The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 807: Dew Claws, Buck Nuts, and Christmas Trees | MeatEater Radio Live!
Dec 19, 2025
In this lively discussion, Matt Ross, Senior Director of Conservation at the National Deer Association, uncovers the secrets of deer tracks and dewclaws, revealing their limited role and debunking sex identification myths. Meanwhile, Cornell professor Trent Preszler shares intriguing history about conifers and Christmas trees, touching on topics like the Pine Tree Riot and the decline in real tree sales. The hosts also engage in fun banter about holiday meals and even dive into some regrettable tattoos submitted by listeners. It's a blend of conservation wisdom and festive cheer!
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Treat Large Tracks As Likely Bucks
- Use track size as a rough indicator: the very largest tracks are likeliest to belong to bucks.
- Account for geographic variation; four-plus inch tracks in one region may differ elsewhere.
Use Fresh Tracks To Find Deer Activity
- Check track freshness and concentration to learn deer activity, direction, and likely needs.
- Follow tracks to find feeding sign and other sign that leads to deer locations.
The Pine Tree Riot Sparked Early Rebellion
- Trent Preszler recounts the Pine Tree Riot where colonists punished crown surveyors over tree ownership rules.
- He ties this event to early resistance that predated the Boston Tea Party by a year.