The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 853: Turkeys Break the Internet, Tungsten Ammo Gets Expensive, and Black Bear Politics Flare
Mar 26, 2026
They debate tungsten ammo shortages and how skyrocketing TSS prices are changing turkey gear. Politics and proposed rule changes for black bear seasons in multiple states spark heated discussion. A tech meltdown in Wisconsin’s turkey tag system and concerns about Alaska bottom trawling also come up. Plus a surprising sports-meets-angling interview and hunting giveaway details.
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Thundering Herd Caused Wisconsin Tag Meltdown
- Wisconsin's turkey tag web sale crashed from a 'thundering herd' virtual queue causing wide frustration.
- The DNR contracts the system, glitches blocked payments and randomly assigned zones, sparking online outrage like Donald's furious post.
Brody's Frustrating Wisconsin Tag Purchase
- Brody walked through his own failed queue experience where payment briefly went through without confirmation then kicked him out.
- He rejoined, bought one daughter's tag, then later secured the second after thousands of people were ahead of him.
Tungsten Shortage Is Reshaping Turkey Ammo
- Tungsten shortages are driving TSS turkey ammo prices and scarcity worldwide.
- China controls ~80% of supply, exports and tariffs cut volumes, and military demand permanently removes tungsten from the market increasing multi-year deficits.