Today, Rob Massa from the Bergara Academy and the R&K Hunting Company in Wyoming joins me on the show to discuss some observations he has made on what cartridges and bullets work and don't work from over 20 years outfitting elk hunts in Wyoming. I first met Rob while attending an event at the Bergara long range shooting Academy in 2024 and I was incredibly impressed both with his knowledge of shooting and hunting as well with the professionalism he ran the Bergara Academy and the R&K Hunting Company with. With that in mind, I decided to bring him on the show to discuss some insights he has developed over the course of over 20 years in this business on effective elk hunting cartridges and bullets.

Sponsor: Get in touch with Rob at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. I cannot recommend them highly enough: they have hardworking and friendly guides, comfortable lodging, great food, and fantastic hunting. Plus, they can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more.

Email me john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you're interested in joining me on the Big Game Hunting Podcast antelope hunt 9-14 October 2026 in Wyoming.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with elk outfitter Rob Massa to discuss his favorite cartridges and bullets for hunting elk.

Rob shares a few stories of effective terminal performance on elk, how tough elk are to kill, his favorite shot placement on elk, how things have changed with the most popular cartridges and bullets for elk hunting over the course of his career, and much more.

His takeaway? There are lots of things that will work on elk, but certain cartridges and bullets tend to deliver a mix of performance that delivers the best overall performance.

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

Resources

Ep 327: Taking the 7mm PRC Out Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy– Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 396: Wyoming Elk Hunt Recap – Episode referenced in podcast

7mm PRC Elk Hunt | R&K Hunting Company Wyoming Elk Hunt – YouTube video referenced in podcast

Learn more about the Bergara Cima CF rifle here

I just made it home from an outstanding elk hunt in Wyoming! Despite some unique struggles, I had an amazing trip and I successfully took a beautiful bull elk. Today's episode is a detailed recap of this hunt, evaluations of some gear I used, and some of the lessons we learned along the way. I also share two exciting announcements near the end.

Check out my video of the hunt here:

7mm PRC Elk Hunt | R&K Hunting Company Wyoming Elk Hunt

Sponsor: Get in touch with Rob at The R&K Hunting Company In Wyoming to book an elk, antelope, or deer hunt. I cannot recommend them highly enough: they have hardworking and friendly guides, comfortable lodging, great food, and fantastic hunting. Plus, they can also help you get a tag with little or no points for those species. Visit their web site or call Rob at (435) 979-1497 to learn more.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses his recent elk hunt in Wyoming.

He shares the story of this exciting hunt, an analysis of the gear he used, and also has two special announcements at the end.

His takeaway? John hunted with an outstanding outfitter in Wyoming that surpassed all expectations. Despite some initial struggles, John ended up making an excellent shot and tagging a great bull to wrap up an fantastic hunt.

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

Resources

See photos showing the terminal performance of those 175gr Speer Imapct bullets on this elk in my latest Patreon post. 

Follow me on Instagram (@thebiggamehunter_) to see photos of this elk

Learn more about the Bergara Cima CF rifle here

Get a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44mm Scope Here

Get an Ultimate Firearm Sling here

Ep 114: 2020 New Mexico Elk Hunt Recap – Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 327: Taking the 7mm PRC Out Past 1 Mile At The Bergara Academy– Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 337: I just punched my moose tag! – Episode referenced in podcast

Larry Weishuhn (aka Mr. Whitetail) is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you'll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We're play little game where Larry and I each list our favorite cartridge and bullet for hunting specific species of game ranging from coues whitetail all the way up to thick skinned species of African game like cape buffalo and elephant and almost everything in between like mule deer, elk, black bear, etc. The catch is we cannot reuse a cartridge for multiple species. Even so, our discussion provides an interesting glimpse into the thought process he and I each use for selecting cartridges and bullets for hunting different species of game.

Sponsor: Make sure you're signed up for my email list by going to Biggamehuntingpodcast.com/ebook. You'll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you'll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you'll love those emails. 

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with returning guest Larry Weishuhn.

They discuss Larry's favorite cartridges and bullets for hunting the whole spectrum of big game ranging from whitetail deer up to and including thick-skinned dangerous game like Cape buffalo and elephant. As always, Larry and John share plenty of interesting stories involving various cartridges and animals along the way.

