USA -(Ammoland.com)- In this interview I had the great pleasure of being able to speak with “The Man Eater” Steve Rinella.
He is talking to us about his podcasts, tips, how he handles anti-hunters every day, and so much more.
Steve Rinella, how is it like balancing your busy life with a large family?
Steve Rinella: It’s challenging. I spend a lot of time hunting, and that’s time away from my family. But an upside of my occupation is that when I’m home I get to spend a lot of time with my kids. I don’t punch a clock, so I can fish or tend the garden or play with my kids when I want to.
As we know in your podcast you discuss multiple subjects related to hunting, fishing , wild foods. Which would you say is a favorite and why?
Steve Rinella: I don’t think I have a favorite; I’m interested in all aspects of hunting and fishing. But I do tend to discuss those things that don’t get talked about too often, or to express opinions that might not get heard too often. I see many sides to things, and I’ll articulate the sides that aren’t getting expressed.
Mainly, though, I want to talk about what interests me and my friends. I don’t believe in trying to give an audience what they want to hear, because I don’t think most people really know what they want to hear. I certainly don’t know. I want to be surprised.
MeatEater Steve Rinella
With your Podcast what are some new topics that you will be discussing in the future?
Steve Rinella: Your guess is probably as good as mine. But just today I was talking with Janis Putelis, my co-host, about three potential guests in Colorado: a fur trapper, a gunsmith, and a maker of long bows who doesn’t really like to kill animals. None of these guests has ever done an interview of any sort, but they are all fascinating guys. I can imagine some good conversations coming out of them. It’s my job to keep the conservation flowing and to maintain the right balance of funny and sincere.
What are some tips that you can give to hunters who come in contact with anti hunter groups?
Steven Rinella
Steve Rinella: Don’t rely on cliches and platitudes, and don’t cite justifications that you don’t fully understand. For instance, avoid the standard refrains about how deer will become overpopulated if you don’t hunt. That’s probably not the true reason why you hunt, and it’s not an argument that’s proven to be very persuasive to most folks. What does work, at least for me, is an explanation of my reverence for the animals that I hunt and my commitment to using the resource to its fullest potential. People are wired to dislike waste, and they don’t want to think of animals going to waste.
Use your game meat wisely, and then explain your methods to people who don’t understand what you do.
Will you be making any more public appearances? Also what Subjects will you be discussing?
Steve Rinella: I do a few public appearances every year, and I tend to focus on those areas where hunting collides with food.
How do you deal with the day to day problems of anti-hunter groups and individuals?
Steve Rinella: I really don’t have day-to-day problems with anti-hunters. They don’t make me nervous and I don’t dread running into them. My approach is to be honest and to take the time to explain myself whenever I get the opportunity. It’s fun for me.
What are some tips you can give to avid hunters? Hunters just starting?
Steve Rinella: Don’t be a quitter. Stick it out, no matter how boring or uncomfortable or hopeless it seems. Good things will happen.
Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game, by Steve Rinella
