Summary: In this episode of the Wild Fish and Game podcast, Justin is joined by Rikki, Adam Steele, and Chris Whonsetler to discuss their experiences at the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers annual rendezvous in Missoula, Montana. They share highlights from the event, including their participation in a cooking competition and the various dishes they prepared. The conversation also includes audience questions about cooking techniques, wild game preparation, and personal experiences in hunting and c...
Jun 24, 2025•47 min•Season 7Ep. 214
In this conversation, Justin Townsend, Adam Berkelmans, and Hank Shaw explore the themes of the borderlands, focusing on the intersection of Mexican and American cuisine. They discuss the inspiration behind Hank's book 'Borderlands', the cultural identity shaped by the border, and the importance of food as a means of storytelling and building empathy. The conversation also delves into surprising culinary discoveries, essential cooking techniques, and ingredients that define the unique flavors of...
Jun 17, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 7Ep. 240
Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans dive deep into the art and evolution of the burger, with a special focus on wild game and foraged ingredients. They trace the burger’s origins from the Mongol Empire to today’s gourmet variations, highlighting its transformation from a humble meal to a canvas for culinary creativity. The duo explores essential burger-building techniques—from selecting the right protein, bun, and fat content to grinding meat, shaping patties, and using...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 7Ep. 239
Summary: In this episode, the hosts explore the connection between outdoor activities and health, focusing on the concept of social prescribing. Julia Hotz, a journalist and author, discusses her research on how movement, nature, art, service, and belonging contribute to mental and physical wellbeing. Through real-life examples, the conversation highlights the therapeutic benefits of engaging with nature and community, particularly in the context of mental health recovery. In this conversation, ...
Jun 03, 2025•54 min•Season 7Ep. 238
Summary: Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the world of wild tacos, delving into their history, cultural significance, and the creative possibilities they offer. From the origins of corn and the nixtamalization process to the modern taco renaissance, the discussion highlights how tacos have evolved and adapted over time. They also share fun anecdotes and engage in a playful game of Taco Truth or Dare, before concluding with practical tips on making fresh tortillas at home. Justin and A...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 7Ep. 237
Summary: In this engaging conversation, Justin and Nate explore the world of fishing and cooking, sharing personal anecdotes and culinary adventures. Nate discusses the origins of his YouTube channel, Shorelunch with Nate P, which aims to make fishing and cooking accessible to everyone. They delve into quirky recipes, the importance of embracing failures in the kitchen, and the culinary potential of invasive species. The episode features a fun game of 'Bait or Plate,' where they evaluate various...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 7Ep. 236
Summary: In this episode of the Wild Fishing Game Podcast, hosts Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans delve into the world of wild turkey hunting and cooking. They explore the history of the wild turkey, its various species, and the challenges hunters face. The conversation also covers preparation techniques, cooking methods, and innovative gadgets that enhance the culinary experience. With a blend of storytelling and practical advice, the episode captures the essence of the wild turkey saga. In ...
May 13, 2025•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 235
Summary: In this conversation, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the health benefits of foraging and eating wild foods with guest Arthur Haines. They discuss the nutritional advantages of wild foods compared to cultivated options, the concept of neo-aboriginal living, and the importance of reconnecting with nature for overall well-being. Haines shares insights from his background and research, emphasizing the need for a shift in mindset towards sustainable living and the benefits of hu...
May 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 7Ep. 234
Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the world of salads, moving beyond the traditional perceptions of sad lettuce and bottled dressings. They discuss the versatility of salads, the importance of foraging and seasonal ingredients, and delve into the rich history of salads from ancient times to modern culinary practices. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with salad dressings and tips for building the perfect salad, emphasizing creativity and th...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 7Ep. 233
Summary: In this conversation, Justin and Adam explore the art of stir frying, a quick and flavorful cooking technique with deep roots in Chinese culinary history. They discuss the essential tools, particularly the wok, and share personal experiences with stir fry, highlighting its versatility and appeal. The two delve into the history of stir fry, its evolution over time, and practical tips for mastering the technique at home, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks. In this ...
