Episode 723: Dangerous Game – The MeatEater Podcast

Release Date: June 30, 2025

Hosts: Steven Rinella, Seth, Randall, and Morgan Potter

In Episode 723, titled "Dangerous Game," of The MeatEater Podcast, host Steven Rinella teams up with Seth, Randall, and Morgan Potter to explore the thrilling and perilous world of hunting Africa's most formidable wildlife. This episode delves into the challenges, ethical considerations, and exhilarating experiences associated with hunting dangerous game such as Cape buffalo and crocodiles in Tanzania's rugged terrains.

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene

The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter among the hosts about personal health and the logistics of their show, setting a relaxed and conversational tone. [03:35 – 04:07] They briefly discuss the fluctuating schedule of the podcast, with Seth expressing a desire for a more consistent release pattern, humorously suggesting renaming the show to "FWOP" to reflect unpredictable episodes.

Notable Quote:

• Seth (04:25): "In my opinion, it should just be that this is effectively live."

2. Critique of "Thunder Without Rain"

Seth introduces a critical discussion about the book "Thunder Without Rain" by Thomas McIntyre. He expresses disappointment in the author's digressions, where McIntyre deviates from the subject of Cape buffalo to discuss unrelated topics like Hemingway's influence and cinematography. [12:02 – 15:34]

Notable Quote:

• Seth (13:00): "He doesn’t talk about trout fishing in America. Gotcha."

Seth laments that while the book contains valuable information about the evolutionary history of Cape buffalo, it fails to meet his expectations as a reader seeking in-depth knowledge about the species. [15:08 – 15:36]

3. Hunting Cape Buffalo in Tanzania

The conversation shifts to the core topic: hunting Cape buffalo in Tanzania's montane forests. Steve Rinella shares his extensive experience, highlighting the dense vegetation and high elevation terrain that bring hunters perilously close to herds. [21:07 – 22:39]

Notable Quote:

• Steve Rinella (21:07): "I've been rolling for two minutes."

Randall adds that while intimidating, encounters with Cape buffalo can be exhilarating and leave a lasting impact on hunters. Seth discusses the adrenaline rush and the primal fight-or-flight response triggered during such encounters. [24:28 – 24:39]

4. Techniques and Ethical Considerations

The hosts delve into the specifics of hunting techniques to safely take down Cape buffalo. Steve emphasizes the importance of precise shot placement, advocating for shoulder shots to maximize effectiveness and minimize suffering. [73:34 – 74:04]

Notable Quote:

• Steve Rinella (73:34): "I am a firm proponent of the shoulder shot... it'll more than adequately penetrate that shoulder bone."

Seth and Randall discuss the ethical implications of wounding animals and the responsibilities hunters bear once an animal is injured. They touch upon the concept of "wounded loss," where a hunter may unintentionally harm the animal, affecting their hunting license and moral standing. [79:23 – 79:48]

5. Encounters with Crocodiles

Migrating from buffalo, the conversation turns to crocodiles, specifically the elusive black mamba in Tanzania. Steve recounts a tense encounter where a black mamba reared up beside him in tall grass, leading to a swift and necessary reaction to survive. [94:45 – 95:15]

Notable Quote:

• Steve Rinella (94:56): "If you can't break the on side shoulder, the other one shoot the offside shoulder."

He explains hunting strategies for crocodiles, such as baiting and precise aiming to the "smile" area above the crocodile's jawline to ensure a humane kill. The discussion underscores the lethal efficiency of these predators and the critical need for hunter preparedness. [71:02 – 72:17]

6. Impact of Diseases on Wildlife

Seth revisits the earlier critique of "Thunder Without Rain," highlighting how rinderpest devastated Cape buffalo populations in East Africa. Steve provides historical context on how diseases like rinderpest nearly eradicated buffalo herds, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to maintain genetic reservoirs and habitat integrity. [91:05 – 93:03]

Notable Quote:

• Steve Rinella (91:13): "Rinderpest massivi hammered the population of buffalo."

7. Personal Anecdotes and Future Projects

Randall shares his recent hunting expedition in New Zealand, illustrating the differences between African and North American hunting experiences. He describes the unique challenges and beauty of hunting tar (similar to mountain goats) in New Zealand's public lands, emphasizing the authenticity and rawness of the experience. [83:07 – 85:05]

Notable Quote:

• Randall (85:11): "I felt like I was back here in Montana trying to find an elk or, you know, a bear or something like that."

The hosts also tease upcoming projects and bonus episodes, affectionately referring to these potential side shows as "FWOPs." They express excitement about future hunts and the stories they will bring to listeners. [100:17 – 101:03]

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the immersive nature of African hunting, stressing the blend of history, culture, and raw wilderness that makes it a unique pursuit. They encourage listeners to appreciate the complexities and ethical dimensions of hunting dangerous game, leaving them with a sense of respect for both the hunters and the animals they pursue.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Rinella (86:34): "The totality of it all. That kind of history and culture."

Key Takeaways:

• Precision and Ethics: Successful and ethical hunting of dangerous game like Cape buffalo and crocodiles hinges on precise shot placement and a deep understanding of animal behavior.

• Conservation and Resilience: The resilience of wildlife populations, despite devastating diseases like rinderpest, highlights the importance of conservation efforts and habitat preservation.

• Cultural Immersion: Hunting in Africa offers a profound cultural and historical immersion, differing significantly from North American hunting experiences.

• Personal Growth: The intense experiences shared by hunters contribute to personal growth, a deeper appreciation for wildlife, and a lasting impact on their perspectives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Seth (04:25): "In my opinion, it should just be that this is effectively live."

• Steve Rinella (21:07): "I've been rolling for two minutes."

• Seth (73:34): "I am a firm proponent of the shoulder shot... it'll more than adequately penetrate that shoulder bone."

• Steve Rinella (73:34): "Sort of, you know, how you try to achieve penetration. You're just trying to pop that brain open."

• Steve Rinella (91:13): "Rinderpest massivi hammered the population of buffalo."

• Randall (85:11): "I felt like I was back here in Montana trying to find an elk or, you know, a bear or something like that."

• Steve Rinella (86:34): "The totality of it all. That kind of history and culture."

Episode 723: Dangerous Game masterfully intertwines thrilling hunting narratives with thoughtful discussions on ethics and conservation. Listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the complexities involved in hunting Africa's apex predators, enriched by the hosts' personal experiences and diverse perspectives.