. Coach Giglia has taken 37 elk in 40 years on public land. In this episode Joe sits down to talk with Jesse Deubel at the New Mexico Outdoor Adventure Hunting and Fishing Show. This conversation is packed full of useful information and will leave you dreaming of hearing bugling bulls this fall. If you want to maximize your chances of connecting with one of those bulls and invest in truly becoming a master of your craft, give Coach Giglia a call. Enjoy the Listen!

Elk Bros Website

Join Big Addison and Jesse Deubel as they discuss the history and magnificence of Columbus, NM and the vast public lands surrounding this quaint community. Today, most visitors to Columbus are there for a short stop while en route to Old Mexico. Situated just a few miles north of the port of entry to Palomas, MX visitors often stay on the US side of the border and walk over to Mexico for shopping, dining and reduced price medical care. The treasures of this region are plentiful and one of New Mexico's best kept secrets. A visit here wouldn't be complete without checking out Pancho Villa State Park. Jesse Deubel frequents the area because it offers some of the most exceptional quail hunting in the world. Complete with luxurious amenities and a welcoming attitude towards hunting dogs, the Hole in the Wall Getaway makes a perfect homebase for hunters. In addition to robust quail populations and a high concentration of javelina, the nearby Florida Mountains are home to gravity-defying persian ibex. The spectacular public lands around this region are rich with cultural sites and they deserve permanent protection. A National Monument designation would ensure that these areas remain pristine for future generations while simultaneously enhancing existing uses like hunting, hiking, regulated off-highway-vehicle adventures and cattle grazing. For more information about the benefits a national monument would provide, please visit www.protectmimbrespeaks.org . Enjoy the Listen!

For more info:
Hole in the wall getaway
Palomas
Columbus, NM
NWMF

"I'm only one person so I can't make a difference...said eight billion people." "A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit."

Both of these quotes came up during this great conversation between Jesse Deubel, Matthew Monjaras, Justin Trussell and Anthony Lucero. This dynamic group discusses a variety of topics including waterfowl hunting, water management, habitat conservation and the importance of educational outreach. All four of these friends have shared time working in the conservation space and all four have enjoyed the fruits of their labor pursuing game together in the field. This episode includes a summary of the successes had by the New Mexico Wildlife Federation and Impact Outdoors in 2023. The group also forecasts the remainder of the hunting season and brainstorms about the challenges facing the conservation community in the year ahead. Happy New year and enjoy the listen!

For more info:
NMWF website
Impact Outdoors

Description: There are numerous barriers to entry for new hunters and those returning to the activity after a long absence. Recruiting a good mentor can help shorten the learning curve. Access to knowledge provided by a mentor can provide guidance regarding when, where and how to pursue our quarry. It's also important to be equipped with the right gear when entering the field, especially in remote, backcountry hunting situations.

In this episode Jesse Deubel talks with Sam and Natasha Wallick as they unpack the process they recently followed to get ready for their very first mountain hunting experience in search of elk in Northern New Mexico. The conversation includes valuable insights regarding the differences in access and availability to gear for women versus men. While countless clothing brands make high quality outdoor clothing for men, options for attire specifically designed for hard-charging female hunters can be much more difficult to find. From clothing selections to choosing the right firearm, ammunition, backpacks and optics, this discussion covers a lot. There were a lot of firsts for Sam and Natasha on this hunt including seeing their very first elk and camping in the backcountry for the first time. It takes a bit of courage and an adventurous spirit to take the plunge and dive into the magnificent world of western big game hunting. Huge thanks to these new recruits for sharing their fresh perspectives. Enjoy the listen!

For more info:
www.proishunting.com
www.mysteryranch.com/Packs/Outdoor/Womens-Outdoor-Packs

In the last episode [episode 30] Jeremy Romero and Jesse Deubel covered the pre-hunt planning and preparation that ultimately contributed to confidence and success during the hunt. In this episode, the conversation turns to the series of events that occurred in the backcountry while pursuing the bull of a lifetime. The conversation continues on to discuss meat care, the pack-out and an array of other topics that will benefit any elk hunter. Combined, Jeremy and Jesse have roughly 50 years of experience chasing elk in the backcountry. Whether you are planning your first elk hunting trip or just fine-tuning skills you've spent decades learning, this discussion is for you. This is the exciting story about how a team of determined elk hunters worked together to convert the magnificent "Neanderbull" to a freezer full of delicious protein. Enjoy the Listen!