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

Resources

Learn more about Larry and what he's up to by visiting his web site: LarryWeishuhn.net

Ep 372: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With WHO_TEE_WHO – Episode referenced in interview

Ep 350: Whitetail Hunting Secrets With Larry Weishuhn – Episode referenced in interview

Ep 336: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Ron Spomer – Episode referenced in interview

Ep 315: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Joseph von Benedikt – Episode referenced in interview

Next up in our ongoing Africa hunting mini-series is an interview Axel Kramer, the President of the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (or NAPHA). Axel was kind enough to take a break from his busy schedule to discuss NAPHAs new Age Related Trophy Measuring system they recently implemented in order to incentivize hunters to harvest older animals. We'll discuss why they implemented this new measuring system, the benefits they hope to see from this new system down the line, and we'll also get a little bit into the "nuts and bolts" of the new Age Related Trophy Measuring system and what it means for visiting hunters. 

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).

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.

Learn more about the Namibia Professional Hunting Association here.

Learn more about NAPHA's new Age Related Trophy Measuring System here.

Show notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/napha-art/

In this episode, I go over a few novel taxidermy ideas as well as some other alternatives to taxidermy that can serve some of the same purposes as traditional taxidermy without as many as the downsides of taxidermy. Taxidermy is often a big part of an African safari hunt, so I'm including this episode in my ongoing Africa mini-series. However, a lot of the stuff I talk about in this episode can also apply to hunts elsewhere in the world too.

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).

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.

Episode 294: First African Hunting Safari With Scott Spanton

Episode 264: Logistics of Hunting Africa Part 2 (Taxidermy)

Episode 107: Taxidermy Best Practices

Podcast African Safari Hunt Video

Sample African Safari Hunt Video

Journi App

In this episode, I cover the most popular 9.3mm and 375 caliber CIP and/or SAAMI certified cartridges and discuss their history, legacy, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Most of those cartridges are very popular for hunting Africa, but as you'll learn here shortly, that's not the case with all of them. Indeed, a couple are uniquely American or European hunting cartridges and a couple of others aren't even hunting cartridges at all!

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).

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.

Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide

Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide

Episode 267: 9.3x62mm Mauser Profile

Episode 206: Classic Africa Hunting Cartridges With Kevin Robertson

9.3x62mm Mauser Cartridge Profile

375 H&H Magnum Cartridge Profile

375 Ruger Cartridge Profile

Show notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/9-3mm-amp-375-caliber/

Most of these cartridges (but especially the 9.3x62, 9.3x74R, 375 H&H, and 375 Ruger) are wonderful 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 or a 375 you'd like to take on a hunt in Africa!

Though it is well over a century old, does not possess eye popping ballistics, the 404 Jeffery was massively popular among the most serious African big game hunters for much of the 20th Century and still maintains an almost cult-like following among a certain segments of the hunting community to this day. I'll tell you exactly why that's the case in this episode where I discuss the history as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the 404 Jeffery in detail. I also provide some information on how the 404 Jeffery compares to two other popular and capable dangerous game rifles cartridges in the 375 H&H Magnum and the 416 Rigby to give you an idea of what sort of performance you can expect from the cartridge and so you can decide if it best fits your needs as a hunter.

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

Stop by and say hello to Kobus, Christian, and I (2 of my African Professional Hunters) at the Bridge Bar in the Renaissance Nashville Hotel after the Safari Club International convention 7-9pm on Thursday, 1 February & Friday, 2 February. I have a couple of really cool pieces of Big Game Hunting Podcast swag I will give to the first 5 podcast listeners who come by! Email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you'll be joining us.

Address is: 611 Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37203 

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true at 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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com. Make sure you say you heard about Big Game Hunting Adventures through The Big Game Hunting Podcast for a special bonus!

The 404 Jeffery is a wonderful cartridge for all sorts of hunting, to include an African safari for plains game and especially 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 404 you'd like to take on a hunt in Africa!

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).

