Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Pursuit With Cliff - Cliff Gray
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Belt to Black Belt — How to Think About Becoming a Better Hunter. | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:19:06 | |
Most hunters stay white belts forever. In this conversation I break down a simple framework I stole from jiu-jitsu and applied to hunting. The full interview is available from Chad Lubinski here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd2L3PdsGi0 We talk about why “time in the game” is overrated, how to compress your learning with tight reps, and why some hunters with 30 seasons under their belt are still stuck at white belt. Then I walk through what blue, purple, brown, and black belt hunting actually look like in the real world. Clear thinking about the wind, topography, elk behavior, and your own style. I also share a real elk hunt story where years of pattern recognition turned a blown setup into a legit shot opportunity. --- | |||
| Hunting The HARDEST ELK TO KILL - Lessons from the Flat Tops | 29 Oct 2025 | 00:34:49 | |
Grinding elk on Colorado’s Flat Tops is expert mode. I sit down with guide Cade Cole to break down exactly why this country punishes hesitation and rewards decisive shooting. We hit pressure dynamics, why elk “live” outside shooting hours, stand-hunt vs still-hunt on plateaus, when to take a marginal window, and the ethics of passing smaller bulls. --- | |||
| Rifle Design, Drop Tests & Shooting Better with Aaron Davidson of GunWerks | 25 Aug 2025 | 02:12:13 | |
Cliff Gray talks with Aaron Davidson of Gunwerks about the realities of rifles, optics, and hunting culture. They tackle controversial topics like long-range hunting, cartridge choice, and why most hunters fail in the field. Aaron explains how training, rifle setup, and ego all play into success. A must-listen for elk hunters, riflemen, and anyone serious about improving their shooting. Aaron is the Owner and Founder of GunWerks - https://www.gunwerks.com/ --- | |||
| Search & Rescue Reality of Elk Country – SAR Veteran Mike Kuper | 20 Aug 2025 | 01:01:29 | |
What really happens when you hit that SOS button in the Colorado backcountry? Cliff sits down with Mike Kuper, Rifle Police Lieutenant and longtime search and rescue member, to uncover the hard truths of SAR operations in elk country. From delayed response times and helicopter limitations to the gear and mindset every hunter needs, this episode pulls back the curtain on survival and rescue. Whether you’re elk hunting, backpacking, or just pushing deep into public land, these lessons could save your life. --- | |||
| How ANY HUNTER Can Call In Bears - Complete How-To | 13 Aug 2025 | 01:10:17 | |
This isn't going over a tactic that sometimes work, this is a complete how-to that will get you calling in bear on the majority of your setups in bear areas. --- | |||
| Risk, Failure, and Real Adventure — Cliff and Pedro Ampuero Talk Extreme Hunts | 06 Aug 2025 | 01:16:13 | |
In this episode of Pursuit With Cliff, I sit down with Pedro Ampuero — a hunter who’s pursued game in some of the world’s toughest places. We talk about his buffalo hunt in Uganda, where he wounded a bull with his bow and later came back to finish the job on the same animal. Pedro shares how that experience shaped his views on accountability and persistence in hunting. We also dive into hunts in Pakistan, life balance, failure, gear, and the challenges of depicting hunting to the non-hunter viewer. --- | |||
| Q&A With Cliff - Public Land Elk, Gear, Solo Archery Setups, E-Scouting Traps and More... | 31 Jul 2025 | 01:41:56 | |
This livestream was packed with answers to real elk hunting questions—especially for those grinding it out on public land. I covered everything from base camp vs. backpack hunting, how to hunt pressured elk, overlooked e-scouting truths, fourth rifle strategy, dealing with private land boundaries, bear recovery tips, and more. You’ll get clear insight into what actually matters in the field: where elk go when pressured, how long to wait after sheep grazing, when to use the gutless method, and how to work with outfitters and wildlife officers effectively. Join the membership group to get in on the next Live Stream Q&A PWCHuntSquad.com --- | |||
| The Art of Hunting Giant Bulls and The HornScore App - Jay Scott and Blake Cannon | 22 Jul 2025 | 02:08:33 | |
Jay Scott joins me to talk real elk hunting strategy and ideas—from calling mistakes to private land access and the broken public land model. --- | |||
| How To NOT DIE While Elk Hunting — Real-World Tips from Mountain ER Doc Dr. Ben Peery | 10 Jul 2025 | 01:26:47 | |
Cliff sits down with Dr. Ben Peery, emergency physician in Glenwood Springs, CO — smack dab in the middle of elk country — to talk real-world wilderness emergencies hunters face. From penetrating wounds, arterial bleeds, busted ribs, and altitude sickness to how your fancy first aid kit might be dead weight, this is advice that could save a life. Learn what minimalist gear belongs in your pack and how to actually use it when it matters. --- | |||
| How Elk Use The Wind - And How You Can Use It To Kill Them | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:31:28 | |
