@@andreluismauad44 nothing wrong with Remi's show, love it too, but I like Steve's writing style and approach. Remi's a great author too but I'm a bookworm
Steve is one of those guys that he seems to do everything in his power to live the best life he can. No bs, no excuses, no self pity. He just went and did it.
Steve is great to watch definitely shows his gratitude for nature just found out im living in the same place he grew up wish i could go hunting/fishing with him someday!
I grew up in a hunting family. I was helping cutting up my dads deer long before I could hunt myself. Growing up, it was an important addition to our annual food supply and one year in particular, it kept us from goin hungry. I hunted because its what we did. As I got older, I realized I didn't have a passion for hunting and I put it to the way side for a few years and I would come back to my home town and hunt with my dad for a weekend because he really enjoyed it. Now I'm back again living in my home town for the last few years and have been out hunting with my dad every fall as a good excuse to spend time with him. Now this last fall we only got one deer between us, versus the four we normally get. The last day of our hunt was also two days before he went in for major back surgery. Needles to say, I'm uncertain of the conditions of our hunting together. Watching your channel, and being unusually lean on venison this season, has given me more motivation to go out on my own and go hunting, and not just use it as an excuse to spend time with my dad. I feel like if he is limited in traversing terrain and doing the full hunt, that I need to help him and take the lead role, and your videos have given me more confidence to fulfill that role that I never had to take, as I don't have a family of my own. Thank you.
Beautifully said. A speedy and full recovery to your father, so you both may enjoy your special time together again soon. Time and love are very precious. Family is everything. (Also, thank you; your words brought back fond memories of my dad.)
If you enjoy hunting with your father, don't think of it as an excuse to spend time with him even if he isn't able to cope with the rigors of terrain or otherwise. It's the companionship and time well spent while he is still on this earth. I have had 7 serious operations on my back, plus three more to have an implanted device installed inside my body to electronically block pain from my legs going to my brain, all due to a bad fall while at work. None of my kids has taken after me in hunting and I seldom see any of them as they have their own lives to live, I have 2 sons and 2 daughters and if I am lucky, I may see or talk to them one time each year, I am now almost 79 years old and have already lost all former hunting buddies due to their passing away, so No spending time is with a person shouldn't need to have an explanation, it's respect and love for that person, nothing else.
I felt that he wasn't going to shoot it the whole episode I felt like him the whole time and honestly was moved and happy he did not shoot it.. dam man i miss the mountains! Keep The world GREAT!!
Yeah.... Reminds me of the bicyclists I pass along side the road..... Some of them will never know how close they came to death.... You have to be a real moron to want to ride your bike inches away from 3000+ lb chunks of metal whizzing by at 40-50+ mph
14:00 - 19:00 is probably the most influential and relatable thing I have ever experienced in any show. THIS is what it means to be an avid hunter and many of those who don’t hunt, may or may not relate. The fact remains it was perfectly spoken and I can’t express how much I respect you Steve for not only showing the reality of things the way you did, but how well spoken you were about the situation. I’d love to shake your hand and break bread around a fire having laughs.
If you have a child that you have introduced into hunting, this may well be one of the most important videos you can ever show them. It brings the human element into the hunt and it speaks volumes about what it means to be a human and a hunter. Well done.
I know exactly what your talking about. I’ve let many creatures from squirrels to deer walk. Hunters aren’t blood thirsty. They enjoy watching what they hunt as much as shooting what they are hunting. That’s how you can tell who is a true hunter! Please keep doing what your doing and much respect your way from the swamps of Louisiana!! Sportsman’s Paradise baby!
Here in Finland, I think most of the hunters are after just for the meat atleast if we talk about mooses. last year we shot down 13 mooses in 3 month period, we hunt them just to keep roads a littlebit safer and that the trees can grow without the treetop eaten. And about 1 week we have shot 153 bears in the whole country
My first deer hunt I lost a good buck thanks to a squirrel pegging me with a black walnut. Well this girl has a temper, Shot my first squirrel with a 12g slug. Looked like a wet firework and I never let one go since. Plenty of other creatures I'd agree I have enjoyed watching but never NEVER a squirrel.
@UCPFLfzJr8AbomGRaNO1f98Q lmao you clearly don’t understand what he meant dumb fuck. He could have easily killed it and “harvested” it but he simply did not want too because in that moment he respected nature and the bear and just wanted too enjoy it as a hunter. He knows he can always get a bear he even said he’d kill plenty more in his life. I don’t even know why I’m explaining it too you. You are clearly not a REAL hunter with love and passion for the things we hunt and the land we hunt on.
@@Semba999 couldn’t have said it better my friend! This guy is clearly one that shouldn’t hunt.. if you don’t respect the animal and the nature, hunting is not for you. It sounds like this dude is one of them that easily could take a shot that he’s not 100% sure it will be the perfect shot and just injure the animal instead.
Many years later, this still holds up as one of my favorite episodes. Ive watched it a dozen times at this point. I disagree with Steve on a handful of things, but one thing I love about the man is his willingness to share moments that imperfect, emotional, reflective.
Same. I probably watch the cooking episodes more than the hunting. They make me wonder why people will go work extra ins cubicle just so they can afford to eat at some restaurant when instead they could just go hunt or fish
I think as a hunter, we all experience this to some degree. My father taught me its not about the killing its about the time you spend in nature, being a part of something bigger than yourself. Do we love eating the animals we hunt? Absolutely, but there is always something to be learned by watching these creatures do what they've done for centuries. Hunting isn't mindless killing. Its about getting back to way things were before cell phones and social media. We love being around these animals and probably know more about them than most "Wildlife Experts"
I love the honesty in this. It’s so real. It’s not always about the kill. I think it’s more manly to be able to see something and not fire. Knowing there is always another day.
There is a lot of us out here just no one knows. Life is not a rat race you have to take the time to look around there is more to life. I know I'm just a dumb old country guy i love God respect my neighbors. Life is short so be the best you can be
@@waynesligar5948 one hundred percent correct. I'm fairly new to hunting but have spent the majority of my life in the woods. I definitely don't kill every animal I drop a pin on, just have to appreciate what we have sometimes
Thank you brother for not shooting the bear. Just watching it you can feel it's spiritual essence in it's natural surroundings. Obviously you were affected by this. You are a true hunter where it's not just about the kill. Much respect to you. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe. One love from Aotearoa, NZ
Mecha leka Hy, mecha Hiney Ho. I have no desire to kill a bear, had the chance years ago to go on a bear hunt and I said no. My Father and 2 brothers really wanted to go on a bear hunt with an outfitter and I absolutely said No. True to the bone Indians claim that bears are our brothers, and I wouldn't shoot one of my brothers, that's just wrong.
