Sitka Black-Tailed | A Dive into Haida Culture | Destination Adventure
I have been so fortunate to learn and share culture all around the world, and that is a huge draw for me in Haida Gwaii. The Haida people have the oldest history in our country, and some of the strongest that remains today. The smallpox epidemic stripped much of the ancient traditions from the Haida people, but the desire to learn and bring it back is very strong on the islands, and I am honoured to be able to learn a small amount. Thank you to the Haida people that allowed me to come and talk with them about their particular art and history. Many of these traditions date back many thousand years, and to see this still preserved today in Canada is incredibly important. Take a closer look at some more art from Gwaai: / gwaai_carvings
Or take a closer look at some cedar bark weaving. instagram.com/tang.gwangyuugy...
I was also very fortunate to be invited on a Sitka Blacktail deer hunt, which is an experience that is only available in a small number of places. The Sitka Blacktail is not native to these islands, and is actually an invasive species here, but a bountiful food source for the locals. The meat is some of the best that you will ever find in a deer, and they are plentiful on the island. Managed correctly, it could be a full time food source for the inhabitants that wish to hunt them.
This was my first time getting to go hunting, and I hope that it is not too graphic for the viewers. Knowing where food comes from is sometimes difficult for some people to see, but I hope this segment can be appreciated for what it is.
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Best way to start a Saturday morning is with a cup of coffee and a new video from Dustin.
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Agreed
I couldn’t agree more. Thats exactly how i like to enjoy these episodes ☕️. Except im a week behind due to being off on my own adventures.
It's nice to watch the channel and see some home beauty, I met Dustin when he was in my hometown We're not just a viewer we're all friends here just waiting to me on our adventures.
I really love how when you do these videos you pay respect to the locals and teach us their customs, would not be surprised if they start putting some of your videos on the classroom
I love to learn from the locals. Some teachers actually do use the videos in class :) I’m always honoured to hear from them.
@@Destination_Adventure that’s awesome!
It was not hard to stomach, you framed that beautifully and respectfully, I think. As my love of the outdoors grows and my understanding of living a life that's more kind to the land I have realized that hunting and processing animals is going to be a natural progression. I'm not a fan of gore and the idea of taking something's life hurts my heart... This was a good way to dip my toe in the water and see what that looks like.
I really prepared myself for the experience. It is tough to see it happen, but done the right way I think it’s a beautiful thing.
You're a gifted, respectful documentarian. This is amazing!
Thank you very much.
As the daughter of a hunter and a farmer, it was refreshing to see a hunt done with so so much respect. What a beautiful job.
I appreciate that, thank you.
Dustin, it frankly astounds me every time I watch your videos how good you are at what you do. Each time I say to myself "How could these possibly get any better", and each time you find a way to amaze me with your content. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and your talent, along with your willingness to share your adventures with the world. I'm a person who's grown up in one of the most populated areas of the US, and has never had the need or desire to hunt - However, I very much appreciate the fact that there are people who hunt sustainably, responsibly, and with a great appreciation for the process. Thank you for including and presenting that part in a real and caring way. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Thank you for such a nice and genuine comment. Very much appreciated.
Great video Dustin! There’s a lot to learn about hunting & I agree that it should be done humanely, eat what you’ve harvested. Living off the land is an art form & I respect it highly.
Thank you.
I loved the fact that Brody said thanks to deer. Thats the respect for nature we all should have. The kill was hard to see. But that moment made it beautiful and down to earth. ❤🩹✌ Thank you Dustin. Your videos are always top notch. I love being here and sharing your experiences.
Thank you. Tough to see, I agree, but it is life.
You always have to say thank you to the animal and the creator for giving it’s life for your sustenance. Huge props as always Dustin.
Destination Adventure has officially become a part of my wife and I's Saturday morning routine. Dustin, you've a knack for this and tell stories in such a unique, inspiring and beautiful way. Thank you for doing what you do. Keep adventuring.
Happy to be part of your Saturday.
What a beautiful story!! Adventure x culture x hunting & fishing... And told with such humble respect without the glamour that ruins so many travel stories. I'm left in awe. I'm on my own journey to living off the land and sea right now. For the vast majority hunting and fishing are sports that cost money with the benefit of delicious food, but for a very few traditionalists, they are still very real ways to make a living, and live a very different life from that one most people assume is the only life there is. A meaningful connection to nature means food. When your food comes from nature, you can't help but get personally invested in protecting it! If anyone has read this far and still has mixed feelings about eating wild animals, know that we kill more deer through habitat destruction than we do with bullets. The choice to eat wild animals is the choice to let animals live in the wild instead of letting them live in barbed wire fences.
