Ep. 616: MeatEater Radio Live! A Bear-Doggy Door, Rut Report, and the Biggest Smallmouth
Oct 25, 2024
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Join Curt Scheewe, a Canadian homeowner, as he hilariously recounts building a bear-sized doggy door to keep the wildlife at bay. Whitetail expert Mark Kenyon shares essential insights on current rut conditions for hunters in various regions. Meanwhile, Jason Phelps gives a savvy tip on utilizing wind for successful archery elk hunting. Last but not least, record-holder Dante Piraino relives his thrilling experience of catching a state record smallmouth bass, blending impressive tales with expert advice!
West Holm's nature-led beef production prioritizes sustainable practices, enhancing meat quality while managing large rangelands effectively.
Kurt Sheewe's innovative bear-doggy door illustrates a humorous way to coexist with wildlife, gaining popularity through social media.
Mark Kenyon’s rut report suggests increased whitetail deer activity, providing hunters with optimal conditions for successful hunts this season.
Deep dives
Nature-Led Beef Production
A different approach to beef production is explored, particularly focusing on West Holm, a Queensland-based producer in Northern Australia. This company emphasizes a nature-led philosophy to raise high-quality Wagyu beef, managing 16 million acres of rangeland through sustainable practices. Their cattle graze on native grasses like the exclusive Mitchell grass and have free access to forage for the first few years of their lives. By aligning their livestock's needs with environmental stewardship, West Holm seeks to enhance the flavor and quality of their meat.
Innovative Solutions for Wildlife Interactions
A unique solution to wildlife encounters is highlighted through the story of Kurt Sheewe, who built a doggy door specifically designed for a bear that frequents his property in North Vancouver, British Columbia. This bear had persistently damaged his fence, prompting him to leave an opening for it. The innovative idea took off when Kurt attached a door sign and set up a camera, capturing the bear using its new entrance. His lighthearted approach to living alongside wildlife not only entertained his family but also gained widespread attention on social media.
Upcoming Hunting Excitement
As hunters gear up for the season, an exciting rut report indicates that whitetail deer activity will increase significantly. Mark Kenyon provides insights into noticeable changes in buck behavior, particularly due to rising testosterone levels as the breeding season approaches. He remarks that the peak scraping activity is underway, and hunters should anticipate more daylight movement from bucks searching for does. This time of year presents a prime opportunity for successful hunts across many regions.
Successful Fishing Ventures
A fishing segment discusses the ongoing challenges and excitement of catching various species in Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana. The experience features not only a broad range of fish from fresh to saltwater but also showcases the thrill of unpredictable catches. An angler details his setup, including techniques using live bait and various rigged lures, emphasizing the peak fishing season. The camaraderie shared among anglers and the diverse aquatic life create an engaging fishing atmosphere.
Record-Setting Smallmouth Bass Catch
Dante Perreno shares his thrilling experience of catching a record-breaking smallmouth bass in New York during a Bass Nation Federation tournament. After using advanced technology and a subtle fishing technique, he landed a state record fish weighing nine pounds. Despite the verification process complications, he decided to release the fish, opting for conservation over accolades. This story highlights the importance of preserving fish populations for future enjoyment and emphasizes the connection between fishermen and sustainable practices.
Welcome to MeatEater Radio Live! Join Steve Rinella and the rest of the crew as they go LIVE from MeatEater HQ every Thursday at 11am MT! They’ll have segments, call-in guests, and real-time interaction with the audience. You can watch the stream on the MeatEater Podcast Network YouTube channel, or catch the audio version of the show on Fridays.