Ep. 479: Are We Losing the Right to Hunt? Private Land, Public Ground & the Future of Access w/ Mark Kenyon
East Meets West HuntShow Notes
In this episode of the East Meets West Hunt podcast, Beau sits down with Mark Kenyon (Wired to Hunt / MeatEater) for an in-depth conversation about the current state of hunting, public lands, and conservation in America.
They dive into how becoming a father changes your perspective on the future, why public lands are facing more complex threats than ever, and how hunters and anglers can actually make a difference. From private land access challenges and leasing pressure to the Land & Water Conservation Fund and the Boundary Waters mining issue, this conversation breaks down what’s happening — without the noise — and focuses on practical action.
If you care about access, opportunity, and making sure the next generation can hunt and fish the way we have, this is one you’ll want to hear.
Topics:
00:00:00 — Intro
00:03:10 – Catching up with Mark Kenyon
00:10:16 – Mark’s conservation journey & stepping into his new role at MeatEater
00:18:02 – The Alaska moment that reshaped how he views public lands
00:23:01 – The biggest current concern: public land protections under pressure
00:29:30 – Multiple use, resource extraction & why it’s not black and white
00:37:10 – State vs. federal engagement — where hunters can truly make impact
00:46:08 – The private land access problem, leasing & shrinking opportunity
00:50:32 – Three practical ways to protect hunting access
01:18:15 – Boundary Waters explained: what’s happening & why it matters nationally
01:26:19 – How to take action (calling your senators is easier than you think)
01:31:37 – What gives Mark optimism about the future of hunting
Resources:
Follow Mark on IG
Mark's Website
Take action on the Boundary Waters
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