Wild Fish and Game Podcast

Harvesting Nature

The Wild Fish and Game Podcast explores wild food at the intersection of place, season, culture, and craft. Hosted by Justin Townsend and the Harvesting Nature team, the show goes beyond recipes and hunting stories to examine how food is grown, harvested, preserved, and carried through real life. Each episode dives into the whole wild food system, from hunting, fishing, and foraging to butchery, preservation, and cooking, while asking more profound questions about sustainability, tradition, and how people have continuously fed themselves from the land. Along the way, Justin and his co-hosts are joined by chefs, hunters, foragers, biologists, writers, and cultural knowledge-keepers who help connect ecology to the table. Whether discussing regional foodscapes, seasonal harvests, preservation techniques, or modern wild-food culture, the Wild Fish and Game Podcast is about learning to eat with the land rather than against it. Harvesting Nature is a wild food media company dedicated to education, conservation, and self-reliance through hunting, fishing, and foraging. Questions, feedback, and guest suggestions can be sent to whatscooking@harvestingnature.com.

  1. Hunting America's Hidden Truffles with Alana McGee of Truffle Dog Company

    2 days ago

    Hunting America's Hidden Truffles with Alana McGee of Truffle Dog Company

    Summary: Join us as Alana McGee from Truffle Dog Company shares her journey into truffle hunting, the different types of truffles in North America, and best practices for foraging and culinary use. Discover how dogs and pigs are used in truffle detection, the importance of stewardship, and tips for beginners. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Truffle Dog Company Contact Form Facebook Instagram Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Truffle Hunting 03:07 Alana's Journey into Truffle Hunting 05:58 Types of Truffles in North America 09:07 Comparing European and North American Truffles 11:52 Seasonality and Growth of Truffles 15:02 The Role of Dogs in Truffle Hunting 17:58 Community and Education in Truffle Hunting 21:02 Stewardship and Ethical Foraging Practices 24:05 Regulations and Land Use for Truffle Hunting 31:05 Navigating Truffle Harvesting Regulations 32:04 Urban Truffles: Finding Gems in Backyards 34:35 Understanding Truffle Habitats and Species 36:29 Culinary Uses: How to Enjoy Fresh Truffles 41:51 Innovative Ideas: Truffle-Infused Bacon and Beyond 45:40 Dispelling Myths: The Truth About Truffles 48:15 Connecting with the Truffle Community Takeaways: Types of North American truffles and their habitats Use of dogs and pigs in truffle detection Seasonality and environmental factors affecting truffle growth Stewardship and sustainable foraging practices Culinary uses and infusing flavors into dishes Community building and resources for aspiring truffle hunters Keywords: Truffle hunting, North American truffles, dog training, foraging, culinary truffles, stewardship, truffle species, truffle cultivation, wild mushrooms, edible fungi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min
  2. The Wild Pantry, Part V, Preserving Wild Food with Fat

    16 June

    The Wild Pantry, Part V, Preserving Wild Food with Fat

    Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the history, techniques, and safety considerations of fat-based preservation methods like confit, rillette, and oil preservation. They discuss how these ancient techniques transform food and remain relevant today. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: A Hunter’s Guide to Confit Venison Shank Confit Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Fat Preservation Techniques 02:50 The History and Evolution of Confit 06:02 The Science Behind Confit and Preservation 08:56 Rendering Fat: The Key to Successful Confit 11:51 Practical Applications and Modern Considerations 22:02 Unlocking the Value of Animal Fats 25:30 Exploring Confit and Rillette Techniques 30:04 Innovative Oil Preservation Methods 34:10 Safety in Fat and Oil Preservation 41:10 The Luxurious Transformation of Food Preservation Takeaways: History of confit and fat preservation Techniques for rendering and preserving fat Safety considerations and botulism risks Modern applications of traditional methods Transformative effects of fat on food texture and flavor Keywords: Food preservation, confit, rillette, fat preservation, wild food, traditional techniques, safety, botulism, rendering fat, culinary history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
  3. Wild Game Without Borders