Think you understand wind and elk hunting? Think again. --- | |||
| Pick A Shooting Course and The Shoot2Hunt Review | 22 Jun 2025 | 00:42:11 | |
I just got back from the Shoot2Hunt course in Montana—six days, over 1,000 rounds fired, and one of the most useful shooting experiences I've ever had. In this video, I break down my full review of the course and give you a framework for evaluating any shooting or hunting course before dropping serious money on it. --- | |||
| What is Biltong? Making it At Home and Why It Isn't Jerky - with SJ | 19 Jun 2025 | 01:12:14 | |
SJ from Biltong Depot joins to discuss the art and science of biltong, how it differs from jerky, its nutritional benefits for hunters, and how he brought authentic South African biltong to America. We also cover DIY biltong making, backpacking with biltong, and using it on a carnivore diet. Biltong Depot - https://biltongdepot.com/?ref=CLIFFGRAY - Code CLIFFGRAY for 10% off --- | |||
| Lessons From Hunting 200+ Conflict Wolves with Greg Jones, Aerial Gunner | 13 Oct 2025 | 01:17:22 | |
Greg Jones has killed over 200 wolves across Idaho and the West. In this episode, he reveals what most people don’t understand about wolves—how they hunt, how they impact elk and livestock, and what’s about to happen in Colorado. From ranch conflicts to wildlife collapse, this is the unfiltered truth about wolf management from a man who lived it. --- | |||
| Becoming a Back Country Hunter at 65 - Tim's Journey | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:54:09 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Tim McDonald—who started hunting at 64 and killed his first bear at 65 on a backcountry hunt in Idaho’s Selway Wilderness. We talk about what triggered his late start into hunting, his year-long preparation process, the physical training and gear purchases, how he overcame “first shot” nerves, and why hunting has completely transformed his life. Tim McDonald — First-time backcountry hunter at 64, killed his first bear at 65. --- | |||
| How Archery Hunters Can Do Africa Right – With Joe Nowicki | 04 Jun 2025 | 01:45:17 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Joe Nowicki, U.S. rep for African Bowhunting Adventures, to break down the logistics, expectations, and economics of hunting in South Africa. Joe brings the hunter’s perspective—he’s chased elk, deer, and other big game across the U.S.—and now helps guide Americans into affordable, action-packed safaris that actually make sense. --- | |||
| How to Start Freshwater Spearfishing With Brett Leable | 28 May 2025 | 01:10:45 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Brett, a hardcore hunter turned spearfisherman. We dive into how spearfishing is hunting, not just fishing, and why it's gaining major traction. Brett shares how the sport is expanding across states, why it's so welcoming, and how it builds physical and mental toughness. We cover everything from gear and access to tournaments and teaching your kids to dive. This is a powerful conversation for hunters looking for new challenge and purpose. Brett's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/therealbrettleable/ --- | |||
| Cliff's Backpack Hunting Food System | 26 May 2025 | 00:23:13 | |
How I setup my backpack hunting food. It's a system that works. --- | |||
| Africa Hunting 101 with Jimmy Oswald | 22 May 2025 | 01:35:10 | |
Jimmy Oswald joins Cliff to unpack 20+ weeks of experience hunting in Africa. Elephant hunts, safari booking tips, high fence truths, and how to make the most of your first African hunting trip. Jimmy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jerseyjim12/ --- | |||
| Shooting Skills That Matter in the Mountains – Steve Messer | 28 Apr 2025 | 01:38:44 | |
Retired SEAL sniper Steve Messer joins Cliff to drop some marksmanship knowledge for backcountry hunters. From making cold bore shots under pressure to the harsh realities of gear failure and range naivety, this episode is a no-BS guide to shooting better and hunting smarter. They dive into marksmanship fundamentals, mental checklists, field prep, survival gear, and how most hunters are unprepared for the mountains. If you want to shoot better and hunt ethically, there are a bunch of tips and tricks in this one. --- | |||
| Caribbean Meat and Madness - Life in Puerto Rico with Jesse | 21 Apr 2025 | 01:28:22 | |
Cliff sits down with his Puerto Rico hunting buddy Jesse to talk island survival—spearfishing, wild pigs, ciguatera, and more. A raw, wild episode on living off the land and exploring hunting and fishing opportunities off the beaten path. --- | |||
| Broadheads, Arrow Weight, and Shot Distance – Real Archery Data with Jeremy Dugger | 14 Apr 2025 | 01:36:58 | |
Cliff sits down with Jeremy Dugger—owner of Expert Archery in Farmington, NM. Jeremy has collected over 500 real-world data points from bowhunters and breaks down what really matters in your setup. Fixed vs mechanical broadheads, arrow weight, draw weight, and shot distance—all backed by actual outcomes, not marketing hype. --- | |||
| How to Kill Spring Bears: A Mini-Course | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:41:25 | |