I'm glad so many of you found this. This episode is at least 8 years old. It is likely the episode that really 'made' Meateater stand out amongst the Sea if other hunting shows. It was the right thing at the right time.
I had that same experience on my first younger Whitetail buck with a bow on the ground. In that instant, as it was gazing through me at 5 yards, I decided to be a spectator and let a nice quartering shot slip away away as it moved on past some brush into an opening. I will cherish that memory forever. Thank you for sharing this moment.
LOL! Priorities. Love how as soon as the cold water is flowing the first thing is getting the beers cold! By far the most wholesome fun to watch these days.
Hi ... I just wanted to say how much I understand and appreciate the feeling you had looking at this bear. There is never the need to take a shoot you don't feel ok with and I think it was a great decision to show this fact to other hunters... In Germany this feeling of connection and responsibility for the animals you hunt makes you what we call a "waidgerechter Jäger" a righteous hunter ... Thanks for showing that virtue to a broder audience! Waidmannsheil from Germany
Doe in my back yard, had her in the crosshairs. Wife was with watching and I just couldn't pull the trigger. She asked why. I said "I dont know, i can go anywhere and kill a doe. I just wanted to watch her." I felt that.
damn same, the first time i watched a doe die was when I went with my dad and she was with her two kids. They were so quiet, we barely saw them until the last few moments. He shot her and she just stood there for a couple seconds before running off and dying in a ditch about 50 yards from where we were sitting. I felt sad for her and her kids but I understood it had to be done because that's what we came there to do, to hunt deer. This was my first and last hunting experience but I'll never forget it. I still think about it sometimes and wondered what would've happened if we just watched it walk away.
I am a non-hunting hiker and have been "against" hunting large game for the past decade. Finding Meateater has really swayed me to find interest in possibly taking it up some day, but Steve really nailed how I feel about nature in this episode. I almost always feel more like watching an animal than taking its life and consuming it. When I hiked the JMT I eventually even kept my rod in the pack because in the High Sierra you can just walk up to a lake or stream and see handfuls of golden trout at your feet. I realized that was more satisfying to me than taking one of out of the water.
I love this show, and episodes like this really exemplifies the heart of a true hunter. Not taking the shot, or the idea of just giving it back to nature. If you are not 100% into the kill, don’t take the shot you may regret it. Great episode!
I have never hunted, but this show is amazing. Steven thanks for the amazing show, your passion and love of wildlife is staggering and these videos are always beautifully shot
Steve epitomizes what a true hunter gatherer is, in my opinion. I can relate to him as a hunter because I’ve been at that point where he was in this show years ago. I truly understand what he was talking about. His show is the only one I can watch these days, he shows what we as true hunters not killers love about gathering our own when the season is in. My Man! Not to mention he’s in my home state!
When I was young my dad explained a situation to me where knowing you absolutely had the animal is in some ways a successful "hunt" without taking a shot . An easy shot, it doesn't know you are there, or alternatively knows you are there and isnt afraid. You have proven you have done everything correctly to get to this opportunity. The time spent in these moments is so much rarer than simply being able to take the shot. Especially if the animal is very close or curious or simply appears right in front of you. That sacred moment of interaction where you lock eyes at close range and the animal tilts it head in curiosity or defiance at your voice. My first racoon hunt was something like this. We observed a young racoon in a den tree wake early in the morning, jam his head into another hole and antagonize his sleeping sibling for 15 minutes until they gave in and also woke up. They went to a creek, took a drink and returned to their tree. I guess the first racoon was afraid to go alone.
I saw this one video where this guy was archery hunting a black bear and the bear walked right up to him, acknowledged him, and all but asked him how his day was. The guy just froze and right as the bear turned around to hit the bait (and basically spared him a mauling) he shot him. I'm not saying he did anything wrong but it sure didn't feel good to watch. Not sure I'd ever pull the trigger on an animal who was both aware and accepting of my presence (except in case of attack).
@Center Masster I'd say brown bears are more dangerous than black bears. But yes, I agree that people need to stop feeding bears and hunt them ethically so they fear humans
Steve, I experienced the same feeling while deer hunting 5 years ago. I am a meat hunter. Fill the freezer then give to our elders any extra. The last 3 years I watched the deer 🦌 and their many different manorisms. Started to recognize deer from previous years. I went from not wanting to harvest to a feeling of kinship with the deer and nature itself. This was a truly great video with thoughtful inspiration. Thanks
Yamaha makes great outboard motors! I got one with my first boat when I was 15 yo. All I ever done to it is flush the cooling from saltwater in the fall when I get the boat out of water (usually before the ice) and change oil and spark plug before I put her back in comes spring. Now I'm 39 yo. And the motor is running great, never had any problems with it;) and I've used it A LOT
Japanese stuff lasts forever. I bought my first car, a used 1989 Toyota pickup in 1996. Still have it, it's got over 300,000 miles on it, but isn't slowing down.
This reminded me of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" in the snow leopard scene. When Walter sees the snow leopard he asks Sean when he's going to take the picture. He says "Sometimes I don't." And explains that when he has those moments, he likes to just sit in the moment and enjoy it.
My favorite part of the hunt is the hunt itself. Tracking, glassing, stalking, and blending into the environment pulling the trigger has always been my least favorite part of a hunt. Sometimes its necessary ,other times a feeling will come over you like a wave ,almost like the animal's spirit telling you its not his time to go. Respect.
I'd never leave that "shack" looks like a great place to just live, simplify life, fishing, hunting, shelter...and water, yup that spot is perfect in every way, sometimes it's the journey not the destination, much respect
I've passed on several deer cuz I just didn't feel it was right I have no problem with you not shooting that bear. Admire you more for it actually. Keep it up Steven
Cant thank u enough for having the bravery to share that moment where u DIDNT take the shot. U showed great humanity, and a lot of courage in sharing that with us. This is a lot more than just a “hunting show”.
This episode means so much. Thanks for putting this up. I spent two months in Haida Gwaii the archipelago right below where you filmed this. Magical place teeming with life. So many great stories came back in once seeing this episode. Thanks Steve
You sir, are a true hunter. I have the utmost respect for you for not taking the shot. Sometimes it is better to watch them and just appreciate their beauty. I have watched many Kudu through my scope and did not pull the trigger because it just did not feel right. Greetings from South Africa
There is something in a bear that I feel and even relate to for some strange reason maybe it's a huge amount of awe and respect. But well done Steve for not shooting that bear it shows that hunters aren't just blood thirsty crazies in fact there understanding smart individuals
I have been a rifle hunter for many years. Not long ago I purchased my first of 8 black powder guns, all flintlock or percussion. I use real black powder and patch and ball. I hardly use my rifle any more. I don't shoot many deer anymore but I spend just as much or maybe more time in the woods. Last year I got my first black powder black bear, not a huge one but this one was a trophy I will always remember. If you have never shot a smoke pole you are missing a wonderful experience. It truly has made my hunting much more enjoyable. It also allows me to go to the range and shoot 40 or 50 shots and not worry that I broke the bank.
Thank you Steve. Hunters truly are the greatest conservationists there are. We love nature and the bounty it offers, but never kill just for the sake of filling a tag. My 3 bears have all been taken up close with traditional muzzleloaders. Sneaking up on something so beautiful and powerful is fulfilling in itself. Filing the freezer is just a bonus.
What!!?? Filling the freezer is a bonus? One would like to think it's the whole reason behind killing an animal. All life is sacred to the extent that killing for the sake of sport reveals that one is...ah challenged when it comes to such matters. Maybe one day you'll grow a bigger heart
@@edward9643 Sure I'll kill an animal for food, but really!?!? I'm here for the rush baby!! #conservation . I don't think his intention was to sound that way, but yeahhhh... It kinda came off that way a little (to me at least). Specifically for the verbage about food. I assume they didn't intend to suggest a willingness to discard or waste resources, but it didn't came out right. Idk
@@edward9643 YOU can think what you like mate but it sure as heck does NOT have to be how everyone else thinks about the subject. It's your attitude that's your problem , cos I read that comment completely differently. I understood perfectly what he was trying to convey about the skill involved in using the tactics he did, to make the kill, and that his freezer was filled was a bonus. NOTHING to do with one's heart needing to be bigger or better. You need to learn to separate man from animal; and an animals life is not sacred. God created man in His image and then made all other things including animals etc for man to have dominion over. YOU need to learn the basics of creation before launching into criticism of a fellow human being. It's important to err on the side of knowledge and wisdom than to attack a man out of your ignorance.
@@heatherclayton-callaghan4270 first off I appreciate u giving me permission to think what I like. Secondly your opinions resemble those of fundamentalist Christians. All life is sacred and if we have the right to take an animals life because we're more intelligent then life forms more intelligent than us ( & they're out there believe me) also have the right to kill us for sport and food
Viewed this video to see Alaska spring bear, to think you were going to shot the bear. Now I am so rapt I clicked on, cause humanity has not abandoned the World yet. Love that you did not shoot. The best catch and not shoot to eat Alaskan bear I have ever seen! Thanks for putting a smile on an indigenous face! Bless you.
19:30 I’m no expert, but the chemistry behind it is called a hypertonic solution in which the Na+ (sodium) reacts with the Na+ in the cells of the animal. Which Na+ will always be diffused from a low to high concentration of Sodium. Since the crab lives in salt Water. And the concentration of sodium is higher in the boiling pot of water than the crab, the sodium gets sucked out of the crab making it less saltier which tends to make it more sweeter. And since the hyper velocity of the salt moving at a higher speed due to the Sodium molecules being speed up because of the boiling temperature. It get sucked out really quick
Bears are so bad ass I love this show and I’ve lived in Alaska my whole life 37 years and have never hunted by choice of course but you really understand and can really appreciate what Steve knows and acknowledges about these animals and life
I hunt for my food every year, but it's no lie that it doesn't feel good to kill anything. After I have a full freezer, I'll still hunt every second I can but I won't kill anything. Sometimes I just wanna get away and watch critters being critters.
A true "hunter" will always respect. There is no shame, belittling or anything negative about a person who will never hunt or those whom chose to stop hunting. Killing should never be taken lightly, it is a very tough choice and HUGE responsibility to "pull the trigger" on another living animal and end its life. I respect you for publicly voicing your choice. You are a true sportsman Kelly!!
@@chrisalberthal1803 is sportsman the right word? Feel like that implies taking it lightly or something, semantics is not something I'd consider one of my skills but it's always felt odd to me.
@kelly walker There is no reason you can't continue to enjoy or work the process. Hunting in any era dosent have to be about killing. You can participate fully while simply observing animals or even helping other hunters who wish to kill. Either way, being in the woods dosent begin or end with your desire to kill. Its all there for all of us. Pal.
I could quit hunting, I will not but I could. What I couldn't quit is being outside in the so many ways I've seen beauty... On skis, snow shoes, from my kayak and yes while holding a flint lock and long bow... so many beautiful moments, it gives me pause.
Really enjoyed this episode...it was a nice change from the usual hunt routine that I also enjoy watching. There is a real reverence to the way Steven shows and articulates hunting that I really appreciate.
I love this episode. As someone who is getting into hunting, I have been asking myself the question, “how do we show respect to the animals/nature and still fill our families stomachs?” Seeing this video helped me tremendously. As I go on my first ever hunt this season - I hope I have the same respect/awe as you have shown in this video.
A buddy of mine used to have an old Yamaha ttr 125 motorbike he left in a shipping container next to a river on his property. Every year the river would flood, the container would submerge, and then we'd come back in the dry season and pull the bike out of the shed. It would kick over first time every time without fail. One time we had to take the spark plug out and clean some mud off it but that was it. First time we thought it was a miracle, every time after we just thought "Yamaha".
A great call. I love the ability to not shot sometimes,I knew I loved watching Steve ,he admits missing shots,making mistakes and is what about being a true hunter is, weather the hunt is successful that day,or the next!
Every episode i watch the more respect i profess at you. Im from Spain, and i get emotional in a lot of episodes. I also see an evolution. Better edit, photography... Congratulations.
