On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re on part two in our Holt Collier series and looking into the second section of his life, from the age of 20 to his mid-60s, which were defined by gunfights, cowboying and bear hunting. Holt was a former slave turned confederate soldier, he was acquitted of the murder of a white man after the civil war, and he made a lot of money as a market bear hunter in the primeval swamps of Mississippi. Holt was buddies with presidents, governors and outlaws – he became an accomplished cowboy in Texas while running from the vigilante justice of those that wanted him hung. Holt was married three times, was a deputy sheriff, his best bear dog was named Mandy, and he had a baseball team named after him. And, he guided President Teddy Roosevelt on the hunt that created the global icon of the “Teddy Bear” (we’ll talk about that on episode three). We’ve interviewed author, Minor Ferris Buchannan who’s written the only book about Holt Collier, Hank Burdine who acts as a guardian of Holt’s legacy, and Jonathan Wilkins – an African American outfitter in the Delta. You wouldn’t believe Holt’s story if it wasn’t the truth, he’s surrounded by controversy and irony, but one thing is for certain – he was an extraordinary and brilliant man and his legacy deserves to sit with the kings of American culture. We’re in search of learning who this man Holt Collier was and I really doubt you’re going to want to miss this. 

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On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re on part two in our Holt Collier series and looking into the second section of his life, from the age of 20 to his mid-60s, which were defined by gunfights, cowboying and bear hunting. Holt was a former slave turned confederate soldier, he was acquitted of the murder of a white man after the civil war, and he made a lot of money as a market bear hunter in the primeval swamps of Mississippi. Holt was buddies with presidents, governors and outlaws – he became an accomplished cowboy in Texas while running from the vigilante justice of those that wanted him hung. Holt was married three times, was a deputy sheriff, his best bear dog was named Mandy, and he had a baseball team named after him. And, he guided President Teddy Roosevelt on the hunt that created the global icon of the “Teddy Bear” (we’ll talk about that on episode three). We’ve interviewed author, Minor Ferris Buchannan who’s written the only book about Holt Collier, Hank Burdine who acts as a guardian of Holt’s legacy, and Jonathan Wilkins – an African American outfitter in the Delta. You wouldn’t believe Holt’s story if it wasn’t the truth, he’s surrounded by controversy and irony, but one thing is for certain – he was an extraordinary and brilliant man and his legacy deserves to sit with the kings of American culture. We’re in search of learning who this man Holt Collier was and I really doubt you’re going to want to miss this. 
Connect with <a href="https://www.themeateater.com/authors/claynewcomb">Clay</a> and <a href="https://www.themeateater.com/">MeatEater</a>
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The Bear Grease Podcast with host Clay Newcomb delivers compelling storytelling through documentary-style episodes exploring the culture, traditions, and history of rural America. He’ll dive in deep with hunters, biologists, anthropologists, and hillbillies to learn about human nature and our ancient connection to the land. Bear Grease explores unique people, topics, and stories that reveal the incredible value of life lived close to the land. Part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.

Bear Grease

Home to the Bear Grease podcast and Bear Grease Render show with Clay Newcomb, and This Country Life with Brent Reaves.

Clay Newcomb delivers compelling storytelling through documentary-style episodes exploring the culture, traditions, and history of rural America. He’ll dive in deep with hunters, biologists, anthropologists, and hillbillies to learn about human nature and our ancient connection to the land. Bear Grease explores unique people, topics, and stories that reveal the incredible value of life lived close to the land. Follow up with the Render discussion show, where Clay interviews experts and brings together a cast of crew members to explore themes within the Bear Grease show.

Brent Reaves is a lifelong outdoorsman whose family roots go back over 150 years in the river bottoms of rural Arkansas. On This Country Life, he's inviting you into his home to teach you everything he knows about hunting, fishing, and the very best parts of country living. To Brent, country living is about living life on your own terms, or as he says, "beating the system." In each episode, Brent's going to tell you a story about a time he did just that, and teach you a country skill you need to know to do the same. So pull up a chair or drop the tailgate, Brent's got a thing or two he can teach you.

Part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.

Home to the Bear Grease podcast and Bear Grease Render show with Clay Newcomb, and This Country Life with Brent Reaves.
Clay Newcomb delivers compelling storytelling through documentary-style episodes exploring the culture, traditions, and history of rural America. He’ll dive in deep with hunters, biologists, anthropologists, and hillbillies to learn about human nature and our ancient connection to the land. Bear Grease explores unique people, topics, and stories that reveal the incredible value of life lived close to the land. Follow up with the Render discussion show, where Clay interviews experts and brings together a cast of crew members to explore themes within the Bear Grease show.
Brent Reaves is a lifelong outdoorsman whose family roots go back over 150 years in the river bottoms of rural Arkansas. On This Country Life, he's inviting you into his home to teach you everything he knows about hunting, fishing, and the very best parts of country living. To Brent, country living is about living life on your own terms, or as he says, "beating the system." In each episode, Brent's going to tell you a story about a time he did just that, and teach you a country skill you need to know to do the same. So pull up a chair or drop the tailgate, Brent's got a thing or two he can teach you.
Part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.

Ep. 70: Holt Collier - Texas Cowboy, Gunfights & Market Bear Hunting, Part 2

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8c8b56eb-5dab-4bc1-b4aa-af0801590164/transcript

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