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Hard Truths of Conservation - Coastal Black Bear
9/13/24
Black bears are the most widely distributed large carnivores in North America. From coast to coast, and from as far south as Florida to as far north as Alaska, black bears are a common part of the natural cycle. While states carefully manage populations through hunting, there’s still cultures across North America who have a much deeper connection to these bears.
In this episode, Dan Cabela travels to Vancouver Island and meets with tribal leader Chief Cootes, to learn more about how the careful management of black bears offers economic benefits while maintaining cultural importance to his community. He also takes part in a hunt and meets with a local medicine woman to learn how these people appreciate and use the entire bear responsibly.
Don’t miss this new episode airing, Saturday, September 14th at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed it, there will be an encore presentation of last week’s episode, ”Wild Harvest”, immediately following at 9:30am EST.
Hard Truths of Conservation - Wild Harvest
9/6/24
No matter how far back you look in history, the consumption of wild game is well documented. From Neanderthals’ to Native Americans, being able to provide wild protein could’ve often meant the difference in survival. Today, harvesting wild game to eat is no longer a fixture for many, but for those who still try to source their own, it does come its fair share of controversy.
Dan Cabela is on a mission to better understand how wild-harvested protein contributes economically and culturally to society in North America. He meets up with North America’s foremost leading expert on sustainable harvest of wild game, Shane Mahoney. Shane has dedicated his life to digging in and researching/quantifying the social and economic impact wild-harvested food has. His research and findings has become focal points for thoughtful discussion on the topic around the world.
Don’t miss this new episode airing Saturday, September 7th at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed it, there will be an encore presentation of last week’s episode ”Conservation in La Albiceleste”, immediately following at 9:30am EST.
HTC "Great Britain's Deer" on YouTube
9/2/24
Episode one of the second half of season two, "Great Britain's Deer", is now available on You Tube! Head on over to the Hard Truths of Conservation channel and check it out today!
Hard Truths of Conservation - Conservation in La Albiceleste
8/30/24
Argentina has long been a bucket-list destination for hunters, anglers, and hiking enthusiasts alike. With breath-taking vistas and areas which are teeming with wildlife, it’s no wonder why Argentina is such a draw. However, with population growth and pressure on land development/natural resources, what does all that mean for wildlife and the places it calls home? Especially with the non-native species that were introduced in the country almost a century ago.
Join Dan Cabela as he travels across Argentina to see how biologists and hunters are working together to adapt to today’s conservation issues. From region-wide bird surveys in La Pampa to the incredible work being done on the critically endangered huemul deer in Patagonia, this beautiful country has incredible history and fascinating stories. There’s also no shortage of interesting characters and amazing wildlife encounters for viewers to take in.
Don’t miss this new episode airing tomorrow, Saturday, August 31st at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed it, there will be an encore presentation of last week’s episode, ”Keeping Sheep On The Mountains”, immediately following at 9:30am EST.
Hard Truths of Conservation - Keeping Sheep On The Mountains
8/23/24
Wild sheep are one of, if not the most-iconic species of big game in North America. Their resilience to survive in some of the most rugged, yet picturesque places has drawn hunters in from around the world. However, like many conservation issues today, wild sheep are not immune to trouble in the areas they call home.
In this episode, Dan Cabela travels to the northern wilderness of British Columbia to hunt stone sheep. However, where this episode really shines is in the work being done on the mountain outside of hunting season. We partnered with the Wild Sheep Foundation and local scientists/biologists to conduct a capture this past winter to learn more about the issues stone sheep in this area are facing. It was a true team effort which yielded some incredible research and extremely cinematic footage of real conservation.
Don’t miss this new episode airing tomorrow, Saturday, August 24th at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed it, there will be an encore presentation of last week’s episode, ”Great Britain’s Deer”, immediately following at 9:30am EST.
Hard Truths of Conservation - Great Britain's Deer
8/16/24
The second half of this season of Hard Truths of Conservation is picking up with a topic that’s circulating throughout Europe and the United Kingdom presently. The long-standing tradition of hunting has a rich history in both locations, but does it have a place in present-day conservation? It’s a question that must be asked, as the hunting and outdoor landscape changes with societal norms.
