The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 857: Turkey Season Changes, the Death Valley Super Bloom, and Bad Poachers
Apr 2, 2026
They tell a wild spearfishing story about a six-foot moray eel and a near-miss with divers. They talk bike-and-fly fishing trips and installing hen houses to boost mallard nests. They cover turkey season timing changes and a controversial TSS/tungsten debate. They explain Death Valley's rare super bloom and report on a large poaching bust with seized deer, elk, and moose heads.
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Bahamas Spearfishing Moray Eel Encounter
- Steve recounts a Bahamas spearfishing trip where a six-foot moray eel mauled a 30‑lb grouper hiding in reef holes, forcing multiple dives and a final wrestle to retrieve the fish.
- Cameron Kirkconnell and Steve's son dove through chimney-like holes while the eel repeatedly entered tunnels, leaving the grouper badly wounded before they finally secured it.
Install Elevated Hen Houses To Boost Duck Nest Success
- Max describes Delta Waterfowl hen houses as predator‑proof elevated wire cylinders on poles that raise mallard nest success roughly 60% versus ground nests.
- Hen houses place ducklings directly over water and include straw; mallards don't add nest material, so placing them over water improves survival and ease of hatchling entry.
12 Year Old Sends Handwritten Lamb Auction Offer
- A 12‑year‑old listener Easton wrote a handwritten letter offering two show lambs named Steve and Brody for auction to fund college, describing his hunting and 4‑H involvement.
- Easton included sale details by mail and asked MeatEater to bid or reply, showing grassroots connection between listeners and the show.