Harvest Your Own Podcast
79 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago -Harvest Your Own’s Podcast is about to become your go-to resource for all things related to your field-to-fork experience, by helping you with the harvesting, processing and cooking of your own ethically-sourced, wild Alberta protein. Join host Brad Fenson as he talks to a wide variety of people about their experiences and expertise. Take on new challenges and deepen your connection to the outdoors—learn to harvest your own!
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Episodes
Episode 27: Matt Besko, CWD in Alberta
January 27, 2022 22:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Matt Besko, Wildlife Disease and Licensing Specialist with Alberta Environment and Parks, has been involved in fish and wildlife management for over 30 years. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Matt not only shares his passion (obsession!) for it all, but also lays down CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) history, facts, and science. As concern grows about this endemic for hunters in Alberta, Matt is here to set the record straight. Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.inst...
Episode 26: Ralph Leriger, Being an Ambassador
December 06, 2021 21:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBSend us a Text Message. What exactly does it mean to be an ambassador of the outdoors? Why does it matter? Join host Brad Fenson and his good friend, avid hunter, and Mayor of Westlock—Ralph Leriger! From passing down skills to eating better than you ever imagined, Ralph talks about the proud hunting experiences that can shape our futures. In Ralph's words: "Always think positive...it doesn't cost any extra!" Find Brad at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradfenson/ Facebook: https...
Episode 25: Onoway's Women's League
November 10, 2021 15:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBSend us a Text Message. Not everyone grows up with the chance to connect with the outdoors—which is why guests Ingrid and Dona work hard to create new opportunities for women of all ages! From social connection to mentorship to asking ALL the questions (there are no "wrong" questions!), the Onoway Women’s League is a welcoming group. They encourage the sharing of knowledge across their shooting, hunting and fishing pursuits, and good food is always a staple too. Step by step, connection b...
Episode 24: iHunter and ABHuntLog
October 04, 2021 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.8 MBSend us a Text Message. iHunter is a must-have tool for any type of hunter in Alberta. The app has continued to develop more resources (maps, weather, waypoints and more) and technological advances for hunters and even outdoor lovers too, with its growing downloads speaking to its success over the last decade. And now, it has evolved to offer users a chance to do even more: helping biologists collect essential population data for wildlife species. We talk to two biologists from Alberta Co...
Episode 23: Benoit Boudreau, School of the Hunt
August 31, 2021 20:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBSend us a Text Message. Alberta is a hunter's paradise—especially for waterfowler hunters! Benoit knows. From being a newbie looking for birds with a million questions to now being an experienced hunter whose had the opportunity of time, patience and experimenting, he's been in almost every position of the journey (plus owns every single waterfowl book from Amazon). All of it is what led him to do what he does now - waterfowl hunting coaching and mentorship. It's about equipping people...
Episode 22: Timothy Fowler, Wild Game Charcuterie
August 10, 2021 14:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBSend us a Text Message. Curing and smoking: an art and a science! Welcome to the world of charcuterie. Timothy Fowler is an experienced wild game chef, with years of harvesting, preparing and tasting behind him. One of his specialities is bear, but he shares his knowledge about a variety of methods and flavours of wild game charcuterie. “The game we harvest pays the ultimate price, and as hunters, we owe it to the game and to the act of hunting to do the best we can.” So listen in, lear...
Episode 21: Mike Uchikura, All About Archery
July 01, 2021 01:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBSend us a Text Message. No bang. No recoil. No complex licensing. Archery and bowhunting can be very attractive to people who maybe got a taste of it school, or even who are thinking about getting their own wild protein on the table. Expert Mike Uchikura (he literally practices every day!) takes us through the equipment - from compound to recurve to longbow. Whether you're brand new to archery and just want to try out a new hobby, or are a bit more seasoned and have harvested an animal befo...
Episode 20: Bob Gruszecki, Let's Talk Hunter Ed
June 22, 2021 22:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Since the program began, Bob has been there! Alberta's Hunter Education Program started in 1964 - and since then it's majorly expanded, improved safety across the province, and seen over 2.5 million students graduate with essential knowledge. In North America, Alberta sets the standard when it comes to educating hunters. As Bob says when talking about the reason behind its success:"...it's the collaboration between the public who believe that wildlife and wild place...
Episode 19: Wendy Wismer, Wild Game Is Good For You
May 19, 2021 23:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Most of us know wild game is nutritionally solid— regular consumption means you can count on essential fats, specifically omega-6 and omega-3, which is critical to a healthy diet. Calorie for calorie, it wins as a protein source and has high amounts of iron and zinc. But there’s more to it than that! Guest and nutritional expert Wendy Wismer (PhD, University of Alberta· Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science), has grown her career exploring why peo...
Episode 18: All About Black Bear
May 01, 2021 19:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBSend us a Text Message. Intimidating? Worried about eating the meat? Whatever his holding you back from trying your first black bear hunt in Alberta, this is the episode for you! Brad Fenson gives us a triple header: he picks the brains of provincial wildlife disease specialist Dr. Margo Pybus, black bear seeker Emily Lamb, and kitchen pro Josh Glover. Learn about the risks, the reward, and how to up the dinner table factor with what is sure to be on of your most memorable hunts ever. Fin...
