The MeatEater Podcast - Episode 679: Talking Turkey

Release Date: March 24, 2025

Overview

In Episode 679 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Steven Rinella engages in an in-depth discussion centered around turkey hunting. The episode delves into hunting strategies, the evolving landscape of hunting regulations across various states, and the impact of conservation funding on outdoor activities. With a lively panel of guests, including fellow hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, the conversation blends practical advice with personal anecdotes, offering valuable insights for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike.

Turkey Hunting Strategies and Challenges

Turkey Calling Contest

The episode kicks off with an energetic segment on the upcoming Turkey Calling Contest. Rinella expresses skepticism about the competitiveness of Northern hunters versus their Southern counterparts, highlighting the inherent advantages Southerners possess in turkey calling.

• Rinella (10:21): "My complaint about the turkey calling contest is. It's like it's set up for Southerners to win. Do you know what I mean?"

The discussion emphasizes the cultural and environmental factors that make Southern hunters more adept at turkey calling, questioning the fairness of the contest structure.

Reaping and Its Dangers

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the controversial hunting strategy known as "reaping," which involves stalking turkeys while hiding behind decoys or tail fans. Rinella warns of the inherent risks associated with reaping, including accidental shootings and potential legal repercussions.

• Rinella (58:44): "In the meantime, I would advise people, as we head out into the turkey woods this spring, just don't shoot at random tail fans or random movement."

Guests share their experiences and concerns, underscoring the importance of gun safety and responsible hunting practices to prevent tragic incidents.

State Regulations Impacting Turkey Hunting

South Carolina's New Regulations

Rinella and his guests dissect the latest regulatory changes in South Carolina that aim to preserve turkey populations by restricting the hunting of immature toms (jakes). The new rule mandates that hunters must identify a tom to have a beard longer than six inches and a full tail fan before harvesting.

• Chili (49:26): "This puts the onus on the hunter to identify a tom that has a beard longer than 6 inches and a full tail fan."

The panel discusses the ecological rationale behind these changes, questioning their effectiveness and the broader implications for hunters.

Florida's New Rules for Non-Residents

The conversation shifts to Florida, where new regulations prohibit non-residents from participating in the first three days of the turkey hunting season. This move is seen as a response to ensure that residents have priority access to prime hunting opportunities.

• Chili (61:54): "They were done weeks ago because they get excited about this kind of stuff and it's already spring."

Rinella critiques the regulation, expressing frustration over the limitations it imposes on non-resident hunters while acknowledging the need for resident priority in conservation efforts.

Colorado's Public Land Protection

In a proactive move, Colorado has passed Senate Joint Resolution 25 009, declaring opposition to the sale or privatization of its 22 million acres of public land. This resolution aims to safeguard public lands from external pressures and maintain their accessibility for outdoor activities.

• Chili (75:56): "This is in response to a bunch of the stuff that we've been covering over the last couple of months. Utah's lawsuit, which is going to be resubmitted here pretty quick."

The panel applauds Colorado's stance, highlighting it as a model for other states grappling with similar land management challenges.

Conservation Funding and Habitat Montana

Habitat Montana Fund

Rinella and his guests delve into the intricacies of conservation funding, specifically focusing on Montana's Habitat Montana fund. This initiative allocates tax revenues from recreational marijuana sales to habitat preservation and public land maintenance.

• Chili (76:07): "Habitat Montana is a habitat fund, right? It's set aside specifically to address our state parks maintenance funding for habitat work that can address like non-game species specifically."

The discussion highlights the successes of the fund in eliminating maintenance backlogs and supporting habitat restoration projects. However, recent legislative attempts to divert these funds have sparked concern among hunters and conservationists.

• Chili (80:22): "If HB 307 were to pass, it would remove this funding to use it for something different."

The panel underscores the importance of dedicated conservation funding mechanisms in ensuring the sustainability of wildlife populations and public land access.

Anecdotes and Community Stories

True Crime Turkey Hunting Case in Virginia

A compelling segment features a discussion about a 20-year-old cold case involving a turkey hunter in Virginia who was fatally shot during a hunting expedition. Rinella teases a forthcoming special episode by guest Jordan Sillers, who investigates the circumstances surrounding the unsolved case.

• Cal (24:46): "It was like no one collected the cigarette. And it was."

The conversation speculates on potential motives and the challenges of solving such cases within the tight-knit hunting communities.

Mountain Lion Sightings in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

The panel discusses reported sightings of mountain lions in regions where they were previously undocumented, attributing these sightings to either escaping pets or naturally wandering individuals. Rinella reflects on the difficulty of distinguishing between actual wildlife and escaped domesticated animals.

• Rinella (35:33): "First confirmation in 100 years in the Up in Michigan, two mountain lion kittens in a hundred years."

The guests ponder the implications of such sightings on local ecosystems and hunting practices.

Conclusion

Episode 679 of The MeatEater Podcast offers a robust exploration of turkey hunting, blending regulatory analysis with firsthand experiences and community narratives. Steven Rinella and his guests provide a nuanced perspective on the balance between effective hunting practices, conservation efforts, and regulatory frameworks. The episode serves as a valuable resource for hunters seeking to navigate the complexities of modern turkey hunting while advocating for sustainable wildlife management and public land preservation.

Notable Quotes

• Rinella (10:21): "My complaint about the turkey calling contest is. It's like it's set up for Southerners to win. Do you know what I mean?"

• Rinella (58:44): "In the meantime, I would advise people, as we head out into the turkey woods this spring, just don't shoot at random tail fans or random movement."

• Chili (49:26): "This puts the onus on the hunter to identify a tom that has a beard longer than 6 inches and a full tail fan."

• Chili (61:54): "They were done weeks ago because they get excited about this kind of stuff and it's already spring."

• Chili (75:56): "This is in response to a bunch of the stuff that we've been covering over the last couple of months. Utah's lawsuit, which is going to be resubmitted here pretty quick."

• Chili (76:07): "Habitat Montana is a habitat fund, right? It's set aside specifically to address our state parks maintenance funding for habitat work that can address like non-game species specifically."

• Chili (80:22): "If HB 307 were to pass, it would remove this funding to use it for something different."

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the episode.