MeatEater Season 2 Episode 9 True North: Alaska North Slope Caribou

In season 2 episode 9 of MeatEater, titled True North: Alaska North Slope Caribou, host Steven Rinella travels to the remote tundra of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska in search of caribou.

Rinella is joined by Kevin Sloan, a local hunting guide and North Slope resident who has hunted caribou for over 30 years. The two men begin their adventure by taking a small plane to a remote area of the refuge, where they set up camp and begin scouting for caribou.

As they search for caribou, Rinella and Sloan encounter other wildlife, including musk ox and grizzly bears. Rinella also takes the opportunity to discuss the history and culture of the indigenous peoples who have lived in the area for thousands of years and who have relied on caribou for food and clothing.

After several days of searching, Rinella and Sloan finally spot a herd of caribou and begin their stalk. The terrain is challenging, with large boulders and tussocks of grass making it difficult to move quietly. Rinella and Sloan must also contend with biting flies and the ever-present threat of grizzly bears.

Despite the challenges, Rinella and Sloan are successful in their hunt, each taking a caribou. They then teach the viewers how to properly field dress and butcher the animal, emphasizing the importance of respecting the animal and using as much of it as possible.

Throughout the episode, Rinella also discusses the controversy surrounding hunting in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has been the subject of a heated political debate for years, with some arguing that it should be opened up for oil and gas drilling while others advocate for its protection as a wilderness area.

Rinella argues that hunting can be a sustainable and ethical way to manage wildlife populations, and notes that the money generated by hunting permits can be an important source of funding for conservation efforts. He expresses concern that if the refuge is opened up for drilling, it could irreparably damage the delicate ecosystem and threaten the caribou and other wildlife that call it home.

Overall, True North: Alaska North Slope Caribou is an exciting and thought-provoking episode of MeatEater that highlights the challenges and rewards of hunting in one of the most remote and beautiful areas of North America.