JRE #2100 - Cameron Hanes & Steven Rinella

9-Feb-24

Joe Rogan Experience #2100: Cameron Hanes & Steven Rinella

This podcast throws a wild party of conversation with two of the most authentic outdoorsmen, Cameron Hanes and Steven Rinella. They dive deep into their passions, including hunting, conservation, and living life on their own terms. Provocative topics surface, leading to lively discussions about the power of nature, the ethics of hunting, and the clash between traditional practices and modern technology. Underlying themes highlight the importance of self-reliance, the evolving nature of conservation, and the importance of finding your own path in a world of conflicting values.

1. Cameron Hanes’s Brown Bear Claw Necklace:

Cameron Hanes proudly displays a necklace crafted from a solid gold mold of a brown bear claw, adorned with rubies and black diamonds.
This extravagant piece serves as a tangible symbol of a significant hunting experience, showcasing a unique blend of wilderness and luxury.
The story behind the necklace highlights the artistry and craftsmanship involved in transforming a hunting trophy into a wearable piece of jewelry.
The discussion touches on the ethics of using reclaimed gold and the symbolic value of jewelry in celebrating a personal triumph in the wild.

2. The Spiritual Aspect of Hunting:

Both Hanes and Rinella emphasize the deeply spiritual aspect of hunting, contrasting it with the sterile experience of supermarket meat.
The act of hunting connects hunters to the natural world, instilling a profound respect for the animal’s life and the interconnectedness of all living things.
The experience of harvesting and consuming an animal that you’ve hunted transforms the act of eating into a deeply meaningful ritual, fostering gratitude and a sense of connection to the food chain.
This discussion highlights the philosophical and ethical considerations that underlie hunting, challenging the common perception of it as simply a violent act.

3. The Ethics of Hunting vs. Conservation:

The conversation navigates the complex relationship between hunting and conservation, exploring the different perspectives of those who advocate for animal rights and those who see hunting as a critical tool for managing wildlife populations.
Hanes and Rinella firmly believe that responsible hunting plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the long-term survival of both predator and prey populations.
They argue that regulated hunting practices can be more ethical than allowing unchecked predator populations to decimate prey animals, highlighting the ecological importance of balancing predator-prey dynamics.
The discussion touches on the controversial topic of trophy hunting, exploring the arguments against it and defending the practice as a legitimate form of conservation.

4. The “China Study” and Veganism:

Hanes and Rinella express strong skepticism towards the “China Study” and the broader vegan movement, arguing that the study’s methodology is flawed and that the promotion of veganism as a universally healthy diet is misguided.
They emphasize the importance of animal products, particularly for athletes and those seeking optimal health, highlighting the vital nutrients found in meat, such as B12 and collagen.
The discussion delves into the complexities of correlation and causation, arguing that blaming meat for health problems without considering other lifestyle factors is a fallacy.
This topic explores the impact of dietary propaganda and the challenges of promoting a balanced and informed approach to nutrition in a world saturated with conflicting information.

5. The “Open Loop” vs. “Closed Loop” System in High-Pressure Situations:

Hanes and Rinella explore the concept of “open loop” vs. “closed loop” systems in the context of high-pressure situations, particularly within hunting and martial arts.
An “open loop” system, characterized by automatic, unconscious reactions, can lead to impulsive and potentially detrimental actions in stressful situations.
A “closed loop” system emphasizes conscious control and a deliberate thought process, allowing for better decision-making and a more stable performance in high-pressure environments.
This discussion highlights the importance of mental preparation, strategy, and self-awareness in managing the emotional and physiological responses to challenging circumstances.

6. The Importance of Practice and Routine:

Hanes and Rinella stress the paramount importance of consistent practice and the development of a solid pre-shot routine for achieving accuracy and composure in hunting and archery.
They emphasize that while talent is important, it is dedication, discipline, and the commitment to mastering your craft that ultimately determines success.
The discussion highlights the need for a mental checklist and a systematic approach to ensure all aspects of your technique are aligned, minimizing the risk of errors and enhancing performance.
This topic underscores the importance of recognizing that even experienced hunters can succumb to the pressures of the moment and emphasizes the need for continuous self-improvement.

