Forward Facing Sonar / Fair Chase - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:051)


This episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast was recorded at the 2025 Backcountry Hunters & Anglers North Country Ice Breaker. The event provided an opportunity to capture insights from three experienced outdoorsmen on the topic of fair chase. Specifically, we focused on forward facing sonar technology and how it is changing the fishing experience (and potentially catch rates). Publications like Outdoor News have been reporting on this topic for years. Some state agencies have started to address the topic directly, but many are holding tight and waiting to see where things go. Let us know if you have thoughts on how this technology can be best used, and what restrictions (if any) should be put on it.

 

 

Guests on today's podcast include:

Mike Hehner from Linder Media Productions

Greg Kvale - Board Member of Minnesota Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

David Lien is a co-founder of the Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers


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New Grouse Hunters Share Experience - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:050)


In this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast Mark talks with Tekoa Cochran, Hassanen Mohamed and Chance York about their first grouse hunt. All three are new hunters and they share their experience in being part of a mentored hunting camp in northern Minnesota. The organizations of Modern Carnivore, Minority Outdoor Alliance, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Minnesota Land Trust and Camp Olson YMCA came together to put on a comprehensive "learn to hunt camp". This included online education as pre-work as well as firearms safety certification and 1:1 partnerships with a mentor for each new hunter. Explore your own self-paced online hunting class at Hunting Camp Live by Modern Carnivore.

 

 

Fartun prepares to enter the woods on her first ruffed grouse hunt with her mentor.

Hassanen Mohamed takes a break from range practice during the mentored grouse hunt.



New hunters and mentors at the 2023 mentored grouse hunting camp in northern Minnesota.





Chance York takes aim at a clay target with his mentor. (Photo by David Schwartz)





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Darkhouse Spearing with Author Jay Leitch - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:049)


In this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast Mark visits Jay Leitch at his home in northwest Minnesota. Jay is the author of the only book written on darkhouse spearing through the ice. It's title "Darkhouse Spearing Across North America" and was last printed in 2001. Jay is the former Dean of the College of Business at North Dakota State University (NDSU). He has a Masters in Natural Resource Management and a PhD in Economics. Jay is a Vietnam War veteran and a passionate darkhouse spearing advocate. Enjoy the conversation on this episode of the podcast!

 

 

Jay Leitch with northern pike he speared from a darkhouse.



The book Darkhouse Spearing Across North America was written by Jay Leitch


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https://modcarn.com/darkhouse-spearing-minnesota-mcp036/

https://modcarn.com/darkhouse-spearing-beginners/

Chronic Wasting Disease - New Diagnostics from Priogen - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:047)


In this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast Mark talks with Dr. Peter Larsen and Marc Schwabenlander from the startup diagnostics company Priogen. The company is on the cutting edge of diagnostics and testing for prions. Prions are the misshapen proteins that are the foundation of what's called Chronic Wasting Disease. This disease affects many deer each year and it's 100% lethal to the deer that gets it. For these reasons and more, the work being done by this organization is very important to the future of hunting.

 

 





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Cecka and Lachelle's First Turkey Hunt - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:047)


This episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast is brought to you by Drift West. In today's episode Mark heads to McCall Idaho with two friends who are new hunters. Cecka Parks is the founder of Minneapolis Meat Collective and Lachelle Cunningham is a chef and entrepreneur who wears many hats.

They were invited by Ed Anderson to the No Business Lodge in McCall Idaho for a turkey hunt.

After the hunt they discussed the experience and how Cecka and Lachelle see hunting in a new light.

Get your FREE tickets to see Lachelle and Cecka at the Backcountry In Your Backyard event on September 9th, 2023. Click on this link: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/backyardmn





Cecka and Lachelle relaxing after turkey hunt at the No Business Lodge





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Pheasant Fest - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:046)


This episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, was done jointly with Rob Drieslein who is the Publisher of Outdoor News. Rob and Mark sit down with Land Tawney who is the President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers as well as Katie McKalip who is the VP of Communications for the same organization. They caught up at Pheasant Fest 2023 which is an annual gathering put on by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. The conversation is about conservation and the current state of issues in our country. Topics include the Recovering America's Wildlife Act ("RAWA"), a public lands Corner Crossing case in Wyoming and the importance of grasslands and the critters (some of them big) that depend on it. If you're wondering why we have pictures of bison promoting this podcast you'll need to listen through to the end of the episode to hear why it's in here.

