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

Darren Binder from Muzzle-Loaders.com joins me in episode to talk about some of the new developments in the muzzleloader world for 2023. We talk about a couple of important updates to the muzzleloader world, some of which are good, but some of which are disappointing. On one hand, supplies of certain muzzleloader components have greatly improved in recent months. On the other hand, CVA's (hopefully temporary) suspension of production of their Paramount series of muzzleloaders is concerning. Listen to this episode to learn all the details.

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

Sponsor: Sign up for the Muzzleloaders 101 course at muzzleloaders101.com/buy and I'll take you by the hand and guide you through the whole process of getting started hunting with a muzzleloader. I'll help you decide what gear you need, help you SAVE money when you buy that gear, and teach you how to use all that stuff safely and effectively.

Ep 210: Muzzleloader Updates For 2022 With Darren Binder – Podcast referenced in episode

Best Muzzleloaders For Hunters – Article referenced in episode

Best Muzzleloader Scopes For Hunters – Article referenced in episode

Best Muzzleloader Bullets For Hunters – Article referenced in episode

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/muzzleloader-updates-2023/

Aaron Minkus is back on the show today to talk about his return trip to Africa in 2023. He previously hunted Africa back in 2021 as one of the first Americans to make it back to South Africa after the country opened back up after the COVID shut downs (which we talked about in episode 209). He was bitten by the Africa hunting bug on that trip and returned for another fantastic safari this year. In this episode, we talk about how he prepared for his hunt, how things went over there, and some things he wished he knew prior to that trip.

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).

Aaron mentioned Kevin Robertson's book The Perfect Shot II multiple times in this episode and saying how much it helped him prepare. I highly recommend that all listeners of this podcast purchase a copy of that book (plus Kevin's other book It Shouldn't Happen). You will not be disappointed with either one. Go to thebiggamehuntingblog.com/kevin to get a copy.

Get a set of shooting sticks from African Sporting Creations here.

Ep 209: First African Hunting Safari In The Age Of COVID With Aaron Minkus - Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 251: Lonnie Cribb From Superior Ammunition - Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 267: 9.3x62mm Mauser Cartridge Profile - Podcast referenced in episode

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/aaron-minkus-africa-part-2/

Christensen Arms recently upgraded their Ridgeline rifle line to include some new offerings utilizing what they call Flash Forged Technology (FFT). Are the new Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT and FFT Titanium offerings worth the cash? Or are you better off with something else? Well, I took a new Ridgeline FFT chambered in 7mm PRC to Africa this year, where I got a chance to thoroughly test this new rifle out. Here's what I think about it.

Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT Review – Blog article referenced in podcast

17 Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting - I mounted a Leupold VX-5HD scope on my Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT and it made the cut as one of my top recommended rifle scopes for hunters.

7mm PRC: Complete Guide - My Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT rifle is chambered in 7mm PRC and I'm thrilled with how it performed. Here's what you need to know about Hornady's new cartridge.

Show 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.

Learn more about the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT here

Christensen Arms barrel break in process

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/christensen-arms-ridgeline-fft-review/

I have another cartridge comparison for you today where we dive into the specifics of the 9.3x62mm Mauser and how it stacks up against other popular dangerous game cartridges like the 375 H&H Magnum. In this episode I talk about the development of the 9.3x62mm Mauser, how it compares to the 375 H&H, the 416 Rigby, and the 458 Win Mag, the strengths and weaknesses of the 9.3x62, and who would be best served by the advantages the 9.3x62mm Mauser offers.

9.3x62mm Mauser: Your Ultimate Guide – Blog article referenced in podcast

Show 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.

The 9.3x62 is a wonderful cartridge for all sorts of hunting, to include an African safari hunt for plains game and/or for cape buffalo hunting. Get in touch with Big Game Hunting Adventures (be sure to mention you're a podcast listener) if you have a 9.3 you'd like to take on a hunt in Africa!

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/9-3x62mm/

I have another cartridge comparison for you today where we'll compare the 6.5 Grendel and 300 Blackout. Both are effective and popular cartridges, especially among those who like to hunt or shoot with the AR-15 platform. Though there's some overlap in their capabilities, you'll learn here shortly that there's a pretty significant divergence in what they're best suited for. In this episode, I investigate the 6.5 Grendel vs 300 Blackout 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.

6.5 Grendel vs 300 Blackout Review & Comparison – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 6.5 Grendel Ammo For Hunting Deer & Hogs – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 300 Blackout Ammo For Hunting Hogs, Deer, & Varmints – Blog article referenced in podcast

Show 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.

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/6-5-grendel-vs-300-blackout/

Better buckle up because today's episode is the one you've been looking for: a detailed analysis of the new 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady. In this episode I talk about the development of the 7mm PRC, how it stacks up against the 6.5 PRC and the 300 PRC, and who would be best served by the advantages the 7mm PRC offers.

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

Best 7mm PRC Ammo For Hunting Deer, Elk, & Bear – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 7mm PRC Rifles For Hunting – Blog article referenced in podcast

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 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.

