Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Welcome to The Big Game Hunting Podcast where host John McAdams discusses subjects like caliber comparisons, Africa hunting, terminal ballistics, intense hunting stories, and more – featuring a wide variety of guests from industry experts to listeners of the show from all over the world. No fluff, no baloney, just one serious big game hunter doing his best to learn, grow, and have fun alongside his listeners. New episodes release every Thursday. Join us to learn more about subjects ranging from cape buffalo hunting in Africa to hunting deer, elk, bear, and antelope in North America from internationally recognized experts in their fields. Contact me with your questions or feedback via email at: john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com Or visit the searchable archive of all Big Game Hunting Podcast episodes published since 2019 at https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/
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435: 45-70 in Africa Pros, Cons & Lessons Learned
08/06/2026
435: 45-70 in Africa Pros, Cons & Lessons Learned
My father and I took a father-son safari to Africa armed with classic lever-action rifles in .45-70 Government — my Marlin 1895 and his Winchester 1886. Despite being an uncommon choice on the Dark Continent, the old .45-70 delivered devastating close-range performance. Join me as I share the full story, the challenges we experienced with our set-up, and what we learned from running this American classic in Africa. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Join the community I'm building on to receive exclusive bonus content, like my ongoing tour of my new office highlighting lessons learned and interesting stories from past hunts. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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434: The Spotted Chainsaw-Dave Fulson on Leopard Charges, Follow-Ups & Survival
07/30/2026
434: The Spotted Chainsaw-Dave Fulson on Leopard Charges, Follow-Ups & Survival
Watch this full episode on YouTube to see video of the leopard charges, good/bad shots on leopard, etc. Dave Fulson from Safari Classics TV joins me in this episode to discuss leopard hunting. He shares his thoughts on why he thinks leopard hunting is uniquely demanding compared to any other animal in Africa: the endless waiting, the mental grind, the constant second-guessing, and the incredible emotional payoff when everything finally comes together. We also cover baiting versus hound hunting, why so many hunters miss what should be an easy shot, the realities of following up wounded leopards, and some intense stories of charges and close calls. Whether you’ve hunted leopard or just dream of doing so, this is a raw, honest, and deeply insightful conversation with one of the most experienced voices in African hunting. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Subscribe to the for tons of free clips, full hunts, and behind-the-scenes footage. and get the complete library of over 300 full African safaris, the PH Perspective series, video podcasts, and new content added every week.
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433: The Enduring Romance of the British Double Rifle + The 8-Bore Buffalo Hunt
07/23/2026
433: The Enduring Romance of the British Double Rifle + The 8-Bore Buffalo Hunt
John sits down with Graeme Wright, author of the definitive Shooting the British Double Rifle, to explore why double rifles continue to captivate hunters more than a century after their golden era. Graeme shares how his lifelong fascination began and eventually grew into owning and shooting over 100 double rifles. He explains the original purpose of the double rifle, breaks down key terms (side lock vs. box lock, ejectors vs. extractors, Black Powder Express vs. Nitro Express), and tells the story of how Australia became a major hub for these classic firearms. They also dive into the famous .450 ban and the cartridges created to work around it (.470 NE, .500/.465 NE, .476 NE), the enduring appeal of the .500 NE and .577 NE, and more. Graeme even shares field stories, including hunting buffalo with an 8-bore Paradox gun. Whether you already own a double rifle or are simply curious about these iconic firearms, this episode delivers both deep historical insight and practical knowledge from one of the world’s leading authorities. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Pick up a copy of by Graeme Wright
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432: The 6.5x55-The 130+ Year Old Round Delivering 6.5 PRC Performance
07/16/2026
432: The 6.5x55-The 130+ Year Old Round Delivering 6.5 PRC Performance
