DiscoverBear GreaseEp. 352: Render - Calling All Chefs for the Squirrel Cook Off
Ep. 352: Render - Calling All Chefs for the Squirrel Cook Off

Ep. 352: Render - Calling All Chefs for the Squirrel Cook Off

Update: 2025-08-06
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This podcast episode blends hunting adventures, cooking competitions, and personal experiences. Joe Wilson recounts his Alaskan moose-roasting escapade, highlighting the challenges of using makeshift equipment and the unexpected size of the roadkill moose. A significant portion focuses on the World Championship Squirrel Cookoff, detailing its unique dishes, judging criteria, and community aspect. The episode also includes updates on mule training, specifically the challenges of training a mule named Slow Trap. A personal revelation about fly fishing is shared, along with discussions about movies like "The Man from Snowy River" and "Lonesome Dove," and a horse-kicking incident. The podcast concludes with promotion of the squirrel cook-off and a related podcast, "Cooking Up a Story." The overall tone is conversational and humorous, blending practical advice with personal anecdotes.

Outlines

00:00:00
Introduction to Back 40 and Bear Grease Render

Introduces the Back 40 podcast focusing on hunting and land management, followed by an introduction to The Bear Grease Render, a behind-the-scenes look at the Bear Grease podcast.

00:01:52
Joe Wilson's Alaskan Moose Roast

Joe Wilson recounts his Alaskan trip, detailing the unexpected acquisition of a roadkill moose and the subsequent challenges and triumphs of spit-roasting it using a makeshift setup with friends.

00:22:08
The World Championship Squirrel Cookoff

Joe Wilson discusses the World Championship Squirrel Cookoff, its origins, unique dishes, judging criteria, and its role in promoting wild game appreciation and community. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing wild game in creative and delicious ways.

01:03:33
Squirrel Cook-Off Details & Contact

The episode begins by discussing the World Champion Squirrel Cookoff, explaining that communication is primarily through Facebook Messenger and there's no official website. Past events, like a children's raw oyster-eating contest, are mentioned.

01:04:47
Mule Training Update

A detailed account of mule training is given, focusing on the progress of a mule named Slow Trap. The challenges of mule riding, particularly the initial trot, are described, along with the mule's reaction and the trainer's experience. The name "Slow Trap" is explained through its historical context.

01:09:50
Fly Fishing Revelation

One speaker recounts their initial disdain for fly fishing, comparing it to chopsticks versus forks. However, a recent experience changed their perspective, leading to a newfound appreciation and the purchase of fly fishing equipment.

01:12:09
Movie Discussions & Horse Kick Recovery

The conversation shifts to movies, specifically "The Man from Snowy River" and "Lonesome Dove." A recent horse-kicking incident is discussed, detailing the injury and recovery process.

01:15:10
Cook-Off Promotion & Podcast Plug

The episode concludes with a promotion of the squirrel cook-off, providing date, location, and time details. A plug for a related podcast, "Cooking Up a Story," is also included.

Keywords

Wild Game Cooking


Techniques and recipes for preparing and cooking game meats like venison, moose, squirrel, and bear.

World Championship Squirrel Cookoff


An annual event in Springdale, Arkansas, featuring creative squirrel dishes and promoting wild game appreciation.

Roadkill Cuisine


Ethically utilizing roadkill animals for food, emphasizing resourcefulness and sustainability.

Hunting Community


A network of hunters sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences.

Sustainable Hunting


Hunting practices prioritizing conservation and responsible resource management.

Mule Training


The process of training mules for riding and working.

Fly Fishing


A method of fishing using artificial flies as lures.

Back 40 Podcast


A podcast focusing on whitetail hunting and land management.

Alaskan Moose Roast


A firsthand account of preparing and cooking a roadkill moose in Alaska.

Q&A

  • What were the biggest challenges in cooking the moose in Alaska?

    Securing a cooking apparatus, transporting the moose, and its unexpected small size.

  • What makes the World Championship Squirrel Cookoff unique?

    Creative dishes, focus on wild game, strong community aspect, and free food distribution.

  • What is the primary method of communication for the World Champion Squirrel Cookoff?

    Facebook Messenger.

  • What were the challenges encountered during the mule training process?

    The initial trot proved challenging, requiring balance and control.

  • How did the speaker's perspective on fly fishing change?

    A successful trip led to a newfound appreciation and purchase of fly fishing gear.

  • What happened during the horse-kicking incident?

    The speaker was kicked by a horse, resulting in significant bruising and swelling.

Show Notes

On this episode of the Bear grease render, Joe Wilson joins host Clay Newcomb along with Bear Newcomb, and Josh “Landbridge” Spielmaker as he shares about his adventure cooking a whole moose in Alaska, and preparations for the annual World Champion Squirrel Cook Off which will be held at the Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale, Arkansas on September 13, 2025. If you’d like to participate as a cooking team, you can reach out to Joe Wilson on the World Champion Squirrel Cook Off Facebook page.

If you have comments on the show, send us a note to beargrease@themeateater.com

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Ep. 352: Render - Calling All Chefs for the Squirrel Cook Off

Ep. 352: Render - Calling All Chefs for the Squirrel Cook Off

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