The Bowhunter Podcast

When the first buck you see for the season is a Booner, it can obviously catch you off guard. Not so with David Jones of Indiana, who made good on his chance at a giant 13-pointer last November. Jones joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to share the story behind the 182 4/8-inch buck, one of the largest taken in the Hoosier State last year.

Every bowhunter wants to make perfect shots in the field, but what happens when your arrow doesn't hit where you hoped? In this episode, Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo from Archer's Choice join us to discuss Ralph's botched attempt at a big Wyoming bull elk in the fall of 2021 and how several days of all-out effort led to a miraculous happy ending that defied the odds.

Known simply as the 'Pigman,' Brian Quaca has a big personality and a passion for all things bowhunting. Quaca joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss his interest in hunting feral swine, his love for bowhunting other species and his past and present bowhunting setups. Plus, he shares his hairiest hog-hunting moment ever.

Few topics generate more discussion in bowhunting circles than broadhead selection. In this episode, we provide a sneak peek at the results from our 2022 Fixed-Blade Broadhead Test, featuring 14 top models worth considering for your fall hunts. From sharpness and penetration to accuracy and durability, we've got the data you need to make an informed broadhead decision!

Last fall, Dustin Huff of Indiana arrowed a gigantic 12-pointer that ended up scoring 211 4/8, making it the largest typical whitetail ever taken in the United States and the second-largest of all time — only 2 1/8 inches off Milo Hanson's world-record Saskatchewan buck that scored 213 5/8. Huff joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss the fateful November hunt.

Last September, Ian Craig took Pennsylvania's new state-record, non-typical archery elk — and the 400-inch bull was the first animal he ever shot with a bow! Craig joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to recap the hunt, which was anything but easy. After more than 65 miles of hiking, he tagged his incredible trophy on the eighth day of his hunt.

If you're a bowhunter who likes to travel, few guided hunts offer the action, adventure and affordability of a Canadian black bear hunt. Mike Stroff, host of Savage Outdoors TV, joins Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss the challenges and high success rates that make spring bruin hunting so exciting, as well as what to look for in a guide and a potential destination if you're planning your first hunt north of the border.

There's no better bowhunting practice than 3D archery, from learning how to accurately estimate yardage and understand shot angles to becoming more familiar with game-animal anatomy and handling high-pressure shots. In this episode, Brandon Waddell from Mountain Archery Fest and John Keene from the Bowtreader 3D Tour of Georgia join Editor Christian Berg to discuss the many benefits of 3D and highlight some unique shooting opportunities.

These days, it seems public-land etiquette is a lost art. From bowhunters intentionally interfering in one another's hunts to stealing trail cameras and treestands, there is an epidemic of bad behavior on public hunting ground. In this episode, contributors Clint Casper and Jace Bauserman join Editor Christian Berg to discuss the problem and what we as bowhunters can do to solve it.

With all the mapping technology available today, finding "secret" public-land hotspots is nearly impossible. For some bowhunters, however, canoeing across a lake or boating across a river is the key to escaping the crowds. Accomplish buck slayers Travis Keith and Bob Schwalm join Associate Editor Mark Demko to discuss how you can paddle your way to success, what you need to plan for and the challenges that come with boat-in and paddle-in hunts.