 

American Bison, Buffalo, Yellowstone National Park
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Rue Mapp of Outdoor Afro - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:045)


In this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, Mark is joined by Rue Mapp who is the founder of Outdoor Afro. Rue has a forthcoming book titled Nature Swagger. You can find it on Amazon, or anywhere that books are sold. The Outdoor Afro mission states that they "...celebrate(s) and inspire(s) Black connections and leadership in nature".

Since she was a young girl Rue has loved being in the outdoors. Her father had a ranch north of Oakland, CA where he would hunt, fish and invite others to stay with the family and celebrate life. She continues her own outdoor adventures as an adult with a spirit of hospitality that she learned from her father. Life also has her venturing down new paths and recently she began hunting with outings alongside Holly Heyser from the Center for Humans and Nature as well as our friend Janis Putelis from Meateater.

Since the recording of this episode she has also collaborated with tennis star Venus Williams and announced a new clothing line in partnership with REI. So, to say that Rue is busy these days is an understatement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, and we're sure you'll see a lot more of Rue Mapp in the coming years.

Rue Mapp, Founder of Outdoor Afro








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Game Fair 2022 - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:044)


In this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, Mark Norquist is joined by Rob Drieslein at Game Fair 2022. If you're not familiar with this annual hunting-centric festival you should check it out. Rob and Mark talk local Minnesota politics, conservation, hunting and more. They're joined on stage at different times by Mark Holston and Aaron Hebeisen. Holston is the former Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources in Minnesota and now the Executive Director of MN-FISH, and Hebeisen is the regional chapter coordinator for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.







Check out last years Game Fair Podcast!
https://modcarn.com/game-fair-mcp030/

Self-Reliance - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:043)




In this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, Mark sits down with author Clint Emerson. Clint is the author of a book titled The Rugged Life. It's also referred to as "the modern guide to self-reliance". We often talk about the different reasons that people are drawn to an outdoor lifestyle, and today's conversation with Clint is all about self-reliance. Clint is a retired Navy Seal. He's been in tight spots where you can only rely upon yourself and what you have near you. In this book he focuses on building skills that are part of being a farmer, a builder, a butcher, a handyman, a hunter and more.
You may have interests in homesteading or just being a bit more self-reliant in your daily routine. If that's the case you'll find Mark's conversation with Clint interesting.

If you'd like to order Clint's book The Rugged Life just go to Amazon.com or anywhere books are sold today.







Check out more Modern Carnivore Podcast!
https://modcarn.com/love-of-rough-fish-mcp-ep42/

https://modcarn.com/the-sober-hunter-mcp038/

 
Also, check out the Outdoor Feast Podcast
https://modcarn.com/rick-marriner-outdoor-feast-podcast-ep028/

https://modcarn.com/aaron-kindle-ofp027/

For the Love of Rough Fish - Modern Carnivore Podcast - (EP:042)




In this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, Mark talks with Tyler Winter (@buffalo_catcher). Tyler advocates for a more equal footing of rough fish in the system of naming and rules by state agencies. More goes into the designation of "sport fish" than one would think. There is history, cultural bias and more that may have influenced how some fish species get their designation. It's an informative conversation with a guy who's passionate about these fish and ensuring they get the proper respect and management they deserve. Enjoy!







Check out more Modern Carnivore Podcast!
https://modcarn.com/foraging-food-mcp041/

https://modcarn.com/hunting-still-relevant-mcp040/
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Foraging for Food - Modern Carnivore Podcast (EP:041)




On this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, Mark talks with Orion from Forage Colorado.  Not only does Orion Aon have one of the most unique (and cool) names, but he has a peculiar obsession with all things foraging. Orion created Forage Colorado as an outlet to talk about his love of mushrooms, wild greens, berries and more. It's now become a blog, classes and forays into wild spaces for food. Listen in to Mark's conversation with Orion and then check out his blog post - How To Forage (An Introduction to Foraging).







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https://modcarn.com/hunting-still-relevant-mcp040/

 
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https://modcarn.com/owls-of-the-eastern-ice-with-jonathan-slaght-ofp-ep017/

 

Is Hunting Still Relevant? - Hal Herring and Tony Jones - Modern Carnivore Podcast (EP:040)




On this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, Mark is joined by Hal Herring and Tony Jones.  They are all gathered the Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference.  We have been waiting a long time for this conversation with two of the more interesting people in the hunting world.  Hal Herring is an outdoor writer and the host of the BHA Podcast and Blast.  Tony Jones is the host of the Reverend Hunter Podcast.  During this chat, Mark poses the question, "Is hunting still relevant in 2022?".  These three gentlemen do their best to answer this question, with some fun twists and turns along the way.  Make sure to listen in!

