Ep 18. Alaska Bear Hunt (2)

In the 18th episode of season 4 of MeatEater, titled "Alaska Bear Hunt (2)", host Steven Rinella continues his adventure in search of brown bears in the Alaskan wilderness. Accompanied by longtime friend and hunting guide Remi Warren, Rinella sets off on a grueling trek through rugged terrain to track down the massive animals.

The episode starts with Rinella reflecting on his previous days spent in the Alaskan wilderness. He recounts the close encounter he had with a massive brown bear on the previous episode, which only fueled his desire to bag a trophy bear even more. Rinella and Warren discuss their strategy for the day, with the latter cautioning Rinella about the potential dangers of hunting in bear country.

As they start up the trail, the duo scan the woods and use their binoculars to search for signs of bear activity. They come across several tracks and scat, indicating that there are bears in the area. After several hours of hiking, they finally spot a bear in the distance. Rinella sets up his rifle, preparing for a shot, but the bear disappears into the bushes before he can get a clear shot.

Undeterred, Rinella and Warren continue their hunt, trudging through the dense vegetation and rocky terrain. They spot several more bears throughout the day, but are unable to get close enough for a shot. Throughout the episode, Rinella discusses the importance of hunting sustainably and ethically, highlighting the need to only take shots that are guaranteed to be lethal.

As the day wears on and the sun starts to set, Rinella and Warren finally spot a massive bear grazing in a meadow. Rinella sets up his rifle and waits for the right moment to take the shot. As he fires, the bear drops to the ground, and Rinella and Warren make their way over to the downed animal.

After field dressing the bear, the duo reflect on the experience and the importance of respecting the animals they hunt. Rinella thanks the bear for providing him with food and acknowledging that without the animal's sacrifice, he wouldn't be able to experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness and enjoy the rich flavors of wild game.

Overall, the 18th episode of season 4 of MeatEater offers viewers a visceral glimpse into the world of bear hunting in the Alaskan wilderness. Through Rinella's storytelling and Warren's guiding expertise, viewers get a sense of the skill and strategy required to successfully harvest a trophy bear. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of ethical hunting practices and the respect that hunters must have for the animals they pursue.