I just got done watching this show. A t the end of the show you mentioned that hunters go through stages. That the kill becomes less important it's more about being out there. I'm 63 and I've let more Whitetails walk in the last 5 years than I've taken in my lifetime. For awhile I thought I was losing my mind. But after watching this episode I've found out I've learned something more important about the outdoors. And what it has to offer. THANKS
We don't get bears here in the UK but I get this all the time- a deep feeling of 'just because I can here doesn't mean I should'. Thanks for sharing this.
Excellent video that shows the empathy many hunters have for their game. Big or small, taking a life can be difficult. This is an example of when observing an animal brings greater joy than taking one.
No doubt Steve. You summed it up. A fellow Michigander here. Sometimes the hunt is about appreciating your just sharing the woods or water with the species your trying to harvest. Love it
We hunt to eat, if you can eat well from a crab trap and there's enough at home for your family, then why kill? A successful hunt is being out there, not just killing something. Glad Steve is showing that to people too.
@@randysparks1271 im not saying he should have killed. But it seemed like that was his initial mission. Whether he did or not is not the point. The man ate one of the best seafood meals ive ever seen.
Enjoy the show! I’m First Nations and I’m from the gulf islands off of Vancouver island. I grew up fishing and hunting being taught by my dad and grand parents. This reminded me of being younger and always being out on the water and hunting. I’m an adult now and live in the city.
That is the sign of man pure in spirit and one with nature. I don't know you from Adam nor do I know what you do when no one is watching. That being said, I have watch your show long enough to see that you are a rare hunter that has spent enough time absorbing what nature offers and listening to it's whispers that can be truly amazing. I found myself in that exact situation. Odd as it was wanting to hunt and be successful, yet wanting more to see what the animal was going to do next and deciding to let it do it. This is exactly why I can't ever see myself hunting lions, elephants, rhino or anything like that because one I don't eat them, two I don't see or understand how I could gain more out of it's death, then watching it live.
I spent a week hunting with my grandpa once, tracking a single deer. We finally got a chance and just watched it feed a while and lay down for a nap. Grandpa just chuckled a bit and said he needed a nap too. Left it at that. I miss hunting with him, but this episode brought that feeling back.
@@rustyshackelford5758 don't shoot garbage eating bears. Bears that forage natural foods taste good. If you have good bear meat but can't cook it will also taste gross
I like the fact that you decided not to shoot, for no other reason than you just weren't feeling it. I have left nice deer in the woods to continue to enjoy themselves due to I just wasn't feeling it. Left a doe onetime that came out on a powerline an a minute later her fawn came out both looking directly at me an me smiling like a banche!
This show is so much more than a hunting show.
It really is 😞
Steve really has great wisdom about life
It is a philosophical study as well.
Thanks Dave
It's closer to a Bourdain type show than a hunting show.
This is by far my favorite episode. If I had never seen another episode, Rinella would have gained my respect from this one alone.
Yeah this is a great one. Love the one when (part 1 & 2 both) Steve kills the big muley with Cal. Awesome
This kind of episode is so important and one that most other hunting shows will never air
Steven and the MeatEater crew are good about keeping things honest, to me that makes it the best show out there.
Yea it’s crazy that you actually have a relationship with what you hunt or fish. R
Mostly agree but what about Remi’s show????
@@andreluismauad44 nothing wrong with Remi's show, love it too, but I like Steve's writing style and approach. Remi's a great author too but I'm a bookworm
If you've never had some dungeons crab sometimes you should really try it sometimes its just its crab for sure
Saw the bear in the scope yawning and thought damn i dont want him to shoot it. Then he didnt even though its a hunting show, beast
Steve is one of those guys that he seems to do everything in his power to live the best life he can. No bs, no excuses, no self pity. He just went and did it.
ruclips.net/video/aVzgkpCjn-g/видео.html
Spot on.
No doubt his life consisting of hunting is among best possible life a man can wish
Absolute respect for you . The moment of you watching the bear instead of shooting it was surreal and uplifting . 👍
I don’t even hunt or forage for food , but this is one of my favorites shows to watch on Netflix
same
Steve is great to watch definitely shows his gratitude for nature just found out im living in the same place he grew up wish i could go hunting/fishing with him someday!
Jim shockey is a good watch also
I was a vegetarian for twelve years. This show not only changed my mind, but went out and got my first whitetail last fall.
@@Nswix Great job!
I grew up in a hunting family. I was helping cutting up my dads deer long before I could hunt myself. Growing up, it was an important addition to our annual food supply and one year in particular, it kept us from goin hungry. I hunted because its what we did. As I got older, I realized I didn't have a passion for hunting and I put it to the way side for a few years and I would come back to my home town and hunt with my dad for a weekend because he really enjoyed it.
Now I'm back again living in my home town for the last few years and have been out hunting with my dad every fall as a good excuse to spend time with him. Now this last fall we only got one deer between us, versus the four we normally get. The last day of our hunt was also two days before he went in for major back surgery. Needles to say, I'm uncertain of the conditions of our hunting together.
Watching your channel, and being unusually lean on venison this season, has given me more motivation to go out on my own and go hunting, and not just use it as an excuse to spend time with my dad. I feel like if he is limited in traversing terrain and doing the full hunt, that I need to help him and take the lead role, and your videos have given me more confidence to fulfill that role that I never had to take, as I don't have a family of my own.
Thank you.
Beautifully said. A speedy and full recovery to your father, so you both may enjoy your special time together again soon. Time and love are very precious. Family is everything. (Also, thank you; your words brought back fond memories of my dad.)
Hope your dad fully recovers
Beautiful comment through and through, hope your dad has made or will make a fantastic recovery from his surgery.
That was great to read. Thank u
If you enjoy hunting with your father, don't think of it as an excuse to spend time with him even if he isn't able to cope with the rigors of terrain or otherwise. It's the companionship and time well spent while he is still on this earth. I have had 7 serious operations on my back, plus three more to have an implanted device installed inside my body to electronically block pain from my legs going to my brain, all due to a bad fall while at work. None of my kids has taken after me in hunting and I seldom see any of them as they have their own lives to live, I have 2 sons and 2 daughters and if I am lucky, I may see or talk to them one time each year, I am now almost 79 years old and have already lost all former hunting buddies due to their passing away, so No spending time is with a person shouldn't need to have an explanation, it's respect and love for that person, nothing else.
Weird to think how close that bear came to death and had no idea and never will know. Makes you think a little bit.
