Ep. 376: Backwoods University - Should Grizzlies Exist?

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker are joined by Ishi series guest and tradition archery expert Gene Hopkins. Gene talks about his impressive collection of archery history, his work with the Pope and Young Club, and his personal connection to Fred Bear. Clay also shares his firsthand knowledge of the recent tragic black bear attacks in Arkansas. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to [email protected] Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are Grizzlies Endangered? Should they be delisted? Do they even belong here? Grizzly bears are without a doubt one of the most polarizing species we have in the United States, and since their placement on the endangered species list in 1975 they have been on the forefront of conversations concerning wildlife issues. In this episode of Backwoods University we approach the topic head on with two very different perspectives. The first perspective coming from Casey Anderson, a lifelong outdoorsman, naturalist, award-winning film maker and bear fanatic, and the second perspective coming from Jeremiah Smith, Danielle Oyler, and Kyle Orozco of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Connect with Lake Pickle and MeatEater Lake Pickle on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Brent just getting home from chasing moose in Manitoba, Canada, he's sharing the overwhelming dream experience with us on today's episode. This hunt will be his first major film project with MeatEater, and there's barely enough time to tell even half the story here. We think you'll enjoy this context-setting lead-up to what will be the grand finale next week. Put your tray tables up! We're jet setting to The Great White North on this week's "This Country Life" podcast. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, host Clay Newcomb continues the story of Ishi, known as “The Last Stone Age Man,” following his relocation from the small town of Oroville, California, where he emerged in 1911 to the museum in Berkeley, California. During this period, Ishi forms a remarkable friendship with Saxton Pope — the namesake of the Pope and Young Club. Archery historian Gene Hopkins joins Clay to explore Ishi’s transition and adaptation to modern society, as well as the circumstances surrounding his tragic death. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to [email protected] Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time to head to bear camp in Arkansas and Brent's hopes are high along with the temperatures. He and the regular cast of characters have repositioned themselves in a different part of Arkansas this year; the Ozark Mountains. We think you'll enjoy this one as Brent shows how a lesson he learned from his early days in law enforcement, applied to this bear hunt in the mountains of his native state. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, host Clay Newcomb goes live from the 2025 World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off. He’s joined by event organizer Joe Wilson, “The World’s Greatest Small Game Hunter” Kevin Murphy, social media cooking sensation Audrey Dresselle (@cooking_with_cajun), Brent Reaves, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker. Together, they dive into the festivities of the Cook-Off, swap small game hunting stories, and share their favorite squirrel dishes from the competition. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to [email protected] Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Parker has been guiding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness since the 1970s, and local legend within his community- known for his hunting knowledge, expertise in the backcountry, and all around affinity and understanding of bears. Through his decades spent in the wilderness living with and around grizzlies, Tom has developed a unique perspective on how grizzly bears fit into the modern landscape. Come with us as we hear Tom's story from the 70s, to present day and start to piece together this grizzly story. Connect with Lake Pickle and MeatEater Lake Pickle on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and YouTube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone has a story to tell and Brent enjoys hearing one as much as he likes telling them. This week he’s selected three stories that listeners have sent him that have messages beyond his Southern flavored narrative. We think you’ll enjoy them.  Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted Koppel, a renowned American journalist with a career spanning more than 60 years, joins host Clay Newcomb on this episode of the Bear Grease podcast. They discuss Koppel’s life, his family, and some of the most memorable moments from his remarkable career. If you have comments on the show, send us a note to [email protected] Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes there's a delicate balance between being responsible and adhering to rules. Brent's waxing poetic about gravel roads and what he refers to as treasure from a time in his youth. He brings up a situation that forces him to weigh the difference between being on time, versus doing what's right. Conflicting rules, one imposed by his mother, and the other imposed by his own conscience. It's "This Country Life" time right here on the Bear Grease channel. Shop This Country Life Merch Connect with Brent and MeatEater MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to the MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop This Country Life Merch Shop Bear Grease MerchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.