7. The Evolution of Hunting Technology:

The podcast dives into the rapid evolution of hunting technology, from traditional archery to advanced range-finding sights and digital devices.
Hanes and Rinella debate the ethical implications of these technological advancements, acknowledging both the benefits of improved accuracy and the potential for disrupting traditional hunting practices.
They highlight the challenges faced by wildlife management agencies in keeping pace with technology, exploring the need for a balanced approach to regulations that promotes both conservation and ethical hunting practices.
This discussion raises important questions about the role of technology in human interaction with the natural world and its potential impact on the future of hunting.

8. The Impact of Social Media on Hunting:

Hanes and Rinella address the influence of social media on hunting, acknowledging the potential for distorted perceptions of success rates and the pressure to present a curated image of hunting experiences.
They highlight the importance of maintaining a realistic understanding of hunting, recognizing that success is not guaranteed and that the pursuit itself is often more rewarding than the outcome.
This conversation touches on the dangers of comparing oneself to idealized social media portrayals of hunting, reminding listeners that real-life hunting experiences are far more nuanced and varied.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing the inherent challenges and uncertainties of hunting and focusing on the personal growth and connection to nature it provides.

9. The Decline of Hunting:

The podcast explores the concerning trend of declining hunter participation, particularly among younger generations, examining the factors contributing to this trend.
They discuss the importance of engaging new generations in hunting, highlighting the need to address misconceptions and connect individuals with the traditions and values associated with responsible hunting practices.
Hanes and Rinella emphasize the vital role of mentorship and the importance of sharing their passion for hunting with others, particularly those who may be unfamiliar with the practice.
This topic underscores the responsibility of experienced hunters to ensure the continued viability of hunting as a sustainable and ethical practice for future generations.

10. The Controversy Surrounding Wolf Reintroduction:

The podcast delves into the ongoing debate surrounding wolf reintroduction, exploring the complex ecological, economic, and social impacts of reintroducing this apex predator.
Hanes and Rinella provide a nuanced perspective on wolf management, acknowledging the ecological role of wolves in maintaining healthy ecosystems but also recognizing the concerns of ranchers and other stakeholders impacted by wolf predation.
They discuss the importance of finding a balance between wolf conservation and the needs of human communities, advocating for a managed approach that ensures the long-term sustainability of both wolf and prey populations.
This topic highlights the challenges of managing wildlife in a world where human activities often conflict with the natural processes of ecosystems.

11. The Importance of Predator Control:

Hanes and Rinella advocate for the importance of responsible predator control, particularly in cases where predator populations threaten the stability of prey species or human communities.
They emphasize that predator control should be implemented strategically and ethically, targeting specific predators that pose the greatest risk to prey populations or human interests.
This discussion challenges the common perception of predator control as an inherently negative practice, emphasizing that it can be a necessary tool for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of both wildlife and humans.
This topic highlights the complexities of managing predator-prey dynamics and the need for a nuanced approach that considers the broader ecological context.

12. The Role of Hunting Contests:

Hanes and Rinella discuss the controversial topic of wildlife killing contests, arguing that while some contests can be seen as ethically problematic, others can serve as legitimate management tools for controlling overpopulated species.
They highlight the importance of considering the context and objectives of such contests, emphasizing that they should be conducted ethically and with a focus on sustainable wildlife management practices.
This topic explores the debate surrounding the use of contests as a means of controlling wildlife populations and emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in such practices.
The discussion also raises questions about the societal perceptions of hunting contests and the importance of promoting a balanced understanding of the practice.

13. The Importance of Understanding Wildlife Management:

Hanes and Rinella underscore the importance of public understanding of wildlife management practices, emphasizing the vital role of scientific data and ethical considerations in making informed decisions about wildlife populations.
They encourage listeners to engage with wildlife management agencies and learn more about the science and practices behind managing wildlife resources, dispelling misconceptions and promoting responsible conservation.
This topic highlights the need for a collaborative approach to wildlife management, fostering open dialogue between hunters, conservationists, and the broader public to ensure the long-term health of ecosystems and wildlife populations.
The discussion also emphasizes the importance of challenging the assumptions and biases that often fuel conflicts surrounding wildlife management issues.

