Parents' Guide to

Call of the Wildman

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Mild animal rescue show stars colorful Kentucky woodsman.

TV Animal Planet Reality TV 2011
Call of the Wildman Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 7 parent reviews

lovemysugar
lovemysugar Adult
June 2, 2013
age 4+

Call of the wildman- Turtleman #1

Call of the wildman, is one of the best t.v. shows ever! a learning experience with footnote details about the animals, searing excitement watching Ernie Brown Jr. aka "Turtleman" rescuing all sorts of animals and critter.You just feel the total goodness of this couragous talented man. I am so glad this show is on for us to enjoy. God bless you Ernie Brown Jr. and friends, we love you!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Cowser
Cowser Adult
March 30, 2012
age 3+

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.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 7 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (3 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

TV Details

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