Alaska Moose Hunt: Part 1 | MeatEater Season 7

Steve's friends Janis and Papa Janis join Steve on a moose and caribou hunt in east-central Alaska that's the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
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[@raggy4255]

“I’m glad your my son” words every man wants to hear at least once. ❤️

[@Onticly]

pretty sure that was meant more as a funny comment. I get what you mean tho

[@DomskiPlays]

Steve's monologue at the end really hit home.. I lost my grandpa to cancer almost exactly one year ago and he got me into hunting when I was real young. Even at 80 years old he was still going strong, often even stronger than me when stalking the steep terrain where we lived, because it's what he had done all his life. He too would never say no when I asked to go hunting, not once. I had been away from home for some months when I got the call about his diagnosis. It may sound silly, but when I came home and asked him to hunt, just for him to get out and cheer him up a bit, and he said no - only then I understood that those times are over and not coming back. We would never go on that long hunting trip together like we had planned. He would not be there to cheer me on when I brought home my first big game. But, he left me with many great memories and lessons and I am grateful for that. I miss him a lot.

[@augustingarnier4625]

Papa Janis; "Come to Alaska, get to hunt with your son...". Even I shed a tear on that one! How satisfying, Steve.

[@187rando]

He said "I'm glad you're my son" holy fuggin hell. What else could ya possibly wanna witness your dad experience?!?!

[@aussieredneck818]

The stars must have aligned for Papa Janis. So calm so relaxed. Well done sir.

[@jjreno7843]

Steve & Janis, that line also hit home with me. Tears started flowing and I'm 68, you see I lost my dad when I was 8 years old but not before he put in me the spark to hunt and fish, which I fanned into a bond fire. He never hunted or fished outside of the state of Michigan. I however have hunted and fished in 6 states and 3 providences in Canada, and every time, I've thought how much he would've loved being here with me, experiencing these adventures together. Thanks for another great video.

[@JKSledGuides]

Me be younger, listening to some of Steve’s wisdom like this helps me reflect on more recent times with my dad and how I should view and enjoy those more while he’s still here. He’s also in Michigan but trying to get him out west

[@Scott_Seward]

These are the types of episodes I look forward to the most from Meateater; Steve weaving his thoughts about his father, friends, and family into the hunt and drawing parallels. And gaining wisdom and perspective from older gentlemen. Congratulations, Papa Yanis. A beautiful moose.

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

This is the best version of steve ive ever seen. Fantastic episode!!! THIS... is why we all adore meateater!!!

[@4reelz9999]

I taught my youngest everything about the outdoors, fishing, hunting, yakking, etc. After HS he joined the service, got married, and last holiday revealed im gonna be a grampa. (A girl!!!) He said he cant wait to do the same things with her that i had with him growing up. Along side me. I broke instantly!!!😂😂😂😂

[@mikesteed7076]

Your discussion of life at the 14 minute mark, and then your reflection at the end of the video, are probably the best discussions in all your videos. I’m in my 60s and every word was right on. Thank you!

[@Gopherborn]

This episode unexpectedly left me teared up by the end. I cherish the time I spend hunting and fishing with my father. Thank you Steve Rinella and team for producing and sharing these experiences.

[@servicedogojokeguys2967]

Old man yanis is a pro man. He knew what he was doing.

[@shauno7582]

That clock analogy was priceless 😂😂😂 You could see the WTF is he on look on Steve’s face 😅

[@GoSlowToGoFastOG]

Steve really thought he was making sense. 😂

[@moritzin1]

Papa Yanis understood the assignment better than Steve "teaching it"

[@dvd_real]

He broke for a second...lol..."what do you mean a cross?"

[@clamsoup]

Janis, as an Alaskan who almost never leaves the awe is pretty real every day. Papa Janis, you are an absolute stud! The calls were great, and that first shot was solid. You put the man in your manifesting. ...and Steve - great philosophizing throughout, but the wrap up on "the dads" was beautiful. Well done.

