Addicted Hunting Podcast

If money wasn't an issue, where would you go hunting? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we're sharing our ultimate bucket list hunts—from bugling giant elk in New Mexico and helicopter-accessed red stag in New Zealand to Africa safaris, Alaska moose, monster mule deer, and everything in between. Some of these hunts are realistic, some are pure dreams, and all of them get us fired up for future adventures.

Along the way we debate what really makes a hunt worthy of the bucket list, swap stories from past trips, and even talk about the hunts that scare us the most. We want to hear from you too—which hunt would you choose if someone handed you an unlimited hunting budget?

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Most people think the biggest cost of hunting is buying tags, boots, or expensive gear—but that's only the beginning. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dive into the hidden costs that every serious hunter eventually discovers. From countless hours of scouting and staying in shape to balancing family, work, and hunting seasons, we talk honestly about what it really takes to become consistently successful in the woods.

Whether you're just getting started or you've been chasing deer and elk for decades, this conversation will help you understand why hunting becomes more than a hobby—it's a lifestyle. We also share stories about injuries, burnout, mental toughness, budgeting for out-of-state hunts, and why, despite everything it costs, we wouldn't trade this lifestyle for anything.

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Whether you're brand new to hunting or you've spent years chasing deer and elk, there are lessons that only come through failure. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we share the advice we wish someone had given us when we first started hunting. From scouting and reading the wind to patience, glassing, and learning from missed opportunities, we're breaking down the mistakes that cost us years of success so you don't have to learn everything the hard way.

This isn't a conversation from "expert hunters" who claim to know it all. It's an honest discussion about the lessons we've learned through missed shots, blown stalks, frustrating seasons, and unforgettable successes. If you're hoping to become a more confident and successful hunter this season, this episode is packed with practical advice that can save you time, frustration, and maybe even help you fill your next tag.

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If you've ever wondered why some hunters spend every free weekend searching for antlers instead of chasing game, this episode is for you. We sit down with experienced shed hunter Zach Sperling to talk about what makes shed hunting so addictive, how to consistently find more antlers, and the lessons that carry over into becoming a better deer hunter. From giant blacktail sheds to mule deer and elk, we're covering years of hard-earned experience in the mountains.

Whether you're just getting started or you're looking to level up your shed hunting game, you'll pick up practical tips on reading terrain, finding wintering areas, locating food sources, and avoiding the mistakes that keep most hunters from finding sheds. Plus, we share some unforgettable stories about giant antlers, close calls, and the bucks that keep us coming back year after year.

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For years, social media has transformed the hunting world—but has it actually made hunting better? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dive into one of the biggest debates in modern hunting. From trophy culture and hunting influencers to crowded public land and the pressure to create content, we discuss the good, the bad, and everything in between. Is social media inspiring more hunters, or is it changing the sport for the worse?

We also talk about hunting ethics, filming hunts, sharing successful harvests online, protecting hunting locations, and how comparison can affect the way we view success in the field. Whether you're a lifelong hunter or just getting started, this conversation is sure to challenge your perspective.

Talking Points

Why do so many experienced deer hunters spend their off-season chasing coyotes? The answer might surprise you. In this episode, Alex, Cliff, and Corey break down the role predators play in modern wildlife management and explain why they believe predator hunting is one of the most important—and most exciting—forms of hunting available today.

From cougars and coyotes to thermal scopes and electronic calls, this conversation is packed with practical tips, hunting stories, and hard-earned lessons from years spent pursuing predators. If you've ever wondered whether predator hunting is worth your time, this episode may change your mind.

Turkey hunting looks easy… until you actually try it. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, the crew talks all things spring gobblers with longtime turkey hunter Corey Sweeney. From birds hanging up just out of range to the adrenaline rush of calling a tom into your lap, this conversation covers why turkey hunting hooks people for life.

The guys share wild hunting stories, lessons learned over decades in the field, and practical tips for finding and killing more birds. They also break down turkey myths, scouting strategies, roosting habits, decoy setups, and why turkeys are way smarter than most hunters think. If you love hunting stories, spring mornings, and hearing gobbles echo through the timber, this episode is for you.

From stuffing deer into the trunk of a Toyota Camry to building fully dialed hunting rigs, this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast is all about the trucks, side-by-sides, upgrades, and gear that make hunting better. Marlin and Jonathan break down their favorite hunting rigs, debate Tacoma vs diesel trucks, talk tires, lifts, winches, lighting, reliability, and all the little details that separate a good hunting rig from a great one.

Whether you’re driving a beat-up budget rig or a brand-new truck, this episode is packed with real-world experience from years of hunting the Pacific Northwest and beyond. From emergency gear and recovery setups to side-by-sides and long road trips, this is the ultimate conversation for hunters who are obsessed with building the perfect hunting setup.

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What separates successful duck hunters from everyone else? According to waterfowl guide Brandon Powers, it isn't expensive gear, fancy calls, or massive decoy spreads. It's understanding bird behavior, scouting effectively, and knowing when to let the ducks tell you what they want.

In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dive deep into duck hunting strategy, waterfowl migration, calling techniques, decoy setups, hunting stories, and conservation. Brandon shares what he's learned after years of guiding hunters and why some of the most common advice in duck hunting can actually hurt your success in the field.

What happens when it takes five years to finally punch your first tag? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting podcast, the crew shares stories about failure, persistence, and the moment everything finally comes together. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of hunting, the close calls that still haunt them, and why success means more after years of grinding it out.

This episode is full of honest hunting stories, blacktail hunting talk, mountain memories, and conversations about why hunters willingly endure miserable weather, exhaustion, and failure just for a chance at one unforgettable moment. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s worth sticking with hunting after tough seasons, this one will hit home.