I know this video will not appeal to everyone, but thank you for understanding and for all the nice words. :)
It has been an honor to see into there life and continued traditions……..RESPECT Well done Dustin, your filming is beautiful. Thank you 🙏
Thank you.
What an amazing experience, thank you for taking us along. The respect and reverence shown to every kind of being shows loud and clear. I can't wait to see where you take us next!
Thank you very much.
From Nanaimo. Been living in S.Korea the past 6 years. Super homesick and can't wait to bring my family home to BC. Found your channel about a year ago. Look forward to all your uploads! They keep my head straight. Remind me where im from. A friggen big warm blanket like! Keep it up Dusty such great production quality and content. No idea when this channel is gonna blow up super big but it's commin fer sure buds! 🤘❤️🇨🇦
Thank you so much. I really really enjoyed South Korea. Only got to visit Busan.
You did it again!! Another great video. I loved learning about where you are and seeing the artwork. Beautiful place and looked like a great time and a great meal with a friend. I wanted to learn how to hunt but was never invited when I could actually make it to go. I wish I had tried harder now. Thanks for taking us along!!!
Thank you. I’ve been trying for a while to find the right person to take me on a hunt and teach me. I was pleased to get an invitation here.
OMG it touched my heart to hear the hunter thank the Deer for the food he has given to his family. RESPECT 🙌. Another fab adventure Dustin 😊
It looked like a fun experience for you. I experienced some First Nations people carving a totem pole. They have an amazing talent to carve these out with non-powered hand tools. They have to be incredibly patient because there is little room for 'talking a little too much off' during the process. Great to see you got to experience a successful hunt. Feeding your family in that region is clearly based on sound hunting skills. No driving over to the corner market for your meat in that part of BC. You must also be encouraged to find out that your fishing and crabbing skills and that lack of success are not you, but the fish and crab having different ideas about being caught.
That’s how I’m going to view my fishing attempts now. Hahaha
I absolutely loved this. I love the respect they show to the animal! I’ve watched them do the same on “Life below Zero”. Thank you Dustin for doing this video. I know you get some disagreement from some, but hunting/fishing is part of life. You did it in a very respectful way. As always, a fantastic video. LOVED IT
Thank you very much.
Again, another amazing video. The respect shown for the people, culture and the wildlife. You make Saturdays something special to look forward to. Our son is a hunter and he always shows the respect and gives thanks to the animal. Thank you isn’t enough for what you bring to all of us.
Thank you very much
Hello again from the south Okanagan, thanks for the videos and the memories. When we were on Moresby in the early '90's the Sitka Blacktail were at a high point in the cycle so we were able to bring one home. It was among the best if not the best wild game any of us have ever had - that from more than 6 decades of eating wild game. Thanks for showing where food for some of us comes from. Stay well and safe travels.
Absolutely delicious meat.
You do such an amazing job interviewing people, letting them share what they want. So respectful. Thanks Dustin ❤
My dad's side of the family were traditional deer hunters from the Pennsylvania mountains. Their outfits during the Civil war were even called the Bucktail Regiments. Back in the 60's when I first started hunting with my dad and uncles in those mountains we would always cook up our fresh catch for dinner that night, and the heart was the main course. I believe it is a tradition with most hunters.
This is an amazing video. I love the interaction with the natives. Their knowledge is so full of history. The weaving with cedar and watching the making of a totem pole shows how much work it is. Some may not like the hunting part. However, it is how people feed their families. Take notice of the hunter thanking the deer for his sacrifice for him to feed his family. It's not just a kill, and he is thankful. Again, the beauty of God's creation is breathtaking. It was not a good day for fishing or crabbing. However, you got one crab. Enough for a meal with the fresh venison. God's blessings on you, Dustin, from Proctor Minnesota!
Thank you very much.
Definitely a tribute to this beautiful land we are lucky enough to live in. Thanks for the amazing content that always strives to present as much history and local culture as possible in a meaningful way. Signed a grateful BC resident.
I love that you're making friends wherever you go in any circumstance. It is very endearing.
It was harder to watch but I also know what I'm coming from to have that difficulty. Loved getting to see some of the arts and traditions the Haida practice and the views of course. I know you all were respectful of your kills and you of course have to feed yourself when you're out in the wilderness. Makes sense you'd learn to hunt. Glad you picked such a considerate person to take you on that particular journey.
Nothing better than watching your videos on a cold and rainy day, Hello from Australia 🇦🇺 ,your awsome Dustin keep up the great work mate. Stevo.