[@mikehobbs7421]

Great moment with family and friends. This episode hit me right in the feels as I just lost my father at 67 years young. I am a hunter, he was not, but his determination for life fuels my passion and he taught me no matter what never give up and push your limits doing the best you absolutely can every day. Love you pops, living every day to the fullest in your name and honour 🙏🏻💪🏻👊🏻

[@edwardabrams4972]

I know the feeling my father dies at 67 years too. He had a log roll over in him when he was the lumber mill Sawyer and break his back in about 10 spots and had about 40 back operation before he died so he could walk barely and go road hunting with me and he said the same thing never give up! About 10 years later I had a drunk driver hit me and almost took my head off and now my neck is rapped in 2 titanium plates front and rear with 20 titanium screws into my spine and I am on oxi and 2 heavy muscle and nerve meds but I go out with my 3 boys hunting as much as I can and will until I stop breathing🙌👏👊

[@xprettylightsx3781]

I’m so sorry for your loss, may God bless you and your family. The good Lord is watching over your father in light and love.

[@drewandcharlie7583]

My ma passed about 6 years back. Dads got cancer. Not much time left. I’m only 37. Boys and girls, treasure your parents. Take the trips and make the memories. do what you can. Cuz man it can be over fast

[@JMcNerney21]

Papa Janis is hilarious! What a great start to the videos. Gotta get me a crosshair clock 😂

[@Zestleysnipes2939]

Steve probably will never read this but people like wholesome content. He talkes about how much he misses his father on the hunt. Bring your kids, the meat-eater community would love to see the next generation of meat eaters!!

[@GurkenHellcrab666]

My favorite episode. Hunted caribou with my father from I was 16 up until last summer before he passed too soon this January. We just to sit and glass for hours and try to explain to each other which peak or patch of snow we were checking put, just like Steve and Papa Janis 😂 Miss him so much already

[@Jhor-418]

That's awesome, man. Great memories made. Treasure it.

[@josephpeterson7109]

After my dad retired, he stopped fishing and hunting. He worked in his wood shop building furniture for his kids and grandkids. I once asked him why he didn't fish anymore. He said he didn't need to anymore. The outdoors surely can regenerate one from the everyday working world.

[@dawnpelz8570]

Wow. This was a special one. Dad passed away about 2yrs ago. In hindsight, as a kid, I know he took me fishing because I wanted to go, not because he did. By the time my older brother was able to drive, we'd taken all his fishing gear as our own and he was happy that we did. We got into pheasant and rabbit hunting and when I was about 18 we asked him to come along with us. He hadn't touched a gun since Viet Nam. A couple years later, we asked him to join us for deer season on public land in IL and we all got skunked. A couple more years later, I moved to central WI and bought some prime hunting land and had permission to hunt a few other properties nearby. Dad had COPD and hep-c and it was taking it's toll on him. It took a couple more years, but I was able to get my Dad on his first whitetail buck and my brother his first buck the next year. My older sister, who'd never hunted or fished before, sat in the ground blind with Dad that year and said it was magical to watch the woods come alive after sunrise and have close encouters with deer throughout the day. This video made me think of all that, and how family and being together in the woods is what matters most.

[@charlesdoze8907]

One of things I liked about your show. Was the poetry and spirit by which you described this lifestyle, sport and the freedom of spirit, that is really portrayed is in us all. I look forward to your new trips and stories. It has become a conduit for inspiration for me. I suffered a tragic event in July of last year. In the line of duty, I was shot 7 times. I suffered nerve damage and the loss of my left eye. My good eye! Yet I persist, yet I move forward. Your stories and descriptions of what you feel and see. Make me think. Hell ya, I can do that. Thank you.

[@lukian111]

The whole clock conversation - pure comedy! 🤣

[@Amero2323]

I'm not remotely thinking digital...lol

[@scottmiller2455]

OK, I have to make this comment before I even finish watching this. Around the 518 mark when Steve's trying to explain the clock it was like their own version of who's on first with Abbott and Costello. Had me rolling. I really enjoyed her. Dad said I'm glad you're my son.

[@benwright67]

Great episode! Love the clock interaction😂 thank you guys

[@C-24-Brandan]

Watching old episodes of meateater currently on my TV/streaming... this and Jim Shockey uncharted are by far the best and my favorite hunting and outdoors shows!

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

Agreed and a new favorite of mine is Gritty.