Episode 17: THE Snow Geese Primer
April 07, 2021 17:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBSend us a Text Message. Join Brad Fenson and geese fanatics Mario Friendy and Josh Luedtke, who cover everything hunters might ask about hunting and finding success with snow geese. Running March 15 - June 15 every year, Alberta's spring snow geese season is the ideal time to get yourself some healthy, tasty protein for the table - and have a fun, memorable and challenging experience doing it! If you miss the spring, rest easy knowing the fall season comes quickly. Bring on the snowstorms!...
Episode 16: Michael Higgins, Do You Eat the Weird Bits?!
March 22, 2021 16:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBSend us a Text Message. Food geeks unite! Director of “Canada in the Rough" Michael Higgins loves what he does—especially the part where he takes people along on adventures to dream places and helps inspire seeking wild food into reality (fun fact: he’s eaten wild game in every province and territory!). Brad and Michael talk the things we don’t often eat—if ever—like heart, liver, tripe, and bone marrow. We also veer into how to best introduce wild game to someone new to that world. This ep...
Episode 15: Mark DesRoches, Chasin' Waterfowl (Plenty Sandhill Crane!)
March 05, 2021 17:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBSend us a Text Message. So many tips, so much knowledge - all in one listen. For the past 40 years, our special guest Mark DesRoches has been chasing waterfowl all over the continent. A lot of it—especially duck hunting in the prairies—is not as gear intensive as you might think. Mark shares breaks it all down and spends a great deal of the episode sharing his insights on sandhill crane, as the recent introduction of this season has been one of the most exciting events to happen for Alberta...
Episode 14: Alberta's Best-Kept Hunting Secret
February 09, 2021 22:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBSend us a Text Message. Rabbit hunting in Alberta. Bottom line? It's an overlooked opportunity! Brad Fenson teams up with hardcore bunny-thumpers (his words!) Evan Linehan and Josh Glover to delve into all things rabbit and hares - myths dispelled included. Learn about their experience and most of all, gain from it for your own winter hunting adventures. Do it with your friends, do it through our long, cold season, do it so you can continue to eat wild and eat well! This is THE episode to g...
Episode 13: Hillary Keyes, The Start of Something Special
January 12, 2021 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBSend us a Text Message. Sure, getting into hunting requires a set of actions, but it's also not as difficult to get into as one might think. In fact, in the case of our guest Hillary Keyes (biologist and outdoor enthusiast) she ended up preparing to be a hunter without planning to be one! Intentional or not, finding the pathway to hunting proves to be one of life's most rewarding experiences. Listen in as Hillary explains easing into bird hunting, getting comfortable with guns, and her hesi...
Episode 12: Alexandra Despins, Connection is Everything
January 03, 2021 23:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBSend us a Text Message. "Hunting is about the relationships I've formed." Whether that's with family or with the land, Alex considers them all to be essential and fulfilling on her quest in finding her next meal. As a hunter, forager, gardener, teacher and outdoor enthusiast, Alex is still eagerly learning yet has many tidbits of advice to help those of us looking to get out there for our very first time. She explains the rewards of hard work and understanding and feeling that real connec...
Episode 11: Live at Taber Pheasant Festival with Special Guests!
November 26, 2020 21:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Have you ever been to Canada's largest hunting festival ? In October 2020, the Taber Pheasant Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary . Considering this special milestone, podcast host Brad took the time to talk to participants - many out pheasant hunting for their very first time. Listen in for their experiences getting some birds, mentorship and novice instruction, recipes, and everything else the Festival can bring. If anything, we hope it convinces you to visit ...
Episode 10: Sheila Campbell, Mentors are Everything
November 22, 2020 00:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Are you intrigued by hunting? Or are you a hunter who has a spouse, family member or friend who perhaps needs just a small nudge to take the next step into hunting? Then listen to this episode stat! Sheila and Brad discuss getting into hunting with no prior experience, how mentors truly make all the difference (and how to find your own), and learning to eventually meet some pretty big goals. In fact, Sheila shares in detail a unforgettable deer hunt she took on...all...
Episode 9: Jalen Hulit, The Hunter's Best Friend
November 09, 2020 19:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBSend us a Text Message. Do you have a hunting dog? Do you want one? What have they taught you? Hunting dogs are one of the most useful tools in the field, but more than that - it's a relationship unlike any other. Listen to expert Jalen and host Brad as they discuss first-timer tips, breeds and their unique experiences relating to hunting with dogs. Be consistent and you'll find it's easier than you might have anticipated. Our best friends deserve their own special attention - and this epis...
Episode 8: Dan & Jimmy Sturgess, Youth Can Hunt!