In this episode, Dan Cabela travels between Scotland and England to learn how land managers balance conservation with wild-food harvesting. Understanding the root of all the pressure to change is first on his list of topics to tackle. Then, he’s off for a traditional hunt with the very people who are trying to protect this sacred way of life.
Don’t miss this new episode airing tomorrow, Saturday, August 17th at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed it last season, there will be an encore presentation of ”Hunting The Kiwi Wilds", immediately following at 9:30am EST.
You’ve been waiting…HTC is back!
8/9/24
The second half of season two of Hard Truths of Conservation is coming soon! But first, here's a teaser of what's to come!
Our first episode will premier Saturday, August 17th at 9:00AM Eastern in the outdoors block of the History Channel. And as a reminder, you can always catch an encore presentation of the previous week’s episode at 9:30AM Eastern immediately following.
Join Dan Cabela as he travels across the globe in search of impactful conservation stories from the front lines. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to a myriad of characters and unsung heroes who are making a real difference for wildlife and wild places today. Real conservation has a place in today’s society and it’s our mission to share stories we feel the world needs to hear.
Getting to work with IOTR - Bison Initiative
7/30/24
We are pleased to announce a new conservation initiative we embarking on with IOTR as part of our recently formed partnership. We will combine efforts and funding for a plains bison research project on an island off the coast of Kodiak, Alaska.
“The history of the American Bison and Teddy Roosevelt go hand in hand, as he was largely responsible for saving them from extinction,” said Dan Cabela, Executive Director of the Cabela Family Foundation. “Once I learned about the work being done here toward conservation and community projects, I knew IOTR would want to roll up their sleeves and help.”
“We are committed to working with the Cabela Family Foundation to tackle these strategic conservation initiatives across North America,” said Luke Hilgemann, Executive Director of the International Order of T. Roosevelt. “The buffalo is a crucial part of America’s heritage, and we are proud to be part of such an important effort – an effort that our organization’s namesake would wholeheartedly support.”
In 2017, the Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor, Alaska, acquired plains bison, which were subsequently introduced on a large, remote, privately-owned island named Sitkalidak located off the coast of Kodiak. This wild, free-ranging herd coexists with brown bears and has been strictly managed for hunting as a food resource in the remote village community. Local community leaders, biologists, and researchers recently made an effort to learn more about these bison as they look to expand the herd in years to come.
As part of the initiative, we will travel to Sitkalidak and partake in a bison capture and collaring. Together, we have funded state-of-the-art video collars that will be placed on members of the herd to yield data which will help make better conservation-minded decisions in the future. The entire initiative will be filmed for “Hard Truths of Conservation”, and then turned into an episode to be aired at a later date.
HTC airing on "fyi" starting July 27th
7/23/24
As we prepare for the new season to start airing next month, here's some exciting news from the Hard Truths of Conservation front. Now you can catch all of the previous season 2 episodes on the fyi network!
Watch favorite episodes like "Hunting the Kiwi Wilds" and "Scotland's Hunting Tradition" beginning Saturday, July 27th at 11:00AM Eastern. Encore episodes will appear immediately following at 11:30AM Eastern, so there's one full hour of educational, conservation-based programming headed your way. For the next six weeks, your Saturday mornings just got a whole lot better!
Stay tuned as we look to release details on the second half of the new season on the History Channel very soon!
A meaningful new partnership formed on the mountain
6/27/24
Early in my mountain-hunting career, I learned the hard way the importance of taking good care of your feet. It's one of those things you only let happen once, and vow to never again. Now, having set foot on six continents and over 30 countries while filming 200+ days a year in a pair of Kenetreks, I'm excited to announce our new partnership.
I look at what Jim Winjum has done over almost 20 years and see many of the same core values my parents had when they founded Cabela's in 1961. No one said building the “World’s Foremost Outfitter” or Kenetrek with a commitment to quality and service was going to be easy, but both company's founders believed—rightly so—it would be worth it.