[@Dezcaughtit88]

Randy newberg is another good one

[@kennethg.7418]

Boy this episode ,hits home, miss my dad every day,taking my grown son on our 2nd safari in SA in June..To spend 10 days with my son,no cellphones or wife,life it’s worth every penny and more Thanks for the insight on what’s really important.Harvesting is the bonus and making memories,is the trophy,so it’s a win win!

[@scottthorson1]

The big man above set this one up for the old man of the group.. Although the young bucks didn't manage to harvest a Moose on this trip they will never forget the time spent with the old man. And that's what counts most! ♥️

[@edwardabrams4972]

It’s not about what you get it’s about WHO your with🙌

[@PapaBearCB]

The clock convo makes me laugh so hard. This may be my favorite episode of Meat Eater. It’s so sweet. Papa is the best.

[@CRFLAus]

When Papa Yanis said "oh the cross hair" I knew he knew what Steve was saying, then Steve didn't know what Papa was saying, it was pretty funny.

[@diogroogrofood1760]

I always watched this episode on Netflix I loved whoever has it on KZbin

[@chloehennessey6813]

Thank you, moose. Mother Nature for giving Papa Janis such a beautiful animal. That will sustain the family all year!

[@Verlisify]

Its great to see Janis' joy throughout the trip to be hunting with his father

[@trevortaylor9536]

I appreciate how you were vulnerable about your fear of death. I have a constant anxiety about it but I haven’t said anything out loud about it since I was like 12. Idk man

[@jaysondrool5180]

Steve you gotta make these videos longer! You have so much knowledge and have a way of telling a story. I feel cut off at only 20 minutes. Loyal fan!

[@timoleinonen3443]

This is by far my ultimate favor for Meat Eater series. Still missing every time my old man when seeing this episode.

[@jakeknier7385]

Steve, you are a wizard with words. Its like you captured my internal dialogue so perfectly and explained in in a way I couldn't articulate with so much such detail. Losing your dad and having all the revelations about life and how you/him could have experienced things... Hits home with me. You are absolutely spot on and I cant thank you enough for unlocking understanding in my own mind about my same feelings. You really do get caught flat footed in moments like these appreciating what you are doing and how much you miss them.

[@TheMicahw148]

Papa Yanis giving out some of the best life advice I think I've ever heard. Congrats on a beautiful moose!

[@jonvia]

Alaska is a different world. I was super lucky to visit Sitka, Alaska as a kid because my aunt and uncle lived there. Easy click when I see Steve and his friends hunting in Alaska!

[@sar4x474]

As a son and a father, I found this episode heartwarming and gut wrenching at the same time.

[@bige2259]

Listening to Steve talk about life and the wonders of it mixed with the breath taking scenery is kinda magical

[@tangoalpha9955]

Great hunt, great messaging, and a great video. We come here for the outdoor adventure, and leave with a deeper appreciation for life. I recently changed careers so I could be closer to my dad as he gets older, going from seeing him 4-5 times a year to 1-2 times a week. Haven’t regretted that decision for one second, hoping to build some more memories of our time together before he’s too old.

[@corymarchant7320]

Man what an incredible episode about so much more than just hunting. I moved away from home 16 years ago and havnt hunted with my dad since. We have an incredible relationship it just hasn’t been a priority. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately… about the years wasted. I’m happy to say we have an elk hunt here in CO planned for this fall and I’m looking forward to it more than anything. Thank you Steve and Janis for this episode.

[@christophbehnsen9748]

Guys! I've been watching your content for about a year now here and on Netflix and I just wanted to tell you how much you have changed and improved the picture and reputation of American hunters I (and most german hunters) had! The way you see nature, the respect for the creature, the fact that you try to use as much of the animal as possible, your understanding of sustainable population control/ management, your will to self-educate, improve and learn from mistakes- all this is just exemplary! I hope many hunters worldwide follow your example as your approach adds just a huge value to wildlife-conservation efforts! With "Waidmannsheil" from Germany, Chris 📯🌿🐗🦌

[@eldonrizzi3860]

This is the best film iv seen in a long time. To see a man’s dream come true, priceless

[@nacerkessir]

From Algeria , thank's steve and Janis for sharing with us ..lot off leçons,,

[@joshuaparks6892]

Definitely A Great Episode. Miss You Dad And Mom. Thanks For All The Memories.

