Ep 1. Yukon Giants: Northern Alaska Moose (1)

In the season 5 premiere of MeatEater, host Steve Rinella travels to the remote wilderness of northern Alaska in search of the mighty moose. The episode is aptly titled "Yukon Giants," as Rinella sets his sights on harvesting one of the largest mammals on the continent.

The episode begins with Rinella and his hunting partner, Doug Duren, waking up to a frigid Alaskan morning in a pitch-black tent. They're deep in the heart of the wilderness, with no sign of civilization in sight. Despite the cold, Rinella is excited to get out and start hunting.

The pair hops on an ATV and heads out to their hunting spot, glassing the surrounding area for any sign of moose. Finding fresh tracks, Rinella decides to press on further and soon comes across a bull moose in a small clearing.

Rinella takes his first shot, hitting the moose in the neck and bringing it down. Upon closer inspection, they realize that this is a young bull and not what they're looking for. Rinella explains that while it's disappointing to have to pass up this opportunity, it's important to wait for the right animal.

The team continues their search, covering miles of ground and braving the cold temperatures in hopes of finding a mature bull. The vast wilderness of northern Alaska proves to be a challenge, with limited visibility and harsh conditions making it difficult to spot game.

As the sun sets on day one, the team sets up camp and prepares to try again in the morning. Rinella takes the opportunity to reflect on the importance of hunting in Alaska, where subsistence and sport hunting are integral parts of the culture.

Day two brings better luck, as Rinella spots a massive bull moose in the distance. They carefully make their way towards the animal, staying downwind and using cover to stay hidden. Rinella lines up the shot and brings down the mature bull, cementing the success of their trip.

After harvesting the animal, Rinella takes the time to reflect on the significance of the hunt and the responsibility that comes with taking an animal's life. He also discusses the importance of conservation and management of wildlife populations to ensure sustainable hunting opportunities for future generations.

Throughout the episode, Rinella highlights the beauty and harshness of the Alaskan wilderness, as well as the unique challenges posed by hunting such a large and elusive animal. "Yukon Giants" is a thrilling and informative episode that showcases the skill and knowledge required for a successful Alaskan hunt.