My Kenetreks have been the one piece of gear that’s been a constant for as long as I can remember, and I have no intent of changing.
As a thank you from both myself and Kenetrek for your continued support and commitment to conservation, click the link below and enter promo code "Dan" to receive a free pair of Kenetrek gaiters with any boot purchase!
Gunwerks - a partnership years in the making...
6/19/24
We are excited to announce that we have entered into a multi-year partnership agreement with Gunwerks.
Gunwerks is considered by many to be the leading manufacturer of the finest hunting rifles on the market today. They have repeatedly revolutionized the long-range shooting game over the years, pushing the boundaries of technology since their inception.
Dan Cabela has hunted all over the world with their rifles and trusted them on his greatest adventures while filming Hard Truths of Conservation. "I've trusted Gunwerks time and time again when it mattered most," said Dan. "Their commitment to innovation and putting the best possible tool in your hands to make the shot, sold me a long time ago."
Gunwerks Chief Brand Officer, Garrett Wall, is also looking forward to what’s to come with this partnership. "We are honored to get the opportunity to work alongside Dan on his mission to promote and bring awareness to some of the crucial conservation issues we face today. We've known Dan as a customer and great friend of the Gunwerks team for years, and we are committed to supporting the Hard Truths of Conservation."
As part of the partnership, we also have plans to tackle some strategic conservation initiatives together in the West over the years to come. To us, it further solidifies that Gunwerks is one to lock arms with when they say they want to make a difference in conservation.
We’ve always admired their products and innovative approach, but their willingness to roll up their sleeves and go make a meaningful impact together in conservation means the most to us. Here's to many great things ahead!
Big News -- Cheetah Cubs!
6/12/24
We recently received some VERY EXCITING news regarding the 12 Cheetahs initiative in Mozambique. After some speculation based off the data provided by her tracking collar, the team believed the "Pilanesberg Female" could be with a new litter of cubs. Knowing she'd gone to great lengths to seek refuge, the decision was made to wait a few weeks to perform an aerial patrol to confirm the team's suspicions.
This past week, we received the photos above and confirmation of three new cubs on the ground in the Zambezi Delta! This is the fifth confirmed liter by our team, and while it's all good news now, the months ahead will be very tough and stressful on this new mother. Providing protection and food will be her main goals as she learns to navigate the landscape with three little ones in tow.
Coutada 11 and the 12 Cheetahs are a testament to what happens when you practice real conservation. This area has gone from completely devoid of cheetahs for the past 150 years, to now having a self-sustaining population with new life calling it home. Now that's a conservation success story worth sharing.
As always, a sincere thank you to the entire Zambezi Delta Safaris and Anti-Poaching team for keeping a watchful eye on these cats.
From -40 Below Comes An Incredible Conservation Story
5/30/24
Throughout these first two seasons, Hard Truths of Conservation has taken Dan Cabela to many fascinating places across the globe in the name of conservation. However, none have been quite as extreme and remote as where he found himself last month --- the Arctic.
After a long series of flights and multiple weather delays, Dan was finally amongst the vast nothingness of Arctic Bay, Nunavut. Archeological evidence and oral history shows that Inuit have inhabited the area dating back nearly 5,000 years. Excellent hunting has long drawn nomadic groups of Inuit to the region. The community as it stands today was established with the opening of a Hudson’s Bay Company post in 1927. The area is so isolated and remote that the community's first school was not established until 1959.
When you have rich cultural history, fascinating people, and conservation stories all intertwined, that is a place Dan Cabela is drawn to. One of the major takeaways from this trip was learning how important hunting and wildlife are to the communities daily existence --- after all, it's what brought nomadic people here. The Inuit's history is woven into their culture through traditions like throat singing, as well as soapstone and whale bone carvings. In fact, Dan was able to observe and document a traditional hunt on the ice while enduring extreme and challenging conditions. It was tough on camera gear and their bodies, but the team came away with one amazing story that you're not going to want to miss.
Look for this episode to air later this year on season three of Hard Truths of Conservation.
