Episode 263: Late-Season Small Game, Squirrel Dogs, and Cooking What You Hunt

Episode 263: Late-Season Small Game, Squirrel Dogs, and Cooking What You Hunt

Author: Harvesting Nature February 10, 2026 Duration: 57:26
Summary In this episode of the Wild Fishing Game podcast, host Justin Townsend and guest Chris Ingram discuss the often-overlooked world of small game hunting. They explore the importance of small game as a hunting practice, the role of dogs in enhancing the hunting experience, and the cultural shifts in hunting that have led to a focus on trophy hunting. The conversation emphasizes the accessibility of small game hunting, the community it fosters, and the connection between hunters and their dogs. Chris shares his personal journey in hunting and how he has embraced small game hunting as a passion. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore the multifaceted world of hunting, particularly focusing on the joy of hunting with dogs, the connection between foraging and hunting, and the culinary delights of small game. They discuss the importance of inclusivity in hunting, the unique bond between humans and dogs, and share personal anecdotes about their experiences in the field. The conversation also delves into various cooking techniques and recipes for small game, emphasizing the value of utilizing all parts of the animal. As they wrap up, the hosts encourage listeners to embrace the outdoors and enjoy the simple pleasures of hunting and cooking together. - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Links: Instagram United Kennel Club American Field Taiwanese Three-Cup Muskrat Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Small Game Hunting 15:02 The Importance of Small Game Hunting 29:57 The Role of Dogs in Small Game Hunting 35:28 The Joy of Hunting with Dogs 39:11 Foraging and Hunting: A Unique Connection 45:32 Culinary Adventures with Small Game 56:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors Takeaways: Small game hunting is often overlooked but offers great opportunities. Late season hunting can be a rewarding experience for many. Dogs enhance the hunting experience and can be trained for various game. Small game hunting is accessible and can be done in urban areas. The connection between hunters and their dogs is vital for success. Hunting small game can provide a sense of community among hunters. The evolution of hunting culture has shifted focus towards trophy hunting. Small game hunting can be a great way to introduce new hunters to the sport. Conservation and ethical hunting practices are important in the hunting community. Storytelling and personal experiences enrich the hunting narrative. Small game hunting is an accessible entry point for many. Dogs enhance the hunting experience and create family bonds. Foraging and hunting can be interconnected activities. Culinary creativity is essential in utilizing small game meat. Squirrel and rabbit are often underappreciated culinary delights. Accidental meals can lead to the best culinary experiences. Inclusivity in hunting fosters a welcoming community. Training dogs for various tasks can deepen the human-animal bond. Late season hunting offers unique opportunities for adventure. The relationship between humans and dogs has evolved over thousands of years. Keywords: Small game hunting, hunting dogs, outdoor photography, conservation, hunting culture, American Field Magazine, hunting stories, wildlife, late season hunting, hunting community, hunting, dogs, small game, foraging, culinary, outdoor adventures, wildlife, cooking, conservation, family Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Townsend and the team from Harvesting Nature host Wild Fish and Game Podcast, a series that treats wild food as a starting point for much wider conversations. Rather than just a collection of tactics or recipes, this podcast digs into the entire cycle of bringing food from the landscape to the table and beyond. You’ll hear discussions that connect the act of hunting or fishing to the rhythms of the season, the specifics of a place, and the cultural traditions that shape our approach to harvest. Episodes move through every stage of the process-the pursuit, the careful work of butchery, the various methods of preservation, and finally, the cooking that turns ingredients into a meal. It’s about the craft involved in each step and how these skills integrate into a practical, meaningful lifestyle. The conversations often explore how these harvested foods are carried through real life, nourishing families and communities. For anyone curious about the depth and connectivity of a life centered on wild foods, this podcast offers a thoughtful, comprehensive look at a system that is as much about philosophy and responsibility as it is about sustenance. Tune in for a consistently engaging exploration of what it truly means to know where your food comes from.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Wild Fish and Game Podcast
Podcast Episodes
On the Ethics of Killing: The Moral Math of Eating [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:02
Summary: Explore the ethical considerations of eating and killing in the context of hunting, food production, and environmental impact. Blake Binford shares insights from his book 'On the Ethics of Killing: The Moral Mat…
Episode 271: The Wild Pantry, Part III - Dehydrating and Drying [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:52
Summary: Explore the ancient and modern techniques of drying and dehydrating food, its scientific principles, and practical applications in wild food lifestyle. Learn how to preserve, enhance, and utilize wild ingredient…
Episode 270: The Wild Harvest Report - April 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:09
Summary: A comprehensive overview of April's seasonal activities across North America, focusing on hunting, fishing, foraging, and cooking wild foods. The report highlights regional differences, key species in season, an…
Episode 269: Wild Game Is More Than Protein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:59
Summary: This episode explores the full value of wild animals beyond just protein, emphasizing traditional and cultural uses of all animal parts, including fat, marrow, organs, and connective tissues. It highlights how m…
Episode 268: Wild American Foodscapes - Newfoundland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:02
Summary: Justin and Adam explore Newfoundland's unique food landscape shaped by environmental constraints, historical fishing practices, and cultural resilience. From wild fish and seal to the impact of ecological manage…
Episode 267: What If the Grocery Stores Didn’t Open Tomorrow? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:28
Summary: Explore the fragility of our food systems and the importance of community resilience. This episode examines historical and modern disruptions to food supply, the interconnectedness of grocery stores, and how hun…
Episode 266: The Wild Harvest Report - March 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:04
Summary: The March Food for Field Bulletin discusses the seasonal shifts in hunting, fishing, and foraging across North America, highlighting the transition from winter to spring. It covers regional variations in wildlif…
Episode 265: The Wild Pantry, Part II - Salting and Curing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:59
Summary In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the ancient art of food preservation through salting and curing. They discuss the historical significance of salting, the science behind how it works,…
Episode 264: Wild American Foodscapes - Hawai'i [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:12
Summary Justin and Adam are joined by several guests for a conversation exploring the intricate relationship between food and culture in Hawaii, emphasizing the historical significance of traditional practices, the impac…
Episode 262: The Harvest Report - February 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:03
Summary The Wild Harvest Report for February 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of seasonal opportunities for hunting, fishing, and foraging across North America. The report explores regions from the Southeast to the…