Wild Fish and Game Podcast Harvesting Nature

Summary:
In this episode, Justin and Adam are joined by Jesse Griffiths, a world-class chef, hunter, and author of the new book, The Turkey Book. They discuss turkey hunting, cooking, and the inspiration behind the book. Jesse shares his experiences hunting turkeys in different regions of the United States and the unique culinary perspectives he gained from each location. The conversation explores the importance of cooking using the entire turkey rather than just the breast. They talk about the different aspects of the book, including the storytelling, cultural details, and techniques for butchering and cooking turkey. Jesse shares his favorite chapter on breaking down the turkey breast and the various recipes and techniques included in the book. They also discuss the flavors of turkeys from different regions and the process of confit cooking.
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Guest:
Jesse Griffiths is a world-class chef and owner of Dai Due, a butcher shop and supper club in Austin, Texas, where everything on the menu is sourced locally.  He is also the head instructor of the New School of Traditional Cookery.  In 2012 he released Afield: a chef's guide to preparing and cooking wild game and fish, which was nominated for a James Beard award. In 2021, he released The Hog Book, which won a James Beard award in 2022. We chatted with him about this book back in 2021. 

Info on Dai Due
Info on Jesse's 1st book "Afield"
The Wild Books Website
Takeaways:
The Turkey Book is a new book by Jesse Griffiths that explores turkey hunting and cooking.
Jesse traveled to different regions of the United States to hunt turkeys and learn about the unique culinary perspectives in each location.
His love for wild turkey meat has inspired him to become a better hunter and appreciate the importance of patience and skill.
The book offers a beginner's journey into turkey hunting and provides recipes and insights from experienced hunters and chefs.
Jesse's experiences with wild turkeys have shaped his culinary outlook and deepened his appreciation for different cuts of meat. To respect and appreciate the whole animal, it is important to utilize the entire turkey when cooking.
Culinary conservation involves responsibly using the resources harvested through hunting.
Plucking and cleaning a bird can be a satisfying and enjoyable process.
Keeping the skin on provides culinary options and enhances flavor.
Personal experiences and aspirations in turkey hunting vary.
Jesse's book on turkey hunting and cooking includes storytelling and cultural details.
Flavors of turkeys from different regions are not easily discernible.
Confit cooking is a great method for tenderizing and preserving turkey.
Turkey hunting is about the journey and experience, as well as conservation.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Overview
04:01 Jesse Griffiths' Background and Previous Books
08:45 Jesse's Turkey Hunting Experiences
13:45 The Inspiration Behind The Turkey Book
25:05 How Turkey Hunting Shaped Jesse's Culinary Outlook
26:14 Utilizing the Whole Turkey
27:58 Culinary Conservation
28:26 The Satisfaction of Plucking and Cleaning
30:21 Keeping the Skin On
42:43 Personal Experiences and Aspirations in Turkey Hunting
50:00 Introduction and Overview of the Book
52:04 Techniques for Butchering Turkey Breast
54:30 Flavors of Turkeys from Different Regions
56:16 Butchering and Cooking Turkey Wings
58:08 Key to Successfully Cooking Turkey Wings
59:06 The Art of Confit Cooking
63:41 The Journey and Experience of Turkey Hunting
Keywords:
turkey hunting, cooking, book, storytelling, cultural details, butchering, cooking techniques, turkey breast, recipes, flavors, regions, confit cooking, journey, experience, conservation, turkey cooking, The Turkey Book, wild game, culinary perspectives, patience, skill, wild turkey meat, turkey, cooking, utilization, meat, culinary conservation, plucking, skin, options, satisfaction, enjoyment, hunting
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In this episode, Justin and Adam are joined by Sean Sherman, an award-winning indigenous chef, educator, author, and activist. They discuss the importance of wild food for Native American and indigenous cultures, the significance of indigenous food systems, and the need for food sovereignty. In this conversation, Sean emphasizes the need to shift our mindset from a consumer-based food system to one focused on sustainability, seasonality, and cultural diversity. He shares his vision for the future of indigenous cuisine, which includes creating support centers, developing regional menus, and expanding the movement globally.
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Guest:
Sean Sherman is an award-winning chef, educator, author, and activist. A member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, his personal mission is to revitalize Indigenous food systems and build awareness of the transformational potential of Indigenous foodways to restore Native people's health, local economies, culture, and food sovereignty.
