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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.

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  • 24 episodes
  • Avg 45 min
  • English

Episodes 24

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  • S8 · E285
    October 1 · 1 hr 15 min

    Episode 285: The New Buck, Buck, Moose with Hank Shaw

    Summary: In this episode, Hank Shaw revisits his acclaimed venison cookbook, discussing the extensive updates, new recipes, and modern techniques that bring the book into the 21st century. He shares insights on revising his work a decade later, the evolution of wild game cooking, and practical tips for hunters and cooks alike. In this episode, Hank shares insights on meat science, cooking techniques, and the evolution of culinary practices, along with updates on his upcoming book and events. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hank Shaw Instagram Hunt Gather Cook Buck, Buck, Moose Hank Shaw Events Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Updated Venison Cookbook 00:04 Introduction to Hank's culinary philosophy 00:32 Dry aging meat and the importance of fat 00:53 Hank Shaw's Journey of Revising a Decade-Old Book 01:05 Insights from meat science expert Jess Prials 01:08 Changes in cooking styles with regional influences 01:34 The value of simplicity and minimalism in plating 02:04 Food safety myths and best practices in meat handling 02:26 Upcoming book release and where to find it 02:56 Hank's future projects and writing plans 02:58 The Impact of Reader Feedback and Community Engagement 03:00 Hank's events and how to meet him 03:10 Closing thoughts and appreciation 03:15 Changes in Food Photography and Visual Presentation 04:15 Incorporating Modern Cooking Appliances and Techniques 06:13 The Truth About Sous-Vide and Wild Game 09:17 Safety and Pasteurization of Wild Game with Sous-Vide 11:07 New Recipes and Culinary Innovations in the Book 19:44 Evolving Demographics of Wild Game Cooks 22:50 Cultural Influences and Global Flavors in Wild Game Cooking 26:08 Reader Feedback and Its Role in Content Updates 29:25 Future Directions and Personal Growth in Wild Game Cuisine Takeaways: Revisiting and revising a successful cookbook after a decade The evolution of wild game cooking techniques and recipes The role of modern kitchen appliances like sous-vide and air fryers in wild game cuisine Hank Shaw's insights on food safety, especially with wild game like bear and moose The changing demographics and motivations of wild game cooks and hunters The importance of reader feedback in updating culinary guides Cultural influences on wild game recipes, including British and Scandinavian cuisines The science behind dry aging and its relevance to wild game New recipes and techniques introduced in the updated book The impact of social media and community feedback on culinary innovation Meat science and dry aging techniques The importance of internal fat in meat quality Evolution of cooking styles in different regions Common misconceptions in wild game preparation The significance of simplicity and focus in culinary arts Food safety practices in meat handling and preservation Upcoming book and event details The role of outdoor activities in food culture Keywords: Wild game, venison, cooking techniques, cookbook revision, hunting, charcuterie, sous-vide, food science, hunting culture, food innovation meat science, cooking techniques, culinary evolution, book launch, outdoor cooking, preservation, hunting, food safety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 24 · 44 min

    Episode 284: The Bacon Paradox

    Justin and Adam explore the history, techniques, and cultural significance of adding fat to wild game, with a focus on bacon.

