The MeatEater Podcast Episode: Ep. 722: All Hands for Public Lands! (Part Deux: Redux) | MeatEater Radio Live! Release Date: June 27, 2025

Host: Brody Henderson Guests: Seth Morris, Corey Calkins, Phil, Mike Snyder (Vermont Forester)

Introduction

The June 27th episode of The MeatEater Podcast kicks off with host Brody Henderson welcoming regular co-hosts Seth Morris, Corey Calkins, and Phil. The episode promises insightful discussions on public lands, logging, hunting regulations, and regional fishing reports, culminating in the first-ever MeatEater live fishing tournament between Seth and Corey.

Interview with Mike Snyder: Logging and Public Lands

[07:07] Brody Henderson: Introduces Mike Snyder, a seasoned forester with 40 years of experience in Vermont. Mike discusses his diverse roles, including serving as the commissioner of Vermont's Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation, and now running his consultancy, Green Fire Enterprises.

[07:33] Mike Snyder: Elaborates on the complexities of forestry, emphasizing that foresters balance wood production with forest health. "Forestry is a conservation tool that keeps forests, forests," Mike explains, highlighting the nuanced role of logging in sustainable forest management.

[11:59] Brody Henderson: Brings up the recent repeal of the roadless rules in national forests, opening up millions of acres to logging. He seeks Mike's perspective on the environmental and economic implications.

[11:59] Mike Snyder: Addresses the nuanced nature of logging, stressing that it's not inherently destructive but a tool for managing forest health. "Foresters are responsible to the landowner and to the land," Mike states. He advocates for thoughtful logging practices that support habitat, water quality, and domestic wood supply, while also pointing out the need for supporting infrastructure like mills and workforce to make logging beneficial for rural communities.

Notable Quote:

"Public lands managers... propose and vet logging projects. They're more than logging projects, they're forest management projects." – Mike Snyder [09:54]

Hunting Policy in Vermont: Doe Hunting Expansion

[17:30] Brody Henderson: Shifts the conversation to hunting regulations, specifically Vermont's recent move to expand doe hunting to control overpopulation and promote healthier ecosystems.

[18:37] Corey Calkins: Shares personal reflections from hunting experiences, noting the shift in cultural attitudes towards doe hunting from when he hunted in Pennsylvania as a youth.

[18:58] Mike Snyder: Details Vermont's historical resistance to doe hunting and the recent changes in policy. "Vermont is the only state in the Northeast... that still doesn't allow any antlerless rifle hunting," he explains. The Fish and Wildlife Board has recently voted to permit doe hunting during the rifle season to address increasing deer populations and declining hunter participation.

[21:25] Brody Henderson: Clarifies that the policy change isn't final yet, as it requires further legislative approval.

Notable Quote:

"Foresters have been kind of whining about this for some time locally overabundant leading to significant over browsing, which is not good for forest, but it's certainly not good for deer herds either." – Mike Snyder [22:14]

Personal Hunting Experiences and Public Lands Importance

[24:22] Mike Snyder: Shares his excitement about participating in a major hunt in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness, emphasizing the unique opportunities public lands provide for diverse hunting experiences.

[32:16] Seth Morris: Highlights the importance of public lands for providing first-time hunting opportunities to the next generation. He showcases personal photos of his children achieving their first hunts on public lands, underscoring the significance of preserving these areas for future hunters.

Notable Quote:

"Those firsts are super important and like that kid only knows hunting on public land... those opportunities will be taken away from him and a bunch of other kids." – Seth Morris [37:00]

Regional Summer Fishing Report

The hosts transition to a regional summer fishing report, sharing insights and updates relevant to anglers:

• Brody Henderson: Describes the current fishing conditions, noting shrinking rivers and more concentrated fish populations. "The smallies have started to run in big groups going after bait balls," he observes.

• Chester Floyd (Guest from Wisconsin): Provides a musky fishing report from northern Wisconsin, discussing inconsistent weather patterns affecting fish behavior. He recommends focusing on main lake points and using specific baits like topwater and jerk baits for success.