Thinking the same thing. That Raven behind was kinda ominous.
I felt that he wasn't going to shoot it the whole episode I felt like him the whole time and honestly was moved and happy he did not shoot it.. dam man i miss the mountains! Keep The world GREAT!!
That's real hunting, sometimes seeing the animal is enough,
Yeah.... Reminds me of the bicyclists I pass along side the road..... Some of them will never know how close they came to death.... You have to be a real moron to want to ride your bike inches away from 3000+ lb chunks of metal whizzing by at 40-50+ mph
"The greatest thrill is not to kill but to let live"
Such a wise line, ‘it’s not time to shoot THAT bear’. What an incredible hunter gatherer
14:00 - 19:00 is probably the most influential and relatable thing I have ever experienced in any show. THIS is what it means to be an avid hunter and many of those who don’t hunt, may or may not relate. The fact remains it was perfectly spoken and I can’t express how much I respect you Steve for not only showing the reality of things the way you did, but how well spoken you were about the situation. I’d love to shake your hand and break bread around a fire having laughs.
If you have a child that you have introduced into hunting, this may well be one of the most important videos you can ever show them. It brings the human element into the hunt and it speaks volumes about what it means to be a human and a hunter. Well done.
I know exactly what your talking about. I’ve let many creatures from squirrels to deer walk. Hunters aren’t blood thirsty. They enjoy watching what they hunt as much as shooting what they are hunting. That’s how you can tell who is a true hunter! Please keep doing what your doing and much respect your way from the swamps of Louisiana!! Sportsman’s Paradise baby!
Well said my good sir!
Here in Finland, I think most of the hunters are after just for the meat atleast if we talk about mooses. last year we shot down 13 mooses in 3 month period, we hunt them just to keep roads a littlebit safer and that the trees can grow without the treetop eaten.
And about 1 week we have shot 153 bears in the whole country
My first deer hunt I lost a good buck thanks to a squirrel pegging me with a black walnut. Well this girl has a temper, Shot my first squirrel with a 12g slug. Looked like a wet firework and I never let one go since. Plenty of other creatures I'd agree I have enjoyed watching but never NEVER a squirrel.
@UCPFLfzJr8AbomGRaNO1f98Q lmao you clearly don’t understand what he meant dumb fuck. He could have easily killed it and “harvested” it but he simply did not want too because in that moment he respected nature and the bear and just wanted too enjoy it as a hunter. He knows he can always get a bear he even said he’d kill plenty more in his life. I don’t even know why I’m explaining it too you. You are clearly not a REAL hunter with love and passion for the things we hunt and the land we hunt on.
@@Semba999 couldn’t have said it better my friend! This guy is clearly one that shouldn’t hunt.. if you don’t respect the animal and the nature, hunting is not for you. It sounds like this dude is one of them that easily could take a shot that he’s not 100% sure it will be the perfect shot and just injure the animal instead.
Many years later, this still holds up as one of my favorite episodes. Ive watched it a dozen times at this point.
I disagree with Steve on a handful of things, but one thing I love about the man is his willingness to share moments that imperfect, emotional, reflective.
Same. I probably watch the cooking episodes more than the hunting.
They make me wonder why people will go work extra ins cubicle just so they can afford to eat at some restaurant when instead they could just go hunt or fish
I think as a hunter, we all experience this to some degree. My father taught me its not about the killing its about the time you spend in nature, being a part of something bigger than yourself. Do we love eating the animals we hunt? Absolutely, but there is always something to be learned by watching these creatures do what they've done for centuries. Hunting isn't mindless killing. Its about getting back to way things were before cell phones and social media. We love being around these animals and probably know more about them than most "Wildlife Experts"
Where i live before cellphones and stuff they had spiked pits for the bears, nothing quite like the agonising scream of a bear
@@phillatt6277 hahaha your pitbull would still die. You do realize they have claws to?
@@kellyyyanneee umm pitbull? Reply to wrong person?
Amen to that
Steven Rinellas respect, articulation, passion and overall person is what makes this show so much more than some hunting show
"It's not just always about the kill." I agree 100%!
It’s only “all about the kill” when the freezer is empty.... in America, that is kind of rare anymore....
Hey I get it. Dude wanted sea food and not bear. 🤷♂️
I love the honesty in this. It’s so real. It’s not always about the kill. I think it’s more manly to be able to see something and not fire. Knowing there is always another day.
This Dude here is an American Treasure. Thanks Steven for being a great American
*human
There is a lot of us out here just no one knows. Life is not a rat race you have to take the time to look around there is more to life. I know I'm just a dumb old country guy i love God respect my neighbors. Life is short so be the best you can be
@@waynesligar5948 one hundred percent correct. I'm fairly new to hunting but have spent the majority of my life in the woods. I definitely don't kill every animal I drop a pin on, just have to appreciate what we have sometimes
@@ogtraxx *both
Well...he's a Michigander so he's basically Southern Canadian 🇨🇦 lol
Thank you brother for not shooting the bear. Just watching it you can feel it's spiritual essence in it's natural surroundings. Obviously you were affected by this. You are a true hunter where it's not just about the kill. Much respect to you. Ngā mihi nui ki a koe. One love from Aotearoa, NZ
Mecha leka Hy, mecha Hiney Ho. I have no desire to kill a bear, had the chance years ago to go on a bear hunt and I said no. My Father and 2 brothers really wanted to go on a bear hunt with an outfitter and I absolutely said No. True to the bone Indians claim that bears are our brothers, and I wouldn't shoot one of my brothers, that's just wrong.
I'm glad so many of you found this. This episode is at least 8 years old.
It is likely the episode that really 'made' Meateater stand out amongst the Sea if other hunting shows.
It was the right thing at the right time.
I had that same experience on my first younger Whitetail buck with a bow on the ground. In that instant, as it was gazing through me at 5 yards, I decided to be a spectator and let a nice quartering shot slip away away as it moved on past some brush into an opening. I will cherish that memory forever.
Thank you for sharing this moment.
Steve rinella is living his best life for sure. Guys a legend!
I love the pure appreciation for nature that flows outta this
The look on Steve's face when that outboard started up was priceless!
Black bears are truly beautiful animals. Good on you for just enjoying the moment.
Steve is one with nature. As a Navajo I respect the bear. And God damn. him just wanting to watch that bear was epic.
