Think Dutch oven cooking is too complicated? Think again. We share simple tips to help beginners enjoy cast iron cooking at camp — from seasoning and fire management to easy favorites like cobblers and chicken pot pie. Follow along and start cooking outdoors with confidence. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!

Dutch oven cooking can seem intimidating the first time you see one sitting in hot coals at camp. Heavy cast iron, open flames, charcoal management, and long cook times can make beginners nervous. But honestly, once you learn the basics, Dutch oven cooking becomes one of the most rewarding outdoor cooking experiences you can have.

Why Dutch Oven Cooking Is Worth Learning

Dutch oven cooking is not just about making food — it’s about slowing down and enjoying the entire outdoor experience. Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt, a seasoned dutch oven master, shares from building the fire to checking the coals and finally serving up a hot meal around camp, it becomes part of the adventure.

Some of our favorite recipes are simple:

Fruit cobblers
Chicken pot pie
Campfire biscuits
Chili and stews

The good news? YouTube is packed with easy Dutch oven recipes and tutorials for beginners.

Start with a High-Quality Dutch Oven

If you want success, buy a quality cast iron Dutch oven from the start. A good oven heats evenly, lasts for decades, and makes cooking far easier.

Just as important is learning how to properly season your Dutch oven. Seasoning protects the cast iron and creates the non-stick surface that makes Dutch oven cooking shine. Again, there are excellent YouTube videos that walk through the process step-by-step.

Understand That Dutch Oven Cooking Takes Time

This is not fast food cooking.

Between getting your fire or charcoal ready and allowing food to cook properly, a Dutch oven meal can easily take two to three hours. That’s normal — and part of the fun.

Plan ahead:

Gather enough firewood or charcoal
Watch weather and wind conditions
Always check for fire bans before cooking

If conditions are too windy or dry, have a backup cooking plan available.

Learn Fire and Coal Management

One of the biggest keys to Dutch oven success is understanding heat control.

Most outdoor cooks use either charcoal briquettes, hardwood embers, or a combination of both. A common rule of thumb is:

One-third of the heat underneath
Two-thirds of the heat on the lid

Having a small shovel nearby is a huge help for moving embers and managing heat safely.

Essential Dutch Oven Cooking Gear

Heavy-Duty Lid Lifter

A quality metal lifter helps safely move the hot Dutch oven and remove the lid without burns.

Welding Gloves

A good pair of welding gloves is almost mandatory. Cast iron gets extremely hot, and proper gloves protect your hands while handling lids, coals, and cookware.

Cleaning Supplies — No Soap!

Never clean cast iron with soap. Use hot water, a scraper or brush if needed, and dry the oven thoroughly to prevent rust. A light coat of oil after cleaning helps maintain seasoning.

Final Thoughts on Dutch Oven Cooking

Don’t let Dutch oven cooking intimidate you. Start simple, take your time, and enjoy the process. Some of the best camp memories are built while sitting around the fire waiting for a cobbler or chicken pot pie to finish cooking.

The first meal may not be perfect — but it’ll probably taste better than you expected. Enjoy! Tigger & BEC

Missing Hiker Found Dead in Glacier National Park; Grizzly Bear Suspected

Officials in Glacier National Park say a missing hiker found dead this week was likely killed in a grizzly bear encounter, though the incident remains under investigation.

Search-and-rescue crews discovered the body on May 6 in a densely wooded area about two-and-a-half miles up the Mount Brown Trail, near Lake McDonald. Park officials said the victim’s injuries were consistent with a bear attack.

The hiker has been identified as 33-year-old Anthony Pollio of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to local reports, Pollio had planned to hike to the Mount Brown Fire Lookout, a steep and remote trail that passes through prime grizzly habitat.

As investigators search the area for signs of bear activity, Glacier National Park has temporarily closed trails connected to the Sperry Trailhead near Lake McDonald Lodge.

The park is home to an estimated 300 grizzly bears. If confirmed, this would be the first fatal grizzly attack in Glacier National Park since 1998.

The incident comes just days after another grizzly encounter in Yellowstone National Park, where two brothers were injured but survived an attack near Old Faithful. Yellowstone officials believe that encounter involved a female grizzly protecting her cubs.

Park officials continue to remind hikers in bear country to carry bear spray, make noise on trails, and remain alert in areas with limited visibility. Lastly, if planning to hike remote areas like Glacier or Yellowstone National Park, check their webpages by going to the Trail Status Report page.
Reference: Missing Hiker Found Dead in Glacier National Park Was Likely Killed by a Grizzly
https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/news/remains-of-missing-hiker-found.htm

Federal Rule Change Greatly Expands Red Snapper Seasons in the South Atlantic

Saltwater anglers along the South Atlantic coast are expected to see the longest recreational red snapper seasons in decades after federal fisheries officials approved new state-managed fishing permits for 2026.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has granted special exemptions to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, allowing those states to manage recreational red snapper seasons in adjacent federal waters. The move gives state agencies far greater flexibility than the tightly restricted federal seasons that, in recent years, sometimes lasted only one or two days.

The Trump administration praised the decision as a major win for recreational fishermen. President Donald Trump highlighted the expanded access in a social media post, calling the permits a long-awaited response to complaints from anglers and coastal communities.

Red snapper are among the most prized offshore sport fish in the South Atlantic, valued both for their fighting ability and their popularity as table fare. Federal regulators sharply limited harvests over the past two decades because of concerns about declining populations and overfishing, including complete recreational closures in some years.

Many fishermen and state officials have argued those restrictions no longer reflect current fish numbers and have criticized the federal government’s stock assessments and management approach. Under the new permits, states will collect their own harvest data through mandatory reporting systems, which supporters say could provide more accurate, real-time information about red snapper populations.

Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina will each offer two-month recreational seasons from July through August of 2026. Florida will hold multiple shorter openings spread across the year. Daily bag limits will remain low, generally one fish per angler per day.

State officials say the expanded seasons come with added responsibility. If states can demonstrate reliable harvest monitoring and sustainable management, the permits could be extended beyond 2026.

Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/longer-red-snapper-seasons-south-atlantic/

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WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation.

With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoor...