EatWild Podcast

• EatWild 103 - Chronic Wasting Disease: What is it and what we need to do about it

  It's time to get my head out of the sand and learn about CWD and what I can do about it. Cait Nelson joins me on the podcast to discuss the critical issue of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) affecting wildlife, particularly in British Columbia. Cait, a Wildlife Health Biologist, explains the nature of CWD, its transmission, and the implications for the hunting community. Cait walks us through the recent detection of CWD in BC, management strategies to control its spread, and the vital role hunters play in surveillance and prevention efforts. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community involvement and proactive measures to ensure the health of wildlife populations and the sustainability of hunting practices. Find out more about the good work by Hunters For BC here cwdbc.ca Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal infectious disease affecting cervids. CWD is caused by prions, which are misfolded proteins that accumulate in the brain. Most infected animals appear normal, making detection challenging. CWD can contaminate the environment and persist for years. The disease has spread from the U.S. to Canada, with BC being proactive in surveillance. Recent cases of CWD were detected in BC, prompting immediate response measures. Hunters play a crucial role in CWD management through testing and reporting. Effective management requires community involvement and education. CWD will remain in BC, but it can be managed to minimize impact. The establishment of a local testing facility in BC will expedite results for hunters.   Here's the link to the iHunter App Field Guide Course: https://eatwild.ca/products/3187654 We could probably call this episode “How to Find and See Deer on the Hunt." The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. It is an essential tool for making you more comfortable in the woods. The app's mapping layers, navigation tools, and hunting regulations are all packed into it to provide you with the information you need for your next adventure.  As always, Seek Outside brought this podcast to you. They make unique ultralight tents and packs for your next adventure. Use the discount code EATWILD on your next purchase. Please use this Seek Outside Affiliate link to let them know you heard about Seek Outside from our podcast.  Stop in at Beere Brewing and take advantage of a 10% discount on your purchase. Use the code EATWILD10 on your next purchase. Beere makes a great selection of bright, crisp beers perfect for the patio or around the campfire.  

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• EatWild 102 - Campfire Q&A - On a Mule Deer hunt with Dave GU

  Join us as I head out on a mule deer hunt with new hunter, Dave Gu. Dave comes from a background in kinesiology and works as a Wim Hof instructor and personal trainer. He’s also a talented storyteller, sharing his powerful journey of thriving in life while managing Ankylosing Spondylitis — a challenging autoimmune disease.  Dave found me on his journey to become a hunter, and we’ve since become great friends. Last weekend, I was looking for a hunting partner to explore some new zones, and Dave was keen to join. As we headed out, Dave fired question after question about how I research and find deer habitat — so I decided to turn on the podcast mic. This turned into a great conversation (and a great hunt!) about how to find and see deer. You’ll learn how I scout and hunt target areas to maximize the chances of success. Here's the link to the iHunter App Field Guide Course: https://eatwild.ca/products/3187654 We could probably call this episode “How to Find and See Deer on the Hunt." The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. It is an essential tool for making you more comfortable in the woods. The app's mapping layers, navigation tools, and hunting regulations are all packed into it to provide you with the information you need for your next adventure.  As always, Seek Outside brought this podcast to you. They make unique ultralight tents and packs for your next adventure. Use the discount code EATWILD on your next purchase. Please use this Seek Outside Affiliate link to let them know you heard about Seek Outside from our podcast.  Stop in at Beere Brewing and take advantage of a 10% discount on your purchase. Use the code EATWILD10 on your next purchase. Beere makes a great selection of bright, crisp beers perfect for the patio or around the campfire.

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• EatWild 101 - Elk Hunting Lessons with Jordan Kowalchuk

