Why are so many communities seeing an increase in bear conflicts? How does Vermont manage its wildlife populations?

In this episode of the Northwoods Whitetails Podcast, Dustin Martin and Joey Davis sit down with Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Jason Batchelder for an in-depth conversation about conservation, wildlife management, and the future of hunting in Vermont.

Jason shares his journey to becoming Commissioner, explains the responsibilities of Vermont Fish & Wildlife, and discusses why regulated hunting remains a critical tool for maintaining healthy wildlife populations. The conversation then turns to one of Vermont's hottest topics—human-bear conflicts. From bears getting into dumpsters, vehicles and even houses to increasing encounters in towns like Stowe, we explore what's driving these interactions, the challenges facing wildlife managers, and how hunters, homeowners, and non-hunters all play a role in the solution.

The episode wraps up with some memorable stories from Jason's career and a classic buck story that every deer hunter will appreciate.

Whether you're a lifelong hunter, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply interested in how wildlife is managed in Vermont, this conversation offers valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing conservation today.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow Northwoods Whitetails for more conversations with hunters, biologists, conservation professionals, and outdoorsmen from across the Northeast.

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Partners :

You're only as good as your gear allows you to be, Wear wool - cotton is death. Custom Northwoods Whitetail Jackets and Pants co-created with Johnson Woolen Mills. All products are American-made. https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com

A day in the north starts with quality footwear, We stand behind the highest quality socks ever made. https://darntough.com

OnX Hunt has brought simplicity and security to the Northwoods with features such as offline satellite imagery mapping, compass, and line distance alongside 2D, 3D, and Topo maps. https://www.onxmaps.com

Woodman Arms manufactures high-quality, affordable hunting and shooting products. By using materials that will not rust, pit, or corrode, we continue to set ourselves apart from the rest. https://www.woodmanarms.com/

Toyota Trucks are undoubtedly the truck of choice for the Northwoods enthusiasts. https://www.mcgeetoyotaofclaremont.com

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Dustin Martin and Connor Schellong sat down with Ethan Dreissigacker to talk about something we’ve been seeing more and more here in Vermont — the rapid growth of mountain biking and hiking trails, and what that might be doing to wildlife.

Ethan brings a unique perspective with his background in competitive skiing and time with the United States Biathlon Team, along with his work in conservation through Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA).

From our side, we share real, boots-on-the-ground observations from tracking and hunting whitetails — changes in deer movement, pressure in areas that used to feel remote, and what we’re seeing during critical times like winter.

This episode isn’t about pointing fingers — it’s about having an honest conversation around access, recreation, and how we balance that with the long-term health of wildlife and the land.

We also dive into:

• The impact of year-round recreation on deer behavior
• Winter pressure and survival for whitetails
• Where BHA stands on trail expansion, land access, and conservation
• What’s happening specifically here in Vermont
• How we can do a better job managing land moving forward

We wrap it up the best way we know how — with a story from the woods.

If you care about hunting, public land, and the future of wildlife, this is a conversation worth listening to.

Support the show

Partners :

You're only as good as your gear allows you to be, Wear wool - cotton is death. Custom Northwoods Whitetail Jackets and Pants co-created with Johnson Woolen Mills. All products are American-made. https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com

A day in the north starts with quality footwear, We stand behind the highest quality socks ever made. https://darntough.com

OnX Hunt has brought simplicity and security to the Northwoods with features such as offline satellite imagery mapping, compass, and line distance alongside 2D, 3D, and Topo maps. https://www.onxmaps.com

Woodman Arms manufactures high-quality, affordable hunting and shooting products. By using materials that will not rust, pit, or corrode, we continue to set ourselves apart from the rest. https://www.woodmanarms.com/

Toyota Trucks are undoubtedly the truck of choice for the Northwoods enthusiasts. https://www.mcgeetoyotaofclaremont.com

Follow us @

Website: info@nwwhitetails.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwoodswhitetails

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwoodswhitetails/

Support the show

Partners :

You're only as good as your gear allows you to be, Wear wool - cotton is death. Custom Northwoods Whitetail Jackets and Pants co-created with Johnson Woolen Mills. All products are American-made. https://www.johnsonwoolenmills.com

A day in the north starts with quality footwear, We stand behind the highest quality socks ever made. https://darntough.com

OnX Hunt has brought simplicity and security to the Northwoods with features such as offline satellite imagery mapping, compass, and line distance alongside 2D, 3D, and Topo maps. https://www.onxmaps.com

Woodman Arms manufactures high-quality, affordable hunting and shooting products. By using materials that will not rust, pit, or corrode, we continue to set ourselves apart from the rest. https://www.woodmanarms.com/

Toyota Trucks are undoubtedly the truck of choice for the Northwoods enthusiasts. https://www.mcgeetoyotaofclaremont.com

Follow us @

Website: info@nwwhitetails.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwoodswhitetails

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwoodswhitetails/