The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 742: Alpha-Gal, Timber Management, and Oozing Velvet Bucks | MeatEater Radio Live!
Aug 1, 2025
Wildlife biologist Ronnie Cowan shares his battle with Alpha Gal Syndrome, a tick-related allergy impacting outdoor lovers, and discusses dietary shifts and management strategies. Ich Stewart, director of the Public Timber Project, dives into public land conservation efforts and the joy of duck hunting in Arkansas. Together, they explore the significance of outdoor traditions and the challenges facing hunting communities today, all while engaging in a fun trail camera contest featuring stunning velvet bucks!
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Ronnie's Alpha-Gal Experience
- Ronnie Cowan contracted Alpha-Gal syndrome after numerous lone star tick bites during archery season.
- The allergy changed his diet and hunting methods, forcing him to avoid mammalian meat and adapt to bird hunting.
Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome
- Alpha-Gal syndrome causes an allergic reaction to all mammalian meat and dairy.
- It represents a significant lifestyle change for those infected, especially hunters reliant on red meat.
Tick Prevention Strategies
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET to repel ticks effectively in tick-prone areas.
- Protect your hunting dog and home to prevent ticks from spreading indoors.