Episode 786: The One About Hunting Sea Otters, Seals and Sea Lions

What this episode covers

Brandon Ware is a professional fishing guide by trade. The lifelong Alaskan is also part Tlingit Indian which allows him to bypass the Marine Mammals Protection Act and actively participate in the hunting and harvest of sea otters, seals and sea lions. I came across Brandon after seeing a photo of him with a massive sea lion. This sea lion in particular, had become very aggressive and was terrorizing the local harbor in his hometown of Petersburg. Brandon tells the story of hunting down the one-ton beast and what he plans to do with the hide. Other highlights from the conversation include: * Fly fishing for king salmon * Hunting sea otters and why it’s important for their marine ecosystem * Seal hunting * “Willy” the nuisance sea lion * Local Police Chief recruits Brandon’s help * Products they make and sell from the hides of marine mammals * Do they eat any of it? * Blacktail deer hunting * Wolf trapping * Life cycle of a salmon * And much more

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