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Ben Masters is a filmmaker and conservationist whose work explores some of the most important conservation challenges facing the American West today. He was the mastermind behind the award-winning documentary "Unbranded," which tells the story of Ben and his three buddies who ride wild mustangs from Mexico to Canada as part of an epic five month-adventure. The film also examines the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s Wild Horse Program, a well-intentioned, but now controversial, government program created to protect the wild horses that roam the western U.S. For those who love the American West, "Unbranded" is one of the best documentaries in recent memory\u2014it combines hardcore adventure with important conservation issues, all while accurately capturing the true beauty of the American West. \u2022 Conservation is the common theme running through all of Ben\u2019s work, and his passion is fortified with a deep knowledge of natural history, public lands, and policy issues related to the American West. His expertise recently earned him a spot on the BLM\u2019s Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board, the group tasked with solving the challenging issues surrounding the program he profiled in "Unbranded." His most recent film, "Pronghorn Revival," is the story of Texas wildlife biologists capturing and relocating a struggling herd of pronghorns (i.e. antelopes). Not one to rest on his laurels, Ben is working hard on more conservation projects to be revealed in the coming months. \u2022 When we recorded this episode, Ben was less than a day away from leaving on a multi-week guiding trip to the area around Yellowstone National Park, so I really appreciated him making the time to chat. In just under an hour, we managed to cover a wide range of conservation-related topics: the BLM\u2019s Wild Horse Program, invasive species in the American West, thoughts on hunting, as well as Ben\u2019s personal background, favorite books, favorite documentaries, and a crazy horse stampede story... with plenty of other intesting subjects thrown in. \u2022 If you haven\u2019t already, be sure to check out "Unbranded." You\u2019ll love it. In the meantime, enjoy my conversation with Ben Masters. \u2022\u2022\u2022 http://mountainandprairie.com/ben-masters/ \u2022\u2022\u2022 TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:05 - How Ben describes his work 3:35 - Ben\u2019s upcoming adventures 5:40 - Overview of Unbranded documentary 7:45 - Genesis for the idea for Unbranded 9:45 - Overview of the BLM Wild Horse Program 10:15 - Natural history of horses in North America 14:20 - Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act 17:16 - Ben\u2019s thoughts solving the wild horse challenge 21:10 - Political challenges surrounding wild horses 23:45 - More North American natural history 24:55 - What \u201cconservation\u201d means to Ben 26:00 - Ben\u2019s personal connection to conservation 27:40 - Resources for understanding the history of conservation 29:00 - Conservation challenges facing the West in the next 20 years 32:10 - Ben\u2019s thoughts on hunting and conservation 33:45 - Cautionary tale of Texas Screwworms 36:30 - Overview of Pronghorn Revival 38:35 - Favorite books 40:20 - Favorite documentary 41:30 - Ben\u2019s work with veterans 42:23 - Hobbies that Ben enjoys 43:48 - How Ben learned the art of filmmaking 45:00 - Craziest outdoor experience 47:50 - Ben\u2019s favorite place in the West 48:40 - Ben\u2019s request of the listeners 51:30 - Connect with Ben online