Sean’s Instagram: @the_sioux_chef
Sean’s website: https://seansherman.com/
NATIF Instagram: @natifs_org
Owamni Instagram: @owamni
Takeaways:
Wild food plays a massive role in indigenous food systems and diets, providing sustenance and cultural and spiritual significance.
Indigenous food systems are diverse and based on a deep knowledge of the local environment, including the use of wild plants and animals.
Revitalizing indigenous food systems and promoting food sovereignty is necessary to ensure access to healthy and culturally appropriate food.
The Western diet has overlooked the vast majority of North American botanicals, and there is a need to shift towards local and sustainable food systems.
Individuals can start by exploring and utilizing the wild and native plants in their own backyard, promoting a deeper connection with the natural world and local food sources. Embrace indigenous foodways and reconnect with the land
Shift from a consumer-based food system to one focused on sustainability, seasonality, and cultural diversity
Non-native chefs and restaurants can support indigenous food traditions by purchasing products from native producers and featuring indigenous ingredients on their menus
Create support centers to train and develop culinary professionals in indigenous food systems
Develop regional menus that celebrate the unique foods and flavors of different indigenous communities
Expand the indigenous food movement globally and promote the preservation of indigenous knowledge and food traditions
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Updates
11:21 The Significance of Wild Food for Indigenous Cultures
31:30 Embracing Indigenous Foodways and Reconnecting with the Land
40:21 Creating Support Centers for Indigenous Food Systems
48:35 Expanding the Indigenous Food Movement Globally
Keywords:
wild food, Native American, indigenous cultures, indigenous food systems, food sovereignty, hunting, fishing, foraging, taste, nutrition, local food systems, sustainable food systems, indigenous foodways, sustainability, seasonality, cultural diversity, indigenous cuisine, non-native chefs, support centers, regional menus, global expansion
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Turkey season has come upon us! Not many things rival the sound of calling and hearing those big old toms gobble back at you. We had the pleasure this season of hunting not far from the coast of Morrow Bay in California and bagging a few gobblers to bring home to the family. 
This recipe is a play on a good old chicken piccata recipe that’s super quick, easy, and doesn’t disappoint. If you’ve never had piccata, you’re in for a treat because when you pour the sauce over the top, everyone will think you’re a five-star chef. 
I spiced this one up with some jalapeños and wild turkey bourbon, but feel free to use any chili pepper or bourbon; you can also omit the peppers and just use white wine if you’d like to go the classic route. Any way you slice it, you’re bound to love this dish.
Read the written version of this recipe as prepared by Ara Zada
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About Wild Turkeys:
By the 1930’s, market hunting and habitat loss had reduced the turkey population in North America to somewhere around 30,000 birds; a pitifully small number compared to their original pre-European settlement population which is estimated to be around 10 million.
Although overhunting had a part to play in this - there was no management in those days - another factor played a huge role as well - habitat loss. 
At the time, farmers were clearing huge swathes of land for agriculture, cutting down trees and burning brush. This pushed turkeys into smaller and small regions and allowed hunters to reduce their population even more rapidly. At least half of the states that called the wild turkey home had lost it altogether. 
There were a few attempts to stop the decline around this time though, mostly led by eastern sporting clubs. Pressure from these clubs spurred the Virginia and Pennsylvania game commissions to attempt a breeding program where they raised wild turkey chicks on farms and then released them into the wild. 
Though close to 300,000 birds were released in this manner, the survival rate was so low that the program was deemed a failure. The reason behind this was the fact that young turkeys learn how to survive in the wilderness - finding food, safe roosts, and avoiding predators - from their mothers. 
Without that knowledge being passed on from mother to chick, the farm-raised turkeys fell prey to coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, snakes, owls, and other large birds of prey. 
Other concerned groups and far-seeing individuals, including Theodore Roosevelt, were also setting aside habitat for animal species, including wild turkey. 
Along with reemerging habitat, a new re-introduction method created by Herman Holbrook skyrocketed successful reintroduction. It involved using a net cannon to capture live turkeys in the wild and re-introduce them into their old habitats, or new ones on abandoned land. 
This method of reintroduction was extremely successful and many states used it to re-establish wild turkeys into their former range. 