 
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https://modcarn.com/darkhouse-spearing-minnesota-mcp036/

 

Ed Arnett - All About Conservation - Modern Carnivore Podcast (EP:039)




On this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, Mark is joined by Ed Arnett.  He is an avid hunter and angler based out of Colorado.  He has been working in wildlife management for several decades.  Previously, he was the chief scientist for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.  Recently, he has had a change in profession.

His current position is the CEO of the The Wildlife Society.  This organization's mission is to inspire, empower, and enable wildlife professionals to sustain wildlife population and habitat, through science-based management and conservation.  Wildlife professionals are people who work to ensure that the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation works.  If you are not familiar with this model make sure to check it out here.  Listen in to learn about Ed's life and the powers of conservation!

 
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The Sober Hunter - Modern Carnivore Podcast (EP:038)



Jonathan Norman is The Sober Hunter.
Jon lives in the state of Washington and at a young age he learned that he was adopted from biological parents who had problems with substance abuse. Fast forward in his life to 22 years old and taking his first drink. This started him down the path to nearly a decade of booze, blackouts and drunken fights.
One night he drank too much, got belligerent and picked a fight with a family member in front of his young son. The next morning he knew something needed to change or he'd lose everything that mattered to him.
This started him down a path of learning to hunt and a life lived outdoors has been his focus ever since. He enjoys sharing this love of wild spaces, wild food and good living with anyone who will listen. But, he especially loves sharing this new life with his family.
Listen to Mark's conversation with Jon about this journey to becoming "the sober hunter" and then check out @The_Sober_Hunter on Instagram which is how he stays honest with the world.


Jon Norman, on a typical night in his old life.



Jon Norman, now sober and on his hunting journey.


 
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https://modcarn.com/non-lead-mcp035/

 

Minority Outdoor Alliance - Modern Carnivore Podcast (EP:037)




This episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast was recorded at Pheasant Fest 2022 with Durrell Smith and Kris Rockwell of the Minority Outdoor Alliance (MOA) and Colby Kerber from Pheasants Forever / Quail Forever.  Durrell and his wife Ashley created MOA following the killing of George Floyd in 2020 as a way to help those who are under-represented in the outdoors. The goal is to get more people outdoors and experience the wonderful ways these experiences can add richness to life.

Keep your eyes peeled in the coming months as Modern Carnivore and Pheasants Forever / Quail Forever will be doing more with Durrell and MOA. These projects will help get more people from all backgrounds into the outdoors.

In October of 2021 Durrell and Ashley Smith (co-founders of the Minority Outdoor Alliance) presented Jared Ungar with the first-ever Corey Rockwell Bird Dog, Literacy, & Conservation Development Award on behalf of MOA and the S. Kent Rockwell Foundation.



Durrell and Ashley Smith present Jared Ungar with the very first Corey Rockwell Bird Dog, Literary, & Conservation Development Award

Other Modern Carnivore Podcast episodes:
https://modcarn.com/new-hunter-stories-mcp-ep020/

https://modcarn.com/ryan-busse-gunfight-mcp-ep032/

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Darkhouse Spearing in Minnesota - Modern Carnivore Podcast (EP:036)




This episode of the Modern Carnivore podcast takes place after a very fun, yet very cold darkhouse spearing trip.  A large cast joins Mark on this episode.  Firstly, we have Katie Burgert.  Katie is the host of the Fish Untamed Podcast and a first timer to spearing.  Next, is Alex Gorman.  Alex is the president of the University of Minnesota Club Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.  Thirdly, we have John Kaczorek.  John is a writer for Modern Carnivore and has many good articles on our Hardwater Hunters Series.  Make sure to check those out below.  Lastly, we have Dave Gunther.  Dave is a retired educator and he has a passion for darkhouse spearing.

 

The group gathered around a darkhouse.

This trip came about when Katie reached out to Mark about giving this awesome activity a try.  Mark, of course, said yes and so this small group headed up to North Central Minnesota.  During this trip they braved the freezing cold and gusty winds but were rewarded with some fish. Listen in to this great episode that is filled with laughs and even some fish.

 
More Hardwater Hunters Series from Modern Carnivore
https://modcarn.com/darkhouse-spearing-beginners/

https://modcarn.com/all-things-northern-pike/

https://modcarn.com/smoked-whitefish/

North American Non-Lead Partnership - Modern Carnivore Podcast (EP:035)




On this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, Mark talks with three representatives from the North American Non-Lead Partnership. This partnership is a formation of more than 40 entities across the country.  They're a hunter-focused organization that is working to preserve the North American wildlife and hunting heritage.  They educate hunters about lead vs. non-lead ammunition in firearms.  The three gentlemen talking with Mark during this podcast are Leland Brown, Chris Parish, and Andrew Clare. They each spend a good deal of time growing the partnership, but all three still have typical day jobs.  First off, Leland works for the Oregon Zoo.  Secondly, Chris is from the Peregrine Fund.  Lastly, Andrew works for the Great Basin Institute.

