Ep 12. Trophy Meat Buck: Colorado River Mule Deer

In the season 7, episode 12 of MeatEater, titled "Trophy Meat Buck: Colorado River Mule Deer," host Steven Rinella heads out to the remote river valleys of Arizona in search of mule deer. Rinella, an avid hunter and angler, is passionate about sourcing his own meat and in this episode, he sets his sights on a trophy meat buck.

The show begins with Rinella and his guide, Remi Warren, hiking up a steep and rocky terrain in search of mule deer. Rinella explains the importance of carefully selecting a mature, male deer as it provides the best quality meat. As they move through the landscape, Rinella and Warren spot a few does and small bucks but no mature bucks. Rinella shares his respect for the animals, acknowledging the challenges of hunting and explains the ethical considerations that hunters must keep in mind.

As the day progresses, Rinella and Warren change their strategy, splitting up to cover more ground and find a suitable target. Rinella emphasizes the role of patience and persistence in hunting, and soon Warren spots a promising buck. Rinella approaches the deer and takes a shot, but it escapes. Rinella and Warren regroup and continue scouting the area, eventually spotting another buck on the opposite hillside.

The rest of the episode follows Rinella's pursuit of this buck, which he considers a trophy meat animal. He navigates the rugged terrain, crossing the Colorado River, and finally sets up for a shot at the buck. Shot placement is crucial and Rinella makes sure to take a clean, humane shot that will minimize suffering for the animal.

After successfully harvesting the deer, Rinella takes viewers through the process of field dressing and packing out the animal. Throughout the episode, Rinella emphasizes the importance of ethical hunting, conservation, and responsible wild game consumption. The episode concludes with Rinella sharing a meal of mule deer backstrap with Warren and emphasizing the value of the entire experience, from sourcing his own meat to the stunning natural environment.

MeatEater season 7, episode 12 is an exciting and informative adventure that highlights the thrill of hunting and respect for the natural world. With beautiful visuals, expert hunting and cooking advice, and an emphasis on responsible and ethical practices, this episode is a must-watch for hunters and fans of sustainable, wild game-based cuisine.