Joseph von Benedict returns to the show for a deep dive into one of his favorite classic cartridges: the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser (aka the 6.5 Swede). Joseph shares a few hunting stories involving the cartridge from Mozambique, New Zealand, and even a giant roe deer in Spain. They break down the cartridge’s rich history and Olympic pedigree, why it’s still winning fans more than 126 years after its introduction, and how modern handloads and bullets can push the 6.5×55 to near 6.5 PRC performance. If you appreciate classic cartridges that still deliver serious performance with the right loads and shot placement, you’ll love this conversation. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Recommended Episodes – Previous interview with Joseph – Previous interview with Joseph – Previous interview with Joseph – Previous interview with Joseph – Previous interview with Joseph – Previous interview with Joseph – Previous interview with Joseph 1) Joseph’s Page 2) Check Out The Backcountry Hunting Podcast on , , &
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431: True Cost of an Africa Hunt: Elk vs Plains Game Safari
07/09/2026
431: True Cost of an Africa Hunt: Elk vs Plains Game Safari
Is an African safari really as expensive as most hunters think? I break down the real, all-in costs of a guided plains game hunt in South Africa versus a guided rifle elk hunt in Wyoming — using hard numbers from actual hunts in this episode. I discuss everything: daily rates, trophy fees, licenses, tips, flights, taxidermy, meat processing, shipping trophies and meat home, and all the hidden extras that surprise most hunters. You’ll see exactly what a quality 8-day plains game package (gemsbok, blue wildebeest, blesbok, and impala) costs compared to a 6-night elk hunt, including my personal numbers from a recent Wyoming elk hunt. If you’ve ever wondered whether Africa is out of reach financially, or how the costs truly stack up against a North American big game hunt, this episode delivers the transparent breakdown you’ve been looking for. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Recommended Episodes
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430: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Jim Harmer
07/02/2026
430: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Jim Harmer
Jim Harmer (aka Backfire on YouTube) is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you’ll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We play little game where Phil and I each list our favorite cartridge and bullet for hunting specific species of game ranging from coues whitetail all the way up to thick skinned species of African game like cape buffalo and elephant and almost everything in between like mule deer, elk, black bear, etc. The catch is we cannot reuse a cartridge for multiple species. Even so, our discussion provides an interesting glimpse into the thought process he and I each use for selecting cartridges and bullets for hunting different species of game. Email me at with suggestions for other guests you’d like me to play this game with. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Get a Backstop Recoil pad (among many other cool products they sell) at the Subscribe to the – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview
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429: Is The New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak The End of the 6.5 PRC?
06/25/2026
429: Is The New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak The End of the 6.5 PRC?
Federal has taken the high-pressure case technology first seen in the 7mm Backcountry and applied it to the 6.5 Creedmoor, creating the new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak. This new ammunition promises to deliver 6.5 PRC level performance out of a standard 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. In this episode, Outdoor Life shooting editor John Snow returns to the podcast to discuss his extensive pre-launch testing of this groundbreaking ammunition from Federal. We cover real-world performance with this ammunition in 20″ and 24″ barrels, how that performance compares to traditional 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC factory ammunition, what reliability was like, and the exciting news that these cases are reloadable. We also dive deep into Proof Research’s revolutionary PXT radical gain-twist barrels and why they’re a perfect match for higher-pressure loads, including major improvements in barrel life. We also discuss potential +P versions of other cartridges (like the .308 Winchester and 5.56 NATO, etc.), implications for suppressors and short-barreled rifles, military applications, and how this technology is resetting expectations for centerfire rifle performance. Sponsor: Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Read John’s article on Outdoor Life about and watch his . Follow John on Instagram . Follow Outdoor Life on , , and – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview
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428: 5 Guns Every Hunter Should Own
06/18/2026
428: 5 Guns Every Hunter Should Own
