Buck Bowden’s Life in the Alaskan Wilderness: Becoming a Hunter and Guide

Steven Rinella and MeatEater in partnership with Yeti and ZPZ Productions are excited to share a collection of short films profiling three individuals whose lives are strongly connected to the natural world.
If you are interested in further exploring discussions around hunting, wild foods, and the natural world, watch Steven Rinella’s documentary, Stars in The Sky: A Hunting Story.
Purchase/Rent here: bit.ly/2IKFiDZ
Buck Bowden is a wild man. After a rocky childhood in Illinois he was shipped up to Alaska and found his calling first as a hunter, trapper, pilot, homesteader, and hunting guide. After a fire burned down his cabin, he was forced to start over and rebuild, but he’s never lost his passion for the great Alaskan wilderness.
#fueledbynature #ahuntingstory
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[@ShowboatHK]

Should have been a hour long movie. Most interesting guy ever.

[@davecollett-paule2360]

Well I'll be damned. I was in the boy scouts with this man back in the 60s in Peoria Illinois. Saw him once briefly in Anchorage in the early 80s? Good on ya Buck!

[@JakeShow10]

“You’re a cool dude, Buck.”

[@reguularram1343]

Hell Yea

[@willm678]

That’s an understatement.

[@John_T96]

You’re a cool dude, Buck is by far one of my all time favorite podcast that you have done and of any I have listened to man... So good

[@akimbomo9331]

This is one of the most well put together videos on KZbin. I’m not even mad that it’s only 6 minutes, it’s beautifully concise

[@holdenroberts7612]

Not many folks around like Buck anymore. Cheers to you Buck, keep that fire alive.

[@Sharkdog11b]

Caught In The Rye yeah he wasn’t very good at making friends when I knew him haha he’s different

[@hayesminor4474]

You could have made that a full length film......I have a feeling he has stories to fill a vault.

[@ethangarland8034]

Johnny AppleStead ok bud

[@alaskaoutdoorssupersite3523]

@Johnny AppleStead well I guided for him for about 25 years and he and I hunted together for many years. He's not a liar, and he's certainly no Hollywood guy. If you've got a beard and you spend much time outdoors in below zero temps, you're gonna get frost and ice. I've had a beard for my entire adult life and I still do at 62. Lived in Alaska for 33 of those years, and spent much of that time outdoors winter and summer. Questioning something so basic calls into question a man's experience. It's just a reality, friend. If it hasn't happened to you, you are either clean-shaven or you haven't spent much time out in the cold.The only hair I know of that doesn't ice up in the cold is wolverine. That's why we use it for parka ruffs.

[@zoodidwa]

The knowledge in this man's head could fill a 1000 volumes. What a life.

[@kylewinter8766]

I've been wanting to hear more about this guy since the first podcast! You're still a cool dude, Buck!

[@mr.fisher3973]

Living the dream - you don't realize how many of us that watch this would love to be in Buck's shoes. People like Buck are very few and far between, and for good reason. Living this type of life is hard to say the least, but like Buck says - if you have a great passion for it you'll do fine. Excellent video Mr. Rinella.

[@ADVANTURECO]

great story, you can tell Buck has depth deep in his soul.

[@tomschumacher5434]

Air Force brought me up here to AK, can’t ever imagine leaving this place. Ever.

[@gamebred5662]

This guy's living my dream. One day I will move out to the bush in Alaska an live this life

[@karinnaturestuff]

"You're a Cool Dude, Buck" was one of my all-time favourite episodes. This vid really confirms that. Be really cool to see more videos like this!

[@kvburke3]

Buck's episode on the podcast was one of my favorites. Would love to hear more about him!

[@kirbycaraveo1312]

You're the man Buck! Hands down my favorite Meateater podcast episode. Could listen to your stories all day. I hope you are featured again soon on the podcast so I can listen to more of your stories!

[@bykrydr1380]

wonderful. as an outdoorsman it is inspirational to know the connection with nature is 'natural'. It is where we all began; where we evolved from if you will; natural instinct. Buck's story connects to/with many.

[@andrewc7343]

I could watch/listen/ hang out with buck for days.... that man is living a dream I’ve had since I was a young fella. He started in a time I wish I could have been alive through before the technology we have today

[@terricjohnson6]

I’m getting older and this is how I wanna live off the wild!!! The thing of it is I don’t know how to do anything but I love the great outdoors and looking at meat eaters make it look like it’s the easiest way to make it, but I know different

[@jamesfeldmeyer9173]

One of the best things I’ve ever seen. Thank you meateater crew!

