Roosevelt Ranch Radio #3: Wild Sustenance: Learning to Hunt, Butcher, and Think Like a Conservationist

From first rifle shots to butchering elk quarters, new hunters learn the realities of wild food. For many aspiring hunters, the hardest part isn’t pulling the trigger. It’s knowing where to start. At the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch in Montana, a group of University of Montana students stepped into the world of hunting through the Wild Sustenance field course, a hands-on weekend built around the fundamentals of ethical hunting, wild game processing, and conservation science. By the end of the course, students who had never hunted before were learning to field dress elk and whitetail deer, practicing archery and rifle shooting, and cooking fresh venison straight from the grill. This conversation digs into what that experience actually looks like. Graduate student Dylan White shares what it’s like entering the hunting world with zero background, and why programs like this matter for recruiting the next generation of hunters. Wildlife researcher Chris Hanson explains how long-term trail camera research reveals migration patterns, habitat use, and the daily movement of animals like elk, mule deer, and whitetails across Montana’s landscapes. Along the way the discussion moves through the deeper questions behind modern hunting. Fair chase ethics, wildlife management, and the role science plays in conservation all come into focus. From bear safety and firearm training to packing out meat and understanding complex hunting regulations, the Wild Sustenance course offers a full field-to-table introduction to hunting in the American West. For newcomers and seasoned hunters alike, it’s a reminder that hunting is about far more than tags and trophies. It’s about learning the land, understanding wildlife, and earning your place in the tradition. Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation conversations. Get more from Boone and Crockett Club: https://www.boone-crockett.org              Sign up for FREE newsletter: https://www.boone-crockett.org/user/login#