Hard Truths of Conservation

3 seasons available

Experiencing fearsome animals up close like leopards, bison, cheetahs and more; Dan Cabela learns how these creatures play such vital roles on the planet and how important it is to keep them protected.
An American Icon
S4 E1

The indigenous Alutiiq community of Old Harbor, AK, takes ownership of their food security by building a new bison herd on the island of Sitkalidak, thereby maintaining their traditional subsistence way of life.

One Hundred Lions
S4 E2

In the heart of Mozambique's Zambezi Delta, a team of conservationists has overseen one of the largest range expansions of African lions in modern times. Following the reintroduction of 24 lions in 2018, the population has grown to over 100 today.

Another World
S4 E3

Host Dan Cabela examines how the regulated hunting of ibex in the remote mountains of Türkiye has helped protect large areas for wildlife and fund local conservation initiatives.

A European Tradition
S4 E4

Dan Cabela travels to Spain and France to learn more about chamois, a goat-antelope species steeped in history.

Elephant in the Room
S4 E6

Elephant populations in many protected African reserves are expanding, but what happens to them when a reserve reaches its capacity?

The Aussie Way
S4 E7

The introduction of non-native species into Australia has had a large impact on native species. Ongoing management throughout the country is a daily task -- Dan Cabela meets some of the people taking on this challenge.

Anti-Poaching in Tanzania
S3 E1

The pressure of human encroachment and poaching are the greatest threats to wildlife in Africa; Dan Cabela travels to Tanzania to see how Robin Hurt Safaris manages two large conservation areas in the face of these daily challenges.

The Gator in My Backyard
S3 E2

Dan Cabela explores how the regulated utilization of gators in modern times, through egg harvesting, farming and hunting, helped bring the population back to healthy levels.

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Borneo
S3 E3

Human-wildlife conflict is common in Borneo, where human populations are scattered throughout the landscape; Dan Cabela travels to the area to participate in an elephant collaring project showing how people and elephants can live harmoniously.

Into the Yucatán
S3 E4

Famous for its Mayan ruins, the Yucatán in Mexico is home to diverse wildlife; after years of overharvesting and exploitation, regulated hunting is helping to conserve large areas of the fragile ecosystem; Dan travels to the region to learn more.

Barren Ground Musk Ox
S3 E5

Dan Cabela participates in a scientific sampling project to monitor the musk ox population in Barren Ground, Canada, hoping to gain firsthand experience of the relationship between its people and this Arctic icon.

Highland Hunting Traditions
S3 E6

Traveling to the heart of Scotland's highlands, Dan Cabela examines how traditional hunting has shaped the landscape and benefitted local people and native wildlife over centuries.

The Big Horn Question
S3 E7

Dan Cabela is joining a team of veterinarians and biologists on an ambitious capture operation to test and monitor bighorn sheep in Nevada; he hopes to understand better how the hunting community helps fund population recoveries.

Tajikistan Mountainous Land
S3 E8

With the fall of the Soviet Union, wildlife populations in Tajikistan were devastated.

The Hunting Heritage of South Africa
S3 E9

South Africa offers deep insight into our sapient ancestors' hunter-gatherer history; Dan Cabela retraces the footsteps of humanity's forebears.

When Bison Rule
S3 E10

The bison, an American icon, nearly became extinct in North America; a small group of conservationists saved the last few hundred animals more than a century ago; thanks to a sustainable-use model, bison populations are growing again today.

King of the Mountain
S3 E11

Although threatened in their native range, mountain-dwelling tahr thrive in New Zealand; Dan Cabela investigates the challenges of managing a non-native species and balancing ecosystem protection with the economic benefit of hunters harvesting tahr.

The Blacktail of Vancouver Island
S3 E12

A species established just after the last Ice Age, the blacktail deer of Vancouver Island offers a genetic population isolated from the mainland; Dan Cabela travels to the island to learn more about their harvesting, conservation and history.

Bear Necessities
S1 E11

Black bear conservation requires different approaches across the United States; Dan Cabela explores the reality of what is being done to protect the species in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Maine.