[@ouhutra]

This two parter is one of my favorite Meateater episodes. Amazing. It is Meateater at its best.

[@Words_With_Mick]

Dude im on 2 years without getting a tag here in Nevada. I put in for everything every year and it hurts to get skunked but its so nice to see videos like this. Just great positivity.

[@jeffsharp2981]

Thanks Mr Yannis…..love your simple expletive on growing seasoned to life and it’s fragileness

[@YaBoiDan]

I always come here for hunting and leave with a new perspective on life in general. Top notch episode, the Putelis family is humble as always.

[@raymarsh6244]

Papi Janis threw Steve through a loop with that clock segment 😂😂 had me laughing

[@andrewwilson5516]

Loved the quote pops said at the beginning. Also, i knew exactly what he meant with the crosshair. No one points out a clock and talks about the direct middle of it.

[@Martdrew4]

Papa Janis is such a nice guy it was so wholesome when is said his first call was gunna be embarrassing lol.

[@FeigningAloof]

You can watch this over and over just for the scenery.

[@rick999h]

that og intro just hits so hard ❤

[@gbentley201]

When I watch this so out of order and spontaneous I imagine Papa Janis has passed. I watched this episode years ago and I think of all the precious lives to me that have passed since then. I used this video to think of some moments I had with them. If Papa Janis is still in good health then Eh Men, Brother. keep it up.

[@johnnewman8431]

I’m always always enthralled with your content you put out. Always a good Show Always educational. Always very informative and interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@michaelholliday6037]

I miss fishing with my dad! I’m 53 and he passed away in 2020. He absolutely loved being on a lake down here in Florida fishing for large mouth bass. The satisfaction of catching a fish was priceless, especially with the man who taught you how to catch fish in the first place. Semper Fi Pop!

[@DAVOinIN]

I ran into Janis at the Tucson, AZ airport this last week. It was so strange seeing him in person, but he was kind and shook my hand even though it was 5am.

[@grayrecluse7496]

Every piece of gear is brand new!!!!

[@BWIL2515]

Man what a touching video the father son relationship from the clock to being where your feet are

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Man steve , when u go through the deep thoughts on the mountain, bout brings tears , but its my favorite part , well the cooking wild game and camp life then the deep thoughts , its more to me than the hunts and the harvest , thx for the reflection and feelings shared

[@saltedllama2759]

We need more Steve. I miss when it was his show.

[@BucksCorner101]

Papa Janis schooled Steve right quickly on that crosshair clock reference.

[@christopherblevins1968]

Steven, I know exactly what you mean. Every encounter I have, I always think about how my dad would have liked it. You don't realize how much you need and rely on them until they're gone.

[@ridgelineify]

Always making good father/son memories!

[@fireplusbirdfilms6517]

This episode is as good on rewatch as it was the first time around.

[@Sockboxs]

rofl.. glad you left the banter in about the center of a clock ... good stuff

[@Qwertylol]

This episode with Janis and Papa Janis was why I wanted to hunt with my father in law, because I will never get the opportunity to hunt with my dad. I’ve hunted with him for two deer and a turkey season now, and we’ve started applying for elk tags now, too! His dad might be too old to hunt now, but I’m excited for him to try his first elk steak hunted by a woman! He’d never seen a woman hold a rifle before I did, a woman hunting is unfathomable to him!

[@jae4807]

Amazing episode, like many people I lost my father at a young age and hang on to the memories of our time together, seeing Papa Janis and Janis together was a joy to watch. Can we have a Papa Janis Meateater shirt with 'Manifest your Fulfilment' blazed across the front please?

[@lelandtycksen7257]

I am glad that you said what you said at 20:13 i am in the moment slowed by my father who still is hunting after 2 heart attacks i am fortunate that you have given me the forethought and i am thankful for it. while at the same time i am sorry that you did not get the same outcome good luck my friend. My condolences

[@stsehnert]

Great video guys. As a father of young kids this struck a cord. Nice work.

