The MeatEater Podcast: Ep. 648 Summary

Release Date: January 10, 2025

Hosts: Spencer Newarth, Brody Henderson, Giannis Putellis
Guests: Matt Daniels, Ben Dedamati
Location: MeatEater HQ, Bozeman, Montana
Duration: Approx. 74 minutes

1. Introduction

The episode kicks off with Spencer Newarth welcoming listeners to "Meat Eater Radio Live," broadcasted from MeatEater HQ in Bozeman, Montana. Spencer is joined by Brody Henderson and Giannis Putellis. The trio outlines the episode's agenda: an interview with Matt Daniels about his seven-year quest to reclaim his father's record-setting deer mount, a "Show and Tell" segment, a "Hot Tip Off," and a unique elk hunting story featuring Ben Dedamati.

2. Interview with Matt Daniels: Reclaiming a Legendary Deer Mount

[08:52] Spencer Newarth: "How's it going, guys?"

Matt Daniels shares the inspiring journey of tracking down his father's prized deer mount, originally harvested in 1995. The mount, believed to be a 200-inch Whitetail buck—a potential state record—was sold by Matt's father to a collector before Matt was born. It wasn't until 2017 that Matt discovered the mount's existence when his father showed him a Polaroid picture.

[10:04] Spencer: "I took that picture, posted it on a Facebook in a Kansas hunting and fishing group, just asking, does anybody know about this deer?"

Within 24 hours, Matt connected with the current owner, who offered to sell the mount back for $40,000. Despite raising $15,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, Matt couldn't meet the price, leading the mount to be sold again to another collector. Persisting in his quest, Matt eventually reached out to Bass Pro Shops, who confirmed ownership and facilitated the creation of a replica mount through Antlers by Klaus.

Notable Quote:
[11:27] Spencer: "That price at that time, it was a heart shock. You know, I was only 16 years old at that time, so $40,000 to me just sounded completely impossible."

Matt decided to adorn the replica with a deer cape he harvested himself, adding sentimental value to the mount. After meticulous effort, Matt successfully received the replica, culminating his seven-year pursuit.

[18:10] Spencer: "It's entered as Bass Pro. As the owner and my dad, Albert."

The mount now resides in the Boone and Crockett record books as Kansas's state record for Whitetail deer, with detailed measurements showcasing its impressive antlers.

[20:24] Spencer: "It's got about 12 inches of deductions, and a lot of it is the G5 here."

Matt reveals plans to visit the original harvesting spot with his father, bridging generations through their shared passion for hunting.

3. Show and Tell

The "Show and Tell" segment brings a variety of hunting memorabilia to the forefront, showcasing personal treasures and unique taxidermy.

Matt Daniels’ Bobcat Pillow Mount:
Matt presents a lifelike pillow mount of a bobcat he recently harvested. Unlike traditional mounts, the pillow version is designed for interactive displays, allowing viewers to engage with the specimen without damaging it.

[26:13] Matt Daniels: "I've never properly, like, done a post about this guy. A lot of people maybe you can watch the episode where Jake and I go and kill this bobcat. It's in Montana."

Phil’s Vintage Hunting Encyclopedias:
Phil Henderson showcases two colossal books from the mid-1960s: "The New Hunter's Encyclopedia" and "McLean's Standard Fishing Encyclopedia." These tomes, inherited from his father, provide a nostalgic glimpse into hunting and fishing knowledge from decades past.

Brody Henderson’s Unique Deer Rack:
Brody introduces his prized Whitetail buck with a rare and mutated antler configuration featuring a standard five-point antler on one side and an unconventional four-point antler on the opposite side. This abnormal growth, likely due to genetic factors rather than injury, makes it one of his favorite catches.

[36:35] Brody Henderson: "This is one of my favorite white tails that I've ever killed because he has a super unique rack."

Notable Quote:
[29:39] Ben Dedamati: "It was curled up under the table when I walked in and staring right at the door. And I walked in and my heart skipped a beat for a second."

4. Listener Feedback and Hunting Tips

The hosts address several listener questions, offering practical hunting advice:

• Identifying Critter Burrows:
  Tips include setting up cameras near burrows or observing fresh tracks at the entrance to determine the occupant.

