Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!

As 2023 draws to a close, I wanted to do a quick recap of the year with you, cover a couple of interesting events that didn't make it into their own podcast episodes, and give you a preview of what's to come in 2024. Plus, we'll be joined by a special guest at the end of this episode!

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

Send me an email at [email protected] with future show request and/or if you're interested in joining me on a future podcast hunt.

Subscribe to my Patreon channel for first priority on available spots for future podcast hunts.

Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 285: Hunting With Banish Suppressors-The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 283: New Mexico Mule Deer Hunt With My Son– Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 282: Grizzly Bear Hunting With A 6.5 Creedmoor!?- Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 265: 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge Overview – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge: Everything You Need To Know – Blog article referenced in podcast

Episode 264: Logistics of Hunting Africa Part 2-Taxidermy – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 263: Africa Hunt Recap – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 261: Life From Africa! – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 254: Logistics of Hunting Africa Part 1 – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 252: How To Become Professional Hunter With Kevin Robertson – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 250: Africa Hunting Trackers With Kevin Robertson – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 239: Sandhill Crane Podcast Hunt Part 2 – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 238: Sandhill Crane Podcast Hunt Part 1 – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Episode 172: Elk Hunting With A 6.5 Creedmoor and a 300 Win Mag With Mark Floyd – Podcast episode referenced in podcast

Podcast show notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/2023-recap/

Today Mark Huelsing from Exo Mountain Gear and the Hunt Backcountry Podcast is on the show with us to talk about his recent Dall Sheep hunt up in Alaska. As you'll learn here shortly, that hunt was quite the adventure with lots of emotional ups and downs along the way. He eventually got it done and tagged a great looking sheep on his hunt, but that whole experience seemed like a giant roller coaster ride and sounds like it really tested the limits of human endurance as well.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

Hunting Guns 101: If you enjoy these cartridge comparison episodes, then you will love Hunting Guns 101 because it's full of the same sort of information contained in these episodes, just with even more detail and analysis. Hunting Guns 101 is jam packed with useful information about practical ballistics and firearms in general that will help you be more successful afield and fill more tags on your hunts.

This training will teach you what you need to know about practical ballistics and is guaranteed to be both a time and money saver going forward with future gear purchases. Go to huntingguns101.com/form and submit the order form to receive instant access.

Ep 92: Dan Roland On Dall Sheep Hunting – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 168: Steve Speck On Bighorn Sheep Hunting – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 174: Joseph von Benedikt On Bighorn Sheep Hunting – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 201: Sheep Hunting 101 With Ron Spomer – Podcast referenced in episode

1) Exo Mountain Gear Instagram Page

2) Check out The Hunt Backcountry Podcast that Mark Steve co-hosts with Steve Speck on Apple Podcasts

3) Web Site For Exo Mountain Gear

4) Click the link below to see a photo of Mark and his Dall sheep.

Show notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/dall-sheep-hunting-mark-huelsing/

Today I'm going to share the story of a cartridge that could very well be described as "world changing." It's not the 6.5 Creedmoor. No, this particular cartridge came on the scene well over 100 years ago and made a very profound effect on the hunting and shooting worlds. And to top it all off, it's still around and remains in somewhat common use to this day. What cartridge am I teasing? It's the 7mm Mauser. Also known as the 7x57 or the 275 Rigby, the 7mm Mauser is a remarkable cartridge that has a legacy few other cartridges can compare to.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

Hunting Guns 101: If you enjoy these cartridge comparison episodes, then you will love Hunting Guns 101 because it's full of the same sort of information contained in these episodes, just with even more detail and analysis. Hunting Guns 101 is jam packed with useful information about practical ballistics and firearms in general that will help you be more successful afield and fill more tags on your hunts.

This training will teach you what you need to know about practical ballistics and is guaranteed to be both a time and money saver going forward with future gear purchases. Go to huntingguns101.com/form and submit the order form to receive instant access.

7mm Mauser: Your Ultimate Guide – Blog article referenced in podcast

206: Classic Africa Hunting Cartridges With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in podcast

279: James Bradley on Stalking Roe & "Vampire" Deer In the United Kingdom – Episode referenced in podcast

Show notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/7x57mm-mauser/

I have another cartridge comparison for you today where we compare two of the newest centerfire rifle cartridges to hit the market: the 6.8 Western and the 7mm PRC. Especially since they're both so new and seem to fit into a similar performance category, it's only natural that many hunters would be curious about how the 6.8 Western stacks up against the 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge. Well, that's what I do in this episode where I investigate the 6.8 Western vs 7mm PRC debate in detail and provide some insight into which cartridge is better suited for common hunting situations so you can make an informed decision on which one will work best for your individual needs.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

Hunting Guns 101: If you enjoy these cartridge comparison episodes, then you will love Hunting Guns 101 because it's full of the same sort of information contained in these episodes, just with even more detail and analysis. Hunting Guns 101 is jam packed with useful information about practical ballistics and firearms in general that will help you be more successful afield and fill more tags on your hunts.