In 1973, the non-profit National Wild Turkey Federation was started and it quickly began coordinating reintroduction efforts with states and other conservation groups. They also helped to create and conserve beneficial wild turkey habitat, which further fuelled successful wild turkey populations. 
About Adam Berkelmans:
Adam Berkelmans, also known as The Intrepid Eater, is a passionate ambassador for real food and a proponent of nose-to-tail eating. He spends his time between Ottawa and a cozy lake house north of Kingston, Ontario. When not cooking, he can be found hunting, fishing, foraging, gardening, reading, traveling, and discovering new ways to find and eat food.
Follow Adam on Instagram
Visit the Intrepid Eater website 
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In this episode, Justin and Adam discuss two cuts of meat: the tri-tip and the eye of round. They provide information on the location and characteristics of each cut, as well as their culinary history. The tri-tip is a flavorful cut located in the bottom sirloin area, while the eye of round is a lean muscle found in the round group. They share cooking tips and recipe ideas for both cuts, including grilling, searing, and marinating. Overall, these cuts offer versatility and delicious flavor for various dishes.
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Takeaways:
The tri-tip is a flavorful cut located in the bottom sirloin area, while the eye of round is a lean muscle found in the round group.
Both cuts offer versatility and can be cooked through grilling, searing, or marinating.
The tri-tip is commonly used in Santa Maria-style barbecue, while the eye of round is great for dishes like pho or stir-fries.
When cooking these cuts, it's important to keep them at medium-rare or medium to prevent them from drying out.
Both cuts can be sliced thinly for sandwiches, tacos, or stir-fries, or cooked whole and sliced for a delicious meal.

Recipes:
Grilled Venison Tri-Tip
Elk Tri-Tip with Chimichurri
Grilled Bison Tri-Tip, Santa Maria Style
Venison Cube Steak Sandwiches with Poblano-Lime Chimichurri
Gochujang Venison Steak and Broccoli
Venison Bulgogi Kimbap Rolls
Antelope Steak Fingers
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John McAdams shares his adventure of taking his seven-year-old son on a backcountry mule deer hunt in New Mexico. They face challenges with cattle grazing on the hunting grounds and changing weather conditions. The cold weather and misting rain make it difficult to spot deer, leading to a change in plans. They encounter elk and other hunters along the way. Finally, they spot a deer and successfully stalk and shoot it. They butcher the deer and carry it out, creating a lasting memory of their hunting adventure.
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Justin and Adam chat again about butchering and cooking by specific cuts. In this episode, they dive deep into the Top Round and Bottom of Big Game Animals, touching base on techniques, nuances, and recipes for these two delicious cuts. They also explore the uses of these cuts, such as cube steak, pot roast, stir-frying, and steak. They share preferences for whole cuts over grinding and offer recipes like elk steak gochujang noodles, hot Italian venison sandwich, bourbon venison jerky, wild pig cured ham, barbecue smoked venison and bison gyudon.
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Takeaways:
The bottom round is commonly used for cube steak and pot roast.
The top round is versatile and can be used for stir-frying, curing, and making steaks.
Experiment with different cuts and cooking techniques to find your preferred method.
Try recipes like elk steak gochujang noodles, hot Italian venison sandwich, bourbon venison jerky, best wild pig cured ham, barbecue smoked venison and bison gyudon.
Recipes:
Elk Steak Gochujang Noodles 
Hot Italian Venison Sandwich 
Bourbon Venison Jerky 
Best Cured Wild Pig Ham 
BBQ Smoked Venison 
Venison Pastrami
Bison Gyudon 
Dashi Stock Recipe
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and upcoming episodes
05:44 Discussion about upcoming activities
09:05 Introduction to the top round
12:27 Different methods of removing the top round
27:45 Introduction to the bottom round
29:39 Methods of removing the bottom round
30:40 Culinary history and cooking methods for the bottom round
31:51 Bottom Round
32:21 Uses of Bottom Round
33:14 Top Round
34:31 Cooking Techniques for Top Round
35:25 Grinding and Other Uses
37:07 Preference for Whole Cuts
38:13 Recipes: Elk Steak Gochujang Noodles
40:25 Recipes: Hot Italian Venison Sandwich
43:32 Recipes: Bourbon Venison Jerky
45:12 Recipes: Best Wild Pig Cured Ham
51:13 Recipes: Barbecue Smoked Venison
57:08 Recipes: Bison Gyudon

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