It’s a mystery that’s haunted Wisconsin’s hunting community for nearly 50 years. On September 16, 1977, 18-year-old Bob Christian left home to spend the night at a friend’s house before the opening day of bow season. That night, his future looked bright. He’d just been accepted to the University of Wisconsin as a computer science major, and his friendly, easygoing personality endeared him to family and friends alike. But something happened on that drive, and to this day, no one knows what. His car was later found stripped on a remote dirt road near his childhood hunting grounds, and nearly five decades later, Bob’s whereabouts remain unknown. Join host Jordan Sillars as he unravels a tangle of clues that spans small-town secrets, mysterious headlights, a convent break-in, the Ringling Brothers Circus—and even a possible connection to the infamous John Wayne Gacy. Through the eyes of hunters, family, and detectives, this is a story of friendships frozen in time and forests that keep their secrets.

Want more Blood Trails? Check out this episode's Case File.

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It&rsquo;s a mystery that&rsquo;s haunted Wisconsin&rsquo;s hunting community for nearly 50 years. On September 16, 1977, 18-year-old Bob Christian left home to spend the night at a friend&rsquo;s house before the opening day of bow season. That night, his future looked bright. He&rsquo;d just been accepted to the University of Wisconsin as a computer science major, and his friendly, easygoing personality endeared him to family and friends alike. But something happened on that drive, and to this day, no one knows what. His car was later found stripped on a remote dirt road near his childhood hunting grounds, and nearly five decades later, Bob&rsquo;s whereabouts remain unknown. Join host Jordan Sillars as he unravels a tangle of clues that spans small-town secrets, mysterious headlights, a convent break-in, the Ringling Brothers Circus&mdash;and even a possible connection to the infamous John Wayne Gacy. Through the eyes of hunters, family, and detectives, this is a story of friendships frozen in time and forests that keep their secrets.
Want more Blood Trails? Check out this episode's <a href="https://www.themeateater.com/listen/blood-trails-case-files/an-opening-day-disappearance">Case File</a>.
Follow Blood Trails on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blood-trails/id1848185680">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3WRqMmdRVZ3MjOZb0uK0ob?si=e9a15992ce65400a">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIQv7voZWHy4_K5Yu3T9pgFXpFzQDiCsf">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-blood-trails-301855865">iHeart</a>, <a href="https://www.pandora.com/podcast/blood-trails/PC:1001110258">Pandora</a>, <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/85c4a194-a3e7-435c-bd54-9f8653bce49b/blood-trails">Amazon</a>.
Connect with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themeateater.com/people/jordan-sillars">Jordan Sillars</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.themeateater.com/">MeatEater</a>
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Blood Trails is a new investigative podcast from MeatEater, hosted by writer and journalist Jordan Sillars. Each episode digs into true crime stories from the world of hunting and fishing—cases where the woods and the water became the backdrop for violence and mystery. From missing hunters deep in public land to poachers turned killers and fishing trips gone fatally wrong, Blood Trails uncovers the moments when outdoor life collides with the darkness of the human heart. But this isn't repackaged Wikipedia. Each story features original reporting you won't hear anywhere else, expert insight from detectives and hunters, and first-hand accounts from the people who were actually there. For true crime listeners looking for something new—and outdoorsmen who know the thrill and risk of time afield—Blood Trails exposes the stories left behind in the tracks. If you’re a fan of Dateline, Criminal, or Bear Grease but want your true crime set in the wild places you know, this podcast is for you.

Blood Trails is a new investigative podcast from MeatEater, hosted by writer and journalist Jordan Sillars. Each episode digs into true crime stories from the world of hunting and fishing&mdash;cases where the woods and the water became the backdrop for violence and mystery. From missing hunters deep in public land to poachers turned killers and fishing trips gone fatally wrong, Blood Trails uncovers the moments when outdoor life collides with the darkness of the human heart. But this isn't repackaged Wikipedia. Each story features original reporting you won't hear anywhere else, expert insight from detectives and hunters, and first-hand accounts from the people who were actually there. For true crime listeners looking for something new&mdash;and outdoorsmen who know the thrill and risk of time afield&mdash;Blood Trails exposes the stories left behind in the tracks. If you&rsquo;re a fan of Dateline, Criminal, or Bear Grease but want your true crime set in the wild places you know, this podcast is for you.

Blood Trails

S1E1: An Opening Day Disappearance

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f20f8a6d-e639-478b-84f0-b38401413c88/transcript