  • September 15 · 51 min

    Episode 283: The Wild Pantry, Part VII, Fermenting Wild Foods

    Justin and Adam explore the fascinating world of fermentation, covering everything from vegetables and wild foods to meat and fish. Discover how controlled microbial activity transforms foods, preserves seasonal abundance, and creates new flavors, with practical tips for home fermentation. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making The Art of Fermentation⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Art of Making Fermenting Sausages National Center for Home Food Preservation Fermented Habanero Hot Sauce Homemade Sauerkraut How to Make Fermented Pickles Chinese Stir Fried Lambsquarters with Fermented Bean Curd Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fermentation and Its Significance 02:09 Difference Between Pickling and Fermentation 03:01 What Exactly Is Fermentation? 04:25 The Role of Salt and Microorganisms 06:10 Types of Fermentation: Bacteria, Yeast, Mold 10:27 Traditional Fermentation Practices Around the World 11:26 Fermenting Wild Plants and Berries 16:12 Getting Started with Vegetable Fermentation 17:27 Fermentation of Wild Mushrooms and Safety Tips 21:56 Fermentation of Wild Fish and Seafood 33:39 Aging Meat and Its Relationship to Fermentation 44:36 Historical Practices of Hanging and Aging Game Birds 50:42 Fermentation of Mushrooms and Cultural Traditions 54:45 Practical Tips for Home Fermentation and Safety Takeaways: What is fermentation and how it works The role of salt and microbes in fermentation Fermenting wild plants, berries, and mushrooms Fermentation of wild game and meat products Safety considerations in fermenting meat and fish Historical and cultural practices of fermentation Practical tips for home fermentation projects Keywords: Fermentation, wild foods, preservation, wild game, wild mushrooms, wild berries, sausage, meat aging, traditional fermentation, food preservation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S8 · E279
    July 7 · 49 min

    Episode 279: The Wild Pantry, Part VI, Pickling Wild Foods

    Summary: Justin and Adam explore the rich history, science, and techniques of pickling, emphasizing safety, creativity, and cultural diversity. Discover how vinegar preserves, enhances flavors, and offers endless culinary possibilities, especially for wild foods. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Spruce Tip Pickled Pike From Salted Mushrooms to Biltong: 10 Fascinating Wild Food Traditions from Around the World How to Make Bull Kelp Pickles Chapters: 00:00 The Art of Preservation: Introduction to Pickling 04:15 Historical Roots of Pickling 10:01 Understanding the Science of Pickling 12:33 Safety First: Ensuring Safe Pickling Practices 18:57 Crafting the Perfect Pickle Brine 27:22 Exploring Wild Ingredients for Pickling 31:06 The Art of Pickling Mushrooms 35:35 Pickling Fish: A Culinary Tradition 38:34 Innovative Pickling of Meats and Eggs 43:42 Creative Uses for Pickled Ingredients 49:34 The Significance of Pickling in Preservation Takeaways: History of pickling from Mesopotamia to modern times Different preservation methods: curing, freezing, drying, smoking, acid How vinegar preserves and enhances flavor Safety protocols for home pickling and canning Cultural diversity in pickling traditions worldwide Techniques for building and customizing brines Pickling wild mushrooms, fish, and game The difference between pickling and fermentation Creative uses for pickled ingredients in cooking and cocktails Preserving seasonal bounty for year-round enjoyment Keywords: pickling, food preservation, vinegar, wild foods, fermentation, safety, culinary techniques, wild mushrooms, foraging, traditional methods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • May 6 · 48 min

    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

  • April 21 · 58 min

    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

  • April 14 · 47 min

    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

  • April 9 · 12 min

    Episode 270: The Wild Harvest Report - April 2026

    Summary: A comprehensive overview of April's seasonal activities across North America, focusing on hunting, fishing, foraging, and cooking wild foods. The report highlights regional differences, key species in season, and practical tips for outdoor enthusiasts and cooks. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Wild Harvesting and Seasonal Changes 01:07 April's Momentum: Spring Awakens 02:35 Southeast Fishing and Foraging Insights 04:01 Deep South: Refining Patterns in Nature 05:25 Rocky Mountain Transitions: Spring's Arrival 06:51 Midwest: Ice Out and New Opportunities 07:22 Northeast: Transitioning into Spring 08:25 Canada's April: A Month of Transition 09:08 Foraging Summary and Kitchen Reflections Takeaways: Seasonal wildlife activity in April Regional differences in hunting and fishing Foraging for wild greens and mushrooms Cooking with fresh wild ingredients Keywords: Wild food, hunting, fishing, foraging, spring season, North America, wildlife, recipes, conservation, outdoor activities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • S8 · E268
    March 24 · 30 min

    Episode 268: Wild American Foodscapes - Newfoundland

    Explore the rich food history and current practices of Newfoundland, focusing on wild food, sustainable fishing, and cultural resilience amidst ecological and economic challenges.

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