Wild Fish and Game Podcast

Summary: In this episode, we discuss Proposition 127 in Colorado, which seeks to change the regulations surrounding mountain lion hunting. The guests explore the implications of this proposition on conservation, food security, and the culinary value of mountain lion meat. The conversation includes personal experiences from hunters, the challenges of hunting mountain lions, and the public perceptio...

With winter still holding on fast, a hearty, warming soup is always a go-to meal in my household. Pho, a classic Vietnamese soup served with a broad accompaniment of proteins, fresh herbs, and lime, is the perfect way to balance the warmth of the soon-to-be winter’s end and the incoming spring. Here, we’ll dive into the simple yet profound pleasure of preparing pho with thin-sliced venison sirloin...

In this episode, Justin and Adam discuss the importance of bones in cooking and the various culinary uses of bones and marrow. They explore the history of using bones as tools and the cultural significance of bone marrow in different cuisines. The hosts also touch on the practical uses of bones, such as making stocks and broths, and the enjoyment of giving bones to dogs. In this conversation, Adam...

Summary: In this conversation, Justin and Brandon discuss their experiences with fly fishing and foraging. Justin shares his journey from starting fly fishing in Wyoming to exploring different fishing techniques and recipes. Brandon talks about his introduction to fly fishing in Louisiana and his passion for guiding and teaching others. They also discuss the joy of foraging and experimenting with...

“I am a huge proponent of using as much of the animal as possible. Many folks disregard the head, legs, and other parts of the lobster when cleaning. In Florida, I have seen more people rip the tail off of the lobster and toss the head back in the water. Not only do they miss some of the meat inside the head, but they also toss out an excellent resource for making stock. My lobster cleaning method...

Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam are joined by Liwei Liao, a self-taught fishmonger and owner of The Joint in Los Angeles. They discuss the process of dry aging fish and the importance of proper handling and care to maintain the quality of the fish. Liwei shares his methods and practices, including brain spiking, bleeding, gutting the fish, and letting it rest for a few days before fileti...

Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam discuss the culinary uses of the head and tongue of wild game animals. They highlight the various edible parts of the head, such as the cheeks, brain, jowls, ears, snout, and tongue. They also discuss the process of removing the head and the different preparation methods. The hosts emphasize the underutilization of the head in North America compared to oth...

Summary: In this episode of the Wild Fish and Game Podcast, hosts Justin and Adam are joined by special guest Brad Leone, a renowned chef and YouTube personality famous for his appearances on Bon Appétit's YouTube channel. The conversation dives into the world of foraging, cooking local fish, and the importance of proper fish treatment to enhance flavor and sustainability. Brad shares insights fro...

Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam discuss the history and process of grinding meat. They cover the various uses of ground meat, including burgers, sausages, and meatballs, and the cuts of meat that are best for grinding. They also provide tips on equipment, such as the importance of a good grinder and the benefits of hand mincing. The hosts emphasize the need for partially freezing the mea...

Summary: Justin chats with Andrew Tsui of the Ike Jime Federation and explores the practice of Ike Jime, a method of dispatching fish that prioritizes food quality. Andrew explains the four steps of Ike Jime: brain spiking, bleeding, paralyzing the fish, and rapid chilling. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing stress and delaying rigor mortis to ensure high-quality fish. Tsui also discusses...

Typically found staining sidewalks, the mulberry is an incredibly under-utilized fruit. While most people think of the berry as a nuisance, creating purple van Gogh-style messes on the bottom of shoes, their sweet and tangy flavor adds to many culinary experiences. The berries can be used in desserts, such as pies or crumbles, for building complex wines or liquors, as hearty and rustic glazes for...

Summary: Justin, Adam, Brandon Dale, and Quincy Milton discuss their Spring pursuits and summer outdoor plans. The conversation covers various topics, including upcoming hunting and fishing plans, foraging for mushrooms and berries, and urban hunting opportunities. They discuss the accessibility of hunting and fishing in urban areas, particularly in the Northeast. They also share their favorite sp...

