Episode 804: The Climate Change Mascot- Hunting Polar Bear & Rewriting the Narrative

What this episode covers

Lifelong big game hunter, tv show host and writer Chris Dorsey of Sporting Classics makes his return to the show this week. We discuss his recent feature in Forbes titled “ Unmasking the Polar Bear Climate Change Narrative “. Chris recently returned from a polar bear hunt in Nunavut, Canada. In addition to this hunt finishing out his Super Slam (taking all 29 North American big game animals), Chris traveled to Arviat, Nunavut to uncover the truth about polar bear populations amid a changing climate. Highlights from our conversation include: * A historical look at polar bear population numbers (pretty damning evidence to support the fact that trophy import bans don’t work) * How have polar bears adapted their behavior and hunting techniques to mirror a changing climate? * First-hand observations from his guide Ryan St. John who has lived among and hunted these bears for over 40 years * U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service got it wrong under Bush in 2008 and still continue to get it wrong in 2025 * How did polar bear become the face of the climate change narrative (thank a couple disingenuous Nat Geo photographers) * Are polar bear really hunting beluga whales? * What was the hunt actually like? * What caliber and bullet did Chris choose? * How big was his bear? * Blueberry boar * Increasing polar bear populations despite a warmer climate * IUCN data backs it up * New York Times article from 1984 proves the farce * Looking back at a stone sheep hunt from 30 years ago * “They poop gold” * Hunting red stag around the globe

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