Dr. Chris Jenkins: Vice President Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

On this episode of The Storied Outdoors, we welcome Dr. Chris Jenkins — conservationist, biologist, and storyteller of the wild. As CEO of The Orianne Society and a board member of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Chris champions reptiles, amphibians, and the public lands that shape our stories. From tracking Eastern Indigo Snakes in longleaf pine to hunting stories from the Appalachians and Idaho, Chris brings field-tested insight, science, and a deep reverence for wild places.

Episode Highlights:

Chris’s upbringing and the turning points that led him to conservation.

1. How the Nantahala Mountains shaped his worldview and convictions.

2. Why reptiles & amphibians matter — indicators of ecosystem health.

3. Stories tied to memorable landscapes and why protecting them matters.

4. Life in the field: 150+ days a year and the clarity that brings.

5. Reconciling rigorous science with a sense of wonder and reverence.

6. The balance of hunting, biology, and conservation.

7. Epic bear hunts: Appalachian backcountry to Idaho mountains.

8. Campfire tales, near-misses, and what’s next on Chris’s horizon.

   If you love field stories, conservation that’s rooted in boots-on-the-ground biology, or thoughtful conversations about how landscapes shape our lives, this episode is for you. Chris blends technical expertise with a storyteller’s heart — making complex conservation ideas accessible and deeply human.

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Learn more about Chris and his work:

• The Orianne Society

• Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Board Announcement

• The Snake Talk Podcast