Community Engagement - 12 Cheetahs Update
5/15/24
This past December, a new female was introduced in Coutada 11 as part of our 12 Cheetahs initiative. After a few months of settling into her new home, she decided to go on an exploratory mission this past week. While not unusual after a relocation, her collar let us know she had ranged far outside of her normal area, heading all the way to the village of Marromeu.
Due to the high level of human activity in the area, a decision was made to go capture her and bring her back closer to the safety of the floodplain. Human-wildlife conflict is a very real thing in Africa, and while interventions cannot always stop it from happening, our initiatives have taught us that any chance you can prevent it, you should.
These recovery missions provide valuable time with local communities to educate them on the importance of protecting wildlife. On this recovery mission, people from the local community actually assisted with carrying her across a river to the crate so she could be loaded into the Land Cruiser.
A big thank you to the entire team at Zambezi Delta Safaris and Anti-Poaching for their ongoing efforts with this initiative. Without them on the front lines of conservation, none of this is possible.
Bet you’ve never heard of this deer…
5/6/24
Last month, Dan Cabela traveled to Patagonia to dive deep into the story on the mysterious Huemul (Way-Mool) deer for an episode of Hard Truths of Conservation. He was invited by Dr. Werner Flueck and Dr. Jo Anne Smith-Flueck, who have dedicated their lives to researching and saving the species.
According to the ICUN, there are less than 1,500 huemul deer left in the world, all of which are in the Andes mountains of Patagonia and Chile. Werner and Jo Anne founded the Shoonem Breeding and Rehabilitation Center in Patagonia, one of only two huemul deer research centers in existence. With habitat fragmentation and poaching being the two leading causes for the deer's decline, the Fluecks have their work cut out for them. But they remain steadfast in their commitment to doing what they can, and raising awareness about this species.
One of the unique things about the Hard Truths of Conservation series is how it finds fascinating conservation stories and the unsung heroes behind them. This story from Argentina is no different. Look for it to air this fall on this History Channel.
Speaking of Hard Truths of Conservation, did you know you can now watch all of season one and two on demand, whenever and wherever you want? Simply head on over the App Store or Google Play and download the Outdoor Action TV app. Now you can view all of your favorite episodes from the convenience of your phone, on your schedule! Best of all, it's completely free!
David Cabela’s Books and Latest Story
4/24/24
You may think you know the story of the "World's Foremost Outfitter", Cabela's, but do you really? Here's a chance to get the inside scoop straight from someone who lived it as a son of the founders, Dick and Mary Cabela. David Cabela, CFF Board Member, has written five books to date, and is currently working on a sixth.
Now you can pick up a copy of each of these "Cabela's" titles in our online store! Better yet, they're priced lower than you're ever going to find them in a bookstore or anywhere else online. Plus, each sale goes directly toward benefitting real conservation!
While David works on his next book, he's still putting out fresh stories into the world. His latest was just recently featured in Sporting Classics. While fictional, "Dark Legends" pulls from many historically accurate accounts of man-eating tigers in India. The history of these cats is well documented, and their tales have become lore for hunters around the world.
David puts his own unique twist on the story, with a few odes to "home" in this thriller of a read. It's a fascinating tale that we are sure you will enjoy...
The best video you’ll watch today!
4/17/24
Everyone needs a break from the monotony of the work day sometimes. So let yourself check out of whatever you've got going on and spend four minutes immersing yourself in some highlights from Seasons 1 and 2 of Hard Truths of Conservation.
Take in a few moments with Dan Cabela as he travels the world in search of meaningful conservation stories and tells them in a way that's relatable and educational. Meet the faces on the front lines of conservation, the unsung heroes, the people who are truly leaving an impact on wild animals in wild places. With Season 2 halfway through (all aired episodes are now on our You Tube channel), we are greatly looking forward to bringing you the second half of the season, starting this August!
With so many exciting trips in our future, we cannot wait to show the world what this ground-breaking series has in store. Our best is yet to come...
