The MeatEater Podcast - Episode 675: MeatEater Radio Live! The Goosinator, Vintage Guns, and Movie Taxidermy
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Host: Steven Rinella (Spencer Newharth)
Guests: Aaron McElraith, Joel Collander, Pat Durkin, Randall Williams, Corey Calkins, Phil, and Clay Newcomb
1. Managing Urban Geese with the Goosenator
Timestamp: 06:40 - 15:00
The episode kicks off with Spencer Newharth introducing the first guest segment featuring Aaron McElraith and Joel Collander, two employees from the City of Lethbridge, Alberta. They discuss the innovative solution they've implemented to manage the overpopulation of geese in Henderson Lake Park—the Goosenator.
Key Points:
- Problem Identification: Lethbridge faced challenges with resident geese causing conflicts with park visitors and damage to park turf due to excessive grazing and droppings.
- Solution Implementation: The city invested in the Goosenator, a bright orange, predator-like device designed to scare geese away through visual and auditory deterrence.
- Operational Insights: Joel explains, "It's meant to look like a predator... You're supposed to operate it like stalking the geese. Really slow movements and you're basically trying to herd them out" (11:11).
- Effectiveness: Demonstrations showcased the Goosenator in action, effectively causing geese to flee the area. The team emphasized the importance of repetitive use to ensure geese associate the device with a threat.
- Community Reception: The implementation has been positively received, with minimal complaints thanks to proactive communication with the public and authorities.
Notable Quote: Joel Collander on the Goosenator's impact: "The sound of the Goosenator itself is actually very terrifying to them... These are things that the geese don't like to see" (16:39).
2. One Minute Fishing Challenge with Pat Durkin
Timestamp: 18:00 - 24:55
Next, the podcast features Pat Durkin, an American fishing legend, participating in the One Minute Fishing challenge. The premise involves Pat trying to catch a fish within one minute to secure a $500 donation to the Clearwater chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Key Points:
- Equipment Showcase: Pat introduces his 14-foot cedar strip rowboat, a labor of love built over two and a half years.
- Fishing Strategy: Pat details his approach, using a combination of crappie minnows and walleye slinks, aiming to target perch and walleyes in the Chippewa River.
- Challenge Outcome: Despite his experience, Pat doesn't catch a fish within the allotted time. The segment highlights the unpredictability of fishing and the importance of perseverance.
Notable Quote: Pat Durkin reflecting on his purpose: "I figured I'd better keep working a while... I don't want to quit now" (24:25).
3. Price Is Right: MeatEater Edition
Timestamp: 33:00 - 47:00
Randall Williams, Corey Calkins, and Phil engage in a lively Price Is Right game, where they guess the prices of various MeatEater-themed products. The segment includes humorous interactions and competitive spirit as they strive to win points.
Highlights:
- Big Buck Hunter Reloaded Arcade Game: Randall guesses $5,699 (incorrect; actual price $6,495), and Corey guesses $601.
- Autographed Ted Nugent Book: Randall guesses $79.99 (incorrect; actual price lower).
- Taxidermied Whitetail Doe from Craigslist: Randall accurately guesses $4,500, securing his position as the trivia champion.
Notable Quote: Randall on his guess: "Coward, $5,699..." (37:31).
4. Rock Island Auction: Vintage and Historic Firearms
Timestamp: 47:00 - 68:00
In the final interview segment, Joel Collander from Rock Island Auction joins the hosts to showcase some of the most sought-after firearms up for auction. Joel provides insights into the history and significance of each piece, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Key Points:
- Historic Hand Cannons: Joel discusses the oldest guns available, dating back to the pre-1400s from Asia, highlighting their rudimentary design and historical value.
- Famous Firearms: The Han Solo's blaster from Star Wars Episode IV is revealed as one of the most coveted items, fetching over a million dollars and setting Guinness World Records.
- Hawken Rifles: Joel presents a quintessential American frontier rifle from the 1850s, estimating its value between $65,000 to $95,000. These rifles are iconic, associated with legendary figures like Jim Bridger and Kit Carson.
- Sharps Model 1874 Business Model: A rare buffalo hunting rifle from 1878, complete with original accessories, is showcased with an estimated value of $15,000 to $25,000.
- Winchester 18 Model 1873: An exclusive piece tied to the film Winchester '73, this firearm is one of only 1,000 produced for the movie, valued at approximately $300,000 to $325,000.
Notable Quote: Joel Collander on the Winchester 73's impact: "It's introducing people to the concept of rare and desirable firearms... launching this on a fairly unprecedented scale" (61:13).
5. Listener Feedback and Trivia Discussion
Timestamp: 27:10 - 67:45
Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with listener feedback from the chat, addressing questions about trivia rules, hair products, range management careers, and shed hunting regulations.
Highlights:
- Trivia Rules: Discussion on handling misspelled answers, with Corey advocating for reasonable pronunciation standards.
- Range Management Careers: Encouragement for aspiring range managers, emphasizing the importance of the role in conservation and habitat protection.
- Shed Hunting Regulations: Debate on the necessity of purchasing tags for shed hunting in western states, with consensus supporting regulation to protect wildlife resources.
Notable Interaction: Phil shares a personal anecdote: "When I was too young to even remember this incident... a Canadian goose bit me on the foot and broke my toe" (17:24).
6. Commercial Promotions
Skipped in summary as per user instructions.
7. Closing Remarks
Timestamp: 68:00 - End
The hosts wrap up the episode with final interactions, emphasizing upcoming segments and future episodes. They encourage listeners to participate in the trivia challenges and stay engaged with the MeatEater community.
Conclusion
Episode 675 of The MeatEater Podcast delivers a dynamic mix of wildlife management solutions, competitive fishing challenges, engaging trivia games, and in-depth discussions on historic firearms. Through expert interviews and interactive segments, host Spencer Newharth and his team provide valuable insights and entertaining content for outdoor enthusiasts and conservation advocates alike.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Joel Collander: "It's meant to look like a predator... You're supposed to operate it like stalking the geese. Really slow movements and you're basically trying to herd them out" (11:11).
- Pat Durkin: "I figured I'd better keep working a while... I don't want to quit now" (24:25).
- Randall Williams: "Coward, $5,699..." (37:31).
- Joel Collander: "It's introducing people to the concept of rare and desirable firearms... launching this on a fairly unprecedented scale" (61:13).