Ep 2. The Fair Chase: Arizona Mountain Lion

In the second episode of season two of MeatEater, host Steven Rinella travels to Arizona in search of a mountain lion. Rinella is a proponent of ethical and fair hunting practices, and he is determined to hunt the mountain lion in a way that respects the animal and its natural habitat.

Throughout the episode, Rinella explains the importance of the fair chase when it comes to hunting. The fair chase is the idea that hunting should be done in a way that gives the animal a fighting chance, and that the hunter should be skilled enough to successfully capture the animal. Rinella takes this principle seriously, and he is determined to hunt the mountain lion in a way that honors the fair chase.

Rinella is aided on his hunt by a group of local hunters and guides, who are intimately familiar with the terrain and the habits of the mountain lion. They start their hunt early in the morning, before sunrise, and spend the day tracking the mountain lion through the rugged desert landscape. Along the way, they encounter a variety of other wildlife, including javelina and mule deer.

As they track the mountain lion, Rinella explains the complex relationship between hunters and predators like the mountain lion. He argues that predators like the mountain lion play an important role in the ecosystem, keeping populations of prey animals in check. At the same time, he acknowledges that hunting predators like the mountain lion can be controversial, and he is careful to explain the ethical considerations involved in such a hunt.

As the day wears on, Rinella and his team continue to track the mountain lion. They follow its movements through rocky outcroppings and along dry creek beds, using binoculars and tracking dogs to keep tabs on the elusive animal. Along the way, they also discuss the history of hunting in Arizona and the importance of preserving wild spaces for future generations.

Finally, as the day draws to a close, Rinella and his team locate the mountain lion. They prepare for the hunt, checking their equipment and making sure that they are positioned in the right spot. Rinella takes a shot at the mountain lion, but the animal is able to escape. Rinella is disappointed, but he acknowledges that the fair chase sometimes involves near-misses and failed attempts.

Overall, the second episode of season two of MeatEater offers a fascinating look at ethical hunting practices and the complex relationship between hunters and predators in the wild. Rinella's commitment to the fair chase is admirable, and his willingness to grapple with the ethical considerations of hunting is refreshing. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in hunting, wildlife conservation, or the natural world more generally.