This training will teach you what you need to know about practical ballistics and is guaranteed to be both a time and money saver going forward with future gear purchases. Go to huntingguns101.com/form and submit the order form to receive instant access.

7mm PRC vs 6.8 Western: Ultimate Guide – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 7mm PRC Ammo For Hunting - 7mm PRC hunting ammo recommendations

Best 6.8 Western Ammo For Hunting - 6.8 Western hunting ammo recommendations

Best 7mm PRC Rifles For Hunting - 7mm PRC hunting rifle recommendations

Best 6.8 Western Rifles For Hunting - 6.8 Western hunting rifle recommendations

Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Ear protection recommendations

Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting - Rifle scope recommendations

Best Hunting Rifle Slings - Rifle sling recommendations

The United States is a country where 30 caliber cartridges reign supreme. Don't get me wrong: other bore diameters are plenty popular too, but none can hold a candle to the .308 in terms of popularity or variety though. In fact, if there were an "official" rifle cartridge of the United States, I'm sure it would be a 30 caliber cartridge of some sort. In this episode, I hit the highlights of some popular (and not so popular) 30 caliber cartridges and discuss their history, legacy, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

30 Carbine: A Light, But Useful Cartridge – Blog article referenced in podcast

30-30 Winchester: Still Relevant A Century Later – Blog article referenced in podcast

30-40 Krag: Your Ultimate Guide – Blog article referenced in podcast

300 Remington Ultra Magnum: The Complete Guide To The 300 RUM – Blog article referenced in podcast

300 PRC: Read Before You Buy One! – Blog article referenced in podcast

300 WSM vs 300 Win Mag– Blog article referenced in podcast

300 PRC vs 338 Lapua – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 300 Blackout Ammo - 300 Blackout Hunting Ammo Recommendations

Best 308 Win Ammo - 308 Winchester Hunting Ammo Recommendations

Best 30-06 Springfield Ammo - 30-06 Springfield Hunting Ammo Recommendations

Best 300 WSM Ammo - 300 WSM Hunting Ammo Recommendations

Best 300 Win Mag Ammo– 300 Win Mag Hunting Ammo Recommendations

Best 300 Win Mag Rifles – 300 Win Mag Hunting Rifle Recommendations

Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Ear protection recommendations

Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting - Rifle scope recommendations

Best Hunting Rifle Slings - Rifle sling recommendations

Show notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/30-caliber-cartridges/

Today we're going to talk about hunting with suppressors in detail. I first jumped on the silencer bandwagon back in 2021 when I purchased a Banish 30 from Silencer Central. I now possess 5 different suppressors and I've accumulated a lot of experience at the range and afield with them over the past 2 years. I hit highlights of all 5 suppressors I own in this episode (along with the pros, cons, and recommended uses for each one). Plus I also share some lessons I've learned over the past couple of years about using and caring for a suppressor, explain what the process of buying a suppressor is like, and give you some specific recommendations on which suppressor models are best suited for the sort of hunting you do.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

Click here, purchase a qualifying Banish suppressor from Silencer Central (like the Banish 30, Banish Backcountry, or Banish 46), and receive a Banish 22K-V2 rimfire suppressor for free for a limited time while supplies last.

Resources

Banish 30 Review – Blog article referenced in podcast

Banish Backcountry Review – Blog article referenced in podcast

Banish 46 Review – Blog article referenced in podcast

Ep 283: 2023 New Mexico Mule Deer Hunt With My Son! – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 249: 2023 Silencer Updates With Brandon Maddox – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 232: 2022 Arizona Elk Hunt Recap – Podcast referenced in episode

A podcast listener named John Fritz joined me on the show today to talk about whitetail deer hunting. This isn't a run of the mill episode about deer hunting though. No, John is completely blind, yet he still goes deer hunting every year and often fills one or more tags. Indeed, he actually cleanly harvested a buck at 295 yards with a single shot this year. In this episode we talk a little bit about John's background, what spurred him to start hunting, the various systems he has used over the years to allow him to safely and cleanly harvest deer, some special practical and legal considerations he has to keep in mind as a blind hunter, and what his future hunting goals are.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

Follow me on Instagram (@thebiggamehunter_) to see a video of one of John's hunts