• Recommended Hunting Literature:
  Essentials include "Sand County Almanac" by Aldo Leopold, Robert Ruark's hunting stories, and Peter Capstick's adventure tales. The hosts recommend visiting MeatEater.com for comprehensive reading lists.

• Honeymoon Destinations for Outdoorsy Couples:
  Suggestions range from Alaska's wilderness to Maine's rugged terrains and New Zealand's diverse landscapes, emphasizing adventure over conventional resorts.

Notable Quote:
[43:03] Brody Henderson: "You go out there, you know, when you put the crosshairs on something, you're gonna kill it dead."

5. Hot Tip Off: Torch vs. Salve

In the "Hot Tip Off" segment, hosts share competing hunting tips:

1. Corey's Tip:
   [46:30] Corey Culkins: "Use a torch to singe off hair residue from venison hides, making the process faster and reducing the need for extensive hand trimming."

2. Maggie's Tip:
   [48:45] Maggie Hudlow: "To protect your dog’s paws in winter, apply a salve like Musher Secret between their toes to prevent ice balls, avoiding the use of booties or coverings."

After discussing both tips, the hosts and chat unanimously favor Maggie's advice for its practical application in protecting pets during harsh winters.

Notable Quote:
[46:26] Giannis Putellis: "So save a little bit of knife. Works so well."

6. Ben Dedamati’s Unlucky Elk Hunt: Multiple Arrows, One Elk

Ben Dedamati recounts an extraordinary hunting experience where an elk was inadvertently shot by three different hunters:

The Hunt Breakdown:

• Initial Encounter:
  Ben and his team spotted a bull elk on over-the-counter land in Utah's desert areas. Believing they had the elk to themselves, they observed as another hunter entered the scene.

• The Shots Fired:
  Over the course of the morning, three hunters each took shots at the same elk:

  • The first hunter hit the elk in the arm area, with the arrow exiting near the fletchings.
  • Ben struck the shoulder blade, resulting in an arrow passing through but not fatally wounding the elk.
  • A third hunter, Ben's teammate, landed a fatal arrow in the lungs shortly after.

[59:11] Ben Dedamati:
"So the first hunter hit it below the shoulder and above the knee...then I shot it, and my fletchings actually kind of contacted the rock and hit the bowl in the shoulder."

The incident led to misunderstandings and a viral social media post that initially portrayed Ben as the primary shooter. However, thorough investigation by local game wardens cleared him of wrongdoing, emphasizing that the final fatal shot was made by his teammate.

[63:00] Ben Dedamati:
"After that, you know, Ben, what was his problem with the whole thing?"

The resolution involved personal apologies and clarifications, restoring harmony among the hunters involved. Ben reflects on the unpredictability of over-the-counter hunting and the importance of ethical hunting practices.

Notable Quote:
[65:10] Matt Daniels: "We hear that down here in Montana, too. I got a question for you. I know you hit a rock a little bit, but it looks like you hit the shoulder blade is probably what limited your penetration. Are you gonna have to change your arrow because of what you saw there?"

7. Conclusion and Final Interactions

As the episode wraps up, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter, including teasing about creating jingles and sharing personal anecdotes. They encourage listeners to subscribe for live notifications and promote upcoming segments. Phil closes with a new song from Chester, adding a musical farewell to the informative and entertaining discussion.

[73:46] Matt Daniels: "Thanks, everybody, for tuning in."

[73:48] Brody Henderson: "See you next week."

Notable Highlights:

• Matt Daniels' Persistence: Demonstrates dedication by reclaiming a significant family heirloom after years of effort.
• Unique Taxidermy: Introduction of interactive pillow mounts, offering a modern twist to traditional displays.
• Ethical Hunting Practices: Emphasis on fair chase and resolving conflicts among hunters, highlighted by Ben’s elk hunt story.
• Community Engagement: Active participation through listener questions and shared hunting experiences enhances the podcast's communal spirit.

Final Thought: Ep. 648 of The MeatEater Podcast seamlessly blends personal hunting stories, practical advice, and community interaction, embodying the show's commitment to enriching listeners' understanding of the outdoors.