Episode Summary: Ep. 660: MeatEater Radio Live! Coues Deer, "Cowz" Deer, and Two Truths and a Lie

Host and Guests:

• Randall Williams (Host)
• Seth Morris (Co-host)
• Giannis Putellis (Co-host)
• Ryan Callahan (Guest)
• Phil Kramer (Hunting Guide)
• Jim Heffelfinger (Hunting Expert)

Release Date: February 7, 2025

1. Introduction and Opening Remarks

The episode kicks off with Randall Williams welcoming listeners to "MeatEater Radio Live" at [02:44]. Alongside Seth Morris and Giannis Putellis, Randall sets the stage for a dynamic discussion focused on their recent hunting expedition for Coues (also known as "Cowz") Deer in Mexico. They tease a variety of segments including show and tell, expert interviews, and a game of Two Truths and a Lie.

2. Discussing the Recent Mexico Coues Deer Trip

The hosts delve into their recent hunting trip down south, sharing anecdotes and experiences from the rugged terrains of Mexico. At [04:40], Randall mentions, “We're going all in on our recent Mexico Coues deer trip,” highlighting the intensive and adventurous nature of the expedition.

Notable Quotes:

• Cal: “[04:43] And you're not reading a script.”
• Randall: “[03:23] We’re live if you can’t tell by that live error.”

3. Show and Tell: Sharing Deer Bucks

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the hosts showcasing photos and stories of the deer they encountered. At [17:15], Seth Morris introduces their “show and tell” segment, sharing images and recounting thrilling moments from the hunt.

Notable Quotes:

• Randall: “[19:01] I did, but that was great. I was super excited to just be able to go down there on like 48 hours notice.”
• Giannis: “[25:17] The peashooter there is the short action sawtooth, which is a new build for Sig Sauer.”

4. Promotions and Announcements

Throughout the episode, there are several promotional segments interwoven with the main content:

• Book Promotion: At [07:02], Randall promotes "Meat Eaters American History: The Mountain Men 1806-1840," detailing its exploration of the Rocky Mountain beaver trade and the lives of legendary mountain men.
• Upcoming Events: The hosts announce upcoming tours and speaking engagements, including dates at MSU Bozeman, University of Montana Missoula, and University of Wyoming Laramie ([08:03]).

Notable Quotes:

• Randall: “[06:15] It was a great dog. Very tasty. Thank you to our friends at Carreta Delrora.”

5. Somber Announcement: Flight Crash Involving Hunters

At [09:32], Cal delivers a heartfelt announcement regarding the tragic crash of Flight 5342, which claimed the lives of seven hunters, including friends from the MeatEater community. He shares information on how listeners can support the affected families through a GoFundMe page and a sponsored goose hunt event.

Notable Quotes:

• Cal: “[10:02] Seven of their hunters were on their way home and unfortunately lost their lives. So our thoughts, prayers go out to everybody involved.”

6. Upcoming Events: NWTF and Public Lands Party

Giannis announces a series of giveaways and afterparty events in conjunction with the National Wild Turkey Federation ([12:09]). They also promote a celebration for public lands in Utah, emphasizing conservation efforts and community engagement.

Notable Quotes:

• Giannis: “[13:31] We’re going to host in conjunction with NWTF Friday night a big series of giveaways.”

7. Hunting Stories and Experiences

The hosts share detailed hunting stories, including close encounters and successful shots:

• Randall recounts the story of shooting a buck chasing a doe on [18:16].
• Ryan shares a tense moment when a doe almost stepped on him at [20:40].
• Giannis discusses the challenges of spotting Coues Deer in dense winds at [23:59].

Notable Quotes:

• Randall: “[19:03] I did, but that was great. I was super excited to just be able to go down there on like 48 hours notice.”
• Ryan: “[20:40] ...there was a doe. She had literally stepped between me and the bush that was maybe six feet away.”