Mother Nature can be so cruel
4/5/24
Mother Nature can be cruel, especially when it comes to conservation efforts. This female cheetah was introduced this past December into Coutada 11. Our team's research and monitoring has shown that due to the long grass and plentiful game in this area, the cheetahs do not have much exploratory movement, making tracking difficult at times. During mid-January of this year, the team was on a monitoring patrol and noticed the female laying in the long grass, looking up at the chopper, but something looked off. Through binoculars, they could see both of her eyes were covered in ticks.
A decision was made to intervene, and the veterinarian was on site as quickly as possible. She was darted, and once safely sedated, they went in to examine. They discovered her eyes, mouth, and rear end were completely covered in ticks. Through inspection, they located a large wound on the back right flank near the base of the tail -- 4" long by 2" deep. The cause of the wound was unknown, but Willem Briers-Louw reported it was most likely from a baboon or horned antelope. A lion or leopard was ruled out due to the absence of other claw marks. Clearly, the female's immune system was compromised, and the ticks had moved in.
The arduous task of manually removing each of the ticks was taken on, as well as pushing antibiotics, vitamins, and fluids. After the wound was treated, she was reversed and took off into the floodplain. Through regular monitoring, the team's work had paid off. This was evident by the last photo of her, resting comfortably with no signs of ticks.
The moral of this story is it takes an incredibly passionate and hard-working team on the front lines to keep conservation measures moving. We could not be more proud and thankful of our partners at Zambezi Delta Safaris --- they are true stewards of wildlife.
NEW Merchandise and Books - Now Available!
3/28/24
You asked and we listened! Now you can show your support for the Cabela Family Foundation and our mission by picking up some brand new merchandise! Each hat is purpose built, from the showing support of the 24 Lions Initiative to the Hard Truths of Conservation series on the History channel. Show you stand for real conservation and the Cabela family legacy, as we look to make a meaningful impact on the world.
In addition to our exciting new merchandise, you now have a one-stop shop to pick up any of the three books written by Dick and Mary’s son, David Cabela. From reliving some of their most memorable safaris to learning never-before-told stories behind the family history and rise of the World’s Foremost Outfitter, if you’ve ever been a fan of Cabela’s, there’s a title here for you.
We are looking to grow and expand our offerings in the store, so check back often for new products.
Teddy Roosevelt said it best…
3/25/24
It’s with tremendous pride to announce we have signed a long-term partnership with the International Order of T. Roosevelt . This organization is working incredibly hard to ensure the future of hunting and fishing is in good hands for generations to come. With a deep-rooted passion for conservation and shared values/beliefs, we couldn’t be more proud to lock arms with IOTR moving forward.
It’s no secret Theodore Roosevelt was a conservation visionary. Many of things we enjoy as outdoorsmen and women today are the direct descendants of decisions made over a century ago. Starting right now, through “Hard Truths of Conservation” and other conservation initiatives around North America, we plan to do our part and leave a lasting impact on the future of the world…together.
As part of the partnership, we will work on initiatives in North America that meet both of our organizations’ shared vision for bolstering species through real conservation measures. These projects will be featured on Hard Truths of Conservation and the partnership is set for a total of six seasons, with two seasons airing each year. IOTR will serve as Hard Truth’s exclusive supporting sponsor of the show.
“There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country.”
-Theodore Roosevelt-
Protecting Traditions Through Conservation
3/22/24
On this week's episode of Hard Truths of Conservation, Dan Cabela embarks on a journey throughout the United Kingdom. He takes a close look at the hunting traditions, exploring bird shoots, grouse moors, and even a traditional red stag hunt. Through all of these stops, Dan finds himself discovering the evolving and fascinating role of hunting in conservation throughout the country.
The history of hunting in the UK is very rich and full of unique stories that are passed down from generation to generation. Many of the people Dan encounters are living life outdoors just as their family did before them. Staying closely connected to the land and wildlife is engrained into who they are. However, today's hunters find themselves at odds with a societal shift which has painted an unclear and skewed picture of these time-honored traditions.
Don’t miss this new episode airing tomorrow, Saturday, March 23rd at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed it, there will be an encore presentation of last week's episode, "Battling Disease in Whitetail", immediately following at 9:30am EST.
