MeatEater's Back 40 Season 1 Episode 1 Steven Rinella and Mark Kenyon Check Out MeatEater's New Hunting Property

Steven Rinella and Mark Kenyon are on the hunt for a new property to add to their MeatEater arsenal. They've set their sights on a 64-acre parcel of land in Michigan, and they've got their work cut out for them. This episode chronicles their journey to transform this overgrown thicket into a prime hunting spot.

The episode begins with Steven and Mark surveying the dense thicket of brush, brambles, and scrub trees that cover the property. Even though the land is relatively small, it's important to approach it with a big-picture mindset. The team discusses how to shape the property into a diverse and productive habitat that will support a variety of game animals, from whitetail deer to small game like rabbits and squirrels.

To do this, Steven and Mark call in a team of experts, including a wildlife biologist and a forestry consultant. These experts help them prioritize their goals and craft a long-term plan for the property.

One of the primary challenges they face is the overgrowth of invasive species like buckthorn and honeysuckle, which choke out native plants and provide little benefit to wildlife. It's important to remove these invasive shrubs and trees before replanting with native species that can better support game animals.

Steven and Mark also discuss the importance of water sources and how to create and maintain them on the property. The team creates a small pond to attract waterfowl, and they install a system of pipes to ensure that the pond is constantly refreshed with fresh water.

In addition to creating a diverse and productive habitat, Steven and Mark also discuss the importance of ethical hunting practices. They demonstrate how to properly sight in a rifle and discuss the importance of making quick, ethical kills. They also show how to properly field dress a deer and discuss the importance of using all parts of the animal.

Overall, this episode of MeatEater's Back 40 is a fascinating deep-dive into the world of habitat management and ethical hunting practices. It's clear that Steven and Mark have a deep respect for the land and the animals they hunt, and it's inspiring to see them work to create a habitat that will support generations of wildlife and hunters to come.