LOL! Priorities. Love how as soon as the cold water is flowing the first thing is getting the beers cold! By far the most wholesome fun to watch these days.
Hi ... I just wanted to say how much I understand and appreciate the feeling you had looking at this bear. There is never the need to take a shoot you don't feel ok with and I think it was a great decision to show this fact to other hunters... In Germany this feeling of connection and responsibility for the animals you hunt makes you what we call a "waidgerechter Jäger" a righteous hunter ... Thanks for showing that virtue to a broder audience!
Waidmannsheil from Germany
That bear doesn't know how lucky he is. Good on you Steve always follow you heart !
Sea Bear is impressive and all, but he wouldn't have stood a chance if a Sea Rhinoceros showed up
That's why you need your Sea Rhinoceros undergarment. Sea Bear circles just won't hold up...
@@bmonty1915 New patented Sea Rhinoceros undergarments with moisture wicking fabric and scent guard from Firstlite
@@infectedpegasus7178 I'd buy
I had no idea what any of you were talking about until my 7 year old niece told me, damn I feel old!
This sea bear hunt is like a Tease but for hunters.
17:22 That was beautiful. Reminded me of the patience and integrity you showed on that episode hunting that ram.
Doe in my back yard, had her in the crosshairs. Wife was with watching and I just couldn't pull the trigger. She asked why. I said "I dont know, i can go anywhere and kill a doe. I just wanted to watch her." I felt that.
damn same, the first time i watched a doe die was when I went with my dad and she was with her two kids. They were so quiet, we barely saw them until the last few moments. He shot her and she just stood there for a couple seconds before running off and dying in a ditch about 50 yards from where we were sitting. I felt sad for her and her kids but I understood it had to be done because that's what we came there to do, to hunt deer. This was my first and last hunting experience but I'll never forget it. I still think about it sometimes and wondered what would've happened if we just watched it walk away.
I am a non-hunting hiker and have been "against" hunting large game for the past decade. Finding Meateater has really swayed me to find interest in possibly taking it up some day, but Steve really nailed how I feel about nature in this episode. I almost always feel more like watching an animal than taking its life and consuming it. When I hiked the JMT I eventually even kept my rod in the pack because in the High Sierra you can just walk up to a lake or stream and see handfuls of golden trout at your feet. I realized that was more satisfying to me than taking one of out of the water.
Every episode makes me want to go camping and hunting
I love this show, and episodes like this really exemplifies the heart of a true hunter. Not taking the shot, or the idea of just giving it back to nature. If you are not 100% into the kill, don’t take the shot you may regret it. Great episode!
I have never hunted, but this show is amazing. Steven thanks for the amazing show, your passion and love of wildlife is staggering and these videos are always beautifully shot
the ending is incredible, he goes were both just out here enjoying mussles
Love that you passed the two up for just morale there a family an still staying together so much respect man keep it up love the content
Steve epitomizes what a true hunter gatherer is, in my opinion. I can relate to him as a hunter because I’ve been at that point where he was in this show years ago. I truly understand what he was talking about. His show is the only one I can watch these days, he shows what we as true hunters not killers love about gathering our own when the season is in. My Man! Not to mention he’s in my home state!
When I was young my dad explained a situation to me where knowing you absolutely had the animal is in some ways a successful "hunt" without taking a shot . An easy shot, it doesn't know you are there, or alternatively knows you are there and isnt afraid. You have proven you have done everything correctly to get to this opportunity. The time spent in these moments is so much rarer than simply being able to take the shot. Especially if the animal is very close or curious or simply appears right in front of you. That sacred moment of interaction where you lock eyes at close range and the animal tilts it head in curiosity or defiance at your voice.
My first racoon hunt was something like this. We observed a young racoon in a den tree wake early in the morning, jam his head into another hole and antagonize his sleeping sibling for 15 minutes until they gave in and also woke up. They went to a creek, took a drink and returned to their tree. I guess the first racoon was afraid to go alone.
coup stick.
I saw this one video where this guy was archery hunting a black bear and the bear walked right up to him, acknowledged him, and all but asked him how his day was. The guy just froze and right as the bear turned around to hit the bait (and basically spared him a mauling) he shot him. I'm not saying he did anything wrong but it sure didn't feel good to watch. Not sure I'd ever pull the trigger on an animal who was both aware and accepting of my presence (except in case of attack).
@Center Masster I'd say brown bears are more dangerous than black bears. But yes, I agree that people need to stop feeding bears and hunt them ethically so they fear humans
Steve, I experienced the same feeling while deer hunting 5 years ago. I am a meat hunter. Fill the freezer then give to our elders any extra. The last 3 years I watched the deer 🦌 and their many different manorisms. Started to recognize deer from previous years. I went from not wanting to harvest to a feeling of kinship with the deer and nature itself. This was a truly great video with thoughtful inspiration. Thanks
Steve Rinella is an amazing man. I’m glad we get to learn from him and others through an app on a phone.
Speak for your self! I am suffisticated enough to be watching the video on a laptop!
@@snakehunter2.072 my poor laptop couldn’t survive from all the viruses I exposed it to
@@michaelperez81583 Im sorry for your loss, offer my condolences and shall join in mourning. xd
Exactly
@@snakehunter2.072 😂 Bless you Snakehunter!
I love how thiers either beer or smokes in 50% of the episodes background haha. A man after my own heart.
Yamaha makes great outboard motors! I got one with my first boat when I was 15 yo. All I ever done to it is flush the cooling from saltwater in the fall when I get the boat out of water (usually before the ice) and change oil and spark plug before I put her back in comes spring. Now I'm 39 yo. And the motor is running great, never had any problems with it;) and I've used it A LOT
Japanese stuff lasts forever. I bought my first car, a used 1989 Toyota pickup in 1996. Still have it, it's got over 300,000 miles on it, but isn't slowing down.
I love how he change his mind in the end with the bear 🐻 Amen
The mink was getting revenge for his fallen mates, by crapping on your floor.
Lol.
This reminded me of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" in the snow leopard scene. When Walter sees the snow leopard he asks Sean when he's going to take the picture. He says "Sometimes I don't." And explains that when he has those moments, he likes to just sit in the moment and enjoy it.