Apr 22, 2025•59 min•Season 7Ep. 232
Summary In this episode, Justin Townsend introduces 'The Art of Innocent Sausage Making,' a comprehensive guide for turning wild game into delicious handmade sausage. He shares the inspiration behind the book, the collaborative effort with fellow enthusiasts, and the detailed content that covers everything from sausage history to recipes. The episode highlights the passion for sausage making and encourages listeners to explore their creativity in the kitchen. Links The Art of Venison Sausage Mak...
Apr 15, 2025•11 min•Season 7Ep. 231
Summary: In this episode, professional forager and culinary alchemist Pascal Baudard takes us on a deep dive into the world of wild foods, fermentation, and sustainable foraging. He shares his journey from a small town in Belgium to becoming a pioneer in the wild food movement in Southern California. The conversation explores the culinary possibilities of invasive species, forgotten flavors, and ancient grains, along with traditional preservation techniques and the art of mustard and bread makin...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Season 7Ep. 230
Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans discuss the evolving landscape of hunting in North America, focusing on the rise of food-focused hunters and urban deer hunting. They are joined by AJ DeRosa, who shares his insights on urban deer hunting, the importance of food in hunting culture, and the unique culinary experiences that come with wild game. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in modern hunting, conservation policies, and the stories that conne...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Season 7Ep. 229
Summary: Justin and Adam explore the art and history of stew, discussing its definition, historical significance, and cultural variations. They compare stews and soups, highlighting the evolution of stew-making and the importance of indigenous recipes. The conversation delves into ingredient choices, cooking techniques, and the role of umami in flavor enhancement. They emphasize the comfort of stew, the significance of selecting the right cuts of meat, and the versatility of wild game. Various c...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 7Ep. 228
Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend welcomes Nicole Qualtieri, an award-winning outdoor writer, to discuss her journey into the world of hunting, outdoor writing, and the culinary arts. They explore the importance of wild food, the influence of her upbringing, and the creation of her Substack, The Western, which aims to provide a fresh perspective on outdoor culture and food. The conversation highlights the intersection of personal experiences, food, and the outdoors, emphasizing the need ...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Season 7Ep. 227
Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam explore the ancient art of brining, discussing its science, history, and practical applications in cooking. They delve into the benefits of brining for various meats, especially wild game, and share tips on how to effectively brine and corn meats. The conversation also touches on the historical significance of brining, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations to modern culinary practices, and highlights the resurgence of brining in contemporary coo...
Mar 11, 2025•55 min•Season 7Ep. 226
Summary: This conversation explores the often misunderstood world of edible insects, known as entomophagy. The discussion highlights the cultural significance, nutritional benefits, and sustainability of incorporating insects into our diets. Aly Moore, a passionate advocate for insect consumption, shares her journey and insights into the growing acceptance of bugs as a food source, while addressing common misconceptions and the need for a shift in public perception. In this engaging conversation...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 7Ep. 225
Summary: In this conversation, Justin Townsend and Mariah Gladstone explore the importance of reconnecting with ancestral foodways and the role of Indigenous cuisine in cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. Mariah shares her journey from growing up in Northwestern Montana to becoming a chef and advocate for indigenous food systems. They discuss the significance of restoring traditional knowledge, making indigenous cuisine approachable, and the joy of experimenting with wild foo...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 7Ep. 225
Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam engage with Anthony Grogan, host of the Irish Hunting Podcast, to explore the rich traditions of hunting in Ireland. They discuss Anthony's personal journey into hunting, the nutritional benefits of wild game for families, and the importance of ethical hunting practices. The conversation also delves into the various species hunted in Ireland, the cooking techniques for wild game, and the legal aspects surrounding the sale of wild game meat. They...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 7Ep. 223
Summary: This conversation delves into the historical and contemporary significance of trapping in North America, exploring its role in wildlife management, the fur industry, and the cultural implications of hunting and trapping practices. The discussion highlights the need for unity among hunters and trappers, the challenges posed by anti-hunting groups, and the current trends in the fur market, particularly regarding beaver and other fur-bearing animals. In this conversation, Doug Chiasson dis...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 7Ep. 222
In this episode of The Rookies, host Ken Chapman interviews Adam Berkelmans, a culinary explorer and adult onset hunter. Adam shares his unique journey from cooking in the kitchen to hunting in the wild, discussing the challenges he faced, the importance of mentorship, and the joy of butchering and cooking wild game. He emphasizes the deep connection to nature that hunting fosters and offers valuable advice for aspiring hunters. The conversation highlights the culinary adventures that come with ...