  It’s elk season, and I’m heading to Elk Heaven! Join me as I get excited for the season in a conversation with one of BC’s most knowledgeable and skilled hunters, Jordan Kowalchuk of @BCBackcountry. This is our second podcast together, where we dive into the world of elk hunting, sharing personal experiences, lessons learned, and successful strategies. During our discussion, we explore the evolution of hunting techniques, the significance of persistence, and the thrill of pursuing mature bulls. We also cover how environmental factors affect elk behavior, the crucial timing during the hunting season, and the balance between adventure and success in hunting. Focusing on camaraderie and shared experiences, this episode captures the essence of being an elk hunter. Jordan shares his insights on tracking, shot placement, and the importance of patience and strategy. He talks about the challenges of tracking wounded elk, lessons learned from missed shots, and the necessity of understanding elk behavior. Additionally, we discuss bullet performance and the value of documenting hunting experiences for future reference. You can keep up with Jordan @BCBackcountry on Instagram. Here's a link to the EatWild Elk Hunting Online Course and the iHunter Field Guide to help you get ready for the season.  00:00 Elk Hunting Adventures: A Journey Begins 05:06 Lessons from the Kootenays: Early Elk Hunting Experiences 09:59 Transitioning to Mature Bulls: Evolving Hunting Strategies 14:50 The Impact of Environment on Elk Populations 19:53 Timing the Hunt: Pre-Rut, Peak Rut, and Post-Rut Insights 37:34 Understanding the Elk Rut Cycle 41:50 Dream Adventure Hunts in British Columbia 44:49 The Thrill of Elk Hunting 49:39 Lessons Learned from Elk Shooting Experiences 01:11:08 Heartbreak and Lessons from Missed Shots 01:12:30 The Human Element in Decision Making 01:13:15 The Importance of Shot Placement 01:15:28 Calling Strategies and Elk Behaviour 01:18:05 Tracking and Blood Trails 01:20:28 Instinct vs. Process in Hunting 01:21:49 The Value of Autopsies in Hunting 01:25:36 Documenting Experiences for Future Success 01:30:14 Bad Hunting Advice and Learning from Mistakes   The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. It is an essential tool for making you more comfortable in the woods. The app's mapping layers, navigation tools, and hunting regulations are all packed into it to provide you with the information you need for your next adventure.  As always, Seek Outside brought this podcast to you. They make unique ultralight tents and packs for your next adventure. Use the discount code EATWILD on your next purchase. Please use this Seek Outside Affiliate link to let them know you heard about Seek Outside from our podcast.  Stop in at Beere Brewing and take advantage of a 10% discount on your purchase. Use the code EATWILD10 on your next purchase. Beere makes a great selection of bright, crisp beers perfect for the patio or around the campfire.  

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• EatWild 100 - Cougars Up Close - Researching cougar behaviour with wildlife biologist Julie Thomas

  I've always known that cougars tend to avoid humans, with only a few close calls while sneaking around in the woods. However, this summer has seen several unusual encounters with cougars in Whistler and Squamish, including instances of cougars stalking hikers and chasing mountain bikers in popular recreation areas. I was curious about the reasons behind this behaviour, so I reached out to wildlife biologist Julie Thomas. In our conversation, Julie discusses her research on cougars in central British Columbia, focusing on their predator-prey relationship with caribou. She explains how changes in the landscape impact cougar behaviour, their hunting techniques, and their adaptability to various environments. We also delve into field research methods, including the process of capturing and collaring cougars, as well as the complexities of human-cougar interactions, especially in areas where cougars have been sighted near popular trails. Julie shares insights from her experiences and emphasizes the importance of understanding these magnificent creatures in the context of conservation and wildlife management. I also share a couple of my close brushes with cougars in the wild.   You can follow Julie here for more on her research and catch amazing cougar footage @wild_juliethomas on Instagram.    Check out the latest EatWild Online Course - iHunter App Field Guide: Tools and tactics for successful hunts The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. It is an essential tool for making you more comfortable in the woods. The app's mapping layers, navigation tools, and hunting regulations are packed into it to give you the information you need on your next adventure.  Stop in at Beere Brewing and take advantage of a 10% discount on your purchase. Use the code EATWILD10 on your next purchase. Beere makes a great selection of bright, crisp beers perfect for the patio or around the campfire.  

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• EatWild 99 - Harvesting Seaweed and Kelp with Eric Warner

  In recent years, I have grown increasingly interested in kelp.  It's delicious and nutritious, and at many places I roam, it's abundant for harvesting. I wanted to know more, so I asked Eric Warner, a seaweed and kelp enthusiast, to join me on the podcast. In this conversation, Eric Warner discusses his passion for seaweed and the project Self Kelp, which aims to educate the public about the importance of seaweed and its culinary uses. The discussion covers the decline of kelp forests, the benefits of kelp farming, and the ecological significance of kelp ecosystems. Eric shares insights on harvesting and storing seaweed, as well as its nutritional value. The conversation also explores the cultural significance of foraging and hunting, highlighting the connection between food sources and the natural world. You can learn more about Eric and  Self Kelp on Instagram Be sure to catch a screening of Seaweed Chronicles: From Tide to Table in your community.  Check out the latest EatWild Online Course - iHunter App Field Guide: Tools and tactics for successful hunts The iHunter App supports the Eatwild Podcast and other programs. It is an essential tool for making you more comfortable in the woods. The app's mapping layers, navigation tools, and hunting regulations are packed into it to give you the information you need on your next adventure.  Stop in at Beere Brewing and take advantage of a 10% discount on your purchase. Use the code EATWILD10 on your next purchase. Beere makes a great selection of bright, crisp beers perfect for the patio or around the campfire.

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