The MeatEater Podcast — Ep. 831: A Wildlife Officer and Skier Walk Into a Bar | MeatEater Radio Live!
Release Date: February 6, 2026
Host: Giannis Patel, with Seth Morris, Randall Williams, & Phil
Main Guests:
- Biathlete Paul Schommer
- Paul’s coach & Olympic shooter Matt Emmons
- Colorado Wildlife Officer Demi Wright
Episode Overview
This lively MeatEater Radio Live episode dives deep into the intertwining worlds of outdoor sports, conservation law enforcement, and the personal adventures of the show's crew. The bulk of the show features two standout interviews: an Olympic biathlete and his coach discussing the high-stakes sport and its hunting roots, and a dedicated wildlife officer recounting an egregious poaching case. From behind-the-scenes banter to detailed exploration of ice fishing, habitat restoration, and weaponry, the tone remains as informed and irreverent as ever—perfect for listeners passionate about hunting, wildlife science, and the culture that connects them.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Crew Updates and Banter
[01:16–23:43]
- "Butcher and Bambi" Hoodies:
- New hoodie design flips the "anti-hunting" narrative of the film Bambi by turning the cartoon deer into a butchering chart.
- Notable Quote (Giannis): “It takes a anti-hunting idea, this thing that was made up Bambi the movie and completely flips it upside down and makes it into a pro hunting thing.” [04:47]
- New hoodie design flips the "anti-hunting" narrative of the film Bambi by turning the cartoon deer into a butchering chart.
- Shoutouts to International Listeners:
- Dan Hernandez (UK) and “Mogul Mogar.”
- Dog Aging Reflection:
- Randall muses on the bittersweet reality of aging dogs and shares dog birthday rituals.
- “She's got like a 110 volt dog plugged into a 220 outlet.” [08:45]
- Randall muses on the bittersweet reality of aging dogs and shares dog birthday rituals.
- Imminent New Arrival:
- Seth expectantly preparing for the birth of his first child.
- “Five weeks out. The wife... Kelsey is very uncomfortable and sleeping poorly, but she feels good... It's just like. Like she's not sleeping well...” [11:19]
- Seth expectantly preparing for the birth of his first child.
- Local Ice Fishing Report:
- Warm winter means sketchy ice, with dangerous conditions and a close call for Jimmy Rinella, who suffered hypothermic symptoms after burbot night fishing.
- “If you can even get to 150 beats a minute, try shooting a gun accurately with your heart doing 150 beats a minute. That's insane.” [28:37]
- Warm winter means sketchy ice, with dangerous conditions and a close call for Jimmy Rinella, who suffered hypothermic symptoms after burbot night fishing.
- Wisconsin Oak Savannah Restoration Project:
- Giannis describes a prairie-savanna habitat restoration, burning slash piles, and planning for planting native forbs/grasses with the help of local Audubon conservationists.
- “If it's good for the birds, it's good for the bees.” [19:15—Ashley Steinke, as relayed by Giannis]
- Giannis describes a prairie-savanna habitat restoration, burning slash piles, and planning for planting native forbs/grasses with the help of local Audubon conservationists.
2. Interview: Biathlon & Olympic Training with Paul Schommer & Matt Emmons
[23:43–48:29]
Biathlon Origins & Rules
- Paul draws a direct line between biathlon and hunting, highlighting its roots in Scandinavian hunting and wartime border patrol.
- “It’s really connected to a lot of things that make us, that we hold dear to us as humans...” [25:36–26:48]
Physiology of Competition
- Resting heart rate (~33 bpm), max during racing (~175 bpm), and shooting heart rate (~150 bpm).
- Paul focuses on controlling breathing more than heart rate, aiming for calmness under pressure.
- “Control your breathing because you can control breathing, whereas your heart rate is kind of like... heart's going to do what it wants.” [28:07]
- Paul focuses on controlling breathing more than heart rate, aiming for calmness under pressure.
Paul’s Comeback Story
- Overcoming two knee surgeries, lack of team support, loss of health insurance, persevering alone, and regaining a national team spot:
- “I really don’t know what happened other than maybe my body responded in such a way that I was able to get back and slowly made my way back...” [32:54]
Olympic Goals
- Personal: Top 10 finish (has achieved this venue before), but open to a podium finish.
- Team: The so-called “last first medal”—the only Winter Olympic sport where the US has never medaled.
Biathlon & Hunting Connections [35:21+]
- Coach Matt Emmons shares experience hunting chamois in Italy’s mountains, while Paul notes fitness and shooting skills directly transfer to hunting scenarios.
- Matt Emmons: “We kind of go on autopilot... you just do the things you’ve been trained to do, the things that you’ve done, you know, thousands and thousands of times.” [40:14]
- Paul: “When that target shows up and the heart rate goes up... focus goes immediately to the things that I want to do to take a good shot.” [39:40]
On Good Shooting & Practice
- Both stress that being an excellent or poor shot is not innate—it's about correct, consistent practice.
- Matt Emmons: “If you practice a lot, you’re doing it wrong, you’re just going to get good at doing it wrong.” [41:33]
- Paul Schommer: “I see it in... biathlon and if I'm watching hunting videos...they don't have any good trigger work and then they are just popping their head up to see if they hit the target before the shot goes off.” [42:08]
Biathlon Gear [43:00+]
- All athletes use the Anschütz Fortner straight pull rifle; custom stocks are made for individual fit.