October 08, 2020 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBSend us a Text Message. Kids + hunting. With a bit of planning and guidance, it's the perfect mix! Brad talks to father and son, learning about the very start of the journey and about the specific steps it takes to get kids started safely. Excitement just comes with the territory! Plus the trio dives into getting the most out of your cuts of wild meat, like serving premium shank, and creating that winning brisket without grinding it—a kid's favourite. The learning (and creativity!) never ha...
Episode 7: Stefanie Fenson, Be a Student of the Outdoors
September 22, 2020 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBSend us a Text Message. How can a simple appreciation for the outdoors naturally transition into a love for hunting? Follow along with Stefanie Fenson (that’s right, wife of our favourite outdoor podcast host!) as she explains that journey—and how you just might follow a similar path. They talk shoe leather deer (and how that never needs to be the case!), spouses and mentorship, Taber Pheasant Festival and so much more. Because couples who hunt together… Find Brad at: Instagram: https://ww...
Episode 6: Emily Lamb, The Outdoors is for Everyone
September 03, 2020 21:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Vibrant. Funny. Real. Meet Emily Lamb, who joins us to share her experiences hunting and trapping in Alberta. Coming from a non-hunting background, she has taken simple enthusiasm and curiosity—and turned harvesting her own food into a genuine passion to help others do the same. Emily’s positivity is infectious, and she shares why right now is the moment to take advantage of the bounty we’ve got in our province's backyard. If you’ve ever thought about trying out hunt...
Episode 5: Get Creative, Get Inspired + Love for Black Bear
August 28, 2020 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBJosh Glover—he's a proud Newfoundlander who advocates and enjoys the wild bounty of Canada. From bear to goose legs to deer, hear about his creativity with preparing wild game. Brad and Josh touch on maximizing specific species (that ol’ “use everything” mentality) and that sense of respect and sustainability that goes along with it. Fun fact: Josh rendered his own lard from black bear for cooking AND waterproofing his boots. Options are endless—this is the episode to get inspired!
Episode 5: Josh Glover, Get Creative, Get Inspired + Love for Black Bear
August 28, 2020 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBSend us a Text Message. Josh Glover—he's a proud Newfoundlander who advocates and enjoys the wild bounty of Canada. From bear to goose legs to deer, hear about his creativity with preparing wild game. Brad and Josh touch on maximizing specific species (that ol’ “use everything” mentality) and that sense of respect and sustainability that goes along with it. Fun fact: Josh rendered his own lard from black bear for cooking AND waterproofing his boots. Options are endless—this is the episode t...
Episode 4: Scott Leysath of the Sporting Chef, So You Don't Like Venison?
August 19, 2020 19:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBMeet Scott Leysath - the man behind the show "The Sporting Chef" and even more, the one who will provide you with wild game prep tips you probably haven't tried before! From bar bouncer to wild food ambassador, Scott's career journey has equipped him with a wealth of information, and in this episode, he delivers it in a way we can all understand. With a focus on venison, Scott explains how you can ensure the harvest you worked so hard for is a standout every time. Spoiler alert: it's a lot s...
Episode 4: Scott Leysath of the Sporting Chef, So You Don't Like Venison?
August 19, 2020 19:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Meet Scott Leysath - the man behind the show "The Sporting Chef" and even more, the one who will provide you with wild game prep tips you probably haven't tried before! From bar bouncer to wild food ambassador, Scott's career journey has equipped him with a wealth of information, and in this episode, he delivers it in a way we can all understand. With a focus on venison, Scott explains how you can ensure the harvest you worked so hard for is a standout every time. Sp...
Episode 3: Linda Zimmerling, Getting Hunting Access
August 05, 2020 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBSend us a Text Message. Get to know Linda Zimmerling, a retiree who discovered her love for hunting as a teen. Connecting to the outdoors and to her food are the most important reasons why Linda’s passion for harvesting her own food continues to grow. And sometimes, the best hunt is the one when you don’t harvest anything at all! Together we pick Linda’s brain to learn how to find the best opportunities to find land to hunt on. The “knock on the door” doesn’t have to be as intimidating as y...
Episode 2: Lisa Roper, Outdoor Enthusiast
July 30, 2020 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBSend us a Text Message. In our second episode, we spend time with Lisa Roper—an experienced outdoorswoman who has made it her passion to get new people (especially women and youth) involved in the outdoor world and harvesting their own wild game. Lisa grew up in a hunting family and is big on helping people find new passions, push their boundaries, and enjoy the journey. Learn about her inspiration, her best tips to take on outdoor challenges (from firearms to trip prep), easily overlooked ...
Episode 1: Why Harvest Your Own? Todd Zimmerling, Alberta Conservation Association President
July 30, 2020 16:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBSend us a Text Message. In our pilot episode, we talk about why Harvest(ing) Your Own is more relevant than ever. Why would someone want to harvest their own protein? We discuss the resources that are truly helpful to get people into hunting and what kind of benefits harvesting wild game can bring to you and your family. Todd gets into the details of taking that first step, the people who are there to support hunters, and exactly how we can help you through the entire journey, from scouting...