The MeatEater Podcast: Ep. 645 – "MeatEater Radio (Not) Live! Happy New Year"

Release Date: January 3, 2025

Introduction

In this special pre-recorded episode of The MeatEater Podcast, host Steven Rinella, alongside co-hosts Spencer Newharth, Ryan Callahan, Giannis Putelis, Randall Williams, and Corey Calkins, takes a moment to reconnect with listeners during the Christmas break. The episode primarily focuses on answering listener questions, sharing personal insights, and discussing New Year’s resolutions, all infused with the signature humor and camaraderie that fans have come to love.

New Year's Resolutions

As the new year approaches, the hosts reflect on their personal resolutions and aspirations for 2025.

• Ryan Callahan humorously suggests, “I’m gonna start drinking at work” (02:12), highlighting the light-hearted nature of the discussion.

• Corey Calkins shares his excitement about running The Crazy Mountain 100, stating, “And so that's pretty exciting” (03:28), emphasizing his commitment to intense training.

• Randall Williams outlines a goal to manage the predator population in Montana’s Region 1, aiming to have a wolf down by the first week of January (05:28).

• Giannis Putelis expresses a desire to establish a consistent hunting spot in Montana, reflecting on past experiences in South Dakota where he developed a deep connection with specific properties (05:49).

• Spencer Newharth admits his need to “shoot my rifle a lot more” (11:11), acknowledging the importance of practice for readiness in future hunts.

Listener Questions and Expert Answers

The core of this episode revolves around answering listener-submitted questions, offering practical advice and sharing personal experiences.

1. Getting Started with Whitetail Deer Hunting

Question from James (Northeast Ohio): How should someone with little hunting experience take their first step toward hunting whitetail deer?

• Giannis Putelis emphasizes the importance of seeking a mentor, recommending the National Deer Association’s Field to Fork program: “You can sign up to be connected with mentors like this through their program” (13:14).

• Ryan Callahan adds practical tips for Ohio hunters, mentioning the state's short-range weapon allowances and suggesting equipment like crossbows and shotguns for diverse hunting opportunities (15:00).

• Corey Calkins advises perseverance, stating, “If you're struggling to find a mentor... just go hunting. You'll make mistakes, but you'll learn” (18:02).

2. Choosing Youth Hunting Apparel

Question from Joe: What are the best places to find quality youth hunting base layers and outerwear for cold weather hunts?

• Corey Calkins recommends Old First Light for discounted youth sizes and suggests supplementing with affordable synthetic base layers from retailers like Target to ensure functionality without breaking the bank (19:34; 20:02).

• Randall Williams highlights the importance of durable and layered clothing, advising multiple pairs of boots and socks to keep kids comfortable during extended hunts (21:01).

3. Selecting Boots for Elk Hunting in Wyoming

Question from Adam: What qualities should one look for when picking boots to hunt elk in Wyoming, and what are your go-to boots?

• Jason Phelps (guest speaker) outlines key factors:

  • Fit and Comfort: Ensuring the boot fits well to prevent hot spots and discomfort (24:02).
  • Terrain-Specific Features: Stiffer, taller boots for rugged, mountainous areas versus more flexible boots for flatter terrains (24:02; 25:45).
  • Recommended Brands: Suggests Crispi Boot’s Brick/Stall line for their balance of flexibility and support (24:02).

• Corey Calkins and Ryan Callahan add that mobility and versatility are crucial, especially for archery hunts where stealth is necessary (26:54; 26:54).

• Randall Williams underscores the importance of quality footbeds, recommending investing in solid insoles to enhance comfort and support (29:21).

4. Creative Weeknight Meals with Ground Venison

Question from Krista: What are some easy, tasty, and unique weeknight meals using ground venison beyond burgers, tacos, and chili?

• Ryan Callahan suggests larb, a Southeast Asian dish that can be adapted with venison, offering a flavorful alternative to traditional recipes (31:41).

• Spencer Newharth shares a North African meatball recipe from the New York Times, emphasizing versatility by substituting ingredients to suit fresh and frozen ingredients (32:17).

