Claim OwnershipHarvest Your Own Podcast
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Harvest Your Own’s Podcast is about to become your go-to resource for all things related to your field-to-fork experience, by helping you with the harvesting, processing and cooking of your own ethically-sourced, wild Alberta protein. Join host Brad Fenson as he talks to a wide variety of people about their experiences and expertise. Take on new challenges and deepen your connection to the outdoors—learn to harvest your own!
109 Episodes
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So many tips, so much knowledge - all in one listen. For the past 40 years, our special guest Mark DesRoches has been chasing waterfowl all over the continent. A lot of it—especially duck hunting in the prairies—is not as gear intensive as you might think. Mark shares breaks it all down and spends a great deal of the episode sharing his insights on sandhill crane, as the recent introduction of this season has been one of the most exciting events to happen for Alberta hunting in a very long ti...
Sure, getting into hunting requires a set of actions, but it's also not as difficult to get into as one might think. In fact, in the case of our guest Hillary Keyes (biologist and outdoor enthusiast) she ended up preparing to be a hunter without planning to be one! Intentional or not, finding the pathway to hunting proves to be one of life's most rewarding experiences. Listen in as Hillary explains easing into bird hunting, getting comfortable with guns, and her hesitation and accomplishment ...
"Hunting is about the relationships I've formed." Whether that's with family or with the land, Alex considers them all to be essential and fulfilling on her quest in finding her next meal. As a hunter, forager, gardener, teacher and outdoor enthusiast, Alex is still eagerly learning yet has many tidbits of advice to help those of us looking to get out there for our very first time. She explains the rewards of hard work and understanding and feeling that real connection between you...
Are you intrigued by hunting? Or are you a hunter who has a spouse, family member or friend who perhaps needs just a small nudge to take the next step into hunting? Then listen to this episode stat! Sheila and Brad discuss getting into hunting with no prior experience, how mentors truly make all the difference (and how to find your own), and learning to eventually meet some pretty big goals. In fact, Sheila shares in detail a unforgettable deer hunt she took on...all by herself. Get ready to ...
Do you have a hunting dog? Do you want one? What have they taught you? Hunting dogs are one of the most useful tools in the field, but more than that - it's a relationship unlike any other. Listen to expert Jalen and host Brad as they discuss first-timer tips, breeds and their unique experiences relating to hunting with dogs. Be consistent and you'll find it's easier than you might have anticipated. Our best friends deserve their own special attention - and this episode is exactly it! Like th...
Kids + hunting. With a bit of planning and guidance, it's the perfect mix! Brad talks to father and son, learning about the very start of the journey and about the specific steps it takes to get kids started safely. Excitement just comes with the territory! Plus the trio dives into getting the most out of your cuts of wild meat, like serving premium shank, and creating that winning brisket without grinding it—a kid's favourite. The learning (and creativity!) never has to stop when it comes to...
How can a simple appreciation for the outdoors naturally transition into a love for hunting? Follow along with Stefanie Fenson (that’s right, wife of our favourite outdoor podcast host!) as she explains that journey—and how you just might follow a similar path. They talk shoe leather deer (and how that never needs to be the case!), spouses and mentorship, Taber Pheasant Festival and so much more. Because couples who hunt together… Like the episode or let us know another topic to cover. Find B...
Vibrant. Funny. Real. Meet Emily Lamb, who joins us to share her experiences hunting and trapping in Alberta. Coming from a non-hunting background, she has taken simple enthusiasm and curiosity—and turned harvesting her own food into a genuine passion to help others do the same. Emily’s positivity is infectious, and she shares why right now is the moment to take advantage of the bounty we’ve got in our province's backyard. If you’ve ever thought about trying out hunting—this is your episode! ...
Josh Glover—he's a proud Newfoundlander who advocates and enjoys the wild bounty of Canada. From bear to goose legs to deer, hear about his creativity with preparing wild game. Brad and Josh touch on maximizing specific species (that ol’ “use everything” mentality) and that sense of respect and sustainability that goes along with it. Fun fact: Josh rendered his own lard from black bear for cooking AND waterproofing his boots. Options are endless—this is the episode to get inspired! Like the e...
Meet Scott Leysath - the man behind the show "The Sporting Chef" and even more, the one who will provide you with wild game prep tips you probably haven't tried before! From bar bouncer to wild food ambassador, Scott's career journey has equipped him with a wealth of information, and in this episode, he delivers it in a way we can all understand. With a focus on venison, Scott explains how you can ensure the harvest you worked so hard for is a standout every time. Spoiler alert: it's a lot si...
