Ep 192: Ethical Meat, Self Reliance & Rejecting Modern Food Supply Chain: Josh Schwencke Gastronomy Outdoors

Aptitude Outdoors Podcast

Josh Schwencke, owner of Gastronomy Outdoors, delves into the intricate relationship between food and conservation. Josh raises thought-provoking questions about the ethics of meat consumption and the detachment many non-hunters have from the process of harvesting protein. He emphasizes that while people are comfortable eating meat processed by others, they often shy away from the reality of animal death involved in procuring that meat.

Josh challenges this detachment by highlighting the importance of understanding where our food comes from. He poses a vital question to meat eaters: "What is it about eating protein that you don't want to participate in the actual harvesting of it?" This, he believes, is a question every meat eater needs to confront to truly understand their stance on the matter.

Gastronomy Outdoors was born out of Josh's vision to blend culinary expertise with hunting and conservation. He noticed a gap in the culinary options available to hunters and aimed to introduce more diverse and sophisticated ways of preparing game. By leveraging his background in cooking, food history, and food science, Josh has created a platform that goes beyond traditional game processing, offering innovative recipes and techniques for hunters.

A key part of Josh's philosophy is nutritional anthropology, which examines the historical relationship between humans and food. He underscores pivotal moments in history, such as the invention of refrigeration, that have drastically changed our food landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic, he notes, revealed the fragility of our food supply chains, particularly in terms of commodity proteins. Hunters, however, were less affected due to their direct access to clean, self-sourced protein.

Josh passionately argues that hunting, when done responsibly, aligns closely with conservation principles. Hunters who understand and respect the process contribute to maintaining ecological balance and preserving wildlife. He emphasizes that responsible hunting involves a deep appreciation for the animal and the environment, fostering a stewardship mindset.

Through Gastronomy Outdoors, Josh aims to educate and inspire both hunters and non-hunters about the culinary possibilities of wild game and the importance of conservation. His initiatives include live events, hands-on butchering workshops, and game dinners that showcase diverse ways to prepare and enjoy wild game. By connecting food and conservation, Josh hopes to create a more informed and engaged community that values and protects our natural resources.

For more information, visit Gastronomy Outdoors: https://www.gastronomycompany.com/outdoors

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