
The episode explores the intersection of wildlife art and conservation through the experiences of artist Joshua Spies, highlighting the role of hunting culture in funding conservation efforts.
From duck stamps to Dall sheep, one artist’s journey connects wild places and conservation. Wildlife art and hunting culture intersect in a way few people fully understand, and this conversation pulls back the curtain. Raised in South Dakota with deep roots in pheasant hunting, waterfowl hunting, and Midwestern outdoor traditions, Joshua Spies turned a lifelong passion for the outdoors into a career that directly fuels conservation. Through stories of early influences, mentorship, and eventually winning the Federal Duck Stamp, this discussion reveals how wildlife artists play a critical role in funding habitat restoration and conservation programs. Listeners get an inside look at how organizations like Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Wild Sheep Foundation rely on art-driven fundraising to protect wildlife and expand hunting opportunities. The conversation also dives into sheep hunting adventures, the draw of backcountry experiences, and how those pursuits shape both artistic perspective and personal values. Beyond the hunt, there’s a strong emphasis on land stewardship, improving habitat, and understanding the responsibility that comes with putting wild game on the…
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