For more info:
NMWF

In spring of 2023 Jeremy Romero, Regional Connectivity Coordinator with the National Wildlife Federation received the news that he had drawn a coveted public land elk tag through New Mexico's big game public draw. Jeremy immediately went to work on building a plan so he could make the most of this tremendous opportunity. Hall of fame automobile racer Bobby Unser said, "Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." With immense appreciation, Jesse Deubel, NMWF's Executive Director accepted an offer by Jeremy to accompany him on this hunt.

There is A LOT to cover from how the pre-hunt planning and preparation contributed to confidence and success during the hunt. In this episode, Jeremy and Jesse discuss all of these details and continue on to discuss meat care, the pack-out and an array of other topics that will benefit any elk hunter. Combined, Jeremy and Jesse have roughly 50 years of experience chasing elk in the backcountry. Whether you are planning your first elk hunting trip or just fine-tuning skills you've spent decades learning, this discussion is for you. From meal planning to gear selection there is so much covered that this conversation is going to be Ahi Va's very first two-part episode. There is so much more that could be written about this, but stop reading and Enjoy the Listen!

https://www.firstlite.com
https://argalioutdoors.com

In this episode Jesse Deubel interviews his good friend Matthew Monjaras about the tremendous work Matt is doing as the founder of Impact Outdoors. The mission of Impact Outdoors is to impact communities through education, conservation, and meaningful outdoor opportunities. Their team achieves this mission through strong relationships, community involvement, dedicated volunteers, and a strong passion for the outdoors. Jesse has had the privilege of participating in outings with Impact Outdoors focused on youth education and also on hunts designed to provide our nation's veterans with powerful and transformative outdoor experiences. You'll be amazed as you listen to Matt describe how Impact Outdoors supports individuals who refuse to allow obstacles to prevent them from enjoying hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. Enjoy the Listen!


For more info:
Impact Outdoors
Facebook
Instagram


NMWF

In the summer of 2022 the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish successfully acquired nearly 55,000 acres of previously private land and added it to the Marquez Wildlife Management Area. This public land expansion has already proven to provide significant benefits to wildlife and to New Mexico's human residents. This property was purchased by a willing buyer from a willing seller. In this episode, Jesse Deubel speaks with Jon Graham about Jon's recent hunting experience on the newly expanded Marquez Wildlife Management Area. Jon is a New Mexican resident currently serving in the United States Air Force and stationed in Missouri. Last April, as the lucky recipient of a Marquez WMA turkey tag, Jon didn't hesitate to drive the thirteen hours back to this magnificent landscape to pursue a Merriam's gobbler. This episode is full of hunting stories, recounted memories, thoughts on conservation, appreciation for public lands and so much more. Enjoy the listen!

NMWF

Dr. Blair Wolf is a professor of biology and as an ecological physiologist-animal ecologist is interested in how animals cope with challenges of desert environments. He is also a long-time member of the board of directors of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. Recently, Blair Wolf helped to recruit the newest member of NMWF's board. Blair refers to Dr. Carlos Martinez del Rio as one of his mentors. Carlos recently retired from his position as a professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming. He now serves on the board of NMWF from Silver City, NM. What a treat it was for Jesse Deubel and Ray Trejo, NMWF staffers to share in a conversation with these two highly accomplished scientists. We discussed a wide range of topics including climate change, the nuances around the term "best available science," potential changes in elk rutting behavior, how hunters can kill animals they love, the importance of habitat and habitat connectivity, and so much more. NMWF is excited to provide the listeners of this episode of the Ahi Va Podcast with access to the knowledge so brilliantly articulated by these two wildlife focused scientists. Enjoy the Listen!

