The Handler

The Hank’s Voice handler, who was Hank’s real handler, is Karen Seginak. A North Dakota wildlife biologist who has worked for 31 years and counting now on various field studies throughout North America. Her professional endeavors have ranged from purely academic research in areas primarily dedicated to nature, to environmental consulting surveys on working, converted landscapes. A hunter, hunt observer, backcountry guide, angler, nature photographer and wildlife watcher who has traveled for these pursuits to five continents thus far. A dedicated advocate for wildlife whose consistent social media contributions, publications, and award winning articles and photographs reflect a keen and passionate concern about and commitment to conservation, both globally and locally.

 Karen is a perpetual student and admirer of nature who fully acknowledges that effective conservation is a truly complex, interconnected, and typically costly web of challenges and contributions requiring multiple stakeholders. The inevitable need for the utilization of land, and the consequent maintenance (or lack thereof) of habitat is the unifying factor for it all. Karen’s time and travel spent afield, year-round, in a wide variety of landscapes has helped her to realize that conservation is not just about the flora and fauna itself. It’s about people too. People who are so often blamed as being the problem, yet, in reality, whose actions are often the only true solutions too. Her hope for the Hank’s Voice project is that it will foster greater understanding and appreciation for what is necessary to ensure that nature has a sustainable future. And, that it may inspire others to directly and pragmatically contribute in productive ways, all the while striving to staunchly separate fact from fiction.