Saving Wildlife - Two Different Takes
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, Dan Cabela travels to New Zealand and investigates the challenges of managing a non-native species while balancing ecosystem protection. Threatened in their native range, the mountain-dwelling Himalayan Tahr of New Zealand are thriving, while providing an economic benefit through hunting. However, challenges have arisen through management practices, which has divided much of the country.
From there, Dan heads to the Great Plains in search of a better understanding of the role that utilization has played in bringing the American Bison back from the brink of extinction.
Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, June 7th, at 9:00AM and 9:30AM Eastern, on the Discovery Channel! Join us for an entire hour of conservation-based programming from around the world.
Bison and Rhinos share a common thread
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, Dan Cabela heads to Wyoming, and then Nebraska, where he learns about the recovery of a North American icon — the American Bison. Dan seeks to understand the role that utilization has played in bringing this species back from the brink of extinction. Due to the demand for their hides, market hunting almost wiped them out in the late 1800s, but conservation has brought them back.
From there, Dan and the HTC crew are off to South Africa, where they dive into how land ownership plays a vital role in sustaining the hunting model which the country depends so much on.
Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, May 31st, at 9:00AM and 9:30AM Eastern on the Discovery Channel!
Join us for an entire hour of conservation-based programming from around the world.
Why habitat and wildlife need hunting as a conservation tool
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, Dan Cabela and the crew head to South Africa where they take a look at how land ownership plays a vital role in sustaining the hunting model, which the country depends so much on. They also roll up their sleeves and help with ground-breaking white rhino conservation efforts in the area, placing state-of-the-art AI collars on several animals.
From there, they’re off to Nevada to partake in some hands-on, wild-sheep conservation studies to better understand how the hunting community is helping fund population recoveries.
Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, May 24th, at 9:00AM Eastern, on the Discovery Channel! Join us for an entire hour of conservation-based programming from around the world.
A closer look at wild sheep conservation
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, Dan Cabela travels to Nevada and joins a team of vets and biologists on an ambitious capture operation to test and monitor bighorn sheep. The transmission of disease from domestic livestock to wild sheep has severely impacted wild populations in recent decades and Dan hopes to better understand how the hunting community is helping fund population recoveries.
From there, Dan heads to Tajikistan and explores the conservation success story of the country once consumed by the Soviet Union. Here, he examines how funds generated through hunting are conserving and protecting vast areas of the country.
Join us for an entire hour of conservation-based programming from around the world. Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, May 17th, at 9:00AM and 9:30AM Eastern, on the Discovery Channel!
Additional Airings for HTC on Discovery
Last week, we got some news from our partners at Warner Bros. Discovery --- Hard Truths of Conservation has been given some additional airing times. Instead of starting to tune in at 9:00AM Eastern on Saturday mornings, starting this Saturday, May 17th, there's a whole hour more of HTC headed your way!
So now, you can start watching at 7:00AM Eastern for an encore of two previous episodes, as we get ready to debut the new episode at 9:00AM.
The goal of Hard Truths of Conservation is to bring awareness and reach as many people as possible. This news has us excited, as every little bit helps spread our message!
From Tajikistan to Scotland — Conservation Wins!
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, Dan Cabela travels to Tajikistan and explores the conservation success story of the country. With the fall of the Soviet Union, wildlife populations were devastated, bringing some of their unique mountain species to the brink of extinction. But with the help of funds generated through hunting, vast areas are now being conserved and protected.
From there, Dan heads to the highlands of Scotland where he takes a close look at the role hunting has in a modern society.
Join us for an entire hour of conservation-based programming from around the world. Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, May 10th, at 9:00AM and 9:30AM Eastern, on the Discovery Channel!
More Viewing Options for Hard Truths of Conservation
Hard Truths of Conservation continues to grow to heights far beyond what the Cabela Family ever imagined. With the move to Discovery and Animal Planet, people across the world are taking notice, including other networks. And that's why we are excited to announce that HTC has been pickled up again!
For all of our supporters in the Houston and greater Houston area, now you can catch HTC on Space City Home Network! They've picked up five episodes from season 3 that will run over the the next month!
Hunting Traditions from Scotland to Nunavut
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, join Dan Cabela as he travels to the heart of the Scottish Highlands to take a look at how traditional hunting has shaped the landscape and benefitted both local people and native wildlife. Dan digs in to better understand how conservation work today shows how hunting has a place, but modern society continues to push back against thousands of years of history.
From there, he heads to the barren landscape of Nunavut to participate in a scientific-sampling project to monitor a population of musk ox, and get first-hand experience of the relationship between local people and this arctic icon.
Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, May 3rd, at 9:00AM and 9:30AM Eastern on the Discovery Channel! Join us for an entire hour of conservation-based programming from around the world.