- Ammunition: Almost all use Lapua Polar Biathlon—precision factory .22 LR optimized for cold weather.
Olympic Schedule & How to Watch
- Races begin this Sunday (Feb 9), all trackable at NBC, Peacock, or Biathlonworld.com.
Notable European Well-wish
- Paul Schommer: “Instead of just saying good luck, what you would say is, ‘in bocco al lupo’... and you would respond, ‘crepi il lupo,’ which means the wolf is dead.” [47:48]
3. Interview: Colorado Wildlife Officer Demi Wright on Poaching Cases
[48:54–65:00]
Recent Poaching Bust
- Six illegally taken deer by active duty soldiers on Colorado’s Fort Carson; gained major press due to military connection and scale of violation.
- Demi: “It was pretty egregious. So I think people were really upset with how many animals were taken.” [50:04]
Why Poaching Matters
- Poaching isn’t hunting; it robs legitimate hunters and undercuts funding for conservation.
- Demi: “Legal, ethical, responsible hunting funds wildlife conservation...when you’re not paying into that pot, you’re robbing legitimate sports persons.” [51:25]
Path to Becoming a Wildlife Officer
- Grew up outdoors, joined Colorado Parks and Wildlife via internships, loves the constant variety and public service aspect.
- “I’ve never lived the same day twice.” [54:55]
Day-to-Day Life:
- “No two days are the same.” Activities range from bear wrangling, deer handling, bighorn sheep relocating, teaching hunter ed, to full-on investigations.
Poaching Case Investigation Breakdown
- Case started with a tip from a law-abiding hunter who found a buck with only antlers and scant meat removed.
- Used boot prints, vehicle tracking, and a photograph from local wildland firefighters to ID the suspect—a primary break in the case.
- “Followed the boot tracks off the installation, found some tire tracks...and firefighters saw a vehicle, took a picture of it.” [58:06]
- Ultimately, social media provided further incriminating evidence, as the suspect posted illegal kills online.
Penalties for Poaching [61:08+]
- Offenders fined, potential multi-state revocation of privileges under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact; weapons destroyed as public nuisance per state law.
Advice for Aspiring Wildlife Law Officers
- Four-year natural resources degree required in Colorado; much of the job is about patience, listening, and hard-won experience.
- “Listen more than you speak and yeah, just stick with it. It’s tough, but once you get in, you’re in.” [64:07]
4. Throwback Photos & Lighthearted Crew Reflections
[65:29–80:22]
- The hosts and producer Phil share photos from ~20 years ago, trading stories about early hunting, band geek glory, and the gear (and eyebrows) that defined their youth. Banter is spirited and the nostalgia strong.
5. Listener Questions, Feedback & Quick Hits
[80:43–99:31]
- Ice Fishing Tips (for PA): Start with a simple hand auger, basic short rod, safety gear like ice picks and a spud bar, and yes, maps matter!
- On wild game tartare: Most say they enjoy it, though prefer a good burger.
- Bowhunting, pistol chest packs, bullpup rifles, injury-preventive running, and game law trivia all fielded with detailed responses and product suggestions.
- Shoutouts to young listeners, youth hunters, and questions about MeatEater Kids and other upcoming shows.
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- Giannis Patel, on hoodies & Disney: “It takes a anti-hunting idea, this thing that was made up Bambi the movie and completely flips it upside down and makes it into a pro hunting thing.” [04:47]
- Paul Schommer, on shooting under pressure: "Control your breathing because you can control breathing, whereas your heart rate is kind of like... heart's going to do what it wants." [28:07]
- Matt Emmons, on practice: “If you practice a lot, you’re doing it wrong, you’re just going to get good at doing it wrong.” [41:33]
- Demi Wright, on why poaching matters: "When you’re not paying into that pot, you’re robbing legitimate sportspersons." [51:25]
Memorable Moments
- Paul Schommer’s candid detailing of his injury-ridden journey back onto the Olympic stage.
- Warm and humorous recollections about aging pets, first hunting seasons, and adolescent adventures—offering a personal touch and connection to their audience.
- Demi's breakdown of a modern poaching bust: boots-on-the-ground detective work meets social media sleuthing.
- The exchange of good luck in Italian: “in bocco al lupo” — “the wolf is dead.”
- Listeners' throwback photos ranging from fur trapping to high school band metal, keeping things goofy and real.
Timestamps for Major Segments
- [01:16] — Show start, crew banter, hoodies, dog & family updates
- [13:29] — Wisconsin oak savannah restoration update
- [23:43] — Biathlon intro and Paul Schommer interview
- [32:54] — Paul’s injury, comeback, and Olympic goals
- [43:00] — Biathlon gear, ammo, logistics
- [48:54] — Wildlife Officer Demi Wright interview
- [57:03] — Poaching investigation deep-dive
- [61:08] — Punishments and wildlife law
- [65:29] — Throwback photos: crew young and wild
- [80:43] — Listener questions and feedback
- [99:31] — Episode outro, closing thoughts
Conclusion
This episode skillfully blends the practical and the personal, showcasing high-level outdoor athletes, frontline conservation officers, and the everyday realities that connect their worlds. It celebrates not only the dedication required to succeed in biathlon or conservation law enforcement, but also the joy, heart, and humor that sustain the outdoor community. Engaging, educational, and filled with the kind of stories and tips that make MeatEater a leader in outdoor media.