The North American Non-lead Partnership takes a voluntary approach in switching to non-toxic ammunition.  Through raising awareness and educating hunters, they are trying to increase the usage of non-toxic ammunition.  These gentlemen are also hunters and it gives them pride to help lead others on this journey with non-toxic ammunition.
You can also check out this previous article written by Andrew Clare from the North American Non-lead Partnership
https://modcarn.com/using-non-lead-ammunition/

 
And check out these other recent podcast episodes...
https://modcarn.com/ryan-busse-gunfight-mcp-ep032/

https://modcarn.com/jeb-taylor-knives-mcp034/

Jeb Taylor Knives - Modern Carnivore Podcast (EP:034)




A knife is the one universal tool that you need in the field and woods, or on the water. Whether you're hunting, fishing or foraging the knife in an indispensable tool.

Jeb Taylor has been in love with knives his entire life. He fondly remembers his first knife as a kid which was Swiss Army style that his parents gave him. As a young man in the U.S. Army he was stationed in the Philippines and became fascinated with blacksmiths there who would make bolo knives in the jungle. This started his interest in making his own knives. Fast-forward just a few years later and he operates his own knife company - Jeb Taylor Knives. He's also the founder and President of the Midwest Knife Maker's Guild. which was established in 2019 to create community and provide education, networking for knifemakers and enthusiasts in the midwest area of the country.

We're also giving away one of Jeb Taylor's custom made knives. Click here to register to win this knife (registration closes soon).

Jeb Taylor and his family.

Other recent podcasts by Modern Carnivore:

https://modcarn.com/ryan-busse-gunfight-mcp-ep032/

https://modcarn.com/kristen-schmitt-ofp026/

https://modcarn.com/artemis-outdoors-mcp033/

Artemis Outdoors - Modern Carnivore Podcast (EP:033)


On this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast, we throw it back to a conversation from a couple years ago. Mark sits down with Jessi Johnson and Chelsea Cassens. Jessi Johnson is the founder of Artemis Outdoors.  This organization, as Jessi describes it during the podcast, was "born of the need to see women's voices more actively represented in conservation with a hunting and fishing angle".  The key topics this group tries to focus on are ethics, philosophy, women, and mentoring new hunters.

Chelsea Cassens was the first ambassador for Artemis Outdoors.  Chelsea grew up in a small town in Oregon where she learned all about the outdoors.  She currently lives in Idaho where the outdoor opportunities are numerous. Jessi grew up in a ranching family in Wyoming where she learned about the land and all it has to offer.  Like Chelsea, she also lives out West where she loves to spend time in the outdoors. They are two women from different backgrounds, grew up to love the outdoors so much that they want to share it with anyone willing to listen. Listen in for fun hunting stories, many laughs, and to learn more about this organization.

Also check out the Outdoor Feast Podcast with Todd Waldron!
https://modcarn.com/mariah-gladstone-indigikitchen-ofp-ep019/

https://modcarn.com/a-conversation-with-nicole-qualtieri-outdoor-feast-podcast-ep006/

Ryan Busse - Author of Gunfight


In this episode of the Modern Carnivore Podcast Mark sits down with Ryan Busse. Ryan is the author of the forthcoming book Gunfight - My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America*. Ryan Busse is a former sales and marketing executive at one of the most respected firearms manufacturers in the country. In this memoir he shares his perspectives and personal stories about how the gun industry has changed over the years.

While Modern Carnivore has usually steered clear of controversial discussions, we felt that this was an important story to share. Ryan Busse has a unique perspective, as a kid who grew up on a ranch in rural America and then went on to be one of the leaders in the firearms industry. Listen in and then join us in a thoughtful conversation about the often-avoided topic of firearms and the role it plays in hunting, and our broader society.

Ryan Busse, Montana Author. Photographed by Mandy Mohler of Field Guide Designs.

Like this episode with Ryan Busse? Check out previous Modern Carnivore Podcast episodes!
https://modcarn.com/mcp031/
Also be sure to check out the latest Outdoor Feast Podcast episode!
https://modcarn.com/land-connection-ofp-ep025/

* Modern Carnivore is part of the Amazon Affiliate program and may receive compensation for purchases made after clicking on links from this site. This does not impact the price you pay for items, but is purely a way for us to earn income from partners like Amazon.