Wild Fish and Game Podcast

Summary

In this episode of the Wild Fishing Game podcast, host Justin Townsend and guest Chris Ingram discuss the often-overlooked world of small game hunting. They explore the importance of small game as a hunting practice, the role of dogs in enhancing the hunting experience, and the cultural shifts in hunting that have led to a focus on trophy hunting. The conversation emphasizes the accessibility of small game hunting, the community it fosters, and the connection between hunters and their dogs. Chris shares his personal journey in hunting and how he has embraced small game hunting as a passion. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the multifaceted world of hunting, particularly focusing on the joy of hunting with dogs, the connection between foraging and hunting, and the culinary delights of small game. They discuss the importance of inclusivity in hunting, the unique bond between humans and dogs, and share personal anecdotes about their experiences in the field. The conversation also delves into various cooking techniques and recipes for small game, emphasizing the value of utilizing all parts of the animal. As they wrap up, the hosts encourage listeners to embrace the outdoors and enjoy the simple pleasures of hunting and cooking together.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Links:

Instagram

United Kennel Club

American Field

Taiwanese Three-Cup Muskrat

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Small Game Hunting

15:02 The Importance of Small Game Hunting

29:57 The Role of Dogs in Small Game Hunting

35:28 The Joy of Hunting with Dogs

39:11 Foraging and Hunting: A Unique Connection

45:32 Culinary Adventures with Small Game

56:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

Takeaways:

Small game hunting is often overlooked but offers great opportunities.

Late season hunting can be a rewarding experience for many.

Dogs enhance the hunting experience and can be trained for various game.

Small game hunting is accessible and can be done in urban areas.

The connection between hunters and their dogs is vital for success.

Hunting small game can provide a sense of community among hunters.

The evolution of hunting culture has shifted focus towards trophy hunting.

Small game hunting can be a great way to introduce new hunters to the sport.

Conservation and ethical hunting practices are important in the hunting community.

Storytelling and personal experiences enrich the hunting narrative. Small game hunting is an accessible entry point for many.

Dogs enhance the hunting experience and create family bonds.

Foraging and hunting can be interconnected activities.

Culinary creativity is essential in utilizing small game meat.

Squirrel and rabbit are often underappreciated culinary delights.

Accidental meals can lead to the best culinary experiences.

Inclusivity in hunting fosters a welcoming community.

Training dogs for various tasks can deepen the human-animal bond.

Late season hunting offers unique opportunities for adventure.

The relationship between humans and dogs has evolved over thousands of years.

Keywords:

Small game hunting, hunting dogs, outdoor photography, conservation, hunting culture, American Field Magazine, hunting stories, wildlife, late season hunting, hunting community, hunting, dogs, small game, foraging, culinary, outdoor adventures, wildlife, cooking, conservation, family
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Summary

The Wild Harvest Report for February 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of seasonal opportunities for hunting, fishing, and foraging across North America. The report explores regions from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest, detailing unique conditions and wildlife. Additionally, it highlights culinary practices that utilize seasonal ingredients, encouraging listeners to make the most of their harvests and preserved foods.

Takeaways

This podcast is a monthly food first snapshot of the wild season.

February is a month where weather and access conditions can change fast.

Local knowledge and good judgment matter just as much as regulations.

Fishing opportunities vary greatly by region, especially in saltwater and freshwater.

Wild hog hunting is a prime opportunity in many southern states.

Foraging begins with early spring greens in warmer areas.

Ice fishing is a major focus in the Midwest and Northeast.

Culinary practices in February lean towards slow-cooked meals.

Preserved foods from previous seasons should be utilized now.

The best part of the season is often what you notice along the way.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Wild Harvest Report

01:05 Regional Breakdown: Southeast Opportunities

03:51 Exploring the South: Fishing and Hunting

06:12 Southwest Conditions: Wildlife and Foraging

08:05 Rocky Mountain Insights: Winter Challenges

09:56 Pacific Northwest: Rainy Season for Fishing

11:48 Midwest and Prairie States: Ice Fishing Focus

13:46 Northeast and Special Regions: Unique Conditions

15:09 Culinary Focus: Cooking with Seasonal Ingredients

Keywords

wild harvest, foraging, fishing, hunting, seasonal food, North America, February, wildlife, cooking, outdoor activities

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Summary

In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the significance of freezing as a method of food preservation. They discuss the historical context of freezing, the science behind how freezing affects food, and practical tips for safe freezing practices. The conversation also covers the different types of freezers, the impact of air exposure on food quality, and best practices for freezing various types of food. The episode concludes with insights on managing freezer inventory effectively.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making

Meat Tracker Magnet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Freezing in Food Preservation

05:30 Understanding the Science of Freezing

08:01 Freezer Safety and Best Practices

10:22 Types of Freezers and Their Impact

13:36 The Effects of Air Exposure and Freezer Burn

15:24 Effective Food Wrapping Techniques

19:05 Freezing Different Types of Food

23:46 Managing Your Freezer Inventory

30:11 Conclusion and Next Steps in Preservation

Takeaways

Freezing is a common yet often overlooked method of food preservation.