For More Info:
NMWF

In this episode Jesse Deubel shares a conversation recently had by Randy Newberg and Shane Mahoney. Herein, these two conservation leaders begin a deep dive into Conservation Vision's "Wild Harvest Initiative." This discussion is the first in a five-part series.The New Mexico Wildlife Federation is a proud partner of the Wild Harvest Initiative. We are honored to introduce you to the most comprehensive explanation of the Wild Harvest Initiative ever to be articulated. Enjoy the listen!

For more info:
Randy Newberg Website
New Mexico Wildlife Federation

New Mexico has become the poster child for the privatization of wildlife in the United States. The privatization, commodification and commercialization of wildlife, which is supposed to be managed as a public trust resource has countless consequences to the future of hunting. How is it that this state, with such a deep hunting culture and tradition allowed the opportunity to pursue wild game to become increasingly available to the wealthy regardless of residency status at the expense of New Mexicans?

In this episode, Jesse Deubel and Adrian Angulo sit down with a man who was selling hunting opportunities and lobbying elected and appointed officials to provide him and his colleagues more private supply of that publicly owned product before either of these co-hosts were even born. A long-time outfitter and one of the first New Mexicans to work as a lobbyist for that industry, Ronnie DeMasters walks listeners through the process that got NM to where it is today. In his reflections, Mr. DeMasters acknowledges the damage that privatization of our public wildlife has on the future of all hunting. As we continue down this dangerous path, it's New Mexico resident hunters who pay the price through their inability to obtain a permit to hunt big game in their home state. There is a lot of history captured in this discussion and you might hear some familiar names. Enjoy the listen and please sign up at www.takebackyourelk.com if you haven't done so already.

In this episode Jesse Deubel and John Stallone talk about the importance of reclaiming the wolf. As apex predators, human hunters and wild wolves have much in common. Over the years though, many hunters have perceived wolves as competition for the prey species that human hunters also pursue to feed our families. Perhaps because of this relationship that some hunters view as adversarial, the image of the wolf has been embraced and adopted by many organizations who use it to portray an anti-hunting agenda.

Nothing is more pro-hunting than the wolf. No sound in nature is a more powerful announcement of the importance of hunting for survival than the sound of a wolf's howl. HOWL for Wildlife is working to help unify human hunters so that we can use our collective howl to communicate in unison to decision makers across the country about the importance of respecting and protecting our hunting and angling cultures and traditions.

As Howl for Wildlife points out, "North America’s wildlife & fisheries are constantly under threat. These threats are often based on misguided emotions, anthropomorphism, misunderstandings, and lack of scientific evidence. We aim to protect all wildlife from what could be their destruction if management practices are removed, however we cannot achieve our goals without the pack coming together as one to Howl For Wildlife."

In a major victory for public access, the Supreme Court of the United States has declined to hear arguments from landowners who claimed that a New Mexico court ruling upholding the public’s right to access rivers and streams that flow over private property amounted to an impermissible government taking.

The supreme court on Monday denied a petition filed by Chama Troutstalkers, LLC and Z&T Cattle Co., LLC. The companies’ owners, who have ties to Texas, had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review last year’s decision by the New Mexico Supreme Court upholding public access to rivers and streams.

The New Mexico Supreme Court issued a written decision on Sept. 1 reaffirming the longstanding right of New Mexicans to walk or wade on the streambeds of water that flows over privately owned lands for fishing or other recreation.

“We hold that the public has the right to recreate and fish in public waters and that this right includes the privilege to do such acts as are reasonably necessary to effect the enjoyment of such right,” the New Mexico Supreme Court stated in its unanimous opinion.

The New Mexico Supreme Court ruling came in response to a legal challenge brought by the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, the Adobe Whitewater Club and the New Mexico Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. The groups had challenged a regulation adopted by the New Mexico State Game Commission that went into effect in 2017 that purported to allow landowners to close streams over their properties.