[@jeckyll71]

Took me back to the podcast with Buck. I can tell you where I was when I heard that, it left such an impression. Great video. Thank you.

[@Sharkdog11b]

I worked for buck for a season in the alaska range guiding dall sheep he’s definitely one of a kind. Pretty cool to see this.

[@nasircervantes340]

Is it expensive to get him as a guide? Would be worth the stories heard over a camp fire i bet.

[@Sharkdog11b]

This was twelve years ago I’m not sure what his prices are now but look up hidden alaska guides and that may point you in the right direction it’s been awhile since I’ve looked myself

[@nasircervantes340]

@@Sharkdog11b much appreciated. Wish you the best in life.

[@Sharkdog11b]

Nasir Cervantes you as well my friend thank you

[@nasircervantes340]

@@Sharkdog11b didn't find him there. Drop me a line if you track him down. I'd greatly appreciate it

[@jay_pozz4222]

Now that is the life wow! Absolutely stunning if everyone could wake up to that view everyday the world would be a better place👍

[@akabillyba]

Man, if Freedom wore blue jeans, his name would be Buck.

[@Artstein3]

Cheers to men like Buck! This was a great production. Hopefully more to come.

[@RedDeckMarine]

Awesome, short film. Please consider doing more of these as well as more documentaries like stars in the sky

[@farisdoherty7075]

Beautiful human being, God bless him..

[@poet2772]

Wish it was longer...an amazing story of just finding your niche in life and building on that dream. We don’t all fit into that peg in life, like society wants us to. Mike was one of those guys. What an amazing life he’s led. How devastating that fire must have been. So sad...glad to see it didn’t hold him back.

[@drOBcity]

Man I wish this was a 90 min video. You’re a cool dude Buck.

[@johnhinnen4489]

Not many guys can say that Buck Bowden was their Boy Scout Patrol Leader. Glad I can and inspired to get this glimpse of your stories. Keep loving the life, Buck. Cheers and be well!

[@thomasanderson1783]

Bye far my favorite podcast! Wish this video never stopped! Clicked immediately. Hope to hear you again on the podcast

[@moneyandtimefreedom3352]

We need more about Buck and his life.

[@WeBuildStuff]

Thanks for the film guys! Would love more of his journey/story!

[@kevinharbach4901]

Great story, well told/well shot/well edited. MORE PLEASE!!

[@richievallandingham4559]

This is the best! Love this!

[@travisleedom2083]

What a cool frickin guy.

[@Tanker39]

You’re a cool dude , Buck. By far my most beloved episode of The MeatEater. Listen to your story repeatedly and every time I feel like a little kid sitting on the floor awaiting for his favorite story to retold.

[@dianewetchler3559]

What a great tribute to a dear friend. Love you Mike!!

[@fishnhunt3488]

So envious of this man!

[@SwampDonkey530]

A remarkable man, indeed.

[@Eric-gi9kg]

Awesome story. I too have wished doing these things. His thoughts on the was way it was done by the old timers... spot on. Thanks for sharing

[@preyonadventure]

What a life! We currently live the modern Alaska life but dream of a lifestyle like buck. Forget the hustle and bustle this guy has is figured out.

[@stevesoutdoorworld4340]

Thank you Buck!

[@DustyDad63]

Best meat eater podcast to date can’t wait for a return episode

[@billyconnelly6468]

So Inspirational!

[@HuntandFish]

Buck leaning against the entrance at the end. That's a vintage lean from a man truly content with his life. He's a cool dude

[@fishlexic]

Great content piece guys. More like these..... i miss having a Das boat episode each week too!

[@rafaelviscash]

What a beautiful story.

[@ProjectUpland]

Love this new series! Great stories

[@picklesgonemad4814]

So cool! thanks for making this vid

[@WAenduroman]

I feel extremely lucky to have spent some formative years with Buck. My time at mosquito lake, the windy fork and swinging hammer before the fall hunts when I was 19 are some of my fondest memories. Still tell the story of shooting a 16d nail into Bucks leg the day before we flew out.

[@jordanabel9762]

These need to be much longer. Just like all episodes of meat eater.

[@blainestockwell6957]

I agree!!

[@markstuut4024]

Need more it was awesome

[@derekbushnell1309]

Wow. Totally enjoyed that. What a story.