404 Jeffery: Africa's Unsung Dangerous Game Caliber

375 H&H Magnum: Ultimate Guide

416 Rigby: A Classic African Big Game Cartridge

6.8 Western: Guide to Winchester & Browning's New Cartridge

I'm back home from a quick trip up to Las Vegas for the 2024 SHOT show and put together a quick bonus episode for you that will hit some of the highlights of the show along with some of the more notable new products as well as updates and/or expansions to existing product lines announced there. Not a lot of earth shattering news this year, but there were still a couple of pretty cool developments that came out of the show.

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

Stop by and say hello to Kobus, Christian, and I (2 of my African Professional Hunters) at the Bridge Bar in the Renaissance Nashville Hotel after the Safari Club International convention 7-9pm on Thursday, 1 February & Friday, 2 February. I have a couple of really cool pieces of Big Game Hunting Podcast swag I will give to the first 5 podcast listeners who come by! Email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you'll be joining us.

Address is: 611 Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37203 

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true at 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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com. Make sure you say you heard about Big Game Hunting Adventures through The Big Game Hunting Podcast for a special bonus!

Scott Spanton is a long-time podcast listener from Australia and he has hunted in South Africa Big Game Hunting Adventures twice: once in April of 2022 and once in October of 2023. For that reason, Scott has a unique perspective on what it's like hunting very early in the hunting season vs very late in the hunting season. Plus, he used rifles in 7mm Rem Mag and 300 WSM on these hunts and can share some personal experiences on how those two cartridges worked over there. We also talk about a few lessons Scott learned along the way and share some of the more memorable aspects of each hunt.

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

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true at 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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com. Make sure you say you heard about Big Game Hunting Adventures through The Big Game Hunting Podcast for a special bonus!

Learn more cartridges and ammunition that are best suited for hunting various species of African plains game.

How to fill out the SAPS 520 form (which you'll need to do if you're hunting or transiting South Africa and bringing a rifle)

Resources

Follow my account (@thebiggamehunter_) and the Big Game Hunting Adventures account (@biggamehuntingadventures) on Instagram to see the photo of Scott's waterbuck.

We're kicking off our 2024 Africa mini-series this week and we have the perfect guest to do just that: Phil Massaro is back on the show with us today to talk about an intense leopard hunt he did back in 2023 with Tanya Blake Safaris in Zimbabwe.

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).

Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true at 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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com. Make sure you say you heard about Big Game Hunting Adventures through The Big Game Hunting Podcast for a special bonus!

Phil used a Leupold VX-3HD scope on this hunt, which is one of my best hunting scope recommendations.

Resources

Tanya Blake Safaris Instagram & Web Site

PhilMassaro.com – Phil's Web Site, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter Pages

The American Hunter & Gun Digest

Todd Ramirez Custom Rifles

Ep 267: 9.3x62mm Mauser Profile

9.3x62mm Mauser: Your Ultimate Guide 

Ep 180: Double Rifles With Phil Massaro

Ep 158: Leopard Hunting Using Hounds With Gavin Lipjes

Ep 157: Africa Hunting Expectations Part 2 With Phil Massaro

Ep 154: Leopard Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson

Ep 85: Plains Game Hunting With Phil Massaro

Ep 75: Big Bore Rifles With Phil Massaro

We have a special guest on the show with us today: Adam Wies, better known as WHO-TEE_ WHO on YouTube. Adam is back on the show to talk with us about his busy 2023 hunting season, the very unique deer he took on a hunt in Utah, the guns and ammo he used on those hunts, and what the future is looking like for him.

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

Ep 233: Adam Wies (aka WHO_TEE_WHO) – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 220: Pronghorn and Bison Hunting In Colorado – Podcast referenced in episode

Follow Adam (WHO TEE WHO) on YouTube and on Instagram, check out his web site, and check out the video we talked about in this episode: 430 Yard Shot On Cactus Buck

While the United States is indeed a country where 30 caliber cartridges reign supreme, the 270 bore diameter can really give the 30 caliber a run for it's money. Indeed, the 270 could even be described as a uniquely American bore diameter. In this episode, I hit the highlights of all of the 270 caliber SAAMI certified 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).

Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Blog article referenced in podcast

6.8 Western: Guide to Winchester & Browning's New Cartridge – Blog article referenced in podcast

270 vs 30-06 Comparison – Blog article referenced in podcast

6.8 Western vs 6.5 Creedmoor vs 270 WSM Comparison – Blog article referenced in podcast

6.8 SPC vs 6.5 Grendel Comparison - Blog article referenced in podcast

270 vs 308 Comparison – Blog article referenced in podcast

270 vs 7mm Rem Mag Comparison – Blog article referenced in podcast

6.8 Western vs 7mm PRC Comparison – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 270 Ammo For Hunting -270 Winchester hunting ammo recommendations

Best 270 Rifles For Hunting - 270 Winchester hunting rifle recommendations

Best 6.8 Western Ammo – 6.8 Western Hunting Ammo 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/270-caliber-cartridges/

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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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/

Ron Spomer is back on the show to discuss his adventures hunting brown and grizzly bear on the Kamchatka Peninsula in far eastern Russia as well as in Alaska. Ron shares the stories of those hunts (a couple of which are pretty wild) along with a discussion on the rifles, cartridges, and bullets he used.

Sponsor: Make sure you're signed up for my email list by going to Biggamehuntingpodcast.com/ebook. You'll get my free E-BOOK when you do so and you'll also receive the emails I send out every weekday. If you like The Big Game Hunting Podcast you'll love those emails. 

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with returning guest Ron Spomer.

They discuss Ron's bear hunts in Russia and Alaska, to include his recent trip in the spring of 2025. As always, Ron shares plenty of stories regarding each hunt, to include some of the interesting experiences he had a long the way.

Their takeaway? Those can be some wild hunts with lots of adventure and are not for the faint of heart. However, they can also deliver some experiences the hunter will remember for decades afterwards.

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

Resources

Pick up a copy of Ron's 7mm Cartridges From Around The World book here

Check Out Ron Spomer's Podcast (on Apple or Spotify), Web Site, & YouTube Channel

Ep 320: Master Alaska Guide Phil Shoemaker Talks Brown Bear Hunting – Phil Shoemaker interview referenced in podcast

Ep 336: Best Cartridge For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Ron Spomer– Previous appearance by Ron on the podcast

Ep 201: Bighorn Sheep Hunting With Ron Spomer – Previous appearance by Ron on the podcast

Ep 145: Moose Hunting 101 With Ron Spomer – Previous appearance by Ron on the podcast

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 gary@wildgamedynasty.com

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/

I have another cartridge comparison for you today where we compare the 7mm PRC, 28 Nosler, and 7mm Remington Magnum cartridges. It's only natural that many hunters would be curious about how the brand new 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge stacks up against the tried and true 7mm Remington Magnum and the hot rod 28 Nosler. Well, that's what I do in this episode where I investigate the 28 Nosler vs 7mm PRC vs 7mm Rem Mag 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.

28 Nosler vs 7mm PRC vs 7mm Rem Mag Review & Comparison – 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 28 Nosler Ammo For Hunting Elk and Deer – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 7mm Rem Mag Ammo For Hunting Elk, Bear, and Deer – 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/7mm-prc-vs-7mm-rem-mag-vs-28-nosler/

North Fork bullets have a stellar reputation for hunting in Africa and are considered by some to be among the best projectiles available for hunting the continent. To that end, North Fork Bullets' technical support specialist and fellow investor Jay Parnell joins John on the podcast today to discusses the whole lineup of North Fork Bullets products, how they're different from the competition, which specific tasks each bullet model is best suited for, and a few stories involving North Fork Bullets that illustrate how they perform when the chips are down.

Sponsor: You can purchase North Fork Bullets directly from the North Fork web site, from MidwayUSA, or from our network of other distributors all over the world.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with one of his new business partners, Jay Parnell of North Fork Bullets.

They dive deep into the various North Fork bullet models, the best use cases for each model, what terminal performance is like with them, how they're different from other bullets like the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, available calibers and bullets weights, where North Fork bullets are sold, and discuss a few stories involving hunting with North Fork bullets.

Their takeaway? North Fork offers a wide range of outstanding bullets ideally suited for the situations most commonly encountered in Africa. Furthermore, there are some new products coming soon that improve upon the lower BC characteristics of North Fork's legacy products that will make them even better suited to hunting situations elsewhere in the world.

