MeatEater’s American History: The Long Hunters (1761–1775)

In this audio original production, podcaster, conservationist, and writer Rinella (host of the MeatEater podcast; Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars) and conservationist Newcomb (host of the Bear Grease podcast) tell the stories of the 18th-century frontierspeople known as the Long Hunters. This storied group includes such figures as Daniel Boone, Henry Skaggs, and Kasper Mansker—commercial hunters and trappers who traveled the land across the Appalachian Mountains in the era between the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolution. In this captivating work, the authors combine their knack for telling a great story with topics from economics, sociology, politics, technology, metallurgy, environmental science, and more. The authors address the many myths surrounding these legendary figures and provide in-depth discussions of white settlers’ interactions with Indigenous people and the effect they had on North American flora and fauna, especially deer and buffalo populations. Rinella and Newcomb take turns narrating the book, creating a conversational, dynamic atmosphere, making their enthusiasm for their subject clear.