8. Product Promotions: First Light and Sonoran Hot Dogs

The hosts discuss product testing and promotional materials commissioned by First Light ([36:25]). Additionally, they highlight the delicious Sonoran hot dogs they enjoyed during their trip, providing a cultural taste of their hunting expedition.

Notable Quotes:

• Jim: “[80:22] ...the hot dog is usually wrapped in bacon and then the bacon is fried so it’s crispy on the hot dog.”
• Cal: “[35:51] Yes.”

9. Guest Segment: Phil Kramer

Phil Kramer joins the show to discuss his extensive experience hunting Coues Deer in Mexico. He offers valuable insights for first-time international hunters, emphasizing the importance of reputable outfitters and thorough preparation ([41:46]).

Notable Quotes:

• Phil: “[42:04] ...all of our paperwork’s in order, we work with licensed Mexican outfitters to make sure that everything we’re doing is above board.”

10. Discussion on Coues Deer vs. Whitetail Deer

Jim Heffelfinger joins to elucidate the differences between Coues (Cowz) Deer and typical whitetail deer, addressing genetic distinctions and subspecies variations ([66:11]).

Notable Quotes:

• Jim: “[66:49] There's no doubt that it's cows deer. Elliot. In a footnote in one of, he was a bird guy in one of his bird articles, he wrote a footnote and said my name is pronounced C O, W, Z.”

11. Listener Questions and Answers

Listeners engage with the hosts and guests through questions about Coues Deer, hunting strategies, habitat management, and more. Phil and Jim provide expert answers, enhancing the educational value of the episode ([73:18]).

Notable Quotes:

• Randall: “[74:31] ...What are some of your main takeaways as far as differentiating Akuz deer or cow's deer from your average whitetail?”
• Jim: “[72:13]... the answer is no cows white tailed deer has not been detected.”

12. Two Truths and a Lie Game

The episode features a fun and engaging game of Two Truths and a Lie among the hosts, bringing humor and camaraderie to the show ([82:31]).

Notable Quotes:

• Cal: “[83:18] ...Which two are true and which one is a lie.”
• Giannis: “[83:19] ...I have bagged, over time, a black bear, a mountain lion, and, you know, a white tail.”

13. Closing Remarks and Final Announcements

As the episode winds down, the hosts recap key moments, thank their guest Phil Kramer, and tease upcoming content, including Steve Rinella’s birthday celebration ([94:58]). They also mention a special segment promoting DraftKings Sportsbook towards the end ([96:28]).

Notable Quotes:

• Randall: “[94:53] Thanks for tuning in, everybody. This is delightful. We'll see you next week.”

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Randall Williams (Various):

  • “[19:03] I did, but that was great. I was super excited to just be able to go down there on like 48 hours notice.”
  • “[21:08] We have a couple other close encounters with deer just wandering up to his glassing point.”
  • “[71:54] ...we can't do anything about it. Just go down and hunt hard.”

• Cal:

  • “[04:43] And you're not reading a script.”
  • “[22:00] What is that weird photo?”
  • “[84:18] Ryan.”

• Phil Kramer:

  • “[42:04] ...all of our paperwork’s in order, we work with licensed Mexican outfitters to make sure that everything we’re doing is above board.”

• Jim Heffelfinger:

  • “[66:49] There's no doubt that it's cows deer. Elliot...”

Conclusion

Episode 660 of "The MeatEater Podcast" offers an immersive dive into the world of Coues Deer hunting in Mexico, enriched by firsthand accounts, expert insights, and engaging interactions among the hosts and guests. From thrilling hunting stories and practical advice for international hunters to cultural highlights like Sonoran hot dogs and lively games, this episode is a comprehensive guide for hunting enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The inclusion of somber moments and community support initiatives underscores the show's commitment to both adventure and responsibility.

For those interested in further details, including purchasing the promoted audiobook or supporting the Flight 5342 families, refer to the show notes for links and additional information.