Persistence Outdoors

Knife sharpening isn't hard if you understand the process. Once you watch this video, you'll be able to sharpen just about any pocket knife, hunting knife, or kitchen knife razor sharp.

*Always be careful when handling knives.*

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Work Sharp Field Sharpener

684 Small BuckLite Max II Hunting Knife

In this video, Samuel shows you how to quickly and easily sharpen a knife. He shows the sharpener he's using, the the angle at which to sharpen, how to develop a burr, and how to hone on the ceramic and strop. If you've been hesitant to sharpen a knife in the past, this video will help you get started.

Samuel demonstrates sharpening using the Work Sharp Field Sharpener, but you can follow along with stones or other tools as well. The same principles apply.

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Choosing the best rifle cartridge for deer hunting may be easier than you think. Here's what really matters and how you can make an ethical decision, plus my top cartridge recommendation for new deer hunters.ResourcesBallistics gel tests: https://le.vistaoutdoor.com/ https://www.hornadyle.com/Forums: https://rokslide.com/forums/ https://www.hunttalk.com/Exodus broadheads6.5 Creedmoor + PeakIn this video, Samuel explains what actually matters when choosing a rifle cartridge (sometimes mistakenly called "caliber") for hunting. He walks you through how much damage the bullet needs to do to ethically kill a deer and how to determine if the cartridge and bullet you choose will be sufficient. Turns out, most common centerfire rifle cartridges will do the trick. Samuel then shares his criteria for choosing the best rifle cartridge for a new deer hunter and makes his pick: none other than the infamous... well, you'll have to watch the video to find out.Subscribe to Persistence Outdoors and join us as we help more people get outside and into hunting!

Scouting is an important part of hunting that new hunters might miss. And while in the past you had to scout in-person, you can now e-scout from your phone or computer. Watch this video to find out what to look for when scouting so you can find more animals. Get OnX Hunt

• ⁠⁠Desktop⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Google Play Store⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠App Store⁠

In this video, Samuel explains the basics of scouting for beginner. He covers 5 things to look for when scouting—food, shelter, water, terrain features, and seclusion—and helps you understand what these features might look like in real life or on a map. He then explains how to put your knowledge to work to find more animals by taking advantage of their daily habits.

Maybe you're interested in hunting, but you don't know where to go. Here are three easy ways to find a place to hunt, right from your phone.

Get OnX Hunt

• Desktop
• Google Play Store
• App Store

In this video, Samuel shows you how to find places to hunt using OnX Hunt, your state fish and game agency website, and Google. You'll learn how to use map layers and some common types of public land to look for. You'll also find out how to verify if land is public and huntable or not.

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The Crispi Nevadas (non-insulated) are waterproof, durable, comfortable... what more could a hunter want? Watch this video to find out if these boots are right for you.

Crispi Nevada GTX Non-Insulated Boots

In this video, Samuel reviews the Crispi Nevadas, some of the most popular hunting boots in the US. Built for the serious hunter, they're GORE-TEX lined, tough, and designed to support your ankle and prevent them from rolling. Samuel explains why ankle-support in a boot may actually be a negative and offers other reasons for why he likely won't buy this boot again. By the end of this video, you'll know for sure whether this is the right boot for you.

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Here's the gear you'll actually need to start hunting. Wait to spend your money until you watch this video!

Gear List & Links

First aid kit — assemble your own: https://mtntough.com/blogs/mtntough-blog/hunting-first-aid-kit https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backcountry-hunting-first-aid-kit

Hunting knife

Knife sharpener

Game bags (budget option)

Parachute cord

Scope (budget option)

Sling

Hunter's orange

Binoculars

Rangefinder:

Backpack: look for a pack built for heavy loads (100+ lbs). I use a Gregory Baltoro 65, but I'm looking for something bigger and sturdier for elk hunting.

Trekking poles

Headlamp

Wool socks

Other: license and tags, weapon, ammo, zip ties, black trash bags

In this video, Samuel shows you all the items you'll need to get out hunting. You'll learn what's in a "kill kit," the main tools for pursuing game, and the small items—like wool socks—that make a big difference. This video is geared towards big-game and rifle hunting, but almost all the gear is relevant to other types of hunting as well.

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The ten essentials are the basis of any good hiking, hunting, or backpacking kit. Carry the ten essentials any time you're venturing far enough away from people that it would take more than a few hours to get rescued.

The Ten Essentials List & Links

1. First aid kit: assemble your own https://mtntough.com/blogs/mtntough-blog/hunting-first-aid-kit, https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backcountry-hunting-first-aid-kit
2. Navigation tools
3. Headlamp
4. Extra clothing: fleece jacket, rain jacket
5. Emergency shelter
6. Water purification: water treatment, water filter
7. Sun protection shirt
8. Fire starters: get some dryer lint
9. Knife and knife sharpener
10. Extra food: doesn't have to be sardines

In this video, Samuel shows you exactly what you need to pack to be prepare for emergencies in the backcountry. These items don't take up much space, but could save your life in a worst-case scenario. Subscribe to Persistence Outdoors and join us as we help more people get outside and into hunting!

Want to get into hunting? Here are three practical steps to get you started. Do these things right away so you're ready once the season rolls around.

Before you're even allowed to hunt in the US, you'll need to complete a hunter education course, learn the rules and regulations, and buy your license and tags. In this video, Samuel explain how to complete each step.

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Re-launching on YouTube 07/14/26!

Persistence Outdoors YouTube

Are small calibers and cartridges really sufficient for hunting big game animals like deer, elk, and bears? Are there advantages to hunting with smaller cartridges vs. larger cartridges? In this episode, Samuel explains how his thinking has changed and what you need to know.

https://le.vistaoutdoor.com/

https://www.hornadyle.com/

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

Outdoor Life: Why Small Cartridges Are So Effective on Big Game⁠

Rokslide: .223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.

Ron Spomer Outdoors

Shoot2Hunt

The Persistence Outdoors Podcast focuses on big-game hunting in North America. Whether you’re preparing for your first hunt, getting back into it, or just here to hang out, join us as we help more people get outside and into the hunting lifestyle.