Seth T. Cohen, a Santa Fe lawyer, is among the lawyers who represented the NMWF and other groups. Cohen said Monday that the supreme court’s denial of the landowners’ petition to review the state court ruling is a great outcome for all who enjoy recreating on New Mexico’s rivers.
“It preserves the New Mexico Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the public’s constitutional right to use our rivers for recreation,” Cohen said. “This should hopefully put an end to the efforts by a fortunate few to privatize New Mexico’s rivers.”

Jesse Deubel, executive director of the NMWF, said preserving the right of public access to public waters in New Mexico is vitally important. “New Mexico is a dry state and there’s increasing demand for recreation on our rivers and streams,” Deubel said. “The New Mexico Wildlife Federation and our allies won’t stand by and watch our public waters be fenced off to become private playgrounds exclusively for the wealthy.”

Deubel expressed appreciation for the work of Cohen, Santa Fe lawyer Gene Gallegos and the O’Melveny and Myers law firm in California. “Our lawyers did a tremendous service for the people of the state of New Mexico,” Deubel said. “Other states in the West have seen their own state governments stand up for the rights of citizens to use public waters, but in New Mexico the burden fell to our organizations. We very much appreciate all the work that our attorneys have done.”
In ruling for public stream access, the NM Supreme Court has emphasized that it wasn’t recognizing a new right, but rather restating its longstanding position. It noted in its ruling last year that it already had addressed the public’s right to access the waters of the state in its 1945 landmark case, State ex rel. State Game Commission v. Red River Valley Co.

In the 1945 case, the court recognized the public’s right to use streams and streambeds where they run through private property as long as the public doesn’t trespass across private land to access the waters, or trespass from the stream onto private land. The court noted that under the Indian, Spanish and Mexican law that governed New Mexico before statehood, everyone had the right to fish in streams. The game commission regulation purported to allow landowners to get certificates from the game commission that “non-navigable” rivers and streams that cross their private property were private water and closed to the public. The commission had granted five applications from out-of-state landowners to certify waters as “non-navigable” on New Mexico waterways, including stretches of the Rio Chama and Pecos River.

The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled that the game commission regulation and the “non-navigable” certificates the commission had issued were void because they violated the state constitution.

For more info:
New Mexico Wildlife Federation

Special thanks:
National Wildlife Federation

For many Americans living in urban centers, the barriers of entry into hunting, fishing and spending time in nature can be immense. Arlando Chiles was living in one such environment during a challenging time in his life. A series of unfortunate events had led to him being evicted from his home. As he was packing his belongings and grappling with the fear of having no place to go, his television randomly began playing a hunting television show featuring Randy Newberg on a black bear hunt in Southeast Alaska. Randy's contagious smile and the allure of an adventure in a place as different as inner city California as one could imagine, captivated Chiles. In this episode, Jesse Deubel speaks with Chiles about how that moment in time changed his life and helped shape the course of his future. Sometimes referred to as "Buckdablackhunter," Chiles founded Campfire Evolution. Campfire Evolution provides a platform to have meaningful, educational and inspirational conversations with diverse people. Everyone can get around a campfire. Chiles wants people from all backgrounds to get outside and camp with him. Take him up on that offer. Until then, enjoy the listen!

"A Lovely Tongue Sandwich" is a recipe found in Hank Shaw's amazing cookbook, "Buck, Buck, Moose" on page 247. Podcast host, Jesse Deubel describes this as his favorite wild game recipe followed by "Liver Mousse" which is on page 323 of "Pheasant, Quail, Cottontail" also written by author, chef and hunter Hank Shaw. In this episode Jesse and Hank are joined by NMWF's very own Ray Trejo as the group discusses wild game processing, cooking and meat preservation. Ray and Hank compare and contrast techniques and methods for "ice-aging" venison. Jesse talks about his recent experimentation with freeze-drying his own backcountry meals. Hank walks the audience through some delectable preparations for wild-harvested delicacies abundant across New Mexico including cholla buds and prickly pear cactus fruits...or tuna's as they are called in Spanish. This discussion is all about food and about New Mexico so of course there are a few mentions of chile. This episode is sure to trigger your appetite.

Enjoy the listen!

