The MeatEater Podcast
Episode: Ep. 742: Alpha-Gal, Timber Management, and Oozing Velvet Bucks
Release Date: August 1, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 742 of The MeatEater Podcast, host Clay Newcomb and co-hosts Brent Reeves and Tony Peterson delve into pressing outdoor topics, blending personal anecdotes with expert interviews. This episode offers listeners an engaging exploration of Alpha-Gal syndrome, timber management challenges, and memorable hunting experiences, all while fostering a sense of community through listener interactions and contests.

Personal Updates from Co-Hosts

Brent Reeves shared his excitement about an upcoming moose hunt in northern Manitoba, Canada. He aims to complete the hunt using an archery bow, aspiring to fill his freezer with moose meat. Brent humorously noted, “[Brent Reeves: 04:56]... the ultimate goal is to fill the freezer. Second goal will be to do it with archery.”

Tony Peterson discussed his recent ventures into bear hunting in Minnesota, highlighting the challenges and joys of including his daughters in the hunt. He expressed mixed feelings about shifting his hunting focus but emphasized the importance of family involvement: “[Tony Peterson: 07:14]... this is the lightest lift to get there that I've ever had for a bear hunt... my daughters are just geeked up to hunt bears.”

Interview with Ronnie Cohen: Understanding Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Clay introduced Ronnie Cohen, a Tennessee wildlife biologist diagnosed with Alpha-Gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness causing severe allergies to mammalian meat.

• What is Alpha-Gal? Ronnie explained, “[Tony Peterson: 16:03]... Alpha Gal is an allergen to a carbohydrate in red meat. It's an allergen to all mammalian meat, so anything with fur or that gives milk is off-limits.”

• Impact on His Life: Ronnie recounted his first severe reaction, which included difficulty breathing and a cold sweat, leading him to seek medical attention. “[Tony Peterson: 16:42]... it was really life-changing... every meal had meat, so I had to reshape my diet and hunting practices.”

• Current Management and Hunting Practices: Despite his condition, Ronnie continues to hunt deer with assistance from friends, though he faces challenges when processing harvested animals. He transitioned to duck hunting, finding fulfillment in teaching others despite his altered hunting methods. “[Tony Peterson: 21:09]... I still deer hunt and deer hunt with friends. But it’s hard to change how I hunt.”

• Potential Treatments: The discussion touched on alternative treatments like acupuncture, with Ronnie expressing uncertainty about their efficacy: “[Tony Peterson: 22:29]... my friends swear by it, but I don’t know if it’s actually working for Alpha-Gal.”

Timber Management with Each Stewart: The Public Timber Project

Each Stewart, director of the Public Timber Project in Arkansas, shared insights into the challenges facing public land duck hunting.

• Challenges in Arkansas: Each highlighted issues such as overcrowded boat ramps and inadequate facilities, leading to environmental degradation. “[Each Stewart: 50:38]... last season... a thousand trucks and boat trailers lined up...no trash services, no porta-potties.”

• Changing Demographics: He observed a shift from seasoned hunters mentoring the younger generation to reliance on online resources, causing a dilution of traditional hunting knowledge. “[Each Stewart: 56:36]... these young fellows are getting into duck hunting... learning everything from YouTube, making the culture shift.”

• Public Timber Project Initiatives: To combat these issues, the project organizes cleanups and promotes positive community engagement through social media campaigns. “[Each Stewart: 59:55]... duck hunters clean up your local area... positive images from the duck hunting community.”

Throwback Thursday: Hunting Memories

The hosts reminisced with a Throwback Thursday segment, sharing historical hunting photos and stories:

• Brent Reeves showcased a photo of his great-grandfather, Lovett Reeves, in the mid-1950s, highlighting family hunting traditions. “[Brent Reeves: 37:13]... That would be six generations... introduced case knives into our family.”

• Clay Newcomb shared a personal anecdote about a chased coyote pup, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of hunting and family adventures. “[Clay Newcomb: 44:21]... we kept a coyote for a week... became the 'hero dad' with a captured pup.”

Multi Trail Camera Contest

In collaboration with Moultrie, the podcast hosted a trail camera photo contest:

• Contest Details: Listeners submitted photos themed around velvet bucks. The prize included Moultrie Edge 3 cameras, gift cards, and a signature mini trapper knife. “[Phil: 62:32]... winner will receive two Edge 2 First Light Spectre Camo Edition multi cameras...”

• Photo Highlights: Four standout photos were reviewed, including a majestic big buck from Andrew Molino, an action shot of a mule deer jumping a rattlesnake, an impressive albino buck photographed by C.K. Nugetson, and a shed velvet buck during its brief transition period.

• Winner Announcement: Chad Knutson's albino buck photo won the contest, earning him the prize package. “[Clay Newcomb: 68:03]... Congratulations, Chad.”

Listener Feedback

The episode featured an interactive segment where listeners posed questions:

• Getting Daughters into Hunting: Tony advised involving children in meaningful activities like setting up blinds and participating in the hunt, fostering a connection to nature without pressure to hunt: “[Tony Peterson: 29:39]... make it special, leave them wanting more.”

• Cooking Wild Meat Substitutions: Freddie Rick inquired about replacing squirrels with jackrabbits in recipes. The hosts suggested experimenting with preparation methods, albeit with cautious optimism. “[Brent Reeves: 75:30]... frame. Powder his behind with buttermilk and flour...”

• Bear Grease Hall of Fame: Clay responded to inquiries about the Bear Grease Hall of Fame, emphasizing its organic and prestigious nature: “[Clay Newcomb: 76:54]... honored legends like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett... we wait for the next legend to be inducted.”

• Training Older Dogs for Hunting: Tony encouraged training dogs of any age, highlighting that older dogs can learn new skills with appropriate training methods: “[Tony Peterson: 77:25]... teach that eight-year-old lab... it'll learn what to do.”

Upcoming Book Announcement

Clay Newcomb revealed progress on his forthcoming book about the American Black Bear, promising a unique and comprehensive biography that "blows your mind." “[Clay Newcomb: 74:49]... it's the bio of the American Black Bear told like it's never been told before.”

Conclusion

Clay Newcomb wrapped up the episode by expressing gratitude to guests and listeners, emphasizing the importance of conservation and maintaining wild spaces. The hosts encouraged continued community involvement and announced plans for future episodes, ensuring the podcast remains a valuable resource for outdoor enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes:

• Clay Newcomb [07:48]: "That's kind of caught me off guard because bears haven't always been my thing."

• Tony Peterson [16:03]: "Alpha Gal is an allergen to a carbohydrate in red meat. It's an allergen to all mammalian meat."

• Each Stewart [56:36]: "We're seeing our culture shift... traditions and the ways we used to hunt... erosion and change."

• Clay Newcomb [74:49]: "It's the bio of the American Black Bear told like it's never been told before."

This episode of The MeatEater Podcast offers a profound look into the intersection of personal health challenges, environmental stewardship, and evolving hunting traditions. Through heartfelt stories and actionable insights, Clay Newcomb and his co-hosts foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the communities that cherish it.