[@jackswearhart6109]

i could watch these for days... great video!

[@chrisdeer5659]

You have a great story many of us can relate to and would love to live a life like that. ...Hell I'd like to come help you rebuild!!

[@jimsutton9143]

There should be a movie about this mans life! Amazing story. Lived my dream

[@oliverreynolds7188]

Wow! I’m happy you’re happy Buck! Beautiful video!

[@TheSurfine39]

Really enjoyed the podcast with Buck on it and this is a great short clip of his backyard

[@davekiss5145]

Right on man.

[@FranciscoGarcia-ni9eg]

When I think the can't be nothing better you come with new awesome history tanks for you passion

[@braydonnichols2093]

Love this so much. Would be awesome if you guys could do more profile videos such as this one on some of the other friends of Meateater.

[@joedunn6523]

Legend. Best Podcast guest so far I think 👍🏻

[@shawndickmann8215]

Living the life, true living...I can relate.

[@thewarriorandthegarden1562]

These are great for short series but I think showing more alternative and different ways of hunting,trapping,and fishing would attract more viewers from different communities even though yall main market is towards hunters but meat eater is good enough and entertaining that it can attract more than just hunters I would love to see meat eater become a household name

[@haudenc8165]

Wonderful video! More like this please!

[@wendellreich766]

What a great video. A true mountain man.

[@fearlessfrankie6479]

The ultimate dream for any true outdoors man. I'd do anything for that life! You betcha life I would!

[@whanlon8]

This is the best video I’ve seen in a long time

[@allenlarabie8854]

Best Documentary video ever. I'm in the works and found me some milk & honey in the woods. Gonna finish the rest of my live in a cabin built by me in the woods

[@Rggrimes16]

Great Story!!!

[@Citiglobal88]

Beautiful story Amazing life.

[@dankfrank3262]

Bucks podcast was my favorite, thanks for the video.

[@damonghanayem9982]

Big time thumbs up to buck! And to the mugs that posted this. Thanks and keep it up!

[@justins8086]

Your a cool dude buck, one of my favorite episodes.

[@jonfuruseth6628]

Let’s go!

[@tinysupreme6417]

I was watching Stars in the Sky yesterday and was wondering who this man was. What a bad ass.

[@steveelford97]

Well, ya'll best be making more of these.

[@e4engineering654]

Outstanding!

[@fullyenvenomated757]

Real deal stuff!!

[@davegingerich4808]

Didnt hear this dude coming from college and bragging how much beer he can drink. He actually got brains and good sense.

[@muzza2323]

Amazing

[@lukepollard8503]

This is my favorite video.

[@CK-rr4nn]

Beautiful.

[@boonrobiadek]

That's the definition of success

[@adamboone5472]

The corner notching on the log cabin is a technique made popular by an old mentor and friend to all, Ron Brodigan up in Northern Minnesota.

[@PhoenixMountainAdventures]

Inspiration 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@RadFingerz]

I think his desire to build in a blessing in a desguise way burnt that house down and kept him safe now he gets to do what he appreciates and enjoy a memory

[@larryreid4785]

Wicked story , cool guy and beautiful place.

[@sahir313]

Wow. you must be our national hero.

[@sctsct100]

Buck, you know this will inspire other young men as Leroy Shebal inspired me in the 70's to move to Alaska and follow my dreams. And that's a good thing, right!

[@clutt3]

Awesome video. Great cap to the podcast.

[@DAntonioOutdoors]

this is awesome

[@Blankenship_outdoors]

He’s from a town about an hour away from my home town. Crazy to think what I life people can lead.

[@BowhuntingRoad]

I can sure see so much of myself in him. Well done.

[@romanizaboss6641]

Could have stretch this out to a weekly series! Fascination!

[@ClimptonDiddlehopper]

I was heading for Alaska when I met my wife. Ended up settling for north woods Wisconsin. Not the same but she wouldnt go. I still dream of it and been obsessed since my uncle worked the pipeline and told me stories

[@jake10373]

I moved up to Alaska from Wisconsin about 5 years ago. Built my first log cabin when I was 23 and couldn't imagine ever moving back to the states. There's some kind of primal draw to this place that makes it impossible to leave. Simple living at its finest

[@clarkansas6590]

Well done!

[@TexasJungle]

Steve your are a big reason I started my catch cook channel, just this week we made raccoon Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and Armadillo eggs out of actual armadillo meet!

[@rph6978]

Incredible life!