For more info:
https://honest-food.net
https://nmwildlife.org

Adrian Angulo and Jesse Deubel sit down with Sarah Candelaria and Laura Lewis to talk all about the youth programming offered by the New Mexico Wildlife Federation through Nature Niños New Mexico. Learn how Sarah Candelaria turned her vision into reality by growing New Mexico’s premier environmental education and outdoor learning platform. When a child catches their first trout, sees an eagle take flight, or explores a backcountry trail, they light up, they learn something new, they connect. But it’s not always easy to get outside—it might seem far, unfamiliar, or there’s just not enough time in the day. That’s where Nature Niños comes in! We are here to be New Mexico's outdoor learning team. We take the guesswork out of getting outside so families—across generations—can access and explore the outdoors alongside a family-focused, professional team. Enjoy the listen as you consider how to get the young people in your life unplugged from the electronics and plugged into the adventures that abound outside.

For more info:
https://www.natureninos.org/
https://nmwildlife.org/

The Sandhill crane is believed to be one of oldest living bird species in the world, having occupied our planet for roughly two million years. Throughout their existence migratory Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) have been migrating thousands of miles between their summer and winter ranges. The changes that have occurred along this route over this span of time is difficult to imagine. In recent history, human impacts had a devastating effect on the population of this species. By the 1900’s habitat loss by human development and overhunting had reduced the population of these birds to near extinction. Today, the Sandhill cranes that depend on New Mexico for winter habitat are thriving. This astonishing recovery has occurred despite estimates that more than 90% of the historic wetland habitat in the Middle Rio Grande has been lost during the last two hundred years. From 1935 to 1989 it's been said that the Middle Rio Grande Valley saw more than a fifty percent reduction in wetlands. Fortunately for our Sandhill Cranes, in 1939 the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide critical stopover and winter grounds for migrating wildlife. On this episode of the Ahi Va podcast, Jesse Deubel speaks with two of the nation's most experienced professionals who have been instrumental in the continued success of both Sandhill cranes and the habitat on which they depend.

Alan Hamilton, Ph.D works with the New Mexico Wildlife Federation as the North American Wetland Conservation Act (NAWCA) Program Director. In this role he has led the implementation of three Standard NAWCA grants that combined protected and enhanced 5,467 acres of wetlands in the Middle Rio Grande. Dr. Hamilton is also the founder and board president of Rio Grande Return. Rio Grande Return is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to protecting New Mexico’s rivers, streams, springs, seeps, and the unique habitats and diverse wildlife they support. Matt Boggie, Ph.D is a wildlife ecologist and his research has centered on integrating statistical approaches to investigate how environmental change and natural and anthropogenic disturbances modulate the behavioral responses of wildlife and influence the habitat and distribution of wildlife populations. Through effective partnerships, his research has contributed to the development and implementation of broad-scale conservation strategies. He places a high value on bringing together partners and stakeholders to address shared conservation priorities and combining efforts to deliver actionable outcomes His doctoral research included a detailed investigation into the winter ecology of the Rocky Mountain Population of Greater Sandhill Cranes in the Middle Rio Grande Valley and assessed how the population responds to landscape change.

December 1st-3rd, 2022 Friends of Bosque del Apache will be hosting "Festival of the Cranes + Virtual Crane Fiesta." This event is a stunning celebration of Sandhill cranes and everything their history and resilience can teach us about ourselves, the natural world and intersection that exists between the two. Hope to see you at the festival. Until then, "Enjoy the Listen!"

For More Info:
https://friendsofbosquedelapache.org/festival/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Matthew-Boggie-2
https://riograndereturn.com/
https://www.newmexico.org/listing/bosque-del-apache-national-wildlife-refuge/363/

Black Horn Guide Services is a no-nonsense hunting outfitter/guide service that specializes in providing intense outdoor hunting experiences for adventurous appetites. Regardless of your hunting experience, Ryan Gentry and Cole Johnson will teach you things in the field and will push you to your limits. Entering their first year in business, these two entrepreneurs are dedicated to helping people make the most of their fortune AFTER they draw a big game tag in New Mexico. This outfit isn't interested in helping hunters manipulate their draw odds or buy their way to the front of the line. Black Horn Guide Services believes the opportunity to pursue publicly held wildlife on public lands should be equally accessible to all, regardless of wealth or land-ownership status. These opportunities are becoming increasingly hard to draw. When you draw, maximize that rare opportunity by entering the field with true experts who know and value the privilege you have been afforded.