Battling Disease in Whitetail
3/15/24
On this week's episode of Hard Truths of Conservation, Dan Cabela heads to Arkansas for an immersive, hands-on look into the polarizing topic of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
In North America, whitetail deer are the most abundant and wide-spread deer species roaming the continent. From coast to coast and both the northern and southern border, you will find whitetail deer living in all types of habitat and terrain. However, CWD has become a concerning topic amongst state agencies, scientists, and hunters alike in recent years.
Join Dan on his mission to learn more about the pressing threat of CWD in whitetails and the fierce debate around the strategies aimed at its management.
Don’t miss this new episode airing tomorrow, Saturday, March 16th at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed it, there will be an encore presentation of last week's episode, "Community Conservation", immediately following at 9:30am EST.
Community Conservation In Pakistan
3/8/24
In Episode 4 of Hard Truths of Conservation, Dan Cabela travels to Pakistan where he examines a highly successful community hunting model and its impact on the conservation of species found throughout the area. With a population of over 240 million, Pakistan is the fifth-most-populous country in the world --- placing immense pressure on the habitat and wildlife it calls home.
A hard truth of today is the space left in the world for species like ibex and urial is shrinking rapidly. Well managed and regulated hunting of a few individuals each year is protecting natural habitat and populations in areas where they would otherwise be hunted to extinction for meat.
While controversial to some, those who benefit from the hunting model in areas like Pakistan know and appreciate the impact it has. When the community benefits, so does the wildlife.
Don’t miss this new episode airing tomorrow, Saturday, March 9th at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed it, there will be an encore presentation of last week's episode, "Hunting In The Kiwi Wilds", immediately following at 9:30am EST.
Hunting In Kiwi Wilds
2/29/24
Episode 3 of Hard Truths of Conservation takes us to the incredibly diverse and beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. Aotearoa, or 'The Land of the Long White Cloud', was the name given to the islands when Maori navigators first saw signs of the new land in the formations of drawn out strands of cloud spreading across the horizon.
Today, New Zealand is home to some truly unique species and is considered by many as one of the top international-hunting destinations in the world. There are a host of non-native species that were introduced to the islands over a century ago. Hunting in New Zealand is not done without its fair share of controversy. In recent years, a government-led, large-scale culling program for Himalayan Tahr has become a hot-button topic with many people divided.
In this episode, Dan Cabela digs deeper into the role in which a government program like this and the sustainable harvest of non-native species by hunters can be viable conservation models.
Don’t miss this new episode airing Saturday, March 2nd at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed it, there will be an encore presentation of last week's episode, "A Conservation Legacy", immediately following at 9:30am EST.
HTC Tanzania - A Conservation Legacy
2/23/24
Episode 2 of Hard Truths of Conservation takes Dan Cabela to Tanzania where he visits one of the largest game reserves left on the planet...the Selous. In 1982, it was designated as a UNESCO world-heritage site due to its wildlife diversity and uninterrupted nature. It spans over 19,000 square miles of unspoiled wilderness in the heart of Africa.
Dan explores the hunting model which has managed to conserve this vast tract of land and keep it intact. From apex predators to flying insects, everything has its place in the Selous.
In today's society, these vast tracts of largely uninhabited land and intact natural ecosystems are incredibly special. Only through conservation and proper management will places like this remain for our children's children to experience someday.
Don’t miss this exciting new episode airing tomorrow, Saturday, February 24th at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel. And in case you missed the season premiere, there will be an encore presentation of last week’s episode, "Private Ownership of Wildlife", immediately following at 9:30am EST.
HTC Season 2 Premier
South Africa - Private Ownership of Wildlife
2/16/24
To kick things off in Season Two, Dan Cabela travels to South Africa to learn how the model of private ownership of wildlife has impacted the country. Much of the area in this episode was once used for sheep, goat, and cattle pasture which was almost completely devoid of wildlife. However, private wildlife ownership has changed that, and contributed to a drastic increase in wildlife populations --- bringing new life to a once-desolate landscape.