[@UhhhWinski1]

I see Steve and jani, I click like

[@codyj7532]

2nd favourite episode all time.

[@alanbecker3791]

What an uppercut for the father and son this was absolutely amazing

[@warbirdflyerF4U]

Awesome video thank you for sharing with us 😊

[@illproxyArt]

"im glad your my son" *sniffs, wipes tear away

[@nra4life752]

Steve at the end really hits home my almost killed five years ago not a day goes by that I don’t have a grits and you can hear the regret Steve’s voice

[@tylerjacobson8012]

This is one of the best episodes ever. Great philosophy on the living life Juxtaposed with the taking of life.

[@jonathanb9037]

Great episode.

[@kidnation4923]

Damn! Papa Janis getting deep. Amazing hunt! You are Blessed!

[@chavang5849]

Love what you do, keep on joying the journeys with friends and family. This one was a good one

[@zeldarobinson3382]

awesome moose papa janis , an its always great to have that hunt with your father to remember , ,my last hunt with my father was great no moose ut we enjoyed thetime in the bush and sharing something we both loved doing , two years later he passed away with the return of cancer , treasure what ever time you have with family , those re the est memories , looking forward to the next part , and as papa Janis said live in the moment , , there is no past or future just the now , God bless everyone , and be thankful for every day we have ,

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Way to go papa !!!! Heck yeah im only 55 but learned to enjoy everyday one at a time

[@cranberrycountryhunter7105]

Great video! Congrats Janis!

[@hinney827]

I hope Janis is doing alright. Going to Alaska ten or fifteen times and losing that awe and wonder doesn't seem right. Especially for a hunter and outdoorsman. I live in upstate NY, and my family used to belong to a hunting and fishing club in the Adirondacks. We'd go up there at least once a year for my whole life until it got snatched back up by the state - almost 30 years. My father, his father, and his father all spent lifetimes going there. It was a stunningly beautiful and peaceful place, and neither they nor I, or my uncles or cousins or sister or anyone I brought up with us, ever lost the awe, even going dozens or hundreds of times. How do you ever lose that awe of nature's majesty?

[@jl.c.8673]

Great episode

[@davidjones3451]

Really enjoyed this video, brought back memories of whitetail hunts with my dad growing up in Maryland.

[@questioneverything6489]

What a shot you can see all 3 impacts second was back but first was def a heart shot

[@bachdinh4404]

Beautiful episode, papa Janis has to much wisdom.

[@IGuppieI]

Papa Yanis is fast and deadly behind a bolt! Good lord!

[@billj4859]

Great video and fantastic perspective from Janis' Father.

[@fishduckdog]

I'm glad you & your friend Steve R. were able to do that for your Pops! I only wish that I could do the same for my old man. Fishing for a halibut would be the same endeavor / accomplishment! Thanks for sharing this one! The Best!

[@heiser93]

Man, I grew up following my dad around the CO mountains chasing elk knowing nothing about hunting. 25 yrs later I got into big game hunting myself but he was old and in bad health so he couldn’t hike anymore. I took him bear hunting with me but he could really only hang out around camp. He passed away in January 2024 and I wish I could go back and go on a proper hunt with him like this. Miss the old man

[@aaronellifritt5727]

Awesome job. What a wonderful man.

[@IAMTHEANTICHRISTISWEARMAN]

I really enjoyed the dialogue. Good stuff

[@nattygains4104]

This dude is a weapon with a rifle, two back to back BEUTIFUL shots with little hesitation

[@user-pn4gg3kj5p]

Hits home hard! Got choked up!

[@nachyomoney3598]

This is a great old episode but I thought it was new content at first.

[@COREYDEER]

Stuff that comes on KZbin is always old. New stuff goes to the paying platforms.

[@jasonhammonds2351]

Steve you made me cry a bit at the end there my dad will be turning 63 this year and everything you said hit home I have plenty of dream hunts I'd love to go on with him but getting the time and the expense of going it just never happens

[@darinkaintz386]

Classic. Papa Jani Rules!

[@mecplusultra2445]

A few good men. Thank you guys

[@squatch2461]

Congrat's to Papa Janis and good on the rest of you for making it possible.