Notable Quote:

"If you're looking to catch a big trophy, smally night fishing is super effective on the trout side of things." – Brody Henderson [44:41]

Live Fishing Tournament: Seth vs. Corey

In a first-of-its-kind segment, Seth Morris and Corey Calkins engage in a live fishing contest using MeatEater's own trout pond. The challenge involves Seth using a spin pole with the "olive woolly bugger" lure and Corey attempting to catch fish with a fly rod using the "panther Martin" fly.

[50:11] Brody Henderson: Announces the commencement of the live contest, setting playful stakes and creating anticipation among listeners.

[52:08] Seth Morris: Returns victorious with one fish caught, while Corey shares his experience of encountering a mountain lion during a previous hunt.

Notable Quote:

"Mine was just the weeds that I had to deal with managing my line." – Seth Morris [52:28]

Trail Cam Photo Contest

Sponsored by Moultrie, the hosts review and select the top five funniest trail cam photos submitted by listeners. The entries range from playful animal antics to unexpected wildlife encounters.

Winning Photo: A bear caught in an amusing situation, receiving overwhelming votes from the audience.

Prizes: Winners receive Moultrie trail cam gear and other outdoor equipment, further engaging the community in sharing their outdoor experiences.

Notable Quote:

"What a great shot." – Seth Morris [58:38]

Listener Questions and Crew Stories

The episode concludes with interactive segments where listeners submit questions related to hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear. Topics include trail cam recommendations, handling interactions with game wardens, and the challenges of filming hunters in action.

Examples:

• Matt's Question: "How do you like to answer non-hunters who ask you, did you catch a big one when you get home from hunting season?"

  • Brody Henderson: "I just tell them, like, I'm not going to, like, try and make them feel stupid."

• Spencer's Inquiry: "What camera are you currently using? Do you bring a lot of photography gear when you travel or just one reliable setup?"

  • Corey Calkins: "A7R5. For the main camera backup is an A7R4... It's about it."

Notable Quote:

"Filming someone that's never been filmed before, they just think it's like impossible to kill something with that many," – Corey Calkins [65:15]

Conclusion

Brody Henderson wraps up the episode by emphasizing the importance of public lands for hunting and fishing, sharing plans for future contests, and encouraging listeners to stay engaged with MeatEater's ongoing efforts to protect and enjoy America's natural resources.

Final Notable Quote:

"Stay tuned again. We're going to try this again next month and maybe the month after." – Brody Henderson [70:58]

Key Takeaways

• Logging and Conservation: Thoughtful logging practices are essential for maintaining forest health and supporting both environmental and economic needs. Policy changes must be accompanied by support for infrastructure and workforce to ensure sustainable outcomes.

• Hunting Regulations: Expanding doe hunting in Vermont aims to balance deer populations with habitat health, reflecting evolving attitudes within the hunting community.

• Public Lands Significance: Public lands provide invaluable opportunities for hunting, fishing, and introducing the next generation to outdoor traditions. Preserving these areas is crucial for ongoing access and environmental stewardship.

• Community Engagement: Interactive segments like fishing tournaments and photo contests foster a strong community bond and encourage active participation in wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.

Notable Quotes Recap:

1. Mike Snyder [09:54]: "Foresters are responsible to the landowner and to the land."

2. Seth Morris [22:14]: "Foresters have been kind of whining... significant over browsing."

3. Seth Morris [37:00]: "Those opportunities will be taken away from him and a bunch of other kids."

4. Brody Henderson [44:41]: "Smally night fishing is super effective on the trout side of things."

5. Seth Morris [52:28]: "Managing my line."

6. Corey Calkins [65:15]: "Filming someone that's never been filmed before..."

This episode of The MeatEater Podcast offers a comprehensive look into the multifaceted issues surrounding public lands, emphasizing sustainable forestry, evolving hunting practices, and the enduring importance of these lands for outdoor recreation and conservation.