Another amazing video. I really like how you give use a perspective of how the indigenous people's of the north live, and the beauty of their lands.
Thank you very much.
Dustin, this might just be your masterpiece.
Very nicely done. It's so good to see people who still honor and respect their elders. And put their heart and soul into their work. Also, giving thanks for a beautiful day. Very nice . And also put ur heart and soul into each and every adventure u share with us. You have definitely found your destiny. Thank you.
Thank you for such a nice comment. :)
Excellent. I love Haida Art.
You just can’t get this stuff on regular tv. Thank you so much for everything you bring to us. I love this video especially. The sharing of culture is incredible. 💕
I've hunted for many yrs, and like sum of ur commenters r saying... I'm really glad to c how respectful u r with the whole thing. Respect is such an important thing in all of life, and it's quite sad how much is non existent in this world. But awesome job for u, Dustin. 👍👍👍
I love seeing all these videos. I'm behind on watching them. The post office has me working 6 11-12hr days. But I'm super excited to watch these later!!!
Brings back so many memories of the buck hunts with my dad. Sitting on the logging landing, waiting for daylight. Getting that buck. Grateful. Then the work begins! Thanks for sharing.
Dustin, I have enjoyed your videos for a long time now. I love the new rig and series. But ... I wanted to take a moment to address this particular video. As a hunter (all my life), photographer and outdoorsman, Thank you! You did a great job presenting this process of field to table. Very respectful and tasteful. In a world that has gone crazy and where hunting is looked at unfavorably by many, you have managed to present it very well and demonstrate our respect and appreciation for the wildlife. You and your host did an excellent job with this segment! Thank you! I look forward to your future adventures and videos.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures. I just found your channel a few months ago can't stop watching them. I have a lot of catching up to do to see your videos. It will take a while but going to see them all . Your videos, that I've seen are first class. God bless you!!
Thank you very much, and happy binging. :)
Thanks again Dustin for filming and sharing. ❤ I love the way Haida, and other First Nations peoples, show respect for the food that is gathered from the Earth. We could all learn a valuable lesson from them.
and that folks....is how it's done! Nice work Dustin! I have to go pick some huckleberries now! haha! Good looking meal! :)
I started watching your videos because they looked cool. Great locations and who doesn't love adventure. After watching 30 or so, I am so fascinated by the way you can make an "adventure video" and yet convey such emotion. I am realizing that I love your videos because I don't just watch them, I feel them. The respect, honor, friendship and wonder at the natural world comes through loud and clear. I am so glad that I found your channel and get to go on adventures with you. Thank you Dustin.
Very well done, the sitka black tail is an invasive species in Haida Gwaii, destroying and trampling the efforts of the forest to reclaim itself after all of the logging that takes place and took place.
Really enjoyed this episode. Hunting and fishing has been a large part of providing our needs for my wife and I and our nine children over these past many decades. Thank you
Where I live hunting is common place. Children head out with their elders and learn from a young age. And most of us eat the meat throughout the winter. Thank you for sharing this as this is how it should be done.
If people eat meat, they should be able to see where it comes from. Respect was shown to the animal. Great episode, as always.
Thanks, Dustin! It was great to see familiar faces and familiar places! Cheers!
That is the freshest plate of "sea-lander" you will ever have. You know what we call vegans and vegetarians 'round here? Bad hunters. Always thank the Great Spirit, and the creature who gave up it's life, so you can live. I believe Mother Nature is lashing back at us lately, because we have not shown her the respect she deserves. Keep up the good work Brother. Safe travels... Cheers
Sometimes it’s hard to comment - when you read the great comments and feedback from the viewers nothing I can really say that isn’t already seeing said - thankyou Dustin!!!
Thank you very much.
I’m Haida but from SE Alaska not HG. I appreciate you including the dive into my culture. Giving everyone an inside look. That’s awesome. Great film man
This was a really great video Dustin.. thx!😁👍
Thank you
Haida Gwaii has been on my bucket list for decades. Thanks for taking us there. That bowl of food was art. Kudos to you again, Dustin, and to the people of Haida Gwaii.
I have never seen a deer prepped in such a beautiful fashion. Good job on the filming.
That was one of the best videos depicting in a small way indigenous peoples cultural ways. And that meal was to kill for, no pun intended. For those offended by hunting, our indigenous peoples are the best stewards of the land and sea. They use every part of any animal they kill. Truly one with nature.
