EatWild Podcast

EatWild 104 - Hunting with your kids - How to do it right with Wyatt and Ryan Elphick

In this episode of Campfire Conversations on the EatWild Podcast, we gather around the fire at Whitetail Camp to learn how Wyatt and Ryan make for successful hunting partners. 

Every hunter dreams of one day hunting with their kid. I’ve had a front-row seat watching Ryan support and nurture Wyatt’s love and enthusiasm for hunting, and the two of them have become remarkably successful along the way. I was curious how they built that shared passion, how they hunt together, and what’s contributed to their success in the field. After a successful hunt, they joined me around the fire to share their approach, along with practical tips for parents and young hunters navigating the journey together.

We also talk about the importance of teamwork, patience, and the emotional connections formed through shared hunts, as well as balancing time in the woods with family life. The conversation looks ahead to future aspirations — from dream moose hunts to big adventures still on the horizon — and dives into the gear, shooting techniques, and mindset that can be game-changers for young hunters.

This episode is a reflection on a great season, strong partnerships, and the lessons passed down along the way — told the way they’re meant to be shared: around the campfire.

You can find last-minute gifts on our website - www.eatwild.ca

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.

 

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

EatWild 98 - Blood Origins: Hunting for conservation from Africa to BC - Robbie Kroger

Is hunting good for wildlife and conservation? As hunters, we attempt to convey the story of how hunters contribute to conservation. We identify as conservationists and espound on our contributions to wildlife management efforts. These actions and connections are often unseen or not understood. It's a complex story to tell, and so I invited Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins to help better understand how to convey the role of hunting in wildlife management and conservation to those outside our community.

 

Robbie is a master at connecting the dots between hunting, wildlife value, and habitat preservation in his storytelling. He has elevated the importance of hunting as a conservation and wildlife management tool. He shares the journey of Blood Origins, a project aimed at communicating the heart of a hunter and dispelling misconceptions about hunting. He also addresses the privilege of hunting and the role of sharing the harvest with others.

 

The conversation explores the value of hunting and its connection to nature, the importance of supporting a positive message about hunting, the challenges faced by indigenous communities in accessing land for hunting, the ownership of First Nations territories, the impact of hunting bans on wildlife, and a dream hunting opportunity in British Columbia.

 

EatWild Podcast takeaways

• Hunting plays a crucial role in conservation and wildlife management.
• Connecting the dots between hunting, wildlife value, and habitat preservation is essential.
• Not everyone is meant to hunt, but those who do should prioritize sharing the harvest.
• Hunting for food and valuing wildlife are powerful arguments in favour of hunting. Hunting is a primal and deeply ingrained activity for many individuals, providing a sense of connection to nature and fulfilling innate desires.
• When discussing hunting with others, it is essential to use language that supports a positive message and highlights the benefits of hunting, such as wildlife conservation and habitat protection.
• Indigenous communities in Canada and other post-colonial nations are reclaiming their connection to land and requesting that resident hunters respect their traditional territories.
• The ownership of First Nations territories in Canada is complex, with some lands owned by the Crown and others being repatriated to indigenous communities.
• Hunting bans can have unintended consequences, including the loss of value for wildlife and the need for alternative sources of revenue for local communities.
• A dream hunting opportunity in British Columbia is coastal black bear hunting, which offers a unique experience in a beautiful setting.
• Supporting organizations like Blood Origins Canada can help promote a positive image of hunting and support conservation efforts.
• Individuals can support Blood Origins Canada through the Conservation Club, which offers various membership levels and monthly giveaways.
• There is potential for collaboration between Blood Origins and the EatWild Podcast to create content and events that promote hunting and conservation.

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. 

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.

EatWild in Africa - 97 - What we learned on a hunt on the other side of the world

Miki and I take you on a hunting adventure to South Africa in this episode. Just over a year ago, we bid on a trip to Africa at the Wild Sheep Society of BC's conservation fundraiser auction. A year later, we were welcomed by the Bosveld Jacobs Safari team on the other side of the world.