Summary: In this episode, Justin, Adam, and Matthew discuss the consumption of invasive carp. They mention the environmental impact of Asian carp, including their ability to outcompete native fish species and their jumping behavior. Matthew shares the management strategies employed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, such as commercial fishing and the use of bioacoustic fish fences. F...

Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam are joined by Jason Passalacqua. They discuss the intersection of wild food and wine and how to make wine more approachable for the wild food community. They also talk about traditional pairings between game and wine and how Passalacqua wines are specifically designed to pair well with wild game. The conversation highlights the importance of education and...

I created this recipe for Harvesting Nature’s 2024 Snow Goose Culinary Camp, which took place in Mound City, Missouri. My role there was camp cook, cooking instructor, and butchery instructor, but camp director Justin Townsend and I did get a chance to do a little hunting, too. I’ve got to say, we ran into quite a few birds.  We were lucky enough to harvest several geese, which allowed us to exper...

Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam discuss the butchering of wild game, specifically focusing on the top sirloin and sirloin tip cuts. They also share updates on their recent outdoor activities and plans for the upcoming fishing season. The conversation covers a detailed exploration of various meat cuts, including sirloin tip, top sirloin, and elk sirloin, along with their associated recipe...

I’ve taken the classic French Dip sandwich and updated it with some venison backstrap. The signs of a well-made French dip are easily distinguishable from the bad ones. The bread-to-meat ratio must be correct. The cheese must be melted, the bun toasted, and the meat a beautiful medium rare. The au jus must be flavorful and complement the meat as well. I believe I hit all those marks here for this...

Summary: The Harvesting Nature crew and camp guests discuss their May 2022 wild pig hunting skills camp in Texas. They highlight the activities and lessons learned during the camp, including shooting, ballistics, cooking, and butchering. The crew emphasizes the importance of shot placement for meat yield and the versatility of wild pig meat. They also discuss the value of hands-on experience and t...

Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam chat with Dr. Jonathan Reisman about hunting, cooking, and eating offal and organ meats. They discuss the incorporation of organ meat into diets and highlight the nutritional value of organs and the unique nutrients they provide. Dr. Reisman shares his journey into butchering and cooking organs, his passion for hunting, and how hunting has allowed him to e...

Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam are joined by Jesse Griffiths, a world-class chef, hunter, and author of the new book, The Turkey Book. They discuss turkey hunting, cooking, and the inspiration behind the book. Jesse shares his experiences hunting turkeys in different regions of the United States and the unique culinary perspectives he gained from each location. The conversation explores...

In this episode, Justin and Adam are joined by Sean Sherman, an award-winning indigenous chef, educator, author, and activist. They discuss the importance of wild food for Native American and indigenous cultures, the significance of indigenous food systems, and the need for food sovereignty. In this conversation, Sean emphasizes the need to shift our mindset from a consumer-based food system to on...

Turkey season has come upon us! Not many things rival the sound of calling and hearing those big old toms gobble back at you. We had the pleasure this season of hunting not far from the coast of Morrow Bay in California and bagging a few gobblers to bring home to the family.  This recipe is a play on a good old chicken piccata recipe that’s super quick, easy, and doesn’t disappoint. If you’ve neve...

In this episode, Justin and Adam discuss two cuts of meat: the tri-tip and the eye of round. They provide information on the location and characteristics of each cut, as well as their culinary history. The tri-tip is a flavorful cut located in the bottom sirloin area, while the eye of round is a lean muscle found in the round group. They share cooking tips and recipe ideas for both cuts, including...

John McAdams shares his adventure of taking his seven-year-old son on a backcountry mule deer hunt in New Mexico. They face challenges with cattle grazing on the hunting grounds and changing weather conditions. The cold weather and misting rain make it difficult to spot deer, leading to a change in plans. They encounter elk and other hunters along the way. Finally, they spot a deer and successfull...

Justin and Adam chat again about butchering and cooking by specific cuts. In this episode, they dive deep into the Top Round and Bottom of Big Game Animals, touching base on techniques, nuances, and recipes for these two delicious cuts. They also explore the uses of these cuts, such as cube steak, pot roast, stir-frying, and steak. They share preferences for whole cuts over grinding and offer reci...