• Giannis Putelis recommends making pot stickers using wonton wrappers and ground venison mixed with vegetables and mushrooms, highlighting their ease of preparation and customization (33:25).

• Corey Calkins and Randall Williams discuss variations like homemade Hamburger Helper and experimenting with flavors, such as adding bacon or cheese to enhance dishes (35:18).

5. Selecting the Right Breeder or Pup for a Hunting Dog

Question from Side: How to pick the right breeder or pup for a hunting dog that is great with the family and memorable?

• Tony Peterson (guest speaker) advises focusing on the dog’s drive and intelligence, ensuring it matches the hunting requirements (50:35).

• Ryan Callahan shares his experience selecting his dog, Snort, emphasizing the importance of observing the puppy’s behavior in a litter to gauge temperament and drive (51:38; 52:06).

• Corey Calkins recommends looking into the dog’s pedigree, seeking hunting-tested lineages, and ensuring the breeder provides health checks to guarantee a strong, working dog (51:06).

• Randall Williams highlights the significance of quality footbeds and insoles for hunting boots, indirectly connected to ensuring suitable gear for hunting dogs (29:21).

• Spencer Newharth and Giannis Putelis discuss adopting rescue dogs and the spontaneous nature of their choices, illustrating that finding the right dog can sometimes be serendipitous (56:52).

6. Dream Jobs Outside of MeatEater

Question from Nancy: What would you all be doing if you didn't work at MeatEater? What’s your dream job?

• Ryan Callahan dreams of raising and training mules, running a commercial fish market, and engaging in masonry work to supplement his entrepreneurial ventures (60:55; 61:08).

• Corey Calkins envisions a career in habitat management, expressing a desire to spend more time outdoors and contribute to forestry (63:02).

• Randall Williams whimsically aspires to be a surf instructor in Costa Rica, blending his love for outdoor activities with a relaxed lifestyle (63:23).

• Spencer Newharth humorously contemplates being a magician or a property manager with access to extensive outdoor resources, reflecting his multifaceted interests (65:06; 66:00).

• Giannis Putelis fantasizes about being a fantasy football commissioner for high rollers, showcasing his creativity and love for unique challenges (65:25).

Favorite Hunting and Fishing Snacks

Question from Kevin: What's your go-to hunting and fishing snack?

• Ryan Callahan favors potted meat and cheese crackers, often combining them into simple yet satisfying meals in the field (41:20).

• Giannis Putelis enjoys apples for their versatility and digestive benefits, along with Honey Stinger energy gels for sustained energy (46:39).

• Randall Williams advocates for homemade jerky as a reliable and flavorful option, despite the rising costs of store-bought varieties (48:25).

• Corey Calkins customizes his trail mix with preferred nuts, cranberries, and mango slices, avoiding common pitfalls like unwanted ingredients (46:20).

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of The MeatEater Podcast, the hosts provide valuable insights into hunting practices, gear selection, culinary creativity with game meat, and the joys of integrating dogs into hunting lifestyles. Their candid discussions about personal goals and dream jobs add a relatable and human touch, making the episode both informative and entertaining for listeners. As they wrap up, the camaraderie and shared passion for the outdoors shine through, leaving listeners inspired and eager for the next installment.

Notable Quotes

• Ryan Callahan on preparing for The Crazy Mountain 100: “I feel like I could pack in there with the old steel chainsaws and help out a lot of the runners there” (03:28).

• Spencer Newharth on hunting practice: “There's nothing like just good old practice to make you feel like you're ready when the fall rolls around” (11:45).

• Corey Calkins on trail mix customization: “I get the big bag of cashews, the big bag of cranberries, some mango slices and that way when I go in there I'm like oh, this is all stuff that I like” (46:20).

• Ryan Callahan on dream jobs: “I would like to raise and train young mules. And about every two years sell a crop of really high dollar finished mules” (61:08).

Note: Timestamps are included for reference to specific parts of the discussion.