Episode 05: Open Season

What does “recovery” mean if it ends in a hunt?

Open Season is the fifth chapter of The Choice — a wildlife documentary series exposing the fragile future of Yellowstone’s grizzlies. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the fight to delist grizzlies from the Endangered Species Act. Behind the language of “science-based management” lies a political battle — one that could open the door to trophy hunting.

Through expert voices, historic parallels, and today’s policy debates, we uncover how much is at stake. From wolves once eradicated to grizzlies now on the edge, the question isn’t just whether the species survives — but what survival really means when politics overrides protection.

🎥 What You’ll See

• Archival footage and news clippings on past wolf and grizzly eradication efforts

• Interviews with scientists and advocates challenging the delisting push

• A deep dive into the crosshairs — literally — showing how politics and trophy hunting overlap

• Visual contrasts between Yellowstone’s thriving grizzlies and the risks of “management” hunts outside the park

• Maps, graphics, and motion overlays showing shifting protections and proposed hunting zones

📖 Episode Themes

• Delisting isn’t just science — it’s politics

• History repeating: from wolf eradication to potential grizzly culls

• Recovery vs. exploitation — what does it mean to “recover” a species?

• How hunting proposals could devastate long-term population health

💬 Featured Quote

“If recovery means survival… why turn it into a hunt?”

🧭 Take Action

This episode reminds us that grizzly protection hangs in the balance of politics.
Your voice matters: demand that science — not politics — decide the fate of Yellowstone’s bears.

👉 Learn how you can help → The Wildline