It’s fall, and that means it’s time for Deer Stories. This year’s collection has it all: giant bucks, exploding pork and beans, yellowjackets, close calls, and a deer-hunting accident that nearly cost a man his life.

We hear from hunters across Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, including the story of Teddy Villines and a Boone & Crockett class typical buck whose rack was given up in the name of friendship. William McKinley tells the story of an unforgettable archery hunt that goes spectacularly wrong. Clay Chapman recounts the terrifying boating accident that nearly ended his life, and the buck that brought him back to the woods a year later. Lane Weaver shares how a deer nearly killed him—and ultimately taught him a lesson that may have saved his life years later. Cody Villines delivers one of the funniest deer-camp stories you'll ever hear, involving a can of pork and beans and a nest of yellowjackets. And Jason Caylor closes things out with a 166-inch anniversary buck taken under some decidedly unconventional circumstances.

These aren't just stories about deer hunting, but more than that, they're stories about friendship, family, perseverance, and the incredible privilege of experiencing another fall in the woods.

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As promised, our self titled “Arkansas Flatlander”, Brent Reaves, is taking us back to the mountains. Here comes the second half of his bear hunting trip with his good friend John Pantuso. Experience the highs and lows of archery hunting in this week’s recounting of their grand adventure together. It’s time for MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast.

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It's Whitetail Week at MeatEater! Host Clay Newcomb is joined by hunting icon of his youth, Aaron Stanphill. They talk about growing up hunting whitetails in Arkansas before trail cameras, feeders, and the technology that has transformed deer hunting. Aaron and Clay reminisce about learning to read the woods, studying deer sign, hunting public land, and figuring things out through trial and error. Aaron shares the story of finally killing his first Pope & Young-class Arkansas buck after 30 years of hunting, along with some of the legendary characters and lessons that shaped him as a deer hunter, with no shortage of additional entertaining stories to boot.

The conversation turns back to the Bear Grease Con Man series on Asa Carter, exploring the contradictions of a man who could write with extraordinary empathy while also becoming one of the most notorious voices of segregation in the American South. The crew shares their opinions on questions like: What does it mean when a person changes? Can a man's later life tell us anything about who he really was?

And don't forget to check out the Ultimate Whitetail Giveaway. Go to the Meateater store and sign up to win a pile of amazing gear along with a hunt with Mark Kenyon and Jordan Budd.

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Along the brackish waters of the southern gulf coast resides a unique species called diamond back terrapin, aka, the keepers of the salt marsh. In this episode we paddle along with field biologists to get our hands on one of these animals, as well as learn about what obstacles they face, and what that means for this essential coastal habitat.

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Fall hunting season is here for most of us, and Brent’s sharing a listener story and one from his Arkansas Bear Camp. It's that time of year when hunters are chasing critters, and Brent’s in the mix with some of his closest friends. It’s time for MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast.

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In part two of the revisit of our Conman series on the double life of Asa Forrest Carter, Clay Newcomb dives into the gritty details of the violence, hate, and conspiracy philosophies of the first 45 years of his life and how, in the last decade of his life, he transformed into an unrecognizable, “Cherokee Indian” author who wanted to be America’s next Hemmingway – and almost did it. Once again, author of Unmasking the Klansman, Dr. Dan T Carter and Steve Rinella of MeatEater lead the way as his guests. Brace yourself because this winding trail will be treacherous as they talk about the beating of jazz singer Nat King Cole, read from the Unabomber’s Manifesto, and begin to understand how Asa Carter did what he did. We’re going neck deep into the mind of a Conman. We really doubt you’re gonna wanna miss this one…

Audio excerpts courtesy of “The Reconstruction of Asa Carter”

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It’s the annual World Championship Squirrel Cook Off in Bentonville, Arkansas. Brent’s sitting down with Kevin Murphy, Josh Spielmaker, Lake Pickle, Dave Gardner, and Joe Wilson for a round table discussion of the event and what everyone’s been up too. Fix a plate and get comfortable. It’s time for MeatEater’s “This Country Life” podcast.

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With Clay and Bear away, Josh "Landbridge" Spielmaker leads the discussion with a room full of bear hunters. He is joined by River Newcomb, Matt Gagnon of Time Honored Media, and Joe Liles, retired US Forest Service law enforcement officer and his wife Crystal. Josh, River, and Joe recall the stories of the weeks bear harvest in Arkansas with three successful hunts. With bear hunting, nothing is ever just straightforward, so tune in to hear all the twists and turns and unexpected circumstances that keep us returning to the woods year after year.

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Along the Atlantic and gulf coast resides the only brackish water terrapin in the United States. This white beaked, diamond backed, crab and snail eating turtle has more to offer than just unique looks. It has a fascinating history in our country, and has earned itself the nickname, keeper of the salt marsh. Come along as we tag along with a field biologist to see if can get our hands on one.

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You only get so many firsts in your life and to witness a good one with your kids—well, that's something really special. Brent's sharing a listener story about a first fish, and one of his own that happened with his youngest daughter Bailee. He's also sharing exciting family news and details about how we can help a great kid oriented non-profit. There's news about the World Championship Squirrel Cook Off as well. It's time for MeatEater's "This Country Life" podcast.

www.themayflyproject.com

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Some stories are just too good to only hear once, so we are going back to listen again to Clay Newcomb as he ask talks with New York Times best selling author Steve Rinella and Dr. Dan T. Carter, professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina about black-listed book “The Education of Little Tree.” The book, an alleged semi-autobiographical story about a Cherokee boy growing up in southern Appalachia, was written by Forest Carter, which was the false identity of famed white supremacist, Ku Klux Klan chapter founder and speech writer for Governor George Wallace, Dan Carter. In part 1, Clay reflects on the honest, insightful, and empathetic context of the book and explores the nuance and dissonance of what to do with with art in light of an artist’s beliefs.

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