How Tom Opre’s ‘Return of the Wild’ Protects the Range How Tom Opre’s ‘Return of the Wild’ Protects the Range

How Tom Opre’s ‘Return of the Wild’ Protects the Range

Discover how Tom Opre's conservation efforts protect wildlife and promote economic growth in rural communities.

Reviewed by Stephen Brown · Based on Episode 48 with Tom Opre

In Episode 48 (Part 2) of Y’all Street, host Tarek Saab sits down with Tom Opre, a filmmaker and conservationist, to discuss the future of wildlife management.

Tom Opre, founder of the Shepherds of Wildlife Society, brings a unique perspective to conservation, emphasizing that protecting wildlife is not just a mindset but a physical act. As he puts it, “To be a conservationist, you must conserve.”

Protecting the Range: The Economic Value of Wildlife

In the vast stretches of the American West, Opre highlights the importance of economic incentives in wildlife conservation. He argues that when local communities see a financial benefit from wildlife, they are more likely to protect it. This principle is the backbone of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

  1. Economic benefits motivate local communities to engage in conservation efforts.
  2. Hunters play a critical role in funding wildlife management through licenses and taxes.
  3. Public understanding of conservation needs to bridge the gap between urban and rural perspectives.

From the Stockyard to the Screen: Storytelling as a Tool

Opre’s journey as a filmmaker is rooted in a ranching lifestyle, where storytelling serves as a crucial tool to educate the public on conservation. His films, including the forthcoming “Operation: Return of the Wild,” aim to connect audiences with the realities faced by wildlife and rural communities.

Wildlife doesn’t exist because people love it. Wildlife exists because someone saw a benefit to conserve it.

Tom Opre

The Lower Luano Valley project in Zambia exemplifies this approach. By reintroducing species like Cape Buffalo and Puku antelope, Opre is not only restoring the ecosystem but also generating economic opportunities for local communities. This model demonstrates how conservation can coexist with human dignity and economic growth.

As Opre emphasizes, “Conservation starts at the ground level,” and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that wildlife management remains sustainable and beneficial for both the herd and the community.