    26 May

    Wild Game Without Borders

    Summary: Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore how global cuisines can inspire new approaches to cooking wild game, emphasizing techniques suited for tougher, leaner, and more variable ingredients. They discuss the historical roots of European traditions, the influence of other cuisines, and practical tips for expanding your culinary repertoire. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Exploring Wild Game Cooking Traditions 10:00 The Influence of European Cooking on Wild Game 19:50 Global Cuisines and Their Techniques for Wild Game 21:40 Culinary Adaptations Across Cultures 27:15 The Importance of Enjoying Food 33:36 Techniques for Cooking Wild Game 39:04 Exploring Global Culinary Systems 44:53 Redefining Wild Food and Its Potential Takeaways: European culinary traditions and their origins Techniques for tough and lean meats from global cuisines The influence of scarcity and environment on cuisine development Using spices, acids, and fermentation to balance wild ingredients Practical methods for applying international techniques at home Keywords: Wild game, global cuisines, cooking techniques, culinary systems, wild food, traditional recipes, food culture, foraging, wild meat, culinary diversity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  4. Episode 274: The Wild Pantry, Part IV, Smoking

    6 May

    Episode 274: The Wild Pantry, Part IV, Smoking

    Summary: This conversation delves into the ancient art of smoking food, exploring its historical significance, cultural practices, and the science behind how smoking enhances flavor and preserves food. The hosts discuss various smoking techniques, safety considerations, and the versatility of smoking in modern culinary practices, including the use of liquid smoke as an alternative. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of smoke in enhancing the richness and complexity of flavors in wild foods. In this conversation, Adam Berkelmans and Justin Townsend delve into the art of smoking food, discussing various techniques, common mistakes, and creative recipes. They explore the use of liquid smoke, the importance of seasoning, and the communal aspect of smoking as a cooking method. The discussion emphasizes the balance between traditional methods and modern conveniences, encouraging listeners to experiment with smoking techniques and flavors. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Smoked Za’atar Puffball Mushroom Citrus Smoked Venison Shanks Smoked Goose Hearts with Lemon Dressing Blackened Smoked Salmon Burgers with Duck Fat Fries Smoked Venison Chili Chapters: 00:00 The Art of Smoking: An Ancient Preservation Method 03:12 Cultural Significance and Global Practices of Smoking 05:46 The Science Behind Smoking: How It Works 09:13 Getting Started: Tools and Techniques for Smoking 12:00 Safety Considerations in Smoking Food 14:50 Exploring Wild Foods: Smoking Fish and Game 17:58 The Versatility of Smoking: Beyond Preservation 20:52 Liquid Smoke: A Modern Alternative 24:00 Conclusion: Embracing the Flavor of Smoke 29:31 Exploring Liquid Smoke and DIY Techniques 31:00 Crossover Methods in Smoking and Preservation 38:51 Common Mistakes in Smoking Techniques 40:00 Starting with Hot Smoking: Easy Entry Points 49:04 Creative Smoking Recipes and Techniques 51:01 The Communal Aspect of Smoking and Traditional Techniques Takeaways: Smoking is one of the oldest methods of food preservation. Cultural practices of smoking vary globally, from fish to meats. The science of smoking involves compounds that enhance flavor and preservation. Hot smoking cooks food while cold smoking requires careful temperature control. Different smoking setups range from simple DIY to advanced electric smokers. Safety is crucial, especially with cold smoking to prevent bacterial growth. Wild foods like fish and game benefit greatly from smoking techniques. Smoking transforms food, enhancing its flavor and richness. Liquid smoke offers a convenient alternative but should be used sparingly. Understanding the history and methods of smoking can enhance culinary experiences. Liquid smoke can be recreated with simple tools. Combining smoking with other preservation methods yields better results. Too much smoke can lead to bitter flavors; a thin stream is ideal. Temperature control is crucial for successful smoking. Wild game requires different smoking techniques than domestic meats. Seasoning is essential; smoke adds flavor but is not a substitute. Overcrowding the smoker can lead to uneven cooking. Quality of wood affects the flavor of smoked food. Hot smoking is an accessible entry point for beginners. Smoking can be a communal and enjoyable experience. Keywords: Smoking, food preservation, wild food, cultural practices, safety, techniques, flavor enhancement, liquid smoke, ancient methods, culinary arts liquid smoke, smoking techniques, preservation methods, common mistakes, hot smoking, creative recipes, communal cooking, traditional flavors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min
  5. Wild Salmon, Wild Forests

    28 Apr

    Wild Salmon, Wild Forests

    Summary: Join us as Tyson Fick from Yakobi Fisheries shares insights into Alaskan salmon fishing, conservation efforts, and the ecological importance of wild salmon. Discover the nuances of sustainable fishing, the impact of habitat preservation, and how consumer choices can support healthy fisheries. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Salmon In the Trees Life in Alaska's Tongass Rain Forest by Amy Gulick Salmon State Yakobi Fisheries Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Salmon Fishing and Conservation 15:55 The Importance of the Tongass National Forest 24:01 Management Plans and Future of the Tongass 26:01 The Future of Fisheries and Conservation 34:08 Culinary Delights: Cooking with Salmon 40:02 The Importance of Sustainable Seafood Choices 44:22 Advocacy and Support for Fisheries Takeaways: Alaskan salmon fishing techniques Conservation of the Tongass National Forest Impact of habitat loss on salmon populations Differences between wild and farmed salmon Ecological role of salmon in forest health Keywords: Salmon fishing, Alaska, conservation, wild seafood, sustainable fishing, Tongass National Forest, fishery management, seafood preservation, ecosystem health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  6. 21 Apr

