Ep. 111 - Will Primos: A Conservation Calling

What does it take to build one of the most recognizable brands in hunting while becoming one of the strongest voices for wildlife conservation?In this episode of Through the Gates, Dan Gates sits down with legendary hunter, entrepreneur, conservationist, and Primos Hunting founder Will Primos for one of the most personal and insightful interviews he's ever given.Will shares the incredible story behind building Primos Hunting from a garage startup into one of the biggest names in the outdoor industry. He discusses the evolution of game calls, hunting videos, elk calling, turkey hunting, business leadership, and how timing, innovation, and authenticity changed hunting forever.More importantly, Will explains why science-based wildlife management, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and educating the non-hunting public are more important today than ever before.In this episode:• The incredible story behind founding Primos Hunting• Building a hunting company from a garage• How VHS tapes revolutionized hunting education• Why authenticity built one of hunting's biggest brands• The evolution of turkey, deer and elk calling• Product innovation inside Primos• Entrepreneurship lessons from growing a national company• The importance of habitat conservation• Why science—not emotion—must guide wildlife management• Educating non-hunters about conservationIf you believe in conserving wildlife through science-based management, responsible hunting, and protecting the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, be sure to subscribe and join us for future episodes.SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH IN COLORADOSign the Initiative 302 petition: savecoheritage.orgDonate to CRWM: savethehuntcolorado.com/support-usLearn more: savethehuntcolorado.comFollow CRWM on Facebook: facebook.com/savethehuntcoloradoFollow CRWM on Instagram: instagram.com/c.r.w.mCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:44 Meet Will Primos01:39 Growing up and early influences06:57 Starting Primos Hunting in a garage09:58 Audio cassettes that changed hunting11:42 The birth of hunting videos17:06 Timing, innovation & entrepreneurship18:02 Conservation begins with education20:31 Building the Primos brand22:00 Expanding beyond turkey calls27:58 Product innovation & Trigger Stick37:50 Conservation becomes the mission42:58 Teaching the next generation48:59 Ballot box biology & public education53:24 Challenges facing hunting today56:10 Why everyone impacts wildlife habitat1:00:51 Future hunting plans & favorite adventures1:05:03 Final thoughts from Will Primos1:06:03 Colorado Outfitters Association1:06:50 Mintern Anglers1:07:07 Rustic Living1:08:09 OutroKeywordsWill Primos, Primos Hunting, hunting podcast, Dan Gates, elk hunting, turkey hunting, deer hunting, wildlife conservation, North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, science-based wildlife management, conservation podcast, elk calling, turkey calls, hunting industry, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Colorado hunting, hunting heritage, wildlife management, public lands