Ep 14. Up at the Cabin: Prince of Wales Island Black Bear with Paul Neess

In MeatEater season 5 episode 14, titled "Up at the Cabin: Prince of Wales Island Black Bear with Paul Neess," host Steven Rinella heads up to a remote cabin on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska to hunt for black bears with his friend Paul Neess.

As Rinella and Neess make their way to the cabin, Rinella explains that this area is known for its large black bear population. They arrive at the cabin and begin their hunt, searching for signs of bear activity. Rinella explains that black bears are omnivores and eat a variety of foods including berries, fish, and small mammals.

After setting up their camp, Rinella and Neess head out to the nearby stream to look for signs of bear activity. They spot some tracks and set up a tree stand nearby to wait for a bear to come by. As they wait, Rinella shares his knowledge of bear behavior and the importance of being keeping a safe distance from the animals.

As night falls, Rinella and Neess head back to the cabin. The next day, they head out to search for bears again. They spot a large sow with a cub, but Rinella decides not to take the shot as it is illegal to hunt sows with cubs. They continue their search and eventually spot a large black bear on a nearby ridge. Rinella takes the shot and the bear goes down.

After tagging and field dressing the bear, Rinella and Neess pack up and make their way back to civilization. Rinella reflects on the importance of sustainable hunting practices and the role that hunting plays in conservation efforts.

Overall, "Up at the Cabin: Prince of Wales Island Black Bear with Paul Neess" is a thrilling and educational episode of MeatEater, showcasing the challenges and rewards of hunting in a remote and rugged environment.