UM Alum Steven Rinella Might Soon Be Dr. MeatEater

The powers that be at the University of Montana are considering giving an honorary doctorate to none other than Steven Rinella. The man who made squirrel-eating normal on television and made me personally re-examine whether we’ve been cooking venison wrong our entire lives.

That’s right, the host of MeatEater. The man who has likely shoved more elk meat into a YETI cooler than I ever will could soon be Dr. Steven Rinella. And honestly? It has a nice ring to it.

Rinella has built a career explaining to hundreds of millions about hunting, conservation, and how to fashion anything with four legs into a five-star meal. He’s not simply a dude with a rifle, he’s a champion of public lands, sustainable hunting, and understanding where your food comes from. If there is a fancy degree out there for keeping outdoor traditions alive, it belongs to him.

The University of Montana is not exactly giving these things away like free food at Costco, either. This is a big deal. They’re acknowledging Rinella’s profound contributions to conservation, education, and the mindset of the modern hunter.

According to Montanaoutdoor.com

The University of Montana will propose awarding MeatEater podcast and television host Steven Rinella an honorary doctorate at the MUS Board of Regent’s meeting on March 13

So what does this mean to Rinella? Is he going to be grading term papers on the ethics of bear hunting? Probably not. But it’s a well-deserved nod to his contributions to the outdoor community, and honestly, if he wants to slap “Dr. MeatEater” on his next book jacket, who’s gonna stop him?

Congratulations, Steve! You have made hunting officially academic.