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

A podcast listener named James Bradley joined me on the show today to talk about deer stalking in the United Kingdom. While hunters commonly pursue 6 different species of deer in the UK (red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, sika deer, Chinese water deer, and muntjac deer), James and I focused our discussion today on the 3 smaller species from that group: Roe, Muntjac, and Chinese Water Deer. Those last two species are especially unique looking creatures that are sometimes referred to as vampire deer. If you've never seen one before, you'll learn why that's the case during our discussion 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).

Follow James on Instagram at jamesbradley1904

Ep 272: Roe Deer & Chamois Hunting In Spain With Austin Brown – Podcast referenced in episode

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/roe-vampire-deer-in-the-uk/

I've received a couple of listener requests for an interview with a representative from Bergara to talk about their hunting rifle offerings. I've hunted with a couple of Bergara rifles over the past couple of years and I've really liked them. Plus, they have also recently introduced some really cool new models in the last year as well. With that in mind, Collin Russel is joining us on the show today to talk about all things Bergara. We discuss the entire line of Bergara's centerfire rifle line in detail along with a special focus on some of their newer models, especially their new offerings in 7 PRC. 

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

Feel free to send feedback, questions, and/or future episode requests to john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com

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).

Visit the Bergara web site for more information about their products in general. Plus, learm more about the ammunition they use for accuracy testing here.

Ep 273: Jim Harmer (aka Backfire) on the 6.5 Creedmoor and more – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 265: 7mm PRC Overview – Podcast referenced in episode

Ep 220: Pronghorn and Bison in Colorado Part 1 – Podcast referenced in episode

Bergara rifles hold prominent spots in several of my top rifle recommendation articles:

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

Best 6.5 Creedmoor Rifles– 6.5 Creedmoor Hunting Rifle Recommendations

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

6.5 Creedmoor vs 308 - What You Need To Know

Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Ear protection recommendations

Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting - Rifle scope recommendations

Best Hunting Rifle Slings - Rifle sling recommendations

Best Muzzleloaders For Hunters – Muzzleloader recommendations for hunters, many of which use Bergara barrels

Show notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/bergara-rifles-with-collin-russell/

Some hunters view deer hunting with hounds as a cherished and long standing hunting tradition. At the same time, other hunters look upon that way of hunting deer as an unethical and almost barbaric practice. Austin Tomlin is a deer hunter from Virginia who has hunted deer with hounds since he was a boy and recently even wrote a book on the subject. Well, Austin was kind enough to join me on the podcast today to talk about this controversial subject in some more detail and to help clear up some confusion about the practice. As you'll learn here shortly, there's a whole lot more to hunting deer with hounds than most people might first think.

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

Follow Austin on Instagram at tahmlin

Pick up at copy of Austin's book Deer Hunting With Hounds: A Southern Tradition

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).

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/deer-hunting-hounds/

I have another cartridge profile for you today where we dive into the specifics of the 35 Whelen and how it stacks up against other popular centerfire rifle cartridges like the 30-06 Springfield, 9.3x62mm Mauser, and 375 H&H Magnum. In this episode I talk about the development of the 35 Whelen, how it compares to those other cartridges, the strengths and weaknesses of the 35 Whelen, and who would be best served by the advantages the 35 Whelen offers.

35 Whelen: Your Ultimate Guide – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 35 Whelen Ammo For Hunting - 35 Whelen hunting ammo 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 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.

267: 9.3x62mm Mauser Cartridge Profile – Episode referenced in podcast

233: Adam Wiess (WHO_TEE_WHO) – Episode referenced in podcast

213: Africa's Most Dramatic Conservation Success Story With Mike Arnold – Episode referenced in podcast

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/35-whelen/

It sounds crazy when I say it here in September of 2023, but we're now well into year 3 of the great ammo shortage that's been ongoing since 2020. Today, I'm going to provide an update on where things stand with regards to ammo and reloading component supply in order to address the questions I'm constantly receiving from listeners: why is ammo still so hard to find, why is stuff still so expensive, and when will things return to normal. I share your concerns and frustrations and I think about this stuff all the time too. For that reason, I'm doing a detailed dive into the subject in this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast.

