Call of the Wildman

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Mild animal rescue show stars colorful Kentucky woodsman.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series features animal rescues conducted in unique (but humane) ways by a lively character who lives in the Kentucky backwoods. It's pretty mild, but contains some scenes of aggressive animals fighting capture. Men are sometimes shown with their shirts off. The series sends strong messages about respecting and protecting animals.

  • Most animal removals are done to help the animal get to a safer environment. The removal/elimination of some pests are also done for the health and safety of the people and other animals living on the property.
  • Turtleman may remove critters, but he loves animals and does not want to harm them. The community has a lot of respect for what he does.
  • Turtleman carries a steel blade he calls "Thunder." He often wrestles with aggressive wildlife in order to capture them, and is sometimes bitten. Injuries sustained by cows and other animals from some of the animals being captured are also featured.
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.
  • Logos aren't prominently visible, but old Ford pick-up trucks are visible. Turtleman drives a Nissan truck with his name painted on the back of it. He is often paid in goods (like fresh milk) as well as cash. The series serves as a mild promotional vehicle for his animal rescue work.

What's the story?

CALL OF THE WILDMAN is a reality series about Ernie Brown, Jr., known to the community as "Turtleman," as he helps people get rid of troublesome critters from their properties. Born and raised in the backwoods of Kentucky, Turtleman uses his wilderness savvy and his bare hands to capture potentially dangerous animals like snakes, big snapping turtles, and angry raccoons. Assistant Neal James and dog Lolly Turtleman usually accompany him. Whether placing snakes in a room to eliminate mice to diving into murky, gas-filled ponds, nothing stops him from doing what he has to do in order to find, capture, and if possible, remove animals humanely from the property. After a successful catch, Turtleman releases his trademark celebratory yell, and then transports the live animals to areas where they can be let go and live safely.


Is it any good?

 

Turtleman, who became a local celebrity after a YouTube video about his turtle hunting went viral, demonstrates his unique bond with the wild, as well as his flair for tracking, snaring, and wrestling various animals and reptiles native to the area. Throughout it all, he offers some humorous commentary about his genuine affection and concern for these animals.

Some folks may find the animal rescue work featured here interesting, but viewers will most likely find Turtleman's country lifestyle, which includes no running water and an outhouse, curiously entertaining. Overall, it's the kind of show that families can tune into and enjoy.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about what the term "backwoods" means. What defines this kind of culture? How does the media present people who live deep in the woods without modern conveniences? What are some of the stereotypes about people who choose to live this way? Do you think these portrayals are accurate?

  • Why do you think Turtleman has agreed to do this show? What does he stand to gain or lose?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Parent
January 2, 2012
 
valuable humor as well as safety in animal rescue
What any home owner who has country lifestyles needs to know about safely engaging and removing wild animals who invade properties is hilarious to watch and you gain insight into rescues rather than extermination. except he uses a snake to get his mice out...

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Parent
November 28, 2011
 
Way to Go, Turtleman!
entertaining and educational

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Parent
January 17, 2012
 
Best show ever!
Great show for kids of all ages. Never any bad language, humane treatment of animals, fun to watch Turtleman's problem solving skills.

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Parent
January 19, 2012
 
Entertaining for any age - not just kids!
I think Ernie "Turtleman" Brown, Jr. is a decent man earning a decent living doing what he knows how to do. If you missed the episode where he explained what happened to his missing teeth, it wasn't drugs or poor hygiene, it was a power tool accident.

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Kid, 12 years old
February 21, 2012
 
I give this show a 5 star review!
This is the best show ever! It is halarious and teaches kids about the animals Turtle Man catches

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Parent
January 28, 2012
 
animal saver
Ernie Brown may be a backwoods hick BUT he is one good person and has a positive attitude that is needed in today's world.

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Parent
March 30, 2012
 
Great family show!
This is a great family show! My 6 and 9 years love the show (as do I) and Turtleman is a great role model. There is no swearing and Turtleman really loves and respects the animals he catches (and removes). Turtleman may come off as bit of a backwards, but he is clearly a lot smarter than what his simple image lets on. From what I have read on line, Turtleman is the real deal and not just a TV creation. He is a local legend in KY and really in this to spread his love for all animals. Great TV and I am looking forward to more episodes.

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:Animal Planet
Cast:Ernie Brown Jr, Neal James
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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