Dan participates in several conservation stories including a game capture, auction, and rhino rehabilitation. He then travels to a new property to help restore various species to the area. To cap it all off, Dan goes on a hunt with the aim of providing meals for an entire community --- reiterating once again the positive impact sustainable use can have on wildlife populations, ecosystems, and the humans who call the area home.
This episode will air tomorrow, Saturday, February 17th at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel.
2/10/24
Season 2 of HTC Coming Soon!
We are one week away from the season two premiere of "Hard Truths of Conservation". The first episode will air on Saturday, February 17th at 9:00am EST in the outdoors block on the History channel.
From South Africa to New Zealand to Arkansas to Pakistan, this season is full of incredible conservation stories from around the globe.
In the world of conservation, we often find the truth is sometimes difficult to understand. Like the idea that sustainable use can play a vital role in preserving habitat for wildlife and sustaining communities alike. An impossible idea to some, but when faced with the reality of a global population of over 8 billion people, Dan Cabela look for answers.
Dan has documented his journey across the world as he explores these hard truths with a myriad of experts from all different walks of life. From researchers and scientists to professional guides and livestock owners, each one has a story. Amazingly, these conservation stories are far more intertwined than they might appear on the surface and Hard Truths takes viewers along for a ride that's equally captivating and educational.
2/1/24
From the Brink of Death to New Life
Meet KAR-F001, one of the original 24 Lions placed in Coutada 11, whose incredible story is one the world needs to hear. It is a story of real conservation and the hard truths that come with any large-scale initiative involving animals. It's also proof of what happens when you have an incredible team that cares - monitoring and intervening when necessary - as this most certainly wouldn't have a happy ending without our partners at Zambezi Delta Safaris Anti-Poaching.
The "Snared Lady", as she's now known, was first caught in a poacher's snare in July 2019. The snare had wrapped deep around her waist, and a decision was made to dart her and remove the snare. The wire, which had cut about an inch deep around her entire body, was removed using wire cutters. Fortunately, the wire did not appear to do any major damage, so the wound was cleaned and treated. She was then monitored daily.
Unfortunately, just two months later, she was caught yet again in a poacher's snare -- this time by the back right foot, causing substantial swelling. Once the team noticed she had almost entirely stopped moving, they knew something was wrong, so a plan was made. The team moved in quickly to remove the snare and treat the wound. In the months that followed, they closely monitored movements to watch her recovery.
Fast forward to present day, and the Snared Lady has amazingly produced four litters of cubs since her last snaring! This is a true conservation success story, as without the monitoring and quick actions taken by the team, none of these litters would've happened. Multiple generations of lions are now growing and expanding across the Zambezi delta because of the work we are doing. To say we are proud of the impact it's had would be putting it lightly.
Our matriarch, Mary Cabela, was extremely passionate about this initiative -- the largest lion translocation in the history of the world. To reintroduce an apex predator, one that had not been in this area of Mozambique for over 150 years, took a lot of time, hard work, and resources, but to see the success over the last five years is no doubt Mary and Dick's legacy living on.
With each cub that takes its first steps on the delta, we are one step closer to our goal of completely balancing and repopulating the area’s natural ecosystem, while adding 2.5 million acres to wild lions’ habitat.
To our supporters and partners, thank you for believing in us as we try to leave an impact on wildlife and ecosystems for generations to come!
1/15/24
Show Season Is Upon Us
The 2024 show season is upon us and we kicked things off this last week at Dallas Safari Club. This show is one of our favorites every year for many reasons. Whether it's connecting with old friends or making new ones, this show really sets the tone for what's ahead in the new year.
Over the course of four days, we accomplished a lot of great work. From meetings with outfitters regarding upcoming trips for "Hard Truths of Conservation" to discussing new strategic partnerships, the days were filled with lots of good work rooted in conservation. The amount of support for Dick and Mary's legacy through their foundation was truly humbling and it came in all different forms.
One of the highlights from the DSC show was a dinner with Shane Mahoney of the "Wild Harvest Initiative". If you're not familiar with Shane or his work, read up here, as he's one of the world's experts and thought leaders in this field. We had an incredible discussion over the course of several hours and look forward to heading to Newfoundland this year to film a Hard Truths episode with him.