If you could only choose 5 guns to hunt with for the rest of your life, what would they be? Join me as I answer that very question as I lay out practical recommendations for a well-rounded five-gun battery that covers everything from small game, birds, and varmints to medium and dangerous big game. What’s your ideal five-gun battery? Drop a comment on YouTube/Spotify or email John at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com Sponsor: Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe on Patreon for first priority when I answer questions from listeners along with access to all my bonus material at If you enjoy the Big Game Hunting Podcast, be sure to subscribe to both of my YouTube channels for an even better experience. The channel features the full video version of every episode—including this one—with helpful visual aids that make the content come alive. My channel is packed with bonus videos like ballistic gel tests, hunt footage, and in-depth cartridge discussions. Hit subscribe on both and turn on notifications so you never miss new hunting content! Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources
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427: Weatherby Rifles & Cartridges Explained With Tyler Grethen
06/11/2026
427: Weatherby Rifles & Cartridges Explained With Tyler Grethen
In this episode, John McAdams sits down with Tyler Grethen, Marketing Director at Weatherby, for a comprehensive look at one of America’s most storied firearm manufacturers. Tyler shares the fascinating history of Roy Weatherby — from door-to-door insurance salesman and garage tinkerer to creator of some of the fastest production cartridges ever made. They discuss the move from California to Wyoming, the legendary Mark V action (including the nine-lug, six-lug, and new short actions), the extremely popular Vanguard line, the innovative 307 series built on a Remington 700 footprint, as well as Weatherby's cartridge lineup and their loaded ammunition offerings. Sponsor: Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Check out the , follow them on , and .
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426: The Savage Model 99-The Thinking Man’s Deer Rifle with Bryce Towsley
06/04/2026
426: The Savage Model 99-The Thinking Man’s Deer Rifle with Bryce Towsley
Bryce M. Towsley joins John McAdams for a comprehensive look at the Savage Model 99 rifle. From its origins with Arthur Savage and the early 1899/99 models to its innovative internal hammer, rotary magazine with cartridge counter, and ability to handle modern smokeless cartridges with pointed bullets, we cover what made this lever action truly different from the Winchesters and Marlins of its era. Bryce shares his personal experiences hunting with the 300 Savage, the evolution of cartridges available in the Model 99 (303 Savage, 22 Savage Hi-Power, 250 Savage, 300 Savage, 308 Winchester, 358 Winchester, 284 Winchester, and more), why the rifle was so popular in the northeast big woods, realisticaccuracy expectations, and the reasons Model 99 production eventually ended. This episode is a must-listen for lever-action fans, Savage collectors, and anyone who appreciates thoughtful firearm design and hunting history. Sponsor: Make sure you’re signed up for my email list by going to . You’ll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you’ll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you’ll love those emails. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Get copies of or on – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview
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425: 425 Westley Richards: History, Ballistics & Dangerous Game Performance
05/28/2026
425: 425 Westley Richards: History, Ballistics & Dangerous Game Performance
L.D. McCaa of Westley Richards dives deep into the history and performance of the .425 Westley Richards — one of the most unique and effective British dangerous game cartridges of the early 20th century. In this episode you’ll learn: F.C. Selous story and how he tested his new .425 rifle, why Westley Richards created the first rebated-rim short magnum on a standard Mauser action, design details of those new rifles (drop-box magazines, stripper clip loading, feed clips, etc.), ballistics and real-world performance on buffalo, elephant, and Indian game, comparison to the .404 Jeffery and .416 Rigby, use by game departments in Uganda and Rhodesia, and current availability of brass, bullets (including Hammer), and new rifles If you love vintage British cartridges, dangerous game rifles, African hunting history, or classic bolt actions, this conversation is packed with rare insights and technical details you won’t find anywhere else. Learn more about once forgotten here Sponsor: Make sure you’re signed up for my email list by going to . You’ll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you’ll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you’ll love those emails. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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424: 300 HAM'R: Bill Wilson's 3,300+ Hogs, Zebra, Wildebeest, & More
05/21/2026
424: 300 HAM'R: Bill Wilson's 3,300+ Hogs, Zebra, Wildebeest, & More
