On this episode of the Huntavore Podcast, we sit down with author Christie Green to explore the deeper meaning behind hunting, food, and our connection to the natural world. Broadcasting from the frozen banks of Alaska’s Kenai River, Christie shares the story behind her book Moonlight Elk and her journey into hunting later in life. This conversation goes far beyond tags and trophies—it’s about identity, reverence, food, and what it really means to participate in the wild. �� What We Cover From Alaska to New Mexico ● Christie’s upbringing in Alaska and how it shaped her worldview ● Living between wild landscapes and cultivated food systems ● How “place” influences identity and relationship to food Becoming a Hunter (Later in Life) ● Starting hunting at age 40 after a lifetime around it ● First elk hunt experience and jumping straight into big game ● Learning the full process: harvest, butchering, and honoring the animal The Divide in Hunting Culture ● Why some hunters stop at the shot—and others don’t ● The difference between “trophy” vs. “story” ● Processing your own animal as an act of respect and gratitude A Different Way to See Hunting ● Hunting as relationship, not domination ● Viewing animals as kin rather than “other” ● The emotional and ethical complexity of taking a life The Moment That Changes Everything ● Christie’s powerful story of choosing not to shoot a cow elk after seeing her calf ● How empathy, motherhood, and instinct intersect in the field ● Why not pulling the trigger can be just as meaningful Hunting as Transformation ● Entering a “liminal state” in the wild ● Heightened awareness, senses, and connection ● Why hunting can feel closer to our true nature Teaching the Next Generation ● Letting kids make real decisions in the field ● Moving beyond “kill or no kill” as the only measure of success ● Creating meaningful outdoor experiences for family Misconceptions About Hunters ● Breaking the stereotype of “cold-blooded killers” ● The emotional depth and respect many hunters carry ● Bridging the gap between hunters and non-hunters �� Food & Field to Table Christie’s Recommended Pre-Read Meal: ● Elk Tenderloin (simple + pure) ○ Hot and fast, rare ○ Minimal seasoning to honor the animal OR ● Elk Pozole (New Mexico-inspired) ○ Blue corn hominy ○ Elk, red chile, garlic, and broth ○ Slow-cooked, deeply comforting, and cultural �� About the Book Moonlight Elk: One Woman’s Hunt for Food and Freedom ● A personal narrative exploring hunting, identity, and connection ● Blends storytelling, philosophy, and lived experience ● Focuses on respect, reverence, and relationship with the wild ● FIND IT AT: https://www.christiegreen.net/ �� What’s Next Christie is currently working on the next book in her trilogy: Salmon Dreaming: Coming Home to Alaska ● Explores navigation, identity, and the wisdom of salmon ● Contrasts human logic vs. instinctual wayfinding ● Releases next summer �� Key Takeaways ● Hunting is more than the kill—it’s a full-spectrum experience ● Respect for animals can deepen through participation, not distance ● Food connects us to place, people, and purpose ● The wild offers a path back to ourselves ● Success in hunting isn’t always measured by filling a tag �� Final Thought Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just curious about where your food comes from, this episode invites you to think deeper: What does it mean to truly participate in the natural world? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