Travelling away from home to hunt has been a foreign concept for me. Hunting in a place without connection to the place, the people, and the animals raises many questions about how this can fit together and align with our hunting ethic. Miki and I spent the months leading up and the days on the hunt processing these questions.  And now we have answers! We are excited to share what we learned from the mind-blowing experiences of this Adventure. 

While on the hunt, I interviewed Drian Laas, the professional hunter who guides and facilitates the hunting experience. I caught up with Riaan Jacobs, owner of the Boshveld Jocobs Safaris, who donated the hunt to the fundraiser at this year's Wild Sheep Society of BC fundraiser in Penticton.

I hope you enjoy this podcast as we dive into the complexities of hunting in a foreign country, touching on the ethics of sport versus sustenance, strategies used in guided hunts, and the emotional highs and lows that come with the experience.

I am excited about returning to Africa and will plan a trip in the next few years. I will be organizing a trip for folks who are part of the EatWild community.  If you are curious about Africa or may want to join our Adventure, please reach out! 

If you listen to this podcast ahead of April 7th, there is still time for you to join Spike Camp and enter for a chance to win a trip to Africa. 

I want to thank Bosveld Jacobs Safaris for the generous donations to help fund wild sheep conservation in BC, and for taking such good care of Miki and me and truly facilitating a trip of a lifetime.

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. 

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 Affiliate link to let them know you heard about Seek Outside from our podcast. https://seekoutside.com?aff=15

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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
03:23 The Adventure Begins: Hunting in South Africa
11:17 Exploring the Landscape and Wildlife
19:16 The Guided Hunting Experience
29:48 Reflections on Ethics and Experience
38:52 Setting the Scene: A Day in the Wild
40:15 Meet the Professional Hunter: Insights from Triane
41:39 The Role of a Professional Hunter: More Than Just a Job
43:07 Exploring the Landscape: The Beauty of Limpopo
45:57 Diverse Wildlife: The Spectrum of Animals in South Africa
49:32 Hunting Strategies: The Approach to a Successful Hunt
53:19 The Art of the Stalk: Techniques for Success
56:44 Ethics in Hunting: Choosing the Right Animal
01:00:01 Passion for the Job: What Drives a Professional Hunter
01:02:51 Dream Hunts: Aspirations Beyond Borders
01:04:08 The Afternoon Hunt: Bush Buck Adventures
01:07:02 Understanding the Hunting Industry: Insights from Rhian
01:14:25 Utilizing the Harvest: Meat Distribution and Community Impact
01:16:46 Conservation and Community Impact
01:20:12 Tourism and Wildlife Management
01:22:04 Entry-Level Hunting Opportunities
01:24:37 The Experience of African Hunting
01:30:15 Reflections on the African Adventure
01:51:13 Diversity of Wildlife and Hunting Techniques
01:54:50 The Kudu Hunt Experience
02:01:26 Lessons from a Challenging Hunt
02:06:28 Value of Hunting in Conservation
02:14:10 Experiencing Kruger National Park
02:24:43 Reflections and Future Adventures

 

 

EatWild 96 - Coastal Goat Hunting - A hunt guided by a millennia of observation and tradition with Spencer Greening & Adam Foss

Join us for a coastal goat hunt with Spencer Greening La'goot and Adam Foss as they recap their coastal goat mountain hunt in Gitga'at Territory. This was a wet and challenging hunt and offered an opportunity for reflection and learning from Indigenous knowledge and practice from time immemorial.  

In this episode, Dylan, Adam, and Spencer dive into the deep connections between hunting, personal growth, and cultural traditions. They explore the balance between family responsibilities and outdoor adventures, the spiritual and ethical dimensions of hunting, and the significance of mountain goats in Indigenous traditions.

Through their experiences in bow hunting and navigating rugged mountain terrain, they highlight the importance of patience, mental resilience, and traditional knowledge. The conversation also touches on the role of storytelling in preserving Indigenous hunting perspectives and ecological wisdom.

