On the opening weekend of Wisconsin's 2004 deer season, a confrontation over a tree stand erupted into one of the deadliest hunting-related shootings in American history. Six hunters were killed, two more were wounded, and the man responsible disappeared into the forest. But what drove Chai Soua Vang to open fire? Was it a case of self-defense gone horribly wrong, or a calculated act of murder? Through firsthand accounts from survivors, investigators, and others close to the case, we revisit a tragedy that exposed deep divisions over race, hunting, and justice in rural America.

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On the opening weekend of Wisconsin's 2004 deer season, a confrontation over a tree stand erupted into one of the deadliest hunting-related shootings in American history. Six hunters were killed, two more were wounded, and the man responsible disappeared into the forest. But what drove Chai Soua Vang to open fire? Was it a case of self-defense gone horribly wrong, or a calculated act of murder? Through firsthand accounts from survivors, investigators, and others close to the case, we revisit a tragedy that exposed deep divisions over race, hunting, and justice in rural America.
Thank you to our sponsor,&nbsp;<a href="tecovas.com">Tecovas</a>.
Want more Blood Trails? Check out the <a href="https://www.themeateater.com/series/blood-trails-case-files">Case File</a>.
Subscribe to the all new Blood Trails YouTube channel&nbsp;<a href="youtube.com/@bloodtrailstv">@BloodTrailsTV</a>
Shop the all new&nbsp;<a href="https://store.themeateater.com/collections/blood-trails">Blood Trails merch</a>!
Follow Blood Trails on <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="youtube.com/@bloodtrailstv">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> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bloodtrailspod/">Instagram</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

S3E2: The Reckoning of Chai Vang

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/46b629db-0845-4b6c-a17d-b4ea0130bdb2/transcript