Bill Wilson, founder of Wilson Combat, shares the story behind the 300 HAM’R — the AR-15 cartridge he designed to outperform the 300 Blackout and match the legendary 30-30 Winchester out of a 16″ barrel. In this wide-ranging conversation, Bill dives deep into why he moved away from high weight retention bullets, the devastating performance of Lehigh Controlled Chaos bullets, real-world results on 3,300+ feral hogs and African game (zebra, kudu, wildebeest, etc.), terminal performance testing, why faster twist rates matter more than most realize, and stories from multiple African safaris (including a wild 1979 hunt Rhodesia during the Bush War). Whether you’re a hog hunter, AR enthusiast, handloader, or someone who wants to understand what makes a bullet truly effective, this episode delivers practical, no baloney insights from one of the most experienced voices in the firearms industry. Sponsor: Make sure you’re signed up for my email list by going to . You’ll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you’ll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you’ll love those emails. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Get a copy of Bill’s book here
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423: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Phil Massaro
05/14/2026
423: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Phil Massaro
Phil Massaro is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you’ll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We play little game where Phil and I each list our favorite cartridge and bullet for hunting specific species of game ranging from coues whitetail all the way up to thick skinned species of African game like cape buffalo and elephant and almost everything in between like mule deer, elk, black bear, etc. The catch is we cannot reuse a cartridge for multiple species. Even so, our discussion provides an interesting glimpse into the thought process he and I each use for selecting cartridges and bullets for hunting different species of game. Email me at with suggestions for other guests you'd like me to play this game with. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources – Phil Massaro’s book referenced in this podcast – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview – Episode referenced in interview
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422: Best Rangefinding Binoculars? Leupold BX-6 Range HD + New VX-4HD & VX-5HD Gen 2 Scope
05/07/2026
422: Best Rangefinding Binoculars? Leupold BX-6 Range HD + New VX-4HD & VX-5HD Gen 2 Scope
In this episode, John sits down with the Leupold team to explore their exciting 2026 hunting optics lineup, headlined by the all-new BX-6 Range HD 10×42 rangefinding binoculars. This flagship optic delivers best-in-class glass, industry-leading Hornady 4DOF ballistics with real-time environmental sensors, precise GPS pinning to OnX and other mapping apps, and ranging out to 6,000 yards. The conversation also covers the updated VX-5HD Gen 2 riflescopes featuring tool-free SpeedSet dials, increased elevation travel, and competition-grade adjustments, plus the brand-new VX-4HD series that fills the gap with versatile 4:1 zoom ratios. Sponsor: Make sure you’re signed up for my email list by going to . You’ll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you’ll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you’ll love those emails. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources – Episode referenced in podcast – Episode referenced in podcast
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421: AR-15s, AR-10s, and NULAs: What Hunters Need from Wilson Combat's Lineup
04/30/2026
421: AR-15s, AR-10s, and NULAs: What Hunters Need from Wilson Combat's Lineup
John McAdams sits down with Sebastian Mann of Wilson Combat to explore the company’s rich history, innovative rifle lineup, and commitment to building firearms that hunters actually use in the field. Sebastian shares a memorable childhood story of receiving a custom lightweight 1911 from Bill Wilson himself, then dives into Wilson Combat’s evolution from 1911 pistols to modern AR-15s, AR-10s, and the ultra-light NULA rifles. The episode highlights models like the Tactical Hunter and Tactical Ultralight ARs, the performance-driven 300 HAM’R cartridge optimized for hog hunting, and the devastating Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos ammunition. Sebastian also discusses the acquisition and revival of New Ultralight Arms (NULA), the benefits of vertical integration in gun and ammo production, and real-world hunting applications from Texas hogs to African safaris. Whether you’re interested in lightweight mountain rifles, suppressor-ready AR platforms, or bullets that deliver “hunting insurance,” this episode is packed with practical insights from one of America’s most respected firearms manufacturers. Sponsor: Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Check out the & follow them on , , &
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420: Mountain Lion Hunting Cartridges, Bullets, & Strategies With Jim Myers