Find La'goot here!

Find Adam here!

Key Takeaways:

• Hunting is as much about the experience as the harvest.
• Mountain goats hold deep cultural and spiritual significance.
• Success in hunting is shaped by knowledge, preparation, and respect for nature.
• Ethical considerations and conservation must include Indigenous perspectives.
• Storytelling plays a crucial role in passing down hunting traditions and wisdom.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the challenges, lessons, and connections that make hunting more than just a pursuit—it's a journey of growth, respect, and heritage.

 

Chapters

00:00 New Year Reflections and Personal Growth

03:05 Balancing Parenthood and Outdoor Adventures

06:00 Cultural Significance of Mountain Goats

08:52 The Journey of Goat Hunting: A Shared Experience

11:57 Understanding the Mountain Goat: A Hunter's Perspective

15:10 The Challenges of Bow Hunting Mountain Goats

18:11 Research and Conservation: The Importance of Traditional Knowledge

21:11 The Nuances of Goat Herd Management

23:54 The Spiritual Connection in Hunting

26:57 The Art of the Hunt: A Personal Story

29:46 The Ethics of Hunting and Wildlife Management

43:35 Reflecting on Past Experiences

43:58 Choosing the Right Location for Hunting

45:00 Facing Adverse Weather Conditions

46:12 The Role of Relationships in Hunting Projects

46:48 The Challenges of Mountain Hunting

50:01 Describing the Hunting Environment

51:03 The Toughness of Traditional Hunters

53:54 Navigating Difficult Terrain

01:00:02 The First Night's Struggles

01:06:00 Enduring Continuous Rain

01:09:00 Strategies for Managing Moisture

01:15:02 Lessons from Ancestors and Traditional Knowledge

01:17:19 The Privilege of Indigenous Hunting Practices

01:19:50 The Challenges of the Hunt

01:21:58 The Search for the Mountain Goat

01:25:42 The Moment of Truth

01:32:02 The Ethics of Hunting

01:35:10 Reflections on the Hunting Experience

01:40:19 Cultural Significance of Hunting

01:43:20 The Journey Home

01:51:12 Future Projects and Storytelling

EatWild 95 - Whitetail Camp - Tradition of Mentorship

After a successful whitetail hunt, we are recording this podcast from the wall tent. I am joined by Miki, Jenny P, Rob and his daughter Bella. This is our first whitetail camp without the old boys.... our mentors, and elders. The barriers that come with aging prevented Geoff, Pete and Larri from being able to join. It's been 35 years of whitetail camps for me and over 50 years for the old boys. So what's next for whitetail camp? 

Podcast summary: 

We reflect on the importance of mentorship, community, and the generational knowledge passed down through hunting traditions. The conversation highlights the evolving dynamics of the hunting community, including the breaking of gender barriers and the significance of storytelling. The gang share their personal journeys and the skills learned through their experiences, emphasizing the value of ethical hunting practices and the bonds formed in the outdoors. In this engaging conversation, the participants share their experiences and insights from a recent hunting trip, emphasizing the importance of hands-on learning, adapting strategies, and unexpected encounters with wildlife. We reflect on the lessons learned from various incidents, the significance of community support, and the growth that comes from mentorship and shared experiences in the outdoors.

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. 

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 Affiliate link to let them know you heard about Seek Outside from our podcast. https://seekoutside.com?aff=15

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.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Whitetail Camp
03:01 The Importance of Mentorship in Hunting
06:05 Breaking Barriers: Gender in Hunting
08:56 Generational Knowledge and Storytelling
12:10 Learning Ethical Hunting Practices
15:05 The New Generation of Hunters
18:06 Reflections on the Past and Future of Camp
21:02 Experiences and Lessons from the Hunt
31:31 Hands-On Learning in Hunting
34:57 Adapting Hunting Strategies
37:48 Unexpected Encounters with Wildlife
44:48 Lessons from Hunting Incidents
46:47 The Importance of Community and Support
52:07 Reflections on Growth and Mentorship