My favorite part of the hunt is the hunt itself. Tracking, glassing, stalking, and blending into the environment pulling the trigger has always been my least favorite part of a hunt. Sometimes its necessary ,other times a feeling will come over you like a wave ,almost like the animal's spirit telling you its not his time to go. Respect.
yes, and i am partialla a hunter, too, but without weapons :-) yes i agree that this is the most exciting part
I'd never leave that "shack" looks like a great place to just live, simplify life, fishing, hunting, shelter...and water, yup that spot is perfect in every way, sometimes it's the journey not the destination, much respect
Finally a new video i was about to turn vegan 🤣
I KNOW RIGHT?
He didn't kill the bear though....
These are all on netfl
Lmao
Nice save
So awesome of him to air this, most other hunting shows would not. Hunting and nature is beautiful regardless if harvesting an animal is apart of it.
I've passed on several deer cuz I just didn't feel it was right I have no problem with you not shooting that bear. Admire you more for it actually. Keep it up Steven
Cant thank u enough for having the bravery to share that moment where u DIDNT take the shot. U showed great humanity, and a lot of courage in sharing that with us. This is a lot more than just a “hunting show”.
This episode means so much. Thanks for putting this up. I spent two months in Haida Gwaii the archipelago right below where you filmed this. Magical place teeming with life. So many great stories came back in once seeing this episode. Thanks Steve
You sir, are a true hunter. I have the utmost respect for you for not taking the shot. Sometimes it is better to watch them and just appreciate their beauty. I have watched many Kudu through my scope and did not pull the trigger because it just did not feel right. Greetings from South Africa
Such a beautiful area to fish and hunt. Good choice on the bear. The seafood looks fantastic.
Steven Rinella is my new hero ....in so many ways
There is something in a bear that I feel and even relate to for some strange reason maybe it's a huge amount of awe and respect. But well done Steve for not shooting that bear it shows that hunters aren't just blood thirsty crazies in fact there understanding smart individuals
I have been a rifle hunter for many years. Not long ago I purchased my first of 8 black powder guns, all flintlock or percussion. I use real black powder and patch and ball. I hardly use my rifle any more. I don't shoot many deer anymore but I spend just as much or maybe more time in the woods. Last year I got my first black powder black bear, not a huge one but this one was a trophy I will always remember.
If you have never shot a smoke pole you are missing a wonderful experience. It truly has made my hunting much more enjoyable. It also allows me to go to the range and shoot 40 or 50 shots and not worry that I broke the bank.
Thank you Steve. Hunters truly are the greatest conservationists there are. We love nature and the bounty it offers, but never kill just for the sake of filling a tag. My 3 bears have all been taken up close with traditional muzzleloaders. Sneaking up on something so beautiful and powerful is fulfilling in itself. Filing the freezer is just a bonus.
What!!?? Filling the freezer is a bonus? One would like to think it's the whole reason behind killing an animal. All life is sacred to the extent that killing for the sake of sport reveals that one is...ah challenged when it comes to such matters. Maybe one day you'll grow a bigger heart
@@edward9643 Sure I'll kill an animal for food, but really!?!? I'm here for the rush baby!! #conservation . I don't think his intention was to sound that way, but yeahhhh... It kinda came off that way a little (to me at least). Specifically for the verbage about food. I assume they didn't intend to suggest a willingness to discard or waste resources, but it didn't came out right. Idk
@@edward9643 but assuming there not wasting resources, nothing wrong with loving the rush, or feeling you get, I think that's a big part of it.
@@edward9643
YOU can think what you like mate but it sure as heck does NOT have to be how everyone else thinks about the subject. It's your attitude that's your problem , cos I read that comment completely differently. I understood perfectly what he was trying to convey about the skill involved in using the tactics he did, to make the kill, and that his freezer was filled was a bonus.
NOTHING to do with one's heart needing to be bigger or better. You need to learn to separate man from animal; and an animals life is not sacred. God created man in His image and then made all other things including animals etc for man to have dominion over. YOU need to learn the basics of creation before launching into criticism of a fellow human being. It's important to err on the side of knowledge and wisdom than to attack a man out of your ignorance.
@@heatherclayton-callaghan4270 first off I appreciate u giving me permission to think what I like. Secondly your opinions resemble those of fundamentalist Christians. All life is sacred and if we have the right to take an animals life because we're more intelligent then life forms more intelligent than us ( & they're out there believe me) also have the right to kill us for sport and food
Viewed this video to see Alaska spring bear, to think you were going to shot the bear. Now I am so rapt I clicked on, cause humanity has not abandoned the World yet. Love that you did not shoot. The best catch and not shoot to eat Alaskan bear I have ever seen! Thanks for putting a smile on an indigenous face! Bless you.
19:30 I’m no expert, but the chemistry behind it is called a hypertonic solution in which the Na+ (sodium) reacts with the Na+ in the cells of the animal. Which Na+ will always be diffused from a low to high concentration of Sodium. Since the crab lives in salt Water. And the concentration of sodium is higher in the boiling pot of water than the crab, the sodium gets sucked out of the crab making it less saltier which tends to make it more sweeter. And since the hyper velocity of the salt moving at a higher speed due to the Sodium molecules being speed up because of the boiling temperature. It get sucked out really quick
Bears are so bad ass I love this show and I’ve lived in Alaska my whole life 37 years and have never hunted by choice of course but you really understand and can really appreciate what Steve knows and acknowledges about these animals and life
I quit hunting years ago. Just got tired of killing stuff.
I have NEVER had an experienced hunter disrespect that.
I hunt for my food every year, but it's no lie that it doesn't feel good to kill anything. After I have a full freezer, I'll still hunt every second I can but I won't kill anything. Sometimes I just wanna get away and watch critters being critters.
A true "hunter" will always respect.
There is no shame, belittling or anything negative about a person who will never hunt or those whom chose to stop hunting.
Killing should never be taken lightly, it is a very tough choice and HUGE responsibility to "pull the trigger" on another living animal and end its life.
I respect you for publicly voicing your choice.
You are a true sportsman Kelly!!
@@chrisalberthal1803 is sportsman the right word? Feel like that implies taking it lightly or something, semantics is not something I'd consider one of my skills but it's always felt odd to me.
@kelly walker
There is no reason you can't continue to enjoy or work the process. Hunting in any era dosent have to be about killing.
You can participate fully while simply observing animals or even helping other hunters who wish to kill. Either way, being in the woods dosent begin or end with your desire to kill.
Its all there for all of us. Pal.