04/23/2026
420: Mountain Lion Hunting Cartridges, Bullets, & Strategies With Jim Myers
Long time listener Jim Myers joins me on the show today to talk about mountain lion hunting: cartridges, bullets, and his tactics that have resulted in him successfully harvesting a mountain lion in 4 out of the past 5 years despite living in a state where hunting mountain lion with hounds is illegal. Sponsor: Make sure you’re signed up for my email list by going to . You’ll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you’ll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you’ll love those emails. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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419: 257 Weatherby RPM With Richard Mann
04/16/2026
419: 257 Weatherby RPM With Richard Mann
Field & Stream shooting editor and 25 caliber aficionado Richard Mann joins me in this podcast episode to discuss the new, SAAMI standardized 257 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum. Richard discusses the origins of the 257 RPM, some of his experiences shooting and hunting with it, how it compares to the 25-06, 25 Creedmoor, and 257 Weatherby, and what the new Weatherby cartridge offers hunters. Sponsor: Make sure you’re signed up for my email list by going to . You’ll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you’ll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you’ll love those emails. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources – Richard Mann’s book referenced in this podcast Learn more about Richard by supporting him on Substack: Other Episodes Referenced In The Podcast
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418: Tyler Freel’s Near Death In The Backcountry + 22 ARC & 22 Creedmoor
04/09/2026
418: Tyler Freel’s Near Death In The Backcountry + 22 ARC & 22 Creedmoor
Tyler Freel had a brush with death on a recent hunt in Idaho and he joined me on the podcast to discuss the incident, his injuries, and what his recovery has been like. We also finish with an in-depth discussion on his recent work with the 22 ARC, 22 Creedmoor, and 220 Swift and how they all stack up next to each other. Sponsor: Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Read Tyler’s article on Outdoor Life about and watch the video on this subject on the Subscribe to Tyler’s . Follow Tyler on Instagram . – Podcast referenced in episode – Podcast referenced in episode – Podcast referenced in episode – Podcast referenced in episode
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417: Double Rifles, 500 NE & Elephant Charges With Jeff Rann
04/02/2026
417: Double Rifles, 500 NE & Elephant Charges With Jeff Rann
Jeff Rann, one of Africa’s most legendary professional hunters with nearly 50 years guiding dangerous game, joins me on the podcast to share his incredible stories of hunting elephant in Botswana. He takes us inside what it’s really like to track big bulls, get in as close as 20–30 yards for precise brain shots, face down real charges, and judge trophy ivory on mature animals while navigating the country’s massive and growing elephant population. We also finish with an in-depth discussion on the conservation realities in Botswana, why controlled hunting of bulls plays a vital role, and his favorite double rifles and cartridges—including why the .500 H&H and .577 Holland & Holland remain his go-to choices after decades in the African bush. Sponsor: Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Learn more about the Dangerous Game Symposium with Mark Sullivan and Dave Fulson in Las Vegas on 16 May 2026 that I’m attending . Subscribe to Jeff’s and his hunting operations in & at the . Recommended Episodes
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416: 416 Caliber Cartridges With Terry Wieland
03/26/2026
416: 416 Caliber Cartridges With Terry Wieland
Gunwriter Terry Wieland joins me on the show as we discuss his thoughts on the various .416 caliber cartridges: the 416 Rigby, the 416 Remington Magnum the 416 Weatherby Magnum, the 416 Ruger, and even the 416 Hoffman and the 416 Taylor. We talk about the pros and cons of those different rounds, which 416 he prefers over the others out of that bunch, how those 416s stack up against the various 375s and 458s for use on buffalo, why the 404 Jeffery was vastly more popular than the 416 Rigby for a long time, and why that eventually changed. We even discuss the development of the Ruger Safari Magnum rifle, the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw and several other things that massively changed the safari hunting industry during the 1980s and 1990s. Sponsor: Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Get copies of Dangerous Game Rifles, Great Hunting Rifles, A View From a Tall Hill – Robert Ruark In Africa, or one of Terry’s other books (affiliate link, commissions earned). Other Episodes Referenced In The Podcast
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415: 10 Best African Safari Book Recommendations For Hunters
