This episode, host Brad Fenson of the Harvest Your Own Podcast talks with Vanessa, a trailblazer in the hunting community and recent winner of the prestigious Bob Speegle Super Slam Summit Award. In this episode, she shares her extraordinary journey from a late-onset hunter to a record-breaking icon. Tune in as Vanessa discusses her passion for hunting, the challenges she's overcome, and her inspiring achievements, including her historic win for a muskox hunt in the Northwest Territories...

Dive into the latest Harvest Your Own podcast episode, where host Brad Fenson chats with Josh Martin, a mining industry pro with a passion for sustainability! Josh, an award-winning outdoor writer and devoted family man from Southern Alberta, shares his insights on balancing resource development with sustainability. From hunting adventures to advocating for a greener future, Josh wears many hats - including that of a volunteer firefighter! Discover key points on environmental, socia...

Tune in to the latest episode of Harvest Your Own with Brad Fenson! This week, Brad sits down with Cassandra Hewitt, the Social Media Coordinator behind the scenes at Alberta Conservation Association (ACA). But here's the twist: if you're flipping through ACA's Conservation Magazine, you might recognize Cassandra's story from the first 3 parts of her 4 part series documenting her journey as a new hunter! In this episode, Cassandra and Brad dive deep into the world of social media and its...

In this fascinating episode, Brad discusses the wonderful world of crossbows in the archery industry with special guest Brian Flaherty.  With 30 years of experience, crossbow company TenPoint has witnessed remarkable technological advancements in crossbows. Their insights shed light on how the crossbow industry is shaping the landscape of archery, leading the charge in research, development, and engineering. TenPoint isn't just another company; they're an engineering powerhouse, constantly...

We have a special guest, Remington Bracher, a fourth-year conservation biology student at the University of Alberta. Growing up in a hunting family, Remington has become an avid hunter, angler, and registered trapper. His lifestyle has heavily influenced his academic and career goals. As the current Student Director of The Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Remington has started the ACTWS Post-secondary Hunting Mentorship Program, where 55 students got to participate in their first...

Exciting news! Natalie's incredible journey into the world of outdoor sports and culinary adventures is now live on the latest episode of Harvest Your Own Podcast with host, Brad Fenson!  From discovering delicious wild game wine pairings to embracing hunting and fishing for a deeper connection to her food and the land, Natalie shares her inspiring story. 🦌🎣 She highlights the importance of terroir-driven cuisines and minimizing waste in harvesting her own food.  Looking to embark on a...

Say hello to Dom Carson, a fearless adventure photographer and outdoor enthusiast. Hailing from southern Alberta, this mom and former scientist knows the vital role nature plays in keeping our mental health in check. She’s always advocating for the little ones to have some outdoor fun, starting from a young age. Whether it's fishing, backpacking, or gardening, Dom’s always up for some wild action! Join Dom and host Brad Fenson as they explore the exciting connections between science and the...

Exciting News! Join host Brad Fenson and ACA senior biologist Doug Manzer on the latest Harvest Your Own Podcast as they delve into the fascinating Turkey Translocation Project, a game-changer for Alberta's wildlife enthusiasts! 🎧 Since their arrival in 1962, Merriam's wild turkeys have captured many hearts in Southern Alberta. Concerns over declining numbers have spurred ACA and partners into action to increase populations in Alberta. Listen in to learn more and be part of this incredible...

Welcome back, Linda Zimmerling! In this week's podcast episode, host Brad Fenson chats with Linda about gaining access for hunting and she’s got some real gems to share! She emphasizes building rapport with landowners by being social and respectful, acknowledging their concerns, and demonstrating understanding. Also discussed are tips that can contribute to positive relations with landowners.  Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook:...

Get ready for a wild new episode on the Harvest Your Own podcast! We've got Josh Glover back on the mic, the Newfoundland transplant who's an avid hunter, Conservation Magazine contributor, and gourmet chef without formal training. He's joining host Brad Fenson to give us the lowdown on hunting and cooking rabbits and hares. Trust us, it's not as daunting as it sounds! You may even discover a new passion Tune in now and let us know what you think! Find Josh at: Instagram:...

Meet Linda Powell: a powerhouse in the firearms industry with nearly three decades of experience! Despite diving into hunting later in life, Linda's passion knows no bounds, having hunted across the globe. She's not just a seasoned pro; she's a mentor and leader, introducing new enthusiasts to the world of firearms and hunting. Join host Brad Fenson as they discuss her experience as a new hunter and female in the hunting and firearms industry, initiatives and groups dedicated to women and the...

Calling all hunters out there! Have you been struggling with this big game season? Don't worry, you're not alone. In this special episode, we have some awesome guests who will help you make sense of it all. Brad is joined by Dan Sturgess, an ACA biologist, Linda Zimmerling, a seasoned hunter and mentor, and Cassandra Hewitt, a new hunter, to discuss the season and all the factors that can affect it. From weather patterns to moon phases, they've got you covered. The group delves into the...