14. The Connection Between Hunting and Self-Reliance:

Hanes and Rinella emphasize the profound connection between hunting and self-reliance, highlighting the skills, knowledge, and resourcefulness required to successfully navigate the wilderness and harvest food.
They advocate for the importance of developing a sense of independence and the ability to provide for oneself, recognizing the value of self-sufficiency in a world increasingly reliant on external systems.
The discussion explores the mental and physical challenges of hunting, highlighting the importance of pushing one’s limits and developing a sense of resilience.
This topic underscores the importance of reconnecting with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for human survival, promoting a more sustainable and meaningful relationship with the natural world.

15. The Power of Nature:

The conversation celebrates the awe-inspiring power and beauty of nature, highlighting the unique experiences and perspectives gained through immersing oneself in the wild.
Hanes and Rinella emphasize the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature, acknowledging its ability to reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and foster a sense of well-being.
The discussion explores the profound sense of wonder and connection to the natural world that arises from experiencing it firsthand, encouraging listeners to seek out opportunities to engage with the outdoors.
This topic highlights the importance of preserving natural landscapes and ensuring future generations have the opportunity to experience the restorative power of nature.

Memorable Quotes:

“I would not be able to put a chainsaw in one of those trees. Yeah, like, you know, I mean, like everyone finds their sort of limits. And when I’m looking at some tree that’s whatever for 500 years old, I personally, you know, I could kill a bear without thinking about it. Not without thinking about it, but yeah, I can kill a bear and be real happy I did. Man, just I personally couldn’t put a saw to one of those trees. Yeah.” – Cameron Hanes articulates his personal boundaries regarding the respect for ancient trees, highlighting the different values individuals hold.
“There’s no way to really like get it into their head how hard it is unless they’re in the field and they’re drawing on an animal. And then they realize like unless there’s some ways to mitigate that like you’ve had Joel Turner on which I you have. You’ve had him on right now. You never had Joel Turner. No shot IQ guy. No, I’d like to but no. I got to connect you. Do you have his number do you know, but I’m familiar with that. I’ve he’s been recommended by many people and guys I work with are familiar but I haven’t had him on he’s absolutely God and you’ve recommended him.” – Cameron Hanes emphasizes the difficulty of truly understanding bow hunting without experiencing it firsthand, acknowledging Joel Turner’s expertise in overcoming mental barriers in high-pressure situations.
“I’ve done a lot of shit. I’ve fought I do stand up comedy. I do so many live things that are like high pressure. Nothing is like elk hunting. There’s nothing like that moment when you’re drawing and that thing is like in the field. And it’s it drops his head down at 50 yards and start eating and you draw back you got the you’re like is this happening? Is this really going on right now?” – Cameron Hanes passionately describes the unparalleled intensity of elk hunting, highlighting its unique position among his many high-pressure experiences.
“But I think it really all boils down to people that love animals. Yeah, I think there’s, I definitely detect that there’s a complete disinterest in what hunters think about it. And they think that, that for someone to come in and argue, by doing this wildlife measure, you’re impacting, like you would like this animal on the landscape for viewing pleasure. I like certain animals on the landscape for hunting, consumption, eating, whatever. And there’s a conflict here where by doing this, you’re going to lower, by increasing your likelihood of out of being viewer pleasure, you’re having a potentially really negative impact on my use of natural resources.” – Cameron Hanes articulates the fundamental conflict between those who prioritize animal welfare and those who utilize wildlife as a resource, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding.
“I think there’s certainly an element of that. But I think it really all boils down to people that love animals. Yeah, I think there’s, I definitely detect that there’s a complete disinterest in what hunters think about it. And they think that, that for someone to come in and argue, by doing this wildlife measure, you’re impacting, like you would like this animal on the landscape for viewing pleasure. I like certain animals on the landscape for hunting, consumption, eating, whatever. And there’s a conflict here where by doing this, you’re going to lower, by increasing your likelihood of out of being viewer pleasure, you’re having a potentially really negative impact on my use of natural resources. I think that they would look at you as though you don’t have a, that your ridiculous or evil or don’t have a point in saying that you want to control, you want to limit predation on a resource you rely on. And they, they don’t accept that as a reality.” – Cameron Hanes explains the disconnect between those who prioritize animal welfare and those who utilize wildlife as a resource, highlighting the lack of understanding and respect for diverse perspectives.

JRE #2100 – Cameron Hanes & Steven Rinella