We used to boat up and down the BC coast when I much younger and one of the worst rip tides was by an area called Ripple Rock just past Campbell River! Smaller boats would wait for slack tide to navigate the area! The Eddy's the rip tide created were quite strong! Ripple Rock was dynamited in the fifties to make the straight safer for boaters! The Island has a treasure trove of history to explore and get lost in! You'd have lots of material there, Dustin! Cheers,Sandy&Andy
Well done, Dustin, respectful to the kill, giving thanks is so classy. So many people have no idea where their food comes from, you and Brody did an excellent job of filming the event. BZ
The catch and cook made this a great episode. Cheers from tazzy.
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I just came across your videos on you tube today and I’m loving them! I have a friend on Haida Gwai. She moved there decades ago (from Europe). I haven’t met up with her there , as she comes to Vancouver. She had a bed&Breakfast there for many years, and after many years she sold her property but retired in her ‘cottage’ there. She posts amazing photos. If I knew about your adventure beforehand I would have introduced you to each other!
Awesome video Dustin. This made my mouth water. My never forgotten favorite meal of my life was 1989, 10 years old, camp hunting with my dad. My first 4 point buck, backstrap and heart cooked over the open fire.
Brilliant. Thank you Justin. Your footage and story telling found in this episode does this country proud. Difficult subject matter done with the dignity and respect it deserves.
When I lived in PR it amazed me just how much people were supplementing their food needs through hunting, fishing and foraging. It really is a way of life up north
People are intelligent so regardless they still have their art, and their history is still being passed down, and that matters. Integrity Matters. You do a fabulous job, Dustin.
My wife and I along with our 11 year old daughter go Elk and Deer hunting every October, we make a week long trip out of it. We create memories that will last us all out entire lives. Thank you for the adventure Dustin.
As always nice work! You've let me see one of the places I've most wanted to go EVER! No envy just appreciation.
Absolutely loved this episode and awesome decision to get a seasoned hunter to show you the ways of harvesting an animal from beginning to end properly and respectfully . Noice work!👍🏻
Once again Dustin, thank you for the adventure! The hunting section brought back alot of memories of my farther! Miss You Dad!
More hunting content please Dustin 🙏
I really appreciate your authentic nature as it comes across in your videos… also love the honor paid to traditions … when you guys were cooking the back strap all I could think about was my brother.. RIP… he was an avid outdoorsman and fed his family in this way… backstrap was his favorite… glad you got to experience this and to learn from traditional ways… 🩵 and share it with us ☺️
Phenomenal. Thank you. GREAT way to start the day after chores. Loved it.
Great video thank you for doing it the respectable way the food looked delicious
Been following you since the beginning. One of the best shows ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I stumbled across your channel and have binged all your videos. Thanks for the great content!
Thank you for enjoying.
This is where food comes from pure and real love it👍👍
I feel so so happy when I see a notification from your channel, thank you
I appreciate that, thank you.
This video was absolutely amazing Dustin, thank you for sharing this with everyone. I love the respect that was given to the deer, from thanking it to the way you filmed the processing. What a beautiful part of the world to explore and experience. Safe travels and best wishes to you from England
Thank you for posting early today! We were able to enjoy your video early as hubby has to work today. Nice work.
Wonderful video - thank you. I would love to go to Haida Gwaii someday. I personally think it's interesting how the ancient culture blends with the modern. The carvers were using metal tools, which they didn't have back in the day. I liked how your video of the artists was long enough to get a sense of what they do with minimal commentary by you. Your hunt was in a clear cut - definitely not a typical tourist experience of the natural world, but certainly genuine. Logging is a modern fact of life in those islands. It's great to know that the non-native blacktail deer is providing for the locals, and for a lucky traveler.
Great day, thanks for taking us along.
Always nice to see hunters keeping family traditions of hunting the bounty that the good Lord provides. I’m thankful for the hunting and fishing tradition passed on by my family for as long as I can remember.
