Hilary Hutcheson, Fishing Guide and Environmental Advocate
Digest
Hillary Hutchison, a Montana fly fishing guide, climate activist, and outdoor enthusiast, shares her unique upbringing, guiding philosophy, and passion for conservation. She grew up in Montana with her siblings, spending countless hours exploring the wild rivers and mountains, learning valuable lessons about the natural world from her parents, who instilled in her a deep respect for the environment. Hillary's guiding philosophy extends beyond simply putting clients on fish; she aims to educate them about the ecosystem and inspire them to become stewards of the environment. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with the environment and advocating for its protection, particularly in the face of climate change. Hillary's work as a climate activist has taken her to Washington D.C. to speak with White House officials and to rallies and meetings with legislators. She also works with organizations like Protect Our Winters and Casting for Recovery, advocating for the protection of our natural resources. Hillary's passion for the outdoors extends to her family, and she shares her experiences raising her children in the wilderness, emphasizing the importance of letting them explore and learn on their own. She also discusses the challenges of being an optimist in the face of climate change, but ultimately believes that we can all make a difference by taking action, no matter how small. The conversation concludes with a discussion about littering and the importance of leaving no trace, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need to respect the environment. Hillary's story is an inspiring example of how we can all make a difference in protecting the places and things we love.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces Hillary Hutchison, a Montana fly fishing guide, climate activist, and outdoor enthusiast. The hosts, Dave Devanadetto and Eddie Nickens, discuss Hillary's impressive background and her passion for conservation.
Hillary's Upbringing
This Chapter delves into Hillary's childhood, highlighting her upbringing in Montana's wild rivers and mountains. She describes her parents' emphasis on outdoor exploration and their commitment to teaching her and her siblings about the natural world. Hillary emphasizes the importance of learning by doing and the formative experiences she gained from her early adventures.
Guiding Philosophy
This Chapter explores Hillary's guiding philosophy, which goes beyond simply putting clients on fish. She emphasizes the importance of educating clients about the ecosystem and inspiring them to become stewards of the environment. Hillary discusses the growing awareness of climate change among both guides and clients and the need for guides to be knowledgeable about environmental issues.
The Power of a Connected Sporting Public
This Chapter examines the interconnectedness of the sporting community and the importance of a more educated public. Hillary highlights the growing awareness of environmental issues across different regions and the need for anglers to be informed about and engaged in conservation efforts.
Brand Ambassadors and Conservation
This Chapter explores Hillary's role as a brand ambassador for companies like Patagonia, Yeti, and Orvis. She explains that brand ambassadors are more than just influencers; they are deeply connected to the resource and work to promote conservation initiatives, product innovation, and inclusivity within the outdoor community.
Guiding Mistakes and the Importance of Place
This Chapter discusses the biggest mistake Hillary sees anglers making, which is not appreciating the unique and special nature of the place they are fishing. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the ecosystem and the significance of catching native fish in a relatively intact environment.
Climate Activism and Connectivity
This Chapter focuses on Hillary's work as a climate activist. She discusses her experiences speaking at the White House and Congress, advocating for climate solutions and highlighting the impact of climate change on fishing and the environment. Hillary emphasizes the importance of connecting with the environment and recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Raising Kids in the Outdoors
This Chapter explores Hillary's experiences raising her children in the wilderness. She discusses the challenges of balancing optimism and realism when raising children in a world facing environmental challenges. Hillary emphasizes the importance of letting her children explore and learn on their own, while providing them with opportunities to connect with the natural world.
Keywords
Hillary Hutchison
Hillary Hutchison is a Montana fly fishing guide, climate activist, and outdoor enthusiast. She is known for her passion for conservation and her work to educate anglers about the environment. She is a brand ambassador for several outdoor companies, including Patagonia, Yeti, and Orvis. She is also a vocal advocate for climate action and has spoken at the White House and Congress on the issue.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a method of angling that uses an artificial fly to catch fish. It is a popular sport in many parts of the world, and it is known for its beauty and its connection to the natural world. Fly fishing requires skill and knowledge of the environment, including the fish, the water, and the insects that the fish eat.
Climate Change
Climate change is a long-term shift in global weather patterns. It is caused by the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause the planet to warm. Climate change is having a significant impact on the environment, including rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, and changes in plant and animal life. It is a major challenge facing the world today, and it is important to take action to mitigate its effects.
