Ep 3. Local Motion: Montana Bull Elk

In MeatEater season 4 episode 3, titled "Local Motion: Montana Bull Elk," host and avid hunter Steven Rinella travels to southwestern Montana in pursuit of a trophy bull elk with his brother Danny. The pair plan to hunt entirely on public land, utilizing their knowledge of the local area to track the elusive animal.

Throughout the episode, Rinella shares his love for hunting on public lands and highlights the importance of access to them for all hunters. He also emphasizes the importance of physically challenging hunts, as they not only test the hunter's skills but also provide a deeper appreciation for the meat that is ultimately harvested and consumed.

The brothers begin their hunt by covering miles of rugged terrain on foot, carefully scanning the landscape for signs of elk activity. They soon spot a herd grazing on a distant hillside and begin closing the distance, taking advantage of the wind to remain undetected.

As they approach, Rinella sets up his rifle and takes aim at a large bull elk. However, the animal is spooked and takes off before he can get a clear shot. Disappointed but undeterred, the brothers continue their pursuit.

The next day, they venture deeper into the wilderness and eventually come across a young bull that seems to be trailing a larger herd. Rinella decides to pass on the opportunity to take the smaller animal, instead opting to wait for a bigger trophy.

Their persistence pays off when they finally spot a massive bull elk on the horizon. Rinella carefully stalks the animal, ultimately taking it down with a clean shot. He reflects on the significance of the hunt and the respect he has for the animal and the land that provided it.

Throughout the episode, Rinella also highlights the importance of properly caring for and processing wild game meat. He demonstrates his techniques for field dressing, skinning, and quartering the elk, stressing the importance of quickly cooling the meat to ensure its quality.

"Local Motion: Montana Bull Elk" is a thrilling and educational episode that showcases the beauty of public lands, the thrill of the hunt, and the importance of respecting both the animal and the land that provides for us.