We're off to the Safari Club International show in Nashville, TN in a few weeks, where we look to build on the momentum from Dallas.
12/19/23
Chronic Wasting Disease
As we continue filming the upcoming season of Hard Truths of Conservation, we are diving even deeper into the effects of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) on whitetail deer populations and their human counterparts.
We have conducted various interviews and participated in data capture on this issue, gaining perspective from all sides with unique input from numerous experts across the field. Hunters. Veterinarians. Ranchers. State officials.
This issue affects so many.
Our search for answers has taken us far and wide. We have traveled not only across the great State of Texas, but on more than one occasion we have partnered with Arkansas Game and Fish assisting on the ground with game capture to help compile essential data in hopes of enabling more informed management decisions in the future.
11/27/23
Argentinian Conservation Efforts
Recently, we traveled to the beautiful country of Argentina for a long-awaited journey delving into the local hunting and conservation practices currently taking place in the country. We are excited to announce that we will be airing our discoveries in a new episode of Hard Truths of Conservation premiering in 2024.
There are several wildlife studies currently being done in Argentina, many of which have been primarily supported by the hunting community. One of the main objectives of these studies is to show the value of hunting to the economy of Argentina. While in Argentina, we will be participating in game bird sight counts as well as taking a glance into the critical conservation programs supporting the very endangered South Andean huemul deer. We will also be taking a look at the economic benefits to local people and businesses that are realized through the hunting and tourism business models.
This is sure to be an episode you won't want to miss!
11/6/23
Conservation Biology Conference
We are always excited to partner with likeminded conservation initiatives, and it has been a joy and privilege to work together with the Zambeze Delta Conservation team for many years now towards common goals.
Over the summer, we were happy to be able to send a team from Zambeze Delta Conservation to the International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB), the largest conservation-focused conference in the world hosted in Kigali, Rwanda.
The team was able to host various presentations covering the 24 Lions Project as well as other ongoing conservation efforts within the Zambezi Delta ecosystem to a broader scientific community of over 2,000 people.
8/1/23
We are excited to announce that all 12 Episodes of Hard Truths of Conservation: Season 1 are now available to stream on YouTube for your convenience.
We are currently filming seasons 2 of Hard Truths. The new season will premier In quarter one of 2024 on the History channel.
Season one of the series has now been picked up by the following channels:
WildTv, OutdoorAmerica, The Pursuit Channel, & Outdoor Entertainment Network
In South Africa, we took a glance at the impactful conversion from traditional livestock and agriculture to wildlife and examined the effects that this transformation has had on communities, wildlife and stakeholders.
We are currently filming seasons 2 of the series and one of the topics we have been taking a look at is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and its impact on whitetail deer in Arkansas as well as how it has affected the breeding and hunting industries in Texas. We joined Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to capture adult deer as well as fawns in order to calculate infection and mortality rates and to help inform future management decisions. In addition, we spoke with whitetail breeders and outfitters in Texas whose family businesses are on the ropes due to current government regulations.
Early in 2023 we traveled to Pakistan to take a look at community based conservation.
We learned how community-based hunting programs have become a significant source of revenue for conservation and management of wildlife populations and their habitats in Pakistan. As the landowners and communities have benefited from the funds paid by the international hunters, wildlife has become protected and poaching was made illegal and is now quite rare in many areas.
We are currently filming the second half of season 1 of the series, and we have been working on a Hard Truths episode that focuses on the conservation and history of the American alligator. This iconic species was listed as endangered in 1967 and has since rebounded to being listed as of least concern.
Back in August, I had the honor of participating in a bighorn sheep capture with the Nevada Department of Wildlife where we tested sheep for general health and Movi. It is a “Hard Truth” that if the practice of hunting were to cease, many wild sheep populations would not have much of a future.
This photo was taken with my niece Brady in Nevada this past August just before we returned a captured and fully Movi tested bighorn ewe back up to the mountain.
It is very rewarding to be participating in sheep conservation with my nieces and nephew. Getting younger people involved in wildlife conservation is critical for future conservation engagement and success.