Conservation
Conservation is the protection and management of natural resources. It is important to conserve natural resources to ensure that they are available for future generations. Conservation efforts can include protecting endangered species, managing forests, and reducing pollution.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation is any activity that takes place in the outdoors. It can include activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and boating. Outdoor recreation is a popular pastime for many people, and it provides numerous benefits, including physical and mental health, stress relief, and a connection to nature.
Montana
Montana is a state in the western United States. It is known for its rugged mountains, vast forests, and pristine rivers. Montana is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, and it is home to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a national park in Montana. It is known for its stunning glaciers, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is a national park in Florida. It is known for its vast sawgrass prairies, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife. The park is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and birdwatching.
Noodling
Noodling is a method of fishing that involves catching catfish by hand. It is a dangerous and challenging activity, but it is also a popular pastime in some parts of the United States. Noodling is typically done in rivers and lakes, and it involves wading into the water and reaching into holes and crevices to catch catfish.
Brook Trout
Brook trout are a species of trout native to the eastern United States and Canada. They are known for their beautiful coloration, including a distinctive orange-red band along their sides. Brook trout are a popular game fish, and they are also an important part of the ecosystem.
Q&A
What is Hillary Hutchison's guiding philosophy?
Hillary's guiding philosophy extends beyond simply putting clients on fish; she aims to educate them about the ecosystem and inspire them to become stewards of the environment. She believes in connecting people with the natural world and empowering them to advocate for its protection.
How does Hillary's upbringing influence her work as a guide and activist?
Hillary's upbringing in Montana's wild rivers and mountains instilled in her a deep respect for the environment and a passion for outdoor exploration. Her parents taught her valuable lessons about the natural world, emphasizing the importance of learning by doing and respecting the ecosystem. These experiences shaped her guiding philosophy and her commitment to conservation.
What are some of the challenges Hillary faces as a climate activist?
Hillary faces the challenge of remaining optimistic in the face of climate change while also being realistic about the challenges we face. She acknowledges the need to address the issue head-on while also empowering people to take action, no matter how small.
What is Hillary's perspective on littering and leaving no trace?
Hillary believes that littering, even with natural items, can have a negative impact on ecosystems. She emphasizes the importance of respecting the environment and leaving no trace, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need to take responsibility for our actions.
How does Hillary approach raising her children in the outdoors?
Hillary believes in providing her children with opportunities to explore and learn on their own, while also guiding them to appreciate and respect the natural world. She emphasizes the importance of letting them make mistakes and find their own paths, while also instilling in them a love for the outdoors.
What is Hillary's advice for people who want to get involved in conservation?
Hillary encourages people to connect with the environment, learn about the issues, and take action, no matter how small. She believes that everyone can make a difference in protecting the places and things we love.
What is Hillary's favorite fishing spot in the South?
Hillary has never fished in the Everglades, but it is on her bucket list. She is also interested in fishing for native brook trout in the South.
What is noodling, and why is Hillary interested in trying it?
Noodling is a method of fishing that involves catching catfish by hand. Hillary is interested in trying it because she finds it fascinating and challenging, despite her fear of opening her eyes underwater.
What is Hillary's message to listeners?
Hillary's message is one of hope and possibility. She believes that we can all make a difference in protecting the environment and that it is important to connect with the natural world and advocate for its protection.
Show Notes
Dave and Eddie talk with guide and environmental advocate Hilary Hutcheson, who grew up on the rivers of her home state of Montana, continues to guide there, and is a leading voice in raising awareness of how climate change is affecting North America’s fishing heritage. The mother of three grown children has fished all over the world (with a soft spot for the South), has testified before a Senate committee about the state of fisheries across the country, and is an ambassador for several of the biggest names in the sporting world. But there’s one dream she’s not been able to make come true: noodling a catfish. Presented in partnership with Duck Camp.
Sites mentioned in Episode 2:
Hilary Hutcheson’s Instagram: @outsidehilary
Conservation organizations:
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana
Climate Solution Caucus
Forest/wildernesses:
Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
Great Bear Wilderness
Wild South credits:
Producer and editor: Christine Fennessy
Music: Woody Platt and Bennett Sullivan
Artwork: Lars Leetaru
Transcripts editor: Katherine Jarvis
Table of contents
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