My daughter and I had a very similar experience in Rennel Sound. Memories to last a lifetime for sure. Bryan from Vancouver
Hello Thank-you for this series. We are just finishing our adventure today and waiting for the ferry. I have been to Haida Gwaii a few times but it has been awhile! We stayed in Daajling Giid as our base. Isabel Creek store was a excellent place to get a few items each morning and Jags was A great stop for morning coffee. The only thing we found really expensive was gas and that was not unexpected we arrived with a full tank of Rupert gas 1.79 and filled up on Masset gas $2.50. Halibut at The 626 was a great deal make sure you stop in. I never did see the Golden Spruce standing so it was wonderful to see UBC's accomplishments in Port Clements. Another recommendation is the Axe and Anchor in PC.. arriving in Masset my daughter and I paid our respects at the Masset graveyard and cleaned up the gravesite adding shells and Agates a traditional ritual. We hiked along the beach to see the Pestua I had been 46 years ago but we hiked from Tlell to Tow hill. Having a connection to the island really helps with your trip as does research. Beware of the deer a species that is not indigenous to the island and has no predators. And are tiny Love your videos
ive grown up on van isl so seeing the local landscape and the rainforest is amazing. bc is beautiful
I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing the beautiful North as always. Wishing you and yours very best in life. Take care
Thank you! for taking us to hunt, and see a live skinning and processing of deer, I've always wanted to learn how to do that, when and if I ever get a chance to go out and hunt. I've read plenty of it from books and photos, but it's so rare to be able to actually see it live. It was beautiful and very respectful, thank you for that. Also man, that meal was such a feast to the eyes and soul 🤤 I've been craving for deer steak for a while, not many places sells it in the city. That fresh grass taste off the juicy meat🤤 Yum! yum!
One of your best videos! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much.
Just found your channel last week watched the truck build👍👍have had the same truck 26 years, love your channel
Fantastic video. Harvesting an animal is a gift.
Haida Gwaii.....simply God's Country....great episode Justin...its on my bucket list ❤😊
Watching your work is like walking in a dream.
That’s very nice, thank you.
Awesome as always Dustin 🐿
your stories keep getting better and better .
your shows never disappoint. thank you
Great to see you going hunting it should be a good addition to your vidios great stuff bud 👍👍🚐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍👍
Many thanks to the Haida people for showing us some of their cultural heritage and especially thanks to Brody, a new friend on your journey Dustin - what an experience he let you share in there. Yep, it can be a little difficult to watch I think if you've not seen this sort of content before, but we have to eat, and the respectful manner in which is was carried out is really great. Like you mention, careful control of hunting will maintain a balance, whilst allowing people to feed themselves. And just look at the bounty, so lovingly prepared in that bowl - Full bellies right there, Thankyou Mr Deer & Thankyou Brody 😊
Thanks Jim. Is there much of a hunting culture in UK? I imagine the opportunities would be a fair bit more limited.
@@Destination_Adventure I've never really seen it here, most likely just because the UK is pretty small in comparison to over your way regarding total population density. It is much lower pop density and thus more wild in Scotland, but most hunting is usually tended to by Gillies up here, they are a servant or attendant to the land owner. Combined with the fact that it is very difficult to own and carry a weapon for hunting too. I always remember a trip to Poland that I did quite a few years back. The cooks of the restaurant I visited had been out that day hunting wild boar and me thinking it's like a completely different world! (Beautiful meal though!)
Absolutely incredible! To see the carvings and hand weaving of the cedars I can can smell it as I enjoy my coffee watching yet another fantastic video ! I too hunt and tomorrow is opening day! That meal just made me drool and can’t wait to get out to the mountains this season. I always give thanks to nature if I should get lucky to harvest an animal, thank you Dustin for yet another great adventure, stay safe and will look forward to next Saturday for your next video!!! 👍🇨🇦
Thank you very much, and best of luck on your hunting season.
This may be my favourite episode so far.
CBC should be running these. All Canadians should watch your videos. IMO. As always,great stuff.
That’s very nice, thank you.
As a cook by trade and my work does globe trot me here and there. I have tried alot of interesting things. But that bowl of meat and vegetables looks amazing. Hope its as tasty as it looks. I only ever fished with my father. I have not had the opportunity to hunt. The respect is to such a high degree for the hunt was eye opening. I cant put into to words how much i appreciate seeing what you show us of the first nations. Many thanks to them letting you do what you do.
I think this just might be my favorite episode
Amazing video once again Dustin! Nice to see your smile! ❤
Dustin, nothing better than a fresh deer cook out! I'm so glad to see you getting the chance to experience deer heart. It is so delicious and so full of nutrients that you need. My first experience was when I was 18 up in Minnesota with great friends. I was hesitant at first with the heart but quickly became a fan. I had never hunted even though my Dad invited me. I just wasn't a big fan of the Everglades or swampy areas as a young girl. They had creepy crawly things don't ya know, lol. As I got older yes I ended up hunting gators in the Glades, but I still didn't like black water cuz ya never know what might be lurking under the surface! I enjoyed my coffee with you this morning. Looking forward to many more Saturday morning's watching you get up to something new. Happy trails and safe travels to you!
Gator hunting would be a blast I’m sure. Thank you for the nice comment. :)
Yet again another fascinating video Dustin. Thank you!
Another video of stellar quality, you never fail to deliver absolute top quality!