Steven Rinella Scotland
- Thread starter Kjm041
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dave1372
Well-Known Member
Do you have a link for the podcast, would be interesting to listen to
Kjm041
Well-Known Member
Yeah I’d be interested in a link too. Not surprised. It’s very different than what he is used to. Hunting culture is rooted to the Everyman in the USA which is very different to tradition / upper class background it has here. The inaccessibility of that experience to many I’m sure would put him off.
The MeatEater Podcast | MeatEater Podcasts
Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella brings a deep and relevant look at all outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation and wild foods. Filled with humor, irreverence and things that will...
I listen to the Meateater podcast regularly, as well as the other podcasts from the same platform, and Scotland (along with Europe generally) do get a mention relatively often. Often the information is wrong and conforms to stereotypes regarding a "European Class System", and obviously the Americans on the podcast think that their own system is massively superior. My personal opinion is that the American system does have some advantages (primarily that wildlife conservation is state funded and that it's usually based on advice from professional biologists, rather than just a political football punted around by politicians who also pander to class stereotypes), but also some disadvantages. Whilst I enjoy the material that Steve Rinella puts out, I suspect that he travels with an ego that some Highland stalkers would find difficult to take.
One of the other podcasters on the Meateater platform is Remi Warren, who has also stalked in Scotland, loved the experience and can't wait to come back. Remi has hunted all over the world and is maybe slightly more open-minded.
I found it hilarious that he had to take the shooting test, and wasn't allowed to carry his rifle. I totally understand that will have been estate policy, but it's still pretty funny.
I imagine that he had substantially more experienced than the ghillie, and will have hunted in far, far harsher conditions. The remote parts of North America are orders of magnitude more remote, difficult and dangerous than Sutherland...
I would read his book 'American Buffalo' for an idea of what he can do - he really isn't just a mouth.
As for criticism of the system - if you're not used to it, it is pretty bizarre, and is objectively very exclusive. Yes, it isn't JUST aristocracy and the ultra wealthy, and yes, it is possible for 'normal' people to buy a day at the stags/hinds. But access is inarguably much more limited, and the gun has little or no freedom - he just does what he's told to. Coming into this from outside, it takes a while to get used to it.
I imagine that he had substantially more experienced than the ghillie, and will have hunted in far, far harsher conditions. The remote parts of North America are orders of magnitude more remote, difficult and dangerous than Sutherland...
I would read his book 'American Buffalo' for an idea of what he can do - he really isn't just a mouth.
As for criticism of the system - if you're not used to it, it is pretty bizarre, and is objectively very exclusive. Yes, it isn't JUST aristocracy and the ultra wealthy, and yes, it is possible for 'normal' people to buy a day at the stags/hinds. But access is inarguably much more limited, and the gun has little or no freedom - he just does what he's told to. Coming into this from outside, it takes a while to get used to it.
I've listened to all the Meateater podcasts and find it easy and hilarious listening " god bless America" best quote I took from his shows was when Rinella corrected one his guests who swore blind the yanks invented fly fishing
In fairness to Steven Rinella he is great at promoting our sport to the millions of viewers he has and I'd say he has converted a lot of anti bloodsports supporters to a more understanding point of view of what we are about. I always find his shows very entertaining as well as educational.
Kjm041
Well-Known Member
Definitely! I actually think the Scots (I am one) came off worse. Not the ghillie but the outdoors man guy seemed a really friendly chap. Was some good old Scottish passive aggressiveness
London Jaeger
Well-Known Member
Brilliant, I've also heard hates the British approach to hunting.
Do you recall what episode?
In the Hunting Collective Podcast 'Episode 83: Whiskey and Ethics', they get on to talking about the 'little suits' (as they call it) that British stalkers wear. I think they are referring to tweed and breeks, though they never refer to the names. Steve said he had to wear them once and hated the experience.
Hayduke
Well-Known Member
Not surprised. The last thing id want to wear in that weather, and when I have it ends up sodden and heavy.
Cootmeurer
Well-Known Member
I generally like Rinella but if you read his books and older material he does tend to be somewhat inflexible on certain things, even to the point of just being a straight dick about it.
If he has experienced something and made up his mind - he seems very unlikely to change.
I tend to be much more of a “when in Rome” sort. Each area/culture has a great deal in common but the differences can either be enjoyed -like new spices or a new food - or reviled because they “ain’t the way I do it”
If he has experienced something and made up his mind - he seems very unlikely to change.
I tend to be much more of a “when in Rome” sort. Each area/culture has a great deal in common but the differences can either be enjoyed -like new spices or a new food - or reviled because they “ain’t the way I do it”
Foxyboy43
Well-Known Member
Interesting views as always chaps. For what it is worth and cultural differences aside, Rinella has been a bit of an "eat what you shoot disciple" in the US and has been quite prepared to argue his position "toe to toe" with opponents to shooting and gun ownership. I just wish we had someone like him in the UK! Our (and shooting's) loss.
I enjoyed the film, but I am not sure I would want him as a guest maybe just me but he comes across as rather arrogant.
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