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/7mm-prc/

I unfortunately ran out of time to really do justice to the taxidermy side of things back in episode 254 where I discussed the logistics of hunting Africa, so that's what we're going to talk about today: an overview of how you get my trophies home after your hunt, some common problems I hear a lot of people having, and a little bit of inside baseball about the ugly side of the taxidermy industry in Africa.

Show 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).

Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true at our new camp in South Africa's Limpopo Province where 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 bestsafarihunt.com to learn more or contact me directly at [email protected]. Make sure you say you heard about Big Game Hunting Adventures through The Big Game Hunting Podcast for a special bonus!

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/logistics-africa-part-2/

As promised, I have a more comprehensive recap of my recent African safari hunt with several podcast listeners for you today. I'll talk about that hunt in more detail today and provide some reflections on how my equipment, especially my new 7mm PRC rifle, performed.

Watch the video of our hunt here (make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel, like that video, and leave a comment).

Email me at [email protected] and let me know what you'd potentially like to hunt if you're interested in potentially joining me on a hunt in the future. If I get a lot of solid interest from other people who want to join me, that will make my decision to plan a hunt that much easier.

Show 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).

You don't have to wait until 2024 or 2025 to go to Africa if you don't want to. Like we said a couple times on our podcast from camp, don't wait to hunt in Africa if that's something you want to do. There's no guarantee that you'll have the time, money, or physical ability to hunt if you put things off for a year or two. I've seen it happen to people FAR too many times to count. We are currently fully booked for 2023, but there are still some openings left for 2024.

I won't be there to hunt with you, but you'll be hunting with Kobus, Christian, and/or Johan in that exact same area where Michael, Fernando, and I all hunted. And even though I wont be there in person, just like I did with Mike and Fernando, I'll also be available to you to help answer questions, sort out logistics, and just do everything possible to ensure your mind is at ease and that you have a fun trip. You can hunt plains game. You can hunt buffalo. You can hunt both if you'd like.

Email me [email protected] OR visit bestsafarihunt.com to learn a little bit more about these hunts. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus I only offer podcast listeners for a plains game hunting and/or cape buffalo hunting safari.

Ep 261: Live From South Africa On The 2023 Podcast Hunt – Our "campfire" style discussion of the hunt recorded in South Africa

AXIL XCOR Earbuds Review: Read Before You Buy! – Article mentioned in episode

Best Hunting Rifle Slings - The Ultimate Guide – Article mentioned in episode

Best Hunting Ear Protection - The Ultimate Guide – Article mentioned in episode

17 Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting - I used a Leupold VX-5HD scope on this hunt and it made the cut as one of my top recommended rifle scopes for hunters.

7mm PRC: Complete Guide - I carried a Christensen Arms Ridgeline rifle chambered in 7mm PRC on this hunt and loved how it performed. Here's what you need to know about Hornady's new cartridge.

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/2023-africa-podcast-hunt-recap-2/

The folks at AXIL sent me a set of the new XCOR ear buds just in time for me to take them on my recent hunt in Africa. I used them as hunting ear protection every day over there and holy cow am I impressed with their performance. I still like the GS Extreme ear buds, but I think the new XCOR ear buds are a big step up in quality and fix a lot of the issues people didn't like about the GS Extreme. In that vein, Weston Harris is back on the show with us today to talk about the new XCOR ear buds, what makes them special, how they're different from the GS Extreme, and what the future holds for AXIL.

Show 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).

Make sure you protect your hearing during hunting season by wearing ear protection while you're afield. Visit thebiggamehuntingblog.com/earbuds to purchase a set of the new AXIL XCOR earbuds that are comfortable to wear, offer great ear protection, provide excellent hearing enhancement, and also have bluetooth connectivity. Plus, you'll also get the best pricing on them in the process through that link.

AXIL XCOR Review – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Blog article referenced in podcast

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/axil-xcor-launch/

Join me, the two podcast listeners who I hunted with in Africa, and 2 of our PHs for an informal "campfire style" discussion of the highlights of our safari!

Subscribe to my Patreon channel to see video from this hunt before I release it elsewhere. Additionally, Patreon subscribers will hear about any potential future podcast hunts before the general public and will also receive first priority on available spots.

Message me through Patreon or email me at [email protected] if you're interested in potentially joining me on a hunt in the future with some other podcast listeners.

Like we said a couple times on the podcast, don't wait to hunt in Africa if that's something you want to do. There's no guarantee that you'll have the time, money, or physical ability to hunt if you put things off for a year or two. As I record this, we actually have TWO slots remaining for hunts in August and September 2023. I'm also offering reduced pricing on those openings as well.

I won't be there to hunt with you, but you'll be hunting with Kobus, Christian, and/or Johan in that exact same area where Michael, Fernando, and I all hunted. And even though I wont be there in person, just like I did with Mike and Fernando, I'll also be available to you to help answer questions, sort out logistics, and just do everything possible to ensure your mind is at ease and that you have a fun trip. You can hunt plains game. You can hunt buffalo. You can hunt both if you'd like.

Email me [email protected] OR visit bestsafarihunt.com to learn a little bit more about these hunts (prices there do not reflect the discount I mentioned earlier). Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a bonus above and beyond the regular discount if you book for 2023.

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/live-from-south-africa-2023/

http://www.ksbiggamehunting.com/