I could quit hunting, I will not but I could. What I couldn't quit is being outside in the so many ways I've seen beauty... On skis, snow shoes, from my kayak and yes while holding a flint lock and long bow... so many beautiful moments, it gives me pause.
The disbelief when that outboard fired up was priceless
Really enjoyed this episode...it was a nice change from the usual hunt routine that I also enjoy watching. There is a real reverence to the way Steven shows and articulates hunting that I really appreciate.
I've watched this episode 5 times now and it's by far the best of yours
Damn it Steve. I’m sitting down to lunch and you’re scooping poop
Lol Me too
Same
Same :D
I was thinking the same
Same
I love this episode. As someone who is getting into hunting, I have been asking myself the question, “how do we show respect to the animals/nature and still fill our families stomachs?” Seeing this video helped me tremendously. As I go on my first ever hunt this season - I hope I have the same respect/awe as you have shown in this video.
It’s no “miracle” it’s a Yamaha Steve 😉
A buddy of mine used to have an old Yamaha ttr 125 motorbike he left in a shipping container next to a river on his property. Every year the river would flood, the container would submerge, and then we'd come back in the dry season and pull the bike out of the shed. It would kick over first time every time without fail. One time we had to take the spark plug out and clean some mud off it but that was it. First time we thought it was a miracle, every time after we just thought "Yamaha".
@@dustyfox8532 Yamaha have got Toyota Hilux levels of indestructibility.
😂😂😂
That motor cranking after the first pull gets me every time. Miracles really do happen XD
Man what a place to hunt at! Just finished all the seasons of Meat eater and it was great. Hopefully we all can get another season!!!
🙏🙏🙏
A great call. I love the ability to not shot sometimes,I knew I loved watching Steve ,he admits missing shots,making mistakes and is what about being a true hunter is, weather the hunt is successful that day,or the next!
Every episode i watch the more respect i profess at you. Im from Spain, and i get emotional in a lot of episodes.
I also see an evolution. Better edit, photography... Congratulations.
Those crab, mussels, and shrimp looked Absolutely Delicious! You can’t beat it when it’s that fresh!
What beautiful country this is. The scenery was amazing and that meal you enjoyed had me salivating! Great job!
I just got done watching this show. A t the end of the show you mentioned that hunters go through stages. That the kill becomes less important it's more about being out there. I'm 63 and I've let more Whitetails walk in the last 5 years than I've taken in my lifetime. For awhile I thought I was losing my mind. But after watching this episode I've found out I've learned something more important about the outdoors. And what it has to offer. THANKS
This channel is such gem..
That man is a real hunter by heart.
Only a real man and a hunter understand the feeling what he was feelin while trying hunting that black bear and
4:07 Being a plumber, it made me smile knowing i can do something better than Steve :')
This is my comfort video. Much respect Mr. Rinella.
We don't get bears here in the UK but I get this all the time- a deep feeling of 'just because I can here doesn't mean I should'. Thanks for sharing this.
Excellent video that shows the empathy many hunters have for their game. Big or small, taking a life can be difficult. This is an example of when observing an animal brings greater joy than taking one.
No doubt Steve. You summed it up. A fellow Michigander here. Sometimes the hunt is about appreciating your just sharing the woods or water with the species your trying to harvest. Love it
My dad has said it from the first time he took me hunting...44 years ago "it's not about killing" Good show.
The fact he doesn’t shoot so many bears because of moral reasons shows just how compassionate he is and the love he has for these animals
Lol 😆 😮😅😅😅😅
That Yamaha starting on the first pull! Best outboards ever built.
Man what an amazing place ❤️oh boy that seafood is to die for man
Beautiful video. Been in the same situation myself where i just didnt shoot and rather watch the wild animal in its natural habitat.
This is why I love this guy. So relatable.
Great insight. The bear is like a brother in nature’s bond. A skinned bear even looks like a man with its skeletal muscle and limb length.
Great episode.. And Bear or no bear.. You ate like a King on this trip.
We hunt to eat, if you can eat well from a crab trap and there's enough at home for your family, then why kill? A successful hunt is being out there, not just killing something. Glad Steve is showing that to people too.
@@randysparks1271 im not saying he should have killed. But it seemed like that was his initial mission. Whether he did or not is not the point. The man ate one of the best seafood meals ive ever seen.
@@ZSharkPH didn't mean it that way either, just meant that if you hunt for food the plan can change fast and still be everything you want
@@randysparks1271 right on man 👍
I don't think I could pull the trigger on a bear, I see them everywhere here and I've thought about it a lot good on ya Steve
What a beautifull place! You are blessed my friend!
He should try a bit farther North and get away from the crowds. Not even joking.
Enjoy the show! I’m First Nations and I’m from the gulf islands off of Vancouver island. I grew up fishing and hunting being taught by my dad and grand parents. This reminded me of being younger and always being out on the water and hunting. I’m an adult now and live in the city.
I really enjoyed this episode Steve. Reminded me of getting my old deer cabin ready every fall.
That is the sign of man pure in spirit and one with nature. I don't know you from Adam nor do I know what you do when no one is watching. That being said, I have watch your show long enough to see that you are a rare hunter that has spent enough time absorbing what nature offers and listening to it's whispers that can be truly amazing. I found myself in that exact situation. Odd as it was wanting to hunt and be successful, yet wanting more to see what the animal was going to do next and deciding to let it do it. This is exactly why I can't ever see myself hunting lions, elephants, rhino or anything like that because one I don't eat them, two I don't see or understand how I could gain more out of it's death, then watching it live.
I've definitely let more bears walk away than I have ever shot. It's unexplainable till you do it.
I spent a week hunting with my grandpa once, tracking a single deer. We finally got a chance and just watched it feed a while and lay down for a nap. Grandpa just chuckled a bit and said he needed a nap too. Left it at that. I miss hunting with him, but this episode brought that feeling back.
Bear meat is also pretty damn gross
@@rustyshackelford5758 don't shoot garbage eating bears. Bears that forage natural foods taste good. If you have good bear meat but can't cook it will also taste gross
I like the fact that you decided not to shoot, for no other reason than you just weren't feeling it. I have left nice deer in the woods to continue to enjoy themselves due to I just wasn't feeling it. Left a doe onetime that came out on a powerline an a minute later her fawn came out both looking directly at me an me smiling like a banche!