Ep. 67 - A Special Melanistic White-tailed Deer & A Hunter's First Harvest

Son of a Blitch

Hunting is a tradition that transcends time, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to share in the experience of the great outdoors. In our latest podcast episode, George Blitch and Matthew Mitchell embark on an enthralling adventure with the retelling of the first successful hunt by Jon Herbster, aka "Johnny Bolts", and the tale of George's second melanistic white-tailed deer. Both were taken, and filmed, during the same hunt!
*George just had an article about harvesting his second melanistic deer published with MeatEater, which you can read here.
*George's article about his first melanistic buck, "Black Beauty", can be found here.

With a fusion of wit and wisdom, we narrate Johnny's transformation into a hunter deeply connected to the wild, reflecting on the rituals and responsibilities that come with the territory.
As mentors, we recount the meticulous preparation that paved the way for Johnny's growth, starting with fundamental firearm handling and advancing to precise shooting techniques. The story unfolds with a gripping mix of advice and humor, illustrating the profound influence of patience, practice, and ethical considerations that shape a true hunter. Through Johnny's lens, listeners experience the anticipation and excitement of the hunt, the critical moments that define a successful shot, and the respect owed to the wildlife we pursue.
A twist in our narrative emerges with the encounter of a melanistic doe—a creature so rare that its presence adds a layer of fascination and intrigue to our hunting experience. This episode is not merely a recounting of a hunt; it's an exploration of the natural world and the continuous learning that hunters embrace.
The climax of our story is as much about the thrill of the chase as it is about the bond formed between hunters under the vast sky. The sense of camaraderie, the shared triumph of a successful harvest, and the tradition of celebrating such moments with a slow-burning cigar are central to our tale. We highlight the importance of savoring these experiences, from capturing the memory of Johnny's first doe and George's second melanistic deer, to the respectful art of butchery that honors the animal's life.
Listeners are invited to join us in this remarkable escapade where laughter and lessons are plentiful. Each chapter of the podcast paints a vivid picture of the hunter's journey, from the initial excitement of the trip to the reflective moments after a hunt. The podcast not only entertains but also educates, urging hunters to cherish their experiences and the wildlife that grants them.
This episode is more than just a story; it's an inspiration for both seasoned hunters and those new to the sport. It encapsulates the essence of hunting—a practice rooted in tradition, respect, and an unwavering appreciation for the wilderness. As we close this chapter, we leave our listeners with a sense of wonder, a deeper understanding of hunting, and an eagerness to step into the wild to create their own stories.
To read more of George Blitch's writings, visit:
www.sonofablitch.com/writings.html
And follow him on Instagram at:
www.instagram.com/thesonofablitch
To learn more about Matthew Mitchell's architectural business, visit:
www.matthewmitchellarchitecture.com

Chapters

1. Hunting Trip With New Hunter (00:00:00)

2. Hunting and Analyzing a Shot (00:12:56)

3. Observing and Shooting a Melanistic Doe (00:17:58)

4. Search for a Melanistic Deer (00:31:21)

5. Excitement and Camaraderie in Hunting Experiences (00:39:34)

6. The Importance of Cherishing Hunting Experiences (00:43:15)