Get to know Linda Zimmerling, a retiree who discovered her love for hunting as a teen. Connecting to the outdoors and to her food are the most important reasons why Linda’s passion for harvesting her own food continues to grow. And sometimes, the best hunt is the one when you don’t harvest anything at all! Together we pick Linda’s brain to learn how to find the best opportunities to find land to hunt on. The “knock on the door” doesn’t have to be as intimidating as you might think. Let’s scou...
In our second episode, we spend time with Lisa Roper—an experienced outdoorswoman who has made it her passion to get new people (especially women and youth) involved in the outdoor world and harvesting their own wild game. Lisa grew up in a hunting family and is big on helping people find new passions, push their boundaries, and enjoy the journey. Learn about her inspiration, her best tips to take on outdoor challenges (from firearms to trip prep), easily overlooked game, and why she thinks a...
In our pilot episode, we talk about why Harvest(ing) Your Own is more relevant than ever. Why would someone want to harvest their own protein? We discuss the resources that are truly helpful to get people into hunting and what kind of benefits harvesting wild game can bring to you and your family. Todd gets into the details of taking that first step, the people who are there to support hunters, and exactly how we can help you through the entire journey, from scouting the field to placing your...
What does it take to conserve habitat, mentor new hunters, and keep upland traditions alive in Alberta? Host Brad Fenson sits down with Pheasants Forever Canada President Perry McCormick to discuss the organization’s impact, including raising record-breaking funds, protecting prairie habitats, and running first-class programs such as mentored pheasant hunts for university students. From the legacy of pheasant releases in Alberta to modern challenges like disappearing grasslands and irrigation...
Too hot. Too buggy. Meat will spoil. Hunters are full of excuses for why they skip early season—but according to Brad Fenson, they're missing out on some of the best opportunities of the year. In this BrAdvice episode, Brad breaks down the truth behind common early-season concerns and shows how hunters can not only manage them, but thrive in September conditions. From hunting elk in the early rut to finding whitetails on predictable crop patterns to pulling specklebellies and snows from th...
You brought home the harvest—now what? In this episode, Brad Fenson is joined by Camp Chef’s Brooks Hansen to break down the most common wild game cooking mistakes—and how to avoid them. From thawing your meat too quickly to skipping the resting phase, these small missteps can lead to tough, dry, flavourless meals that do your harvest a disservice. Brooks, a lifelong outdoorsman and meat-smoking expert, shares advice on: · Proper thawing techniques to preserve flavou...
We’ve hit a milestone! For our 100th episode, Brad Fenson is joined by two of Alberta’s most insightful and entertaining hunting voices — Lee Foote and Matt Besko. From wildlife management debates to the lighter side of hunting culture, this conversation blends humour, experience, and a deep passion for the outdoors. The trio tackles: •Alberta’s hunting heritage and how to keep it fun. •The hang your meat or not debate (and why it still stirs the pot). •Mule deer management — simple lev...
Do you need a range day to improve your skills with your shotgun or rifle? Think again. Brad Fenson shares the simple at-home drills that will make you more accurate and confident in the field, without firing a single shot. From the flashlight-in-the-barrel trick for perfecting your swing to snap-cap drills for mastering trigger control, Brad walks you through practical exercises you can do in your living room, garage, or backyard. Whether you’re gearing up for waterfowl, upland birds, or b...
Thinking about waterfowl hunting but don’t know where to start? This episode is for you—or the new hunter in your life. Brad Fenson is joined by Josh Glover and Daryl Oliver from the Parkland Pintails Chapter of Delta Waterfowl to talk about their Waterfowl 101 program: a free, hands-on experience designed specifically for first-time hunters. From safe shooting instruction and dog/decoy demos to bird cleaning, cooking tips, and a mentored hunt, this event gives new hunters the tools and conf...
In this episode, host Brad Fenson sits down with Brian Joubert, the manager of game use and allocation with the Hunting and Fishing Branch in Alberta Forestry and Parks, to break down what the latest updates to Alberta's Wildlife Act and Wildlife Regulation mean for hunters this season. From expanded youth opportunities to changes in night hunting rules, the conversation explores the rationale behind the updates, how they align with modern practices, and what hunters need to know before stepp...
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