Resources

Ep 283: 2023 New Mexico Mule Deer Hunt With My Son! – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 271: Vortex Binoculars and Rifle Scopes With Ryan Muckenhirn – Podcast referenced in episode

I just made it home from an outstanding mule deer hunt in New Mexico with my son. I'm not exaggerating when I say that hunt was one of the most fun hunts I've ever been on. We dealt with some wild conditions, had a lot of fun, and ultimately were successful in tagging a buck. Today's episode is a detailed recap of that hunt, evaluations of some gear we used, and some of the lessons we learned along the way.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor:

Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

Click here, purchase a qualifying Banish suppressor from Silencer Central (like the Banish Backcountry I used on this hunt), and receive a Banish 22K-V2 rimfire suppressor for free while supplies last.

You can buy some XCOR ear buds (which are my personal favorite ear protection and are available at the best price they've offered so far) here.

You can get some TRACKR muffs here (buy one, get one free).

And you can purchase some GS Extreme ear buds here (buy one, get one free).

Resources

7mm PRC: Ultimate Guide To Hornady's New Cartridge – Blog article referenced in podcast

Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT Review – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best Hunting Rifle Bipods – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best Hunting Rifle Slings – Blog article referenced in podcast

Ep 232: 2022 Arizona Elk Hunt Recap – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 190: 2017 New Mexico Mule Deer Hunt Recap – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 132: 2021 New Mexico Javelina Hunt Recap – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 114: 2020 New Mexico Elk Hunt Recap – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 75: 2020 New Mexico Javelina Hunt Recap – Podcast referenced in episode

How to shoot off a tripod with Born & Raised Outdoors – YouTube video referenced in episode

Show notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/2023-new-mexico-mule-deer-hunt-with-my-son/

Virtually all hunters and shooters probably agree that the 6.5 Creedmoor is a great target shooting cartridge. Most hunters would say it's great for hunting deer sized game too. A smaller number would even classify it as adequate for bigger game like elk. However, the vast majority of hunters would say that using the 6.5 Creedmoor for hunting grizzly bear is a foolish stunt. Well, Outdoor Life staff writer Tyler Freel would disagree with that assessment and used his 6.5 Creedmoor to kill a really nice grizzly during the spring of 2023.

Well, Tyler was kind enough to come on the show with me today to discuss this hunt in detail: why he decided to hunt that bear with a 6.5 Creedmoor, what previous experience he had both hunting grizzly with other methods of take and what other animals he'd taken with the 6.5 Creedmoor and how those situations informed his decision to go ahead with this hunt, what rifle and ammunition he used, and the situations where he would NOT use a 6.5 Creedmoor on a big bear.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

Resources

Read Tyler's article on Outdoor Life about his grizzly hunt here.

Subscribe to Tyler's Tundra Talk Podcast here.

Follow Tyler on Instagram @thetylerfreel and click here to see the video of him shooting the bear.

Show notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/grizzly-bear-hunting-with-a-6-5-creedmoor/

Tyler used a Winchester XPR rifle on this hunt, which is a capable, yet surprisingly reasonably priced hunting rifle. Learn more about the XPR and other rifles in that price class here: Best Hunting Rifles Under $500

6.5 Creedmoor vs 308 - What You Need To Know - How the 6.5 Creedmooor stacks up against the 308 Winchester

6.5 Creedmoor vs 30-06 - How the 6.5 Creedmoor stacks up against the 30-06 Springfield

Best 6.5 Creedmoor Hunting Ammo 6.5 Creedmoor Hunting Ammo Recommendations

Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles– 6.5 Creedmoor Hunting Rifle Recommendations

Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Ear protection recommendations

Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting - Rifle scope recommendations

Best Hunting Rifle Slings - Rifle sling recommendations

Gary Morgan is back on the show with me again today to talk about another subject I know next to nothing about: bobcat hunting. These feline predators are a whole different ball of wax when compared to hunting other predators, like coyote. Gary does a lot of hunting up in Michigan for a number of species, to include bobcat and that's what we're going to talk about today.

Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Sponsor: Go to HuntingGuns101.com 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 (along with my weekly ammo supply updates).

Learn more about Gary Morgan and his bobcat hunts here.

Give him a call at 989-245-0137 or email him at [email protected]

Ep 212: Gary Morgan on Osceola Turkey Hunting – Podcast referenced in episode

204 Ruger vs 223 vs 22-250 vs 220 Swift Cartridge Comparison – Article referenced in episode

22-250 vs 223-Article Referenced In Episode

22 Magnum Ammo Review – Article referenced in episode

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/gary-morgan-bobcat-hunting/