You asked, we delivered —— CFF T-Shirts
Our supporters asked, and we delivered! Now you can show your support for the Cabela Family Foundation and meaningful conservation at the same time. Since this is our first run, we have three styles to choose from, but have plans for more in the future. The CFF shirt comes in both green and black with the CFF logo on the front-left chest, and one of Dick Cabela's most-memorable quotes across the back.
Also, we listened to the requests and have created a ladies-only, 12 Cheetahs t-shirt. While the CFF shirts are unisex and printed on the very popular Next Level 60/40 blend, the 12 Cheetahs is a specific ladies cut, 60/40 blend --- so sizing will run true to ladies.
We have limited quantities, so don't delay!
A remnant of the Ice Age
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, join Dan Cabela as he travels north to the barren landscape of Nunavut in search of a remnant of the last Ice Age --- the musk ox. For the people who share this region of Canada with them, they're an integral part of their culture. Dan participates in a scientific-sampling project to monitor the population's health, and get first-hand experience of the relationship between local people and this arctic icon.
From there, he heads to the jungles of the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico and examines the impact over-harvesting and exploitation of natural resources have had on the area.
Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, April 26th, at 9:00AM and 9:30AM Eastern, on the Discovery Channel! Join us for an entire hour of conservation-based programming from around the world.
Two Jungles on Opposite Sides of the World
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, join Dan Cabela as he travels to the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico and examines the impact over-harvesting and exploitation of natural resources have had on the area. From there, he heads to Borneo and gives viewers an in-depth look at how human-wildlife conflict affects locals and the place they call home. Dan interviews a crocodile attack survivor and goes on a conservation mission to place a collar on the endangered pygmy elephant.
Join us for an entire hour of conservation-based programming from around the world. Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, April 19th, at 9:00AM and 9:30AM Eastern, on the Discovery Channel!
Interviewing a crocodile attack survivor!
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, join Dan Cabela as he travels to Borneo and dives into the world of human-wildlife conflict. From interviewing a crocodile attack survivor, to putting a collar on an endangered pygmy elephant, this episode is one that will have you on the edge of your seat. Then he heads to Tanzania to take a closer look at how anti-poaching and community education around the benefits of hunting is transforming a vital ecosystem.
Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, April 12th, at 9:00AM and 9:30AM Eastern, on the Discovery Channel! Join us for an entire hour of conservation-based programming from around the world.
Modern Huntsman and CFF/IOTR
To many, print publications are becoming a "thing of the past." However, in the overly digital age we now find ourselves in, we are resolute in our belief that a quality print publication still has a very important place in the art of storytelling. And that's why we partnered with one of the very best, Modern Huntsman, to be the avenue for which we'd tell a fascinating story of conservation and hope.
Together with our partners are the International Order of T. Roosevelt, we traveled to Sitkalidak Island off the coast of Kodiak, AK last summer, to partake in our first hands-on conservation initiative together. With a storied history, deep ties to Teddy Roosevelt himself, and arguably considered the most iconic animal in North American history, the bison was the perfect entry into our partnership with IOTR.
While Modern Huntsman is subscription based, here's your chance to pre-order a copy of volume 14. Our story is just one of many, but the common themes of incredible stories and photography can be found throughout. We are extremely proud of the cover, and it's even more special because the original painting will be auctioned off to raise money for conservation at IOTR's annual meeting Naples, FL.
Stand in the arena with us and IOTR, as we try to make a meaningful difference on the world through conservation. Raising awareness to the work that's being done around the world by conservation heroes today, is one way we can "own the narrative". Pre-order your copy of today, so you can help tell our story.
From Tanzania to the Everglades — HTC is Back Tomorrow!
This week on Hard Truths of Conservation, join Dan Cabela as he travels to Tanzania to take a closer look at how anti-poaching and community education around the benefits of hunting is transforming a vital ecosystem. With the local's herds of livestock, he finds it's quite a nuanced issue, but conservation-minded practices are working. From there, he heads to Florida and investigates the conservation model behind the recovery of an ancient American reptile…the alligator.
Don’t miss either episode this Saturday, April 5th, at 9:00AM and 9:30AM Eastern, as HTC premieres on its brand new home, the Discovery Channel!
Huge news from the Cabela Family
It's finally time to share some news that we have been keeping close to the vest for almost eight months!
Drum roll please...
We have signed a multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to take "Hard Truths of Conservation" to Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. The History Channel was a great first landing spot and home of HTC over the past three years. However, when the opportunity to put our message in front of a global audience and potentially hundreds of millions of people, the decision was easy. Two networks which are synonymous with producing top-shelf programs around animal education, the environment, and sustainability, will now have a program dedicated to teaching the same message through hunting and conservation.
“When we started shooting the pilot in 2020, I had no idea what this would evolve into one day,” said Dan Cabela, Executive Director of the Cabela Family Foundation. “To have a show highlighting conservation stories from around the world featured on Discovery and Animal Planet is truly humbling.”
