Ep 12. Clash of the Titans: California Pig and Deer

The episode named Clash of the Titans: California Pig and Deer is the 12th episode of the third season of the popular hunting show MeatEater. Hosted by renowned hunter and conservationist Steven Rinella, this episode sees him embarking on a hunting trip to California in search of two of the state's biggest game animals: wild pigs and black-tailed deer.

In California, wild pig populations have exploded in recent years, creating an ecological problem as they damage native habitats and compete with other species for food resources. Rinella joins forces with local wildlife biologist, Kory Laufenberg, as they track down a large group of feral hogs through dense chaparral and steep terrain. With a combination of spot-and-stalk hunting and calling techniques, Rinella takes on the challenging task of bringing down a mature boar with his hunting rifle. He also learns about the pressures that hunting has on wild pig populations and the importance of responsible hunting practices in maintaining their numbers.

The episode shifts focus to black-tailed deer hunting as Rinella and Laufenberg move to a new location in the Trinity Mountains. The black-tailed deer is a subspecies of mule deer, and found only in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. They are known for their elusive nature and ability to blend in with the dense forest landscape, making hunting them a challenging task. Rinella devises a plan to use his hunting rifle to take down a mature buck, applying his experienced skills and knowledge of the land to track down and outsmart the elusive animal.

Throughout the episode, Rinella also adds in his own commentary and insight on the ecological importance of responsible hunting, as well as his admiration for the skill and dedication of Native American hunters in California. The hunting trip also features other challenges such as dealing with steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and encounters with other wildlife like black bears.

Overall, Clash of the Titans: California Pig and Deer is a thrilling and informative episode that showcases the beauty and challenges of hunting in the Californian wilderness. Rinella's expertise, combined with local knowledge and conservation practices, further highlight the importance of responsible hunting and wildlife management to maintain sustainable populations of game animals.