Ep. 219: This Country Life - Canadian Chocolate
Digest
This episode of This Country Life begins with a story submitted by Ryan Proke about a successful turkey hunt with his father and three-year-old son, Landon. The story highlights how even the youngest hunter can contribute to a successful hunt. Brent then shares his own recent bear hunting trip in Manitoba, Canada. He describes the beautiful landscape, the abundance of wildlife, and the respectful and humble nature of the McCarthy family who run North Mountain Adventures. Brent emphasizes the importance of ethical bear hunting, explaining that it allows hunters to confirm the maturity and sex of the bear, ensuring that young ones or those with cubs are not targeted. He also discusses the importance of respecting the land and its history, acknowledging the Cree Indian heritage of the area. Brent recounts his experience observing bears at a bait site, highlighting their behavior and the importance of respecting their natural instincts. He describes the thrill of the hunt and the emotional impact of taking a bear's life, emphasizing the importance of using the animal for food and other purposes. Brent concludes by praising the McCarthy family for their hospitality and their dedication to ethical hunting practices, encouraging listeners to check out their outfitting business and YouTube channel. He ends the episode with a poem by Robert W. Service titled "A Busy Man," which reflects the McCarthy family's work ethic and their love for the outdoors.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast, This Country Life, hosted by Brent Reaves. Brent shares his passion for country living, including coon hunting, trot lining, and general country skills. He also mentions the podcast's affiliation with the Meat Eaters Podcast Network.
A Three-Generation Turkey Hunt
This Chapter tells a story submitted by Ryan Proke about a turkey hunt with his father and three-year-old son, Landon. The story highlights how Landon, despite his young age, played a crucial role in calling in a turkey, demonstrating the importance of family and shared experiences in hunting.
A Bear Hunting Adventure in Manitoba
This Chapter details Brent's recent bear hunting trip in Manitoba, Canada. He describes the beautiful landscape, the abundance of wildlife, and the respectful and humble nature of the McCarthy family who run North Mountain Adventures. Brent discusses the ethics of bear hunting, emphasizing the importance of confirming the maturity and sex of the bear to ensure that young ones or those with cubs are not targeted.
North Mountain Adventures
This Chapter highlights the positive experience Brent had with North Mountain Adventures, praising the McCarthy family for their hospitality and their dedication to ethical hunting practices. Brent encourages listeners to check out their outfitting business and YouTube channel.
Keywords
This Country Life
This Country Life is a podcast hosted by Brent Reaves that focuses on country living, hunting, fishing, and outdoor skills. The podcast aims to share stories and practical knowledge about these topics, encouraging listeners to connect with nature and embrace a rural lifestyle.
Brent Reaves
Brent Reaves is the host of the This Country Life podcast. He is an experienced outdoorsman with a passion for hunting, fishing, and country living. He shares his stories and knowledge through his podcast, aiming to connect with listeners who share his interests.
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian province located in the central part of the country. It is known for its vast prairies, boreal forests, and numerous lakes. Manitoba is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hunting, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing.
North Mountain Adventures
North Mountain Adventures is a hunting and fishing outfitting business located in Oak River, Manitoba, Canada. The business is run by the McCarthy family, who are known for their hospitality, ethical hunting practices, and dedication to providing a memorable experience for their clients.
Bear Hunting
Bear hunting is a popular activity in many parts of the world, including North America. It is a challenging and rewarding experience that requires skill, knowledge, and respect for the animal. Ethical bear hunting practices emphasize the importance of confirming the maturity and sex of the bear to ensure that young ones or those with cubs are not targeted.
Cree
The Cree are an Indigenous people of Canada. They are known for their rich culture, traditions, and language. The Cree have a deep connection to the land and have long practiced hunting and trapping as a way of life. The Cree language is a vibrant and important part of their cultural identity.
Ursa Americana
Ursa Americana is the scientific name for the American black bear. It is a large mammal found throughout North America, known for its black fur, although some individuals may have brown or cinnamon fur. Black bears are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plants, fruits, insects, and small animals.
Robert W. Service
Robert W. Service was a Canadian poet and writer, known for his works that often depicted the rugged and adventurous life of the Canadian North. His poems often featured themes of nature, exploration, and the human spirit. Service's most famous work is "The Cremation of Sam McGee," a ballad about a gold prospector who dies in the Yukon and is cremated by his friend.
Q&A
What is the main topic of this episode of This Country Life?
This episode focuses on two stories: a successful turkey hunt with a father and son, and a bear hunting trip in Manitoba, Canada. The episode highlights the importance of family, ethical hunting practices, and respecting the land.
What is the significance of the story about the turkey hunt?
The story highlights how even the youngest hunter can contribute to a successful hunt, emphasizing the importance of family and shared experiences in hunting.
Why does Brent emphasize the importance of ethical bear hunting?
Brent believes that ethical bear hunting practices are crucial to ensure that young bears or those with cubs are not targeted. He explains that hunters can confirm the maturity and sex of the bear, allowing for responsible hunting practices.
What is Brent's experience with North Mountain Adventures like?
Brent had a positive experience with North Mountain Adventures, praising the McCarthy family for their hospitality, ethical hunting practices, and dedication to providing a memorable experience for their clients.
What is the significance of the poem "A Busy Man" by Robert W. Service?
The poem reflects the McCarthy family's work ethic and their love for the outdoors, highlighting their dedication to their craft and their connection to the land.
What are some of the key takeaways from this episode?
This episode emphasizes the importance of family, ethical hunting practices, respecting the land, and appreciating the beauty of nature. It also highlights the importance of shared experiences and the emotional impact of hunting.
Show Notes
Brent's back from the Canadian bush of Manitoba and he brought a big color phase bear with him. Hear the tale of that hunt and get a teasing glimpse into a family that lives their lives close to nature. More on those folks in a future episode. Right now we're bear hunting and the bear hunting is good! All that plus a listener-submitted story showcasing the teamwork of three generations of turkey hunters on MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast.
Connect with Brent and MeatEater
MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube
Shop Bear Grease Merch
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.