03/19/2026
415: 10 Best African Safari Book Recommendations For Hunters
Today, I’m unveiling my definitive list of what I think are the 10 greatest African hunting books ever written. This list of African safari book recommendations includes works from people like Hemingway, Roosevelt, Ruark, Capstick, and other legendary writers. These Africa hunting books have everything you could ask for: heart-pounding adventures, adrenaline soaked drama, close calls that will make your knuckles turn white and even a few deliciously scandalous tales of betrayal, courage, cowardice, possible murder, more than one love triangle, one very good dog, and lots of talk about rifles, bullets, and cartridges. Links to where you can get all these Africa hunting safari books are below. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! by John Henry Patterson by Theodore Roosevelt by Karen Blixen (aka Isak Dinesen) by Ernest Hemingway (including Snows of Kilimanjaro & The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber) by Robert Ruark by Peter Hathaway Capstick by John Taylor by W.D.M Bell by Kevin Robertson by Percy Fitzpatrick
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414: Leopard Mauling To Sudan Bongo Hunts with Robin Hurt
03/12/2026
414: Leopard Mauling To Sudan Bongo Hunts with Robin Hurt
Legendary Professional Hunter Robin Hurt joins me on the show today as we discuss some of his adventures hunting all over Africa like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Zaire, Zambia, and Namibia. As you can imagine from a man who got his PH license over 60 years ago in 1963, Robin has quite a few stories to tell about some of his wild adventures over the years and that’s what we discuss in this episode. Sponsor: Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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413: Following In The Footsteps Of Ernest Hemingway With Griffin & Howe
03/05/2026
413: Following In The Footsteps Of Ernest Hemingway With Griffin & Howe
Dan Rossiter from Griffin & Howe joins me on the show to talk about the fantastic hunting rifles the company produces. Of note, Griffin & Howe produces rifles ranging from near replicas of those famous hunters like Ernest Hemingway took to Africa last century, to modern long range hunting rifles, to bespoke American made rifles on par with the “best” quality custom rifles produced by British gunmakers. We discuss all of this in more detail during this interview along with the specifics of their current production rifles and and what sets the company apart from competitors in the industry. Sponsor: Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all my bonus material at Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Check out the & follow them on , , &
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412: Stories From The African Bushveld With Johan Seyffert
02/26/2026
412: Stories From The African Bushveld With Johan Seyffert
I sat down with Johan Seyffert, one of my South African Professional Hunters, at the 2026 Safari Club International convention and recorded a short interview about some of his more memorable hunts from 2025, some funny and noteworthy experiences he has had over the years (like how a baboon interfered with a building remodel), and what he is most looking forward to in 2026. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt with Johan or Kobus in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We still have some openings remaining for May, October, and November 2026 as well as various points in 2027. Visit or email me at to learn more. Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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411: 458 Win Mag vs 45-70 Govt Cartridge Comparison
02/19/2026
411: 458 Win Mag vs 45-70 Govt Cartridge Comparison
Here’s how the mighty 458 Winchester Magnum stacks up against the venerable 45-70 Government cartridge, especially with regards to how both perform in Africa. In this episode, we discuss the history, design characteristics, and performance specs of each round. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each one, a few stories involving hunting with the 45-70 and 458 Win Mag, and I’ll also discuss the results of some of my investigations regarding tacking myths and misconceptions involving both rounds as well. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Get a copy of
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410: Best Cartridges For Hunting Africa
02/12/2026
410: Best Cartridges For Hunting Africa
We’re talking about the best cartridges for hunting Africa in this episode: plains game, thick-skinned dangerous game, cats, etc. The cartridges I list in this episode are based off the results of surveys I’ve recently conducted of over 2,000 hunters from all over the world who have hunted Africa. In addition to breaking down those cartridges that are most popular for hunting Africa in general, I also drill down into the most popular ones used by Professional Hunters and in client rifles. I’ll also provide a few recommendations for a “1 Gun” or a “2 Gun” safari based on what you’re hunting. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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409: 49 Years Of African Safaris With Craig Boddington