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

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/ammo-update-2023/

Nosler recently added the new Nosler M21 rifle line to their rifle lineup. This rifle isn't cheap, but they make some big promises on how it performs afield. Is the M21 worth the cash? Or are you better off with something else? Well, I had the chance to evaluate a new M21 rifle chambered in 27 Nosler pretty extensively at the range and afield in 2022. Here's what I think about it.

Nosler M21 Review – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best Hunting Rifle Slings – Blog article referenced in podcast

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

Ep 90: Nosler Ammunition Profile – Podcast referenced in episode

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/nosler-m21-rifle-review/

We have a special guest on the show with us today: Jim Harmer, better known as Backfire on YouTube. I've followed Jim's YouTube channel for a while now and it was great to finally get a chance to talk to him. Today we talk about how he got started in this business, hunting Africa with the 6.5 Creedmoor, the pros and cons of hunting with match bullets, his favorite cartridge and bullet, what the future holds for him, etc.

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

Follow Jim (Backfire) on YouTube and visit his web site. Be sure to check out some of the videos we talked about in this episode: 6.5 Creedmoor & PRC in Africa, Hunting With Match Bullets, & the 1 MOA Hoax.

Bergara accuracy testing ammo recommendations

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).

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/jim-harmer-backfire/

Long-time podcast listener Austin Brown joined me on the show today to talk about his recent roe deer and chamois hunt with Joseph von Benedikt in Spain. As you'll learn here shortly, they had an incredible adventure hunting two iconic species of European game in some absolutely stunning country. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows though and they had to deal with some unexpected challenges and adversity on that hunt.

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

Follow Austin on Instagram at abrownsf007

Ep 218: Layton Norwood On Auodad Hunting - Podcast referenced in episode

270 vs 280 vs 280 AI vs 7mm Rem Mag Cartridge Comparison - Article referenced in episode

260 vs 6.5 Creedmoor vs 6.5 Swede Cartridge Comparison - Article referenced in episode

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).

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/roe-deer-chamois-in-spain-austin-brown

Ryan Muckenhirn from Vortex joined me on The Big Game Hunting Podcast to talk about their hunting scope and binocular lines. Specifically, we talk about the history of Vortex Optics, what makes their products special, and the details of each individual line of scopes and binoculars. We also discuss the details of the Vortex VIP warranty.

Learn more about Vortex on their web site or call 1-800-4VORTEX to speak to a representative there for help on any aspect of their products: what to buy, how to use it, etc.

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

Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting – Article referenced in podcast

Best Scopes For Deer Hunting – Article referenced in podcast

9 Best Low Light Hunting Scopes – 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).

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/vortex-rifle-scopes-binoculars/

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/

As promised, I have a more comprehensive recap of my 2025 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 the results of the hunt, what the Free State was like, and how my equipment (especially my new rifles in 25 Creedmoor and 7mm PRC) performed.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel here to ensure you don't miss out on the podcast hunt video when I release it next week.

Email me at  john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com and let me know what you'd potentially like to hunt if you're interested in joining me on a hunt in Africa or joining me on the deer/pronghorn hunt out west I teased in the future.

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. 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. We have space remaining for hunts in March, May, September, October, and November 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus!

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams provides a detailed recap of the recent 2025 Big Game Hunting Podcast African safari with three podcast listeners.

John provides an overview of the entire hunt, shares some of the most memorable moments of this safari, some insights into how everyone's rifles and ammunition performed, and a few lessons they all learned along the way.

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

Resources

Ep 382: Live from South Africa (2025) – Episode referenced in podcast

Ep 261: Live from South Africa (2023) – Episode referenced in podcast

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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com. 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  john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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  john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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 john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com 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/

I have another cartridge profile for you today where we'll dive into the details of the 22 Hornet and see how it compares to the 22 Long Rifle, the 22 Magnum, and the 223 Remington. I think you'll agree with me that, at first glance anyway, it makes a whole lot more sense to use more modern cartridges like the .223 Remington or the .220 Swift instead of the .22 Hornet for small game and varmint hunting. However, even though the cartridge has been around for almost a century, and even though it can't come anywhere close to the performance of those newer cartridges on paper, the .22 Hornet is still a very useful varmint hunting cartridge. Well, that's what I'm going to talk about in this episode as I break down the 22 Hornet in detail and give you the information you need to determine if it's well suited for your individual needs.