Feb 04, 2025•35 min•Season 7Ep. 221
Summary: In this episode, we explore the culinary philosophy of Jennifer McLagan, an award-winning chef and author, who emphasizes the importance of using every part of the animal in cooking. From blood to bones, she shares innovative recipes and techniques that highlight the value of overlooked ingredients. The conversation delves into her journey as a chef, the significance of sustainable cooking practices, and the creative ways to incorporate blood and bones into everyday meals. In this conve...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 7Ep. 220
Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam speak with chef Kevin Gillespie about the intersection of Southern cuisine, hunting, and foraging. They explore Kevin's culinary journey, the historical significance of wild game in Southern kitchens, and the evolution of American food traditions. The conversation also touches on the local food movement, sustainable practices in hunting, and the importance of educating the public about food sourcing and preparation. Kevin goes on to discus the challenges...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 7Ep. 219
Summary: Justin, Collin, and Jack embark on a two-day hunt for sika deer on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. They recount their experiences navigating the cold, marshy terrain, developing strategies for hunting this elusive non-native species, and adapting to the environment's unique challenges. They also conduct a taste test, comparing sika deer to whitetail venison, offering insights into their flavors, textures, and culinary potential. Along the way, they share fun facts about sika deer, reflections...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 7Ep. 218
Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam explore the world of wild game pasta, discussing everything from the history of pasta to the best ways to pair pasta shapes with wild game. They share personal hunting experiences, delve into the origins of pasta, and provide insights on choosing the right pasta for different dishes. They explore the intricacies of pasta, from the various shapes and their culinary uses to essential cooking techniques for perfect pasta. They then delve into the i...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 7Ep. 217
Summary In this episode of The Rookies, host Ken Chapman interviews Steph Spears, an adult-onset hunter who transitioned from a career in solar energy to sustainable meat sourcing through hunting and spearfishing. Steph shares her journey of connecting with the land, Hawaii's cultural values, and hunting's ethical considerations. She discusses her first hunting experiences, the importance of community in learning these skills, and how she has embraced cooking with wild game. The conversation emp...
Dec 31, 2024•41 min•Season 7Ep. 216
Summary: In this episode, Justin and Adam introduce their new series, 'The Wild Kitchen,' where they explore the art of sandwich making, focusing on wild game and culinary techniques. They delve into the history of sandwiches, discuss the importance of bread selection, and share tips on avoiding sogginess. The conversation also covers layering ingredients for optimal flavor and texture, creative sandwich ideas, and the importance of breaking traditional rules in sandwich making. In this engaging...
Dec 24, 2024•57 min•Season 7Ep. 215
In this episode, Justin and Abigail Serra discuss the intersection of hunting, food security, and community support through the Venison for Vermonters program. Abigail, a game warden in Vermont, shares her experiences in wildlife management and the importance of utilizing roadkill meat to provide healthy protein to food shelves. The conversation explores the challenges and successes of the program, the significance of teaching meat processing skills, and the broader implications for food securit...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 7Ep. 214
Summary: In this special fifth-anniversary episode, Justin and Adam celebrate the essential role of food in hunting camp traditions. They delve into meal preparation for different hunting setups, from mobile backpacking to rustic camps and fully equipped kitchens. Key tips include using vacuum-sealed ingredients, packing versatile seasonings like Harvesting Nature's spice blends, and preparing ahead to maximize time in the field. Memorable meal ideas include Adam’s breakfast crunch wraps, Justin...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 213
In this episode of The Rookies, Adam Herpin shares his journey of reconnecting with his Cajun roots through hunting. He discusses the cultural significance of wild game in Louisiana, the ethical considerations of hunting, and his experiences as an adult onset hunter. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of taking an animal's life, the process of butchering and cooking wild game, and the importance of mentorship for new hunters. Adam emphasizes the unique flavors of wild game and off...
Nov 26, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 212