    Episode 272: On the Ethics of Killing: The Moral Math of Eating

    Summary: Explore the ethical considerations of eating and killing in the context of hunting, food production, and environmental impact. Blake Binford shares insights from his book 'On the Ethics of Killing: The Moral Math of Eating', discussing how distance from nature influences our perceptions and responsibilities. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: On the Ethics of Killing: The Moral Math of Eating Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Wild Food and Perspectives 02:50 Personal Journey and the Role of Food 06:13 The Ethics of Eating and Protein Sources 08:58 Wild Game and Its Nutritional Value 11:56 Revisiting Perspectives on Food Production 15:02 The Cost of Living: Death and Consumption 17:47 Understanding Clean vs. Violent Food 20:59 The Distance of Modern Life from Nature 23:59 Moral Relief and Responsibility in Food Choices 27:06 Access to Food and Public Lands 30:12 Ethical Considerations of Distance in Food Production 32:17 Understanding the Cost of Consumption 39:28 Ethics of Hunting and Awareness 50:25 Moral Math in Food Choices 56:46 Honest Eating and Personal Responsibility Takeaways: The concept that living requires death and its implications The impact of modern life and distance from nature on food ethics The idea of moral responsibility following the act of killing The relationship between hunting, food production, and environmental conservation The concept of kill count per calorie as a moral math model Keywords: Ethics of killing, hunting, food sustainability, environmental impact, moral responsibility, wild game, food waste, conservation, food ethics, natural world Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  7. Episode 271: The Wild Pantry, Part III - Dehydrating and Drying

    14 Apr

    Episode 271: The Wild Pantry, Part III - Dehydrating and Drying

    Summary: Explore the ancient and modern techniques of drying and dehydrating food, its scientific principles, and practical applications in wild food lifestyle. Learn how to preserve, enhance, and utilize wild ingredients through drying methods. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Recipes: ⁠Lone Star Jerky⁠ ⁠Maple Whisky Trout Jerky⁠ ⁠How to Make Heart Jerky⁠ ⁠Kimi’s Kitchen Cookbook⁠ Chapters: 00:00 The Art of Drying: A Historical Perspective 03:10 Scientific Principles of Drying Food 06:09 Modern Techniques for Food Drying 08:57 Safety and Nutritional Aspects of Dried Foods 12:14 Practical Applications: Drying Wild Game and Fish 24:29 The Art of Drying Mushrooms 27:45 Exploring Dehydrated Ingredients 30:04 Jerky: A Versatile Snack 32:50 Creative Jerky Recipes 36:05 Innovative Drying Techniques 39:02 Mushroom Drying Essentials 42:29 Cured and Smoked Fish Recipes Takeaways: History and cultural significance of drying food Scientific principles behind drying and water activity Techniques and equipment for drying food at home Food safety considerations in drying and dehydrating Enhancing flavor and nutrition through drying Keywords: Food preservation, drying, dehydrating, wild food, food science, jerky, mushrooms, fish, food safety, culinary techniques Added clips: How Does Freeze Drying Work? Safely Dehydrating and Freeze Drying Foods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

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About

The Wild Fish and Game Podcast explores wild food at the intersection of place, season, culture, and craft. Hosted by Justin Townsend and the Harvesting Nature team, the show goes beyond recipes and hunting stories to examine how food is grown, harvested, preserved, and carried through real life. Each episode dives into the whole wild food system, from hunting, fishing, and foraging to butchery, preservation, and cooking, while asking more profound questions about sustainability, tradition, and how people have continuously fed themselves from the land. Along the way, Justin and his co-hosts are joined by chefs, hunters, foragers, biologists, writers, and cultural knowledge-keepers who help connect ecology to the table. Whether discussing regional foodscapes, seasonal harvests, preservation techniques, or modern wild-food culture, the Wild Fish and Game Podcast is about learning to eat with the land rather than against it. Harvesting Nature is a wild food media company dedicated to education, conservation, and self-reliance through hunting, fishing, and foraging. Questions, feedback, and guest suggestions can be sent to whatscooking@harvestingnature.com.

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