8 episodes · 23rd September 2024
Blake Moulton invites Yia down to the "Alligator Capital of Texas"--not to hunt gators but to fish for the six to nine-foot monsters known as "Alligator Gar." Once considered a trash fish, alligator gar is now considered a sporting fish. It is starting to be recognized for its delicious clean, white filets that yield almost no waste, and its role in the ecosystem. For Yia, the only goal is not to be bitten by the alligator gar or its neighbor-the alligator.
Frog legs are a delicacy across many European and Asian countries. However, a hidden gem awaits in Anahuac, Texas - the enchanting Oyster Bayou, where frog gigging has evolved into an authentic American pastime. Between thunderstorms and venomous snakes, Yia learns to navigate the Bayou under the tutelage of Christopher Moulton with the singular goal of catching lunch.
Chef Jonathon Stranger invites Yia to Oklahoma to tackle a new and tasty problem in the Sooner state. Wild hog numbers are rising in central Oklahoma as they push north from Texas-an issue the Circle M Lodge knows all too well. Jonathon takes Yia to Circle M, where they can hunt the troublesome invaders day and night.
Known as the "spoonbill" within the local community and hailed as the "paddlefish" nationally, Yia gets the opportunity to fish for this ancient, heavily-regulated species alongside local fishing guide, Lance Lutke. Fishing isn't quite the correct term because the only way to catch this filter feeder is to snag them with a treble hook, using electronic sonar. Yia hopes to be successful enough snagging to feed Lance and the local Mayor their catch.
Hands down, one of the most exciting ways to reel in a catfish is through noodling. In the great State of Oklahoma, it goes by the name of "hand grabbing," and Yia is in for an unforgettable adventure alongside local noodling world record holder, Nate Williams. Joined by his children and the talented Chef Jonathon Stranger, they all eagerly anticipate Yia catching the noodling bug or, better yet, a catfish that will serve as the centerpiece for a delightful dinner.
The largest of the ground squirrel family, the prairie dog was once a viable food source for the Pueblo people in New Mexico. However, they fell out of favor in the 1960s when they were confirmed to carry the bubonic plague. Now, the prairie dog population is out of control and destroying the alfalfa feeds used to feed the buffalo. Yia joins Martin, Delbert, Michael, and Joseph as they harvest and try this long-forgotten protein.
Standing at an impressive height of nearly three feet, the Jack Rabbits inhabiting the lands of Taos Pueblo have long served as a valuable protein source for its people during times when larger game was scarce. Yia loves rabbit but has never tasted jackrabbit. After a quick Taos history lesson with Richard Aspenwind, Yia is invited to hunt with Michael, Isaac, and Andrew, where he quickly learns that finding a rabbit in the sagebrush is no easy task.
Unaware of Lake Minnetonka's pike abundance, Yia learns from guide Gregg Schroeder that excess pike stunt their growth. Removing smaller pike is the best solution. Intrigued, Yia aims to impress and change Gregg's perspective through his culinary expertise.
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