Rinella on Trichinella

By Clay Newcomb

Trichnella is a roundworm parasite that is found in numerous types of wild animals including fox, skunk, opossum, raccoon, wolves, rats and bears. Trichinella is mostly known to be found in swine, but has for the most part been eradicated from domestic stock in the North America in the last 30 years. Today, around 90% of the cases of Trichinosis are contracted from eating black bear meat. In Bear Hunting Magazine we encourage eating bear meat, utilizing the fat and all the usable parts of a bear. Trichinosis is easily prevented by simply cooking it properly. The USDA suggests cooking meat to at least 160-degrees to kill Trichinella. Most of our food is cooked much hotter than this, and the parasite is actually killed instantly at 140 degrees. If the meat is brown, and not any shade of pink, it’s safe. Trichinosis is neither fatal nor serious and is easily treatable. Keep on eating your bear meat - just cook it.
Each of these types of hunts has offered unique opportunities and challenges. Having done them, I feel I am now better able to prepare for each style of hunt. I'd like to share my observations with you in hopes that my experience will help you be prepared for your hunt, no matter what kind or where it might be. Let's break it down into three categories: Hound hunts, spot & stalk hunts and baited hunts.

4 Step DIY Bear Baculum

By Dante Zuniga-West

What do you do once you have your baculum? You could spend the money to have it treated by your local taxidermist, or you could spend less and have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. It’s easy, and this method will work for any baculum.