Hey there, wildlife enthusiasts! We have some incredible news to share with you today—the Wildlife Analytics Lab at Lethbridge College has officially opened its doors! What makes this lab extra special is that it's the first cementum analysis lab in all of Canada. It's a huge milestone for the team, and they're over the moon about it. Their main mission is to lend a helping hand to Canadian wildlife conservation by offering cementum analysis services to hunters, naturalists, agencies, and...

Join host Brad Fenson, as he chats with the amazing Sarah Vriend – an outdoor enthusiast who has a deep love for hunting, fishing, foraging, and all things outdoors. Sarah's passion for the great outdoors was instilled in her by her family, who taught her the important values of respecting and using the land. Now, as an agrologist in southern Alberta, Sarah is lucky enough to work in beautiful places and spend her free time with her husband Sam and dog Wren, doing the things she loves. With...

Ever checked out the biggest hunting festival in Canada? The Taber Pheasant Festival is now in its 13th year, and boy, do we have a treat for you! Tune in to podcast host Brad Fenson as he chats with eager hunters, many of whom are out to bag their first-ever pheasant. Get ready for tales of mentorship, novice tips, cooking secrets, and all the excitement the Festival brings. Who knows, you might even be tempted to pack your bags and head to Taber next October! Trust us, we're hooked on...

Move over, bighorn hunters, there’s a new gal in town! Meet Jewel Simpson, a 14-year-old hunter who was recently awarded not one but TWO awards from the 2023 Wild Sheep Foundation of Alberta banquet. In this latest podcast episode, host Brad Fenson chats with Jewel about her history in hunting, from getting a black bear at 12 years old to getting her award-winning ram with a bow. Wow! On top of hunting, Jewel stays busy participating in school sports, helping raise Labrador Retrievers, and...

Join us on the latest podcast episode hosted by Brad Fenson, featuring an incredible lineup of guests: ACA Biologist Sue Peters, Dr. Vic Adamowicz from the University of Alberta, and Jordan York from the Métis Nation of Alberta. They're diving deep into ABHuntLog - a hunting tool that's changing the game!   Why should hunters get on board? ABHuntLog isn't just a program; it's your hunting companion! Get instant feedback, data aggregation, and better planning tools. Your personal dashboard...

Introducing, Cathy Wolf—the She Alpha Wolf of Alberta! In this episode, Brad has an amazing conversation with Cathy, who is not only an avid hunter and angler but also a mentor. She grew up in a small farming community in central Alberta and now lives in northern Alberta with her husband. Cathy's love for the outdoors is unmatched, and she enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities. From hunting to fishing, she has done it all! Cathy has achieved a lot in her hunting career, having successfully...

Isaac Haines is a passionate outdoorsman and hunter who was born and raised in the province of Alberta, Canada. He is an avid fly fisherman and enjoys spending his free time exploring the streams and rivers of his native province. He is also a new hunter. Last season, Isaac had an unforgettable experience when he shot his first deer. This was a significant achievement for him as a new hunter, and it has only fueled his passion for hunting and the great outdoors. Isaac is an advocate for...

Daryl is an avid outdoorsman who was born in Alberta and has lived here his whole life. Growing up in rural Alberta he has hunted most of his life, with waterfowl being his passion. In the fall when Daryl is not hunting with his son Ron, he gives his time to helping others get involved in hunting and the outdoors. He volunteers as a mentor with the Delta Waterfowl Parkland Pintails, whose mission is to get people outdoors who have never done it before, through their various programs such as...

A special podcast episode has arrived! Brad is joined by Todd Zimmerling, ACA’s President and CEO, to tell you all about the Minister's Special Licence (MSL) Raffle. Have a listen to find out more about the MSL Raffle. This special licence allows hunting in Alberta for specified species from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024. This year available licences are one bighorn sheep, one wild turkey, one antlered elk, one antlered mule deer, two antlered moose, and two pronghorn. Proceeds from...

Steven Altman grew up near Strathmore playing hockey and spending time outdoors with family. After finishing a pro-hockey career in Europe, Steven transitioned to archery where he found a renewed connection with the outdoors. He began bow hunting three years ago and uses it as an opportunity to be connected to his food, friends, and family. Steven is currently working with inner city youth and working toward his master's in psychology with an emphasis on nature therapy.

Doug is a lifelong hunter, keen fly fisher, and leads the wildlife program for Alberta Conservation Association. He oversees the delivery of more than two dozen wildlife projects including many with a focus on upland gamebirds. In the past he has spent time guiding in BC for sheep and goats, working in East Africa as the coordinator for a rural capacity building program, as well as pushing cows and driving tractor in northern Alberta. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta and a...