Hard Truths of Conservation will begin airing April 5, 2025 at 9:00AM (ET/PT) on Discovery Channel, July 6, 2025 at 8:00AM (ET/PT) on Animal Planet, and internationally on Discovery India April 5, 2025. The series will stream on discovery+ and the Discovery GO APP.
A new and meaningful partner - Safari Speciality Importers
It's time to share some exciting news with our supporters, especially for those you who hunt internationally.
We are thrilled to announce a new, and very meaningful partnership with Safari Speciality Importers. The name may or may not be familiar to you, but if you've spent any time researching customs brokers, you've no doubt heard of them. Safari Specialty Importers specializes in the import/export of hunting trophies from all over the world. From start to finish, they handle it all for you, as you'll have a dedicated team available to assist with all the logistics and paperwork associated with getting your trophies home.
They're also incredibly passionate about real conservation and donate funds every year to various conservation projects to ensure future generations have a chance to enjoy the outdoors --- and that's where we come in.
"We want to support those who are making a real difference on the future of wildlife conservation," said Bradley Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of SSI. "And in the outdoor industry, there can be no greater family to do that with than the Cabelas."
New Cheetah Cubs!
An amazing update from our partners at Zambeze Delta Conservation and Anti-Poaching...we've got new cheetah cubs!
The "Waterberg Female" as she's known, was found this past weekend with a brand-new liter of cubs. Under normal circumstances, the team would not check on them when they're this young, but they must have been born the night prior. Cheetah mothers will usually show signs of a denning pattern when they're about to give birth, so this was a complete surprise. Once we determine how many new youngsters there are, we will report back!
These new cubs mark a significant moment in our 12 Cheetahs initiative. Births have been sporadic at best over the years, and cub mortality has been higher than we'd like. But with each new birth, there's hope, and a chance they'll make it to adulthood. With less than 6,500 left in the wild, cheetahs are among the most-endangered species of big cats --- and why something as special as this is worth celebrating.
The work is ongoing and we can always use your help. If you'd like to donate to either the 12 Cheetahs or 24 Lions initiatives, click here. We thank you in advance for your support!
Update: the most-trafficked animal in the world
Update from our partners at Zambezi Delta Conservation and Anti-Poaching regarding some pangolins --- the most trafficked animal in the world.
"Yesterday, two pangolins were confiscated from poachers from two locations further north and west of the Delta. We arranged for a helicopter pick up outside of a town with the Mozambique Wildlife Alliance team, but bad weather and light conditions caught us. We rescheduled with them for this morning and we now have them in camp.
It looks like a male and female and both seem very strong. We are taking them out or their first walk this evening and if they are strong enough, we will release them tomorrow. Fortunately, we have two tracking tags left in camp, which we can deploy on them to monitor after release." - Willem Daniel Briers-Louw
Another conservation success story coming out of Coutada 11 that has us feeling proud of the work being done there and hopeful for the future!
Certain Death to New Life --- Twice in One Day
Breaking news from the Delta: Just 48 hours ago, we received an update from the Zambeze Delta Conservation and Anti-Poaching team regarding a male lion caught in a gin trap.
The team tried to track and locate the lion by foot, however, it was too thick and the helicopter was brought in. Upon locating the lion, the team got a dart in, and were able to successfully free it. Upon looking at the foot, the veterinarian determined it was not broken and expect a full recovery.
Stories like this do nothing but reiterate the reality of what conservation takes today. Without the team and quick actions taken, this lion certainly would’ve had a very different fate. Tools like the helicopter continue to revolutionize what’s possible and create solutions to very real problems facing conservation today. In fact, upon heading back to camp, the team found and freed a young sable bull that was caught in a snare. Quite an eventful yet very fulfilling morning with a good outcome.
Thank you for your support in 2024!
As 2024 comes to a close, we wanted to take a second to say "thank you" to all of our supporters. In today's day and age, support comes in a lot of different ways. Maybe you purchased one of our hats, shared one of our posts on social media, or donated to the foundation...just know, it all matters.
When my parents started the Cabela Family Foundation 24 years ago, it was rooted in three principles --- promote outdoor recreation, conservation and charity toward others. I'd like to think we are doing right by them, and following the guiding principles they laid out for us. Our Hard Truths of Conservation series is reaching heights we never imagined possible and it continues to spread the outdoor recreation and conservation message that is so near and dear to our hearts. Providing charity toward others continues to be a focus, as our grant program saw steady growth and demand in 2024.
We have a lot to be thankful for as we look back on the last year. At the center of it all is our supporters who believe in the foundations mission and the work we do, day in and day out. Whether you are a "legacy Cabela's" customer, industry partner, or new-found supporter of HTC and the foundation...thank you. This next year promises to be our biggest yet, and we can't wait to share some very exciting news with you all.
I sincerely hope 2025 is your best yet. Happy New Year!
Dan Cabela, CFF Executive Director