Having met on Otero Mesa, these public land appreciators know the value of protecting and preserving our collectively owned, federally managed, public lands. Southeast New Mexico is home to the Permian Basin and Cole Johnson makes much of his living working in the oil and gas industry. Cole and Ryan both recognize that certain places should be managed for priorities other than energy extraction. Cole also derives income from having robust wildlife on public lands so he can take hunters out to pursue adventures in those places. Clearly, Otero Mesa is special and deserves special protections. These two hunting guides are intriguing, entertaining, and definitely inspiring. This conversation goes all over the place from elk to turkey to deer, pronghorn, moose, ibex, barbary sheep, trail cameras and whether or not we should be allowed to hunt with scoped muzzleloaders in primitive weapon seasons. We discuss adding Black Bear, Javelina and Mountain Lion to the wanton waste statute in New Mexico so edible portions of those animals must be removed from the field. NMWF is honored to have spent this time with these amazing hunting guides, and we truly hope you enjoy the listen!

For more info:
https://www.instagram.com/blackhornguideservice/
https://nmwildlife.org/

As a young boy from Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Gabriel Vasquez had a very negative experience when his father first introduced him to camping, fishing and enjoying the outdoors on public land in New Mexico. Gabe's father was undeterred. The resoluteness displayed by his dad had a profound impact on Gabe who went on to become an avid outdoorsman and a professional conservationist. Currently Gabe works for HECHO [Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors]. Prior to that, he worked for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation. In his role with NMWF, Gabe introduced countless youth to the outdoors by providing them with transformative opportunities to connect with nature. Gabe shares one story set in the Gila Wilderness wherein he tricks a group of teens to scale a formidable peak by implying they would obtain a cellular signal from the summit that would allow them to check their social media accounts. By the trip's end, looking at the screens on their phones was far less desirable to them than enjoying meaningful adventures in the wild. Jesse Deubel and Gabriel Vasquez are also joined by NMWF staffers Adrian Angulo and Ray Trejo who both serve on the board of directors for the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project. Founded by Gabe and headquartered in Las Cruces, New Mexico where he resides, Nuestra Tierra has quickly grown into a powerful conservation organization gaining recognition on the national stage for their incredible work. You'll have to listen through some laughter on this one, but we sure hope you enjoy the listen!

For more info:
https://www.hechoonline.org/
https://nmwildlife.org/

Warning: Contains Adult Language

Christopher Allen coined the term "Hoodneck" as a play on words to describe himself as a person who grew up in the hood and also identified as a redneck. The term would later become the name of Chris' 501c3 non-profit organization which focuses on the recruitment, retention & reactivation of sport shooters, hunters, anglers & farmers. According to their mission statement, "Hoodneck is the BRIDGE between two stereotypes that society tries to separate & is here to put an end to all negative stigmas placed upon them!"

Consistent with our goal of supporting cultural conservation, in this discussion we explore the conservation journey of a couple of inner-city kids from Galveston, Texas who followed two very different paths to reach the same place. Our conversation covers a wide range of topics including their vision for the future of fishing, farming and firearms. Ernal Mayberry works with Hoodneck as their director of agriculture. Mayberry tells the unique story of how he enrolled in college with the original intent of becoming a pharmacist so he could, "be a legal drug dealer." His interest quickly transitioned into sustainability and self-reliance. Enjoy the listen as we talk hunting, fishing, farming, culture and conservation in an effort to dispel societal myths and unite outdoor enthusiasts from all backgrounds.

For more info:
https://www.hoodneck.org/
https://www.instagram.com/hoodneck_/

https://nmwildlife.org/