The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 770: The Cornell Bear Skinner Speaks Out
Sep 30, 2025
Aaron Chin, a Cornell University student and passionate hunter, shares his adventurous journey of harvesting a black bear on public land in New York. He dives into the intricacies of scouting, strategizing, and executing the hunt, before processing the bear in his college's communal kitchen—a decision that sparked widespread curiosity and debate. Aaron discusses the challenges of maintaining sanitation, handling campus reactions, and the lessons learned from this unique experience, all while highlighting the importance of responsible hunting and community support.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Late Start, Fast Tracker Into Hunting
- Aaron Chin started hunting late in high school after an interest in bushcraft and archery led him to learn practical skills.
- He chose Cornell partly for its proximity to woods and the deer management program to build outdoor expertise.
Use Data-Driven Scouting
- Scout public land using DEC harvest reports and pick areas with water and berry-bearing shrubs where bears feed.
- Prioritize spots close to campus when you have limited time to hunt and scout efficiently.
First-Day Success On Public Land
- On opening day Aaron and his partner still-hunted near active feeding areas and connected on a close 40-yard shot.
- They used a .308 with 180-grain rounds and the bear dropped quickly.