Ep 1. Sea Bear: Alaska Spring Bear and Seafood

In the first episode of season four of MeatEater, titled "Sea Bear: Alaska Spring Bear and Seafood," host Steven Rinella travels to Alaska to hunt for black bears and fish for seafood. Rinella begins his journey by boarding a small plane and flying to a remote location where he meets his guide for the trip, Doug Duren. Rinella and Duren set up camp and spend the first day scouting for black bears in the surrounding mountains.

As Rinella and Duren hike through the lush terrain, they discuss the behavior and habits of black bears, including their diet and movement patterns. Rinella also shares some tips on how to approach a bear safely and humanely, emphasizing the importance of respecting the animal and its environment. Later that evening, the hunters spot a black bear feeding on the shore of a nearby river, and Rinella prepares to take his shot.

After a successful bear hunt, Rinella and Duren shift their focus to fishing for seafood. They head out to sea in a small boat and deploy several crab pots to catch Dungeness crabs. Rinella explains that fishing for crab is a lot like hunting, as it requires patience, skill, and knowledge of the animal's behavior. As they pull up the pots and sort through their catch, Rinella prepares to cook a meal of crab legs, explaining the proper way to clean and prepare them.

The next day, Rinella and Duren head out on another fishing trip, this time targeting halibut. Rinella shows how to set up a fishing rig and how to properly reel in a halibut. He also shares some tips on how to handle and process the fish, including the delicate task of filleting it. As Rinella prepares to cook a meal of halibut and black bear backstrap, he reflects on the unique experience of hunting and fishing in Alaska, and the importance of respecting and appreciating the natural world.

"Sea Bear: Alaska Spring Bear and Seafood" is a captivating episode that showcases the thrill of hunting and fishing in one of the most stunning and rugged parts of the world. Rinella's knowledge and respect for the animals he pursues is evident throughout the episode, as he provides fascinating insights into their behavior and ecology. The episode also highlights the hard work and skill required to catch and prepare fresh seafood, and celebrates the rich food culture of Alaska. Anchored by Rinella's engaging and informative commentary, "Sea Bear" is a must-watch for nature lovers, hunters, and foodies alike.