Episode Summary: Ep. 746: Hornography

Release Date: August 11, 2025

In this enlightening episode of The MeatEater Podcast, host Steve Rinella engages in a deep and informative conversation with Kevin Monteith, a distinguished Professor of Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Wyoming’s Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. This episode delves into the intricate world of deer biology, specifically focusing on antler growth, population dynamics, and the profound impact of environmental factors on these majestic creatures.

1. Introduction to Kevin Monteith and The Monteith Shop

Timestamp: [01:35]

Steve Rinella warmly welcomes Kevin Monteith, highlighting his expertise and previous contributions to the podcast. Kevin is introduced as a leading figure in understanding deer populations and genetics.

Steve Rinella ([01:35]): "Kevin Monteith is one of the top favorite guests we've ever had."

Kevin Monteith ([05:18]): "Our motto is advancing science and management one data point at a time."

2. Debunking Myths About Deer Genetics and Antler Growth

Timestamp: [03:40]

The discussion begins with Kevin challenging the common misconceptions surrounding deer genetics and antler size. He emphasizes that factors beyond genetics, such as maternal nutrition, play a crucial role in determining antler growth and overall body mass.

Steve Rinella ([04:27]): "Probably not a year and a half old, but still looks like that. A buck that'll be a runt for the rest of his life."

Kevin Monteith ([04:46]): "We're going to get into all that."

3. The Common Garden Experiment: Understanding Genetic vs. Nutritional Influences

Timestamp: [35:08]

Kevin elaborates on a pivotal experiment conducted in South Dakota, known as the common garden experiment, which aimed to disentangle the effects of genetics and nutrition on antler growth. By raising deer from different regions under identical nutritional conditions, the study revealed significant genetic differences impacting antler size and body mass.

Kevin Monteith ([35:08]): "Age, Genetics, Nutrition affect antler size."

Kevin Monteith ([40:10]): "Because of bad genetics."

4. Maternal Nutrition and Its Long-Term Effects on Offspring

Timestamp: [40:39]

The conversation shifts to the negative maternal effect, where the nutritional status of a mother during pregnancy has lasting impacts on her offspring. Kevin explains how improved maternal nutrition can lead to significantly larger and healthier bucks, even across generations.

Kevin Monteith ([40:39]): "Those second-generation males were 50 pounds heavier than their fathers, indicating over 70% of the difference was due to maternal nutrition."

5. The Impact of Severe Winters on Deer Populations

Timestamp: [52:47]

Kevin discusses the devastating effects of harsh winters on deer populations, particularly focusing on body fat levels and mortality rates. He introduces the concept of risk-sensitive reproductive allocation, where deer adjust their reproductive strategies based on past environmental hardships.

Kevin Monteith ([52:47]): "We lost 70% of our adult females and 65% of our adult males in the 2022-2023 winter."

Kevin Monteith ([73:27]): "The worse the winter, the lower the probability of survival."

6. Migratory Patterns and Local Adaptations

Timestamp: [77:03]

The discussion delves into deer migratory behavior, highlighting how mule deer are highly faithful to their migratory routes and winter ranges. Kevin explains how migrations are ingrained traits, often inherited across generations, and how disruptions can lead to population declines.

Kevin Monteith ([77:03]): "If you lose certain migratory routes, it's challenging to get them back because adults are so faithful to their established paths."

Steve Rinella ([107:56]): "How do you get them back into new ranges without pioneers?"

7. Predator-Prey Dynamics and Misconceptions

Timestamp: [129:26]

Steve and Kevin tackle the contentious topic of predators' roles in deer population management. Kevin argues that neither extreme view—that predators either don't matter or are solely responsible for population control—is accurate. Instead, he emphasizes a balanced understanding that integrates environmental factors with predation.

Kevin Monteith ([131:00]): "Neither camp is right. Predation and nutritional capacity both play roles that vary over time and space."

Steve Rinella ([133:53]): "These two wildly different perspectives are missing the nuanced truth."

8. Future Directions and Conservation Implications

Timestamp: [135:06]

In the concluding segment, Kevin outlines the ongoing and future research planned by The Monteith Shop. This includes exploring the Rose Petal Hypothesis, which examines how female deer occupy and utilize space on the landscape across generations. He underscores the importance of maintaining migratory corridors and habitat memory to support robust deer populations.

Kevin Monteith ([138:28]): "Understanding how females occupy space on a landscape is crucial for maintaining large, robust populations."

Steve Rinella ([142:22]): "If you love wildlife and these majestic landscapes, the Monteith Shop is a great place to support."

Key Takeaways

• Genetics vs. Nutrition: While genetics play a role in antler size, maternal nutrition during pregnancy significantly impacts deer growth and development.
• Environmental Impact: Severe winters can drastically reduce deer populations, emphasizing the need for robust conservation strategies.
• Migratory Faithfulness: Mule deer exhibit strong fidelity to their migratory routes, making habitat preservation and corridor maintenance vital.
• Balanced Predator Management: Effective deer population management requires a nuanced approach that considers both predation and environmental resources.
• Long-Term Research: Continuous, long-term studies are essential for understanding and supporting deer populations amidst changing environmental conditions.

Notable Quotes

• On Genetics and Nutrition:

  "Age, Genetics, Nutrition affect antler size." — Kevin Monteith ([35:08])

• On Harsh Winters:

  "We lost 70% of our adult females and 65% of our adult males in the 2022-2023 winter." — Kevin Monteith ([52:47])

• On Predation Misconceptions:

  "Neither camp is right. Predation and nutritional capacity both play roles that vary over time and space." — Kevin Monteith ([131:00])

• On Migratory Patterns:

  "If you lose certain migratory routes, it's challenging to get them back because adults are so faithful to their established paths." — Kevin Monteith ([77:03])

Conclusion

Episode 746 of The MeatEater Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of deer biology, highlighting the complex interplay between genetics, nutrition, environmental factors, and management practices. Kevin Monteith’s insights provide valuable perspectives for hunters, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts aiming to foster sustainable deer populations.

For more insights and detailed discussions on outdoor topics, including hunting, fishing, and conservation, tune into The MeatEater Podcast Network.