Historically, freezing was about stability rather than extreme cold.

The introduction of home freezers changed food handling dynamics significantly.

Freezing affects food texture due to ice crystal formation.

Freezer safety is more about handling than arbitrary timelines.

Air exposure leads to freezer burn, which is a form of dehydration.

Vacuum sealing is one of the best methods to prevent freezer burn.

Different foods require different freezing techniques for optimal preservation.

Labeling and organizing your freezer can prevent waste and improve efficiency.

Freezing should be treated as a skill to maximize its benefits.

Keywords

freezing, food preservation, freezer safety, wild food, freezing techniques, food storage, freezer burn, preservation methods, wild pantry, food science
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Summary

In this episode of Harvesting Nature, hosts Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans discuss the evolution of their podcast, which has expanded beyond hunting and fishing stories to encompass broader themes such as food systems, preservation, and the integration of wild food into everyday life. They introduce three new monthly series aimed at deepening the audience's understanding of wild food culture and practices. The conversation also touches on personal updates, including plans for new books, camps, and the growth of their ecommerce store, all while maintaining a focus on community engagement and feedback.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Harvesting Nature's Evolution

09:03 Personal Updates and Future Plans

14:15 Introducing New Podcast Series

20:01 Exploring the Wild Preservation Pantry

23:59 The Wild Harvest Report and Community Engagement

Takeaways

Harvesting Nature is evolving to include broader food system discussions.

The new series will focus on regional foodscapes and preservation techniques.

Community engagement is key to the podcast's growth and direction.

Keywords

Wild food, food systems, preservation, hunting, fishing, Harvesting Nature, cooking, butchery, food culture, podcast
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Summary

In this engaging conversation, Chris Whonsetler, the Okayest Cook, shares his journey into the world of cooking and hunting. He discusses the evolution of his culinary skills, the challenges of sausage making, and the importance of butchery in understanding the food we eat. The discussion highlights the connection between cooking and hunting, the role of photography in food presentation, and the philosophy behind the Okayest Cook brand, which embraces imperfection and encourages others to learn and experiment in the kitchen. Chris emphasizes the value of community and sharing experiences in the culinary world, making it clear that it's okay to be the Okayest cook and that everyone is on their own journey of learning and growth.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making

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Links

Okayest Cook Website

Instagram

Chris Whonsetler

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Wild Cooking and Podcasting

02:57 The Journey into Hunting and Cooking

05:49 The Evolution of Cooking Skills

09:02 First Experiences with Wild Food

12:00 Misconceptions and Learning from Mistakes

15:00 The Art of Sausage Making

17:51 Challenges in Sausage Production

19:52 Exploring Butchery Techniques

21:14 The Art of Butchering: Learning Through Practice

22:21 Understanding Cuts: Regional Variations and Terminology

23:55 Visual Aids in Butchering: Enhancing Learning

24:35 Field Care: The Reality of Butchering Wild Game

27:20 The Importance of Proper Butchering Techniques

29:29 First-Time Experiences: Overcoming Intimidation in Butchering

31:20 Prioritizing Cuts: Efficient Butchering Strategies

33:20 Building a Connection: The Relationship Between Butchery and Hunting

35:01 The Decline of Processors: A Call to Learn Butchery Skills

37:35 Favorite Cuts: Surprising Discoveries in Butchering

41:16 The Art of Cooking and Butchering

42:06 The Okayest Cook Philosophy

44:30 Exploring Ingredients and Cooking Techniques

46:40 Culinary Growth and Learning

49:46 The Intersection of Photography and Cooking

52:41 Authenticity in Culinary Exploration

56:10 Embracing Mistakes in Cooking

Takeaways

Cooking and hunting can be learned later in life.

The journey of cooking is filled with trial and error.

Sausage making is a challenging yet rewarding skill.

Butchery connects you more deeply with the food you eat.

Understanding different cuts of meat enhances cooking.

The Okayest Cook brand embraces imperfection in cooking.

Cooking is about enjoying the process, not just the outcome.

Photography enhances the way we appreciate food.

Community and sharing experiences are vital in cooking.

It's okay to be the Okayest cook; everyone starts somewhere.

Keywords

Cooking, hunting, butchery, wild game, sausage making, food photography, okayest cook, culinary skills, recipes, food community
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