22 Hornet: A Small Cartridge With A Potent Sting – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 22 Hornet Ammo For Hunting - 22 Hornet hunting ammo 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 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/22-hornet/

Though I've interviewed plenty of great Professional Hunters over the years, you don't hear from many trackers in podcast interviews for various reasons. That changes in this episode where I sit down with Pheilemon Mathoko, one of our trackers in South Africa. He is one of the best, if not the best trackers I've ever had the privilege to work with. He and I discuss how to tell whether a track is old or now, how he can identify a particular bull out of a herd containing dozens of animals, how he can learn more about the wound an animal has suffered just from looking at their tracks, and much more.

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt in South Africa. 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. We are almost full for 2026, but still have space remaining for a couple hunts next year. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more. Make sure to state that you're a podcast listener and I'll give you a special bonus!

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with Pheilemon Mathoko, one of our trackers in South Africa.

They discuss how to tell how old a track is, how he can identify a particular bull track out of a herd of dozens of other animals, how different animals behave at different times of day and how he can pick up clues to what they're doing and thinking from their tracks, and of course, some of the finer points on tracking wounded animals and how he can learn more about the wounds an animal has suffered from looking at their tracks, how that information informs his decisions on how to proceed on the track, and much more. 

Their takeaway? A skilled tracker like Philemon can read the bush or tracks on the ground like a book and is a vital part of any safari camp.

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

Resources

Ep 377: Charging Cape Buffalo & Hunting Kudu In The Snow – Interview with Kobus Kok (one of my South African PHs) referenced in episode.

Ep 356: PH Interview-French Foreign Legion to surrounded by crocs in a rowboat – Interview with Johan Seyffert (one of my South African PHs) referenced in episode.

I have another cartridge comparison for you today where we'll compare the 270 Winchester and the 7mm Remington Magnum. Both are effective and useful cartridges with dedicated fan bases, and there's some overlap in their capabilities, but you'll learn here shortly that there's a divergence in what they're best suited for. In this episode, I investigate the 270 vs 7mm Rem Mag 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.

270 vs 7mm Rem Mag Review & Comparison – 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/270-vs-7mm-rem-mag/

I have another cartridge comparison for you today where we'll compare the 25-06 Remington and the 30-06 Springfield. I think most hunters would agree the legendary 30-06 Springfield is an excellent all-around hunting cartridge. While it does indeed offer many advantages to hunters, it's not perfect. Indeed, cartridges like the 25-06 Remington handily outperform the old 30-06 in some areas. But on the other hand, the 30-06 is a significantly better choice than the 25-06 for other uses. So which one is best for you? Well, that's what I'm going to talk about in this episode as I break down the 25-06 vs 30-06 debate in detail and give you the information you need to determine which one is best for your individual needs.

25-06 vs 30-06 Review & Comparison – Blog article referenced in podcast

Best 30-06 Ammo– 30-06 Hunting Ammo Recommendations

Best Hunting Ear Protection For Sportsmen – Ear protection 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/25-06-vs-30-06/

Mark Huelsing from EXO Mountain Gear is back with us on the podcast today to talk about their new K4 hunting pack. I got the chance to test that pack out on my Arizona elk hunt last year before it was released to the general public. I love it and think it's a great pack and you'll learn why here today.

Learn more about EXO packs on their web site or call (208) 995-4688 to speak to a representative there for help on any aspect of their products: what to buy, how to use it, what to do if it breaks, etc. Be sure to check out The Hunt Backcountry Podcast Mark and Steve host as well.

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).

Ep 77: Mark Huelsing's Self-Guided Archery Elk Hunt In Colorado – Mark's previous interview referenced in podcast

Ep 86: Mark Huelsing On How To Choose A Hunting Pack – Mark's previous interview referenced in podcast

Ep 168: Bighorn Sheep Hunting With Steve Speck – Steve's previous interview referenced in podcast

Show Notes: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/mark-huelsing-k4/