The MeatEater Podcast: Ep. 714 - Enrolling At Backwoods Uni. with Lake Pickle and 'Old Trapper' Kate

Release Date: June 9, 2025

Guests Introduced

In Episode 714, host Seth Morris welcomes two distinguished guests: Lake Pickle, the mind behind the upcoming podcast Backwoods University, and 'Old Trapper' Kate, a renowned figure in the trapping and outdoor community.

Notable Quote:

Seth Morris [02:37]: "Joined today by three very special guests. Lake Pickle, the most memorable name in America...and 'Old Trapper' Kate."

Personal Journeys and Backgrounds

The conversation delves into the personal backgrounds of the guests. Lake Pickle shares his journey from a casual hunter to a passionate wildlife biologist, emphasizing his long-term collaboration with experts like Will Primos. 'Old Trapper' Kate discusses her extensive experience in trapping and outdoor adventures, highlighting her dedication to conservation and ethical hunting practices.

Notable Quote:

Doug Duran [10:14]: "I've been around Will. Like, if he heard me talking about him like this, he would dismiss it because he's a pretty down-to-earth dude."

Launching Backwoods University

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to introducing Backwoods University, a new podcast initiative by Lake Pickle and Doug Duran. This platform aims to bridge the gap between wildlife biology, conservation policy, and the human dimensions of outdoor activities. The hosts discuss the podcast's focus on species-specific studies, wildlife processes, and the profound impact of human activities on natural ecosystems.

Notable Quote:

Doug Duran [57:37]: "We're doing one on bison, but bison in the eastern United States...the influence of humans on these animals. Positive or negative."

Hunting Ethics and Controversies

The discussion shifts to complex topics surrounding hunting ethics, including the controversial practice of hunting in cemeteries. The guests debate the moral implications, regulatory challenges, and community reactions to such actions. They also touch upon Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), exploring its impact on wildlife management and the controversies within the hunting community.

Notable Quotes:

Maggie Hudlow [03:45]: "We're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide, and every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back."

Seth Morris [14:17]: "Because if I was visiting a cemetery and I see a guy hunting turkeys, I'm going to be jealous. And what do jealous people do? They lash out."

Wildlife Biology and Conservation Efforts

Steve Rinella, as a research technician at Kansas State, shares insights from his ongoing wildlife biology projects, particularly focusing on turkey populations. He discusses the challenges of studying predator-prey relationships, the complexities of tagging and tracking wildlife, and the intricate balance required for effective conservation.

Notable Quote:

Steve Rinella [73:43]: "We're tagging them, understanding their roosting behaviors...it's all about maintaining that balance for sustainable populations."

Trapping, Taxidermy, and Ethical Considerations

The episode delves into the art and ethics of trapping and taxidermy. Steve Rinella explains his involvement in trapping various species, handling pelts, and selling them through platforms like Etsy. The conversation highlights the meticulous processes involved in taxidermy, the market dynamics of wildlife furs, and the personal satisfaction derived from ethical trapping practices.

Notable Quotes:

Steve Rinella [119:03]: "Everything you catch is a big deal. I don't usually get into excess; I can handle everything myself."

Seth Morris [92:38]: "They want nice spots...they want something that's going to be really striking, like super eye-catching."

Future of Wildlife Management and Policy

Maggie Hudlow emphasizes the importance of staying informed about rapidly evolving wildlife policies and environmental regulations. The guests express concerns over legislative actions that threaten public lands and wildlife protections, advocating for active participation and advocacy to preserve natural habitats and sustainable hunting practices.

Notable Quote:

Maggie Hudlow [119:30]: "We're doing our best to stay on top of it and to get it out to the audience so everybody can stay informed and take action."

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Projects

As the episode wraps up, Seth Morris encourages listeners to engage with the new Backwoods University podcast, promising insightful discussions that blend biology, policy, and human experiences in the wild. The guests share their excitement for future episodes, which will explore diverse wildlife topics and the intricate interplay between humans and nature.

Notable Quote:

Seth Morris [132:15]: "Listen to Dan and it will stretch your brain all out. And I mean that in a very good way."

Conclusion

Episode 714 of The MeatEater Podcast offers a deep dive into the intersection of wildlife biology, hunting ethics, and conservation policy. Through engaging conversations with Lake Pickle and 'Old Trapper' Kate, the episode underscores the importance of informed and ethical practices in preserving the natural world. Whether you're an avid hunter, wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about the outdoors, this episode provides valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.

For more information and to subscribe to Backwoods University, visit Backwoods University Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.