02/05/2026
409: 49 Years Of African Safaris With Craig Boddington
Craig Boddington joins me on the show today as we discuss trends he has observed since his first African hunting safari nearly 49 years ago. Craig and I talk about countries that have opened and closed hunting since his first safari, dramatic changes in the populations of various animals (for better and worse) that have occurred since then, trends he has noticed in various Africa countries in terms of where he’d go to hunt different animals, differences in availability of ammunition loaded with different bullets and for different cartridges, and even how hunting safaris are conducted differently today vs the 1970s. Sponsor: Go to and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at Get copies of 50 Great Stalks, Tracks Across Africa, or one of Craig’s many other books (affiliate link, commissions earned). Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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408: Best Bullets For Hunting Plains Game In Africa
01/29/2026
408: Best Bullets For Hunting Plains Game In Africa
We’re talking about the best bullets for hunting plains game in Africa in this episode. I’ve hunted a lot of plains game with a wide spectrum of bullets, so I’ll talk about some of my noteworthy experiences with those different models and provide some recommendations for plains game hunting bullets based on those experiences. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! I’ll be at the Safari Club International convention in Nashville 18-21 February with 2 of my African PHs (Johan and Kobus) and we’d love to meet you if you’ll be attending the show. We’re hosting a get together for podcast listeners and past/future clients 6-10pm on Friday, 20 February 2026 at the house we’re staying at. Pizza and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be provided. Address is: 1116 Spurgeon Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, 37207 Space is limited, so please RSVP at if you plan on attending! Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at North Fork’s Semi-Spitzer and Percussion Point bullets are outstanding choices for hunting plains game in Africa. You can purchase North Fork bullets directly from the , from , or from our network of other distributors all over the world. Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!
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407: New 35 Whelen & 9.3x62mm Rifles From Ruger
01/22/2026
407: New 35 Whelen & 9.3x62mm Rifles From Ruger
Lipsey’s and Ruger have teamed up to release a couple of new Hawkeye and No. 1 rifles in 35 Whelen and 9.3×62. Those are outstanding rifles (especially in 9.3x62mm) for hunting the whole spectrum of game ranging from whitetail adeer and feral hogs up to cape buffalo and elephant in Africa. Jason Cloessner from Lipsey’s joins me on the show today to discuss these new rifles in detail. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! I’ll be at the Safari Club International convention in Nashville 18-21 February with 2 of my African PHs (Johan and Kobus) and we’d love to meet you if you’ll be attending the show. We’re hosting a get together for podcast listeners and past/future clients 6-10pm on Friday, 20 February 2026 at the house we’re staying at. Pizza and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be provided. Address is: 1116 Spurgeon Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee, 37207 Space is limited, so please RSVP at if you plan on attending! Resources Learn more about what’s new from Lipsey’s and their
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406: Gemsbok Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson
01/15/2026
406: Gemsbok Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson
Kevin Robertson shares some insights on gemsbok hunting in this podcast interview, focusing on gemsbok biology, where they live, what they eat (and how that affects their behavior), how trophy quality varies from region to region, and some fascinating stories involving gemsbok hunting in Africa. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We just opened bookings for 2027 and still have a few spots remaining for May, October, and November 2026. Visit or email me at to learn more. Make sure to state that you’re a podcast listener and I’ll give you a special bonus! Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at I highly recommend purchasing a copy of Kevin Robertson’s books It Shouldn’t Happen and The Perfect Shot II. You will not be disappointed with either book. Get copies of each one (affiliate link, commissions earned). Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Below are links to Kevin Robertson’s previous appearances on the show:
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