Spring bear hunting isn’t about luck—it’s about understanding environmental triggers and using the right tactics. I’ve guided 50+ spring bear hunts across North America, and in this video, I break down the 80/20 of what actually matters. From choosing the right elevation and timing green-up to selecting the gear that makes or breaks a hunt, this is the hard-earned blueprint for finding and killing bears consistently. --- | |||
| Crabbing, Hunting, and Telling It Like It Is - With Luke McFadden | 07 Apr 2025 | 01:30:47 | |
Luke McFadden went from outsider to full-time crabber and YouTube creator. In this episode, he shares his path, lessons from the sea and the woods, and why understanding your food system matters more than ever. Luke McFadden – Commercial crabber & YouTuber. Instagram: @luke_mcfad --- | |||
| How to Track, Call, Shoot and Kill More Elk — Field Lessons from Guide James Nash | 06 Oct 2025 | 01:08:35 | |
In this episode, I sit down in person with James Nash, veteran elk guide and host of the 6 Ranch Podcast. We go deep into elk behavior, calling strategy, and tracking wounded bulls — including what 100 miles of real-world blood trails have taught him. We also talk about gear, generational elk knowledge, and how to adapt your calling to changing elk behavior. --- | |||
| Colorado Big Game Draw 2025 EXPLAINED with Guide Jimmy Oswald | 23 Mar 2025 | 01:01:05 | |
The Colorado hunting draw is changing—big time. In this episode, guide and outfitter Jimmy Oswald breaks down everything you need to know about elk, mule deer, sheep, and moose tags for 2025 and beyond. We dive deep into unit strategies, preference points, and how wolves might impact the herds. If you’re a non-resident, pay attention—some of these changes are going to hit you HARD. Don’t waste your points—watch this before you apply! --- | |||
| 8 Lessons from 1,000+ Elk Hunters – What They Wish They Knew Sooner | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:23:18 | |
Solo episode with Cliff. This video breaks down the biggest lessons that have made the biggest difference for the group of 1,200 new and experienced elk hunters I reached out to. From avoiding the sunk-cost fallacy in scouting to mastering quick shot opportunities, these insights will save you years of frustration in the field. --- | |||
| 10 Years of Killing Public Land Bulls For a Living - With Evan Koster | 17 Mar 2025 | 01:17:57 | |
Rifle elk hunting isn't guesswork—it's strategy. In this episode, top hunting guide Evan Koster walks us through the exact process he uses to find, stalk, and kill elk on public land. Whether you’re struggling to locate elk or unsure about midday hunting tactics, this episode delivers real-world insights that will make you a better hunter. Evan Koster – Veteran elk hunting guide with deep experience in public land rifle and archery hunts. Find him at FTGuides.com or on Instagram @KosterEvan. --- | |||
| First Elk Hunt, First Bull—How Tim Tagged a 6x6 on a Public Land, Solo, DIY Hunt | 10 Mar 2025 | 01:31:44 | |
Tim set out on his first-ever DIY elk hunt on Colorado public land—solo—and came home with a 6x6 bull. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how he made it happen, from e-scouting and choosing the right unit to glassing, hunting strategy, and the brutal solo pack-out. If you’re planning your first elk hunt or want to improve your approach, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways you won’t want to miss. Key Topics Covered:
--- | |||
| Hunting Buffalo With Atlatls and Other Primitive Badassery With Ryan Gill | 03 Mar 2025 | 01:33:55 | |
Ryan Gill of Hunt Primitive joins me to talk about hunting like our ancestors did—no modern gear, just handcrafted bows, arrows, and even atlatls. We discuss the reality of primitive hunting, the skills it takes, and how it can make you a better hunter today. Key Topics Covered: --- | |||
| Hunting Opportunity in New Mexico: Expert Insights and Draw Strategies | 20 Feb 2025 | 01:21:32 | |
In this episode of Pursuit with Cliff Gray, I’m joined by Jordan from The Draw – the go-to expert on navigating New Mexico’s hunting draw system. We break down the strategies and tactics for every species, from elk and oryx to ibex and aoudad. Jordan shares insider tips on maximizing your draw odds, choosing the best units, and leveraging New Mexico’s unique system to your advantage. We also dive into the changing dynamics of predator management, hunting history in Eastern Europe, and the pros and cons of guided pool vs. DIY hunting. Topics Covered:
Tune in for expert advice, fascinating stories, and no-nonsense insights that’ll make you a better hunter. Connect with The Draw: --- | |||
| Fake Science, Sand Bass, Wolves & The Attack on Outdoorsmen w/ Dave Hansen | 12 Feb 2025 | 01:19:20 | |
Dave Hansen is back, and we’re cutting through the noise—government overreach, fake science, and the never-ending attack on hunters and fishermen. From California’s push to shut down sand bass fishing to the wolf and sea lion disasters, it’s clear that wildlife management has become political theater. Link to the Sand Bass zoom call on February 13th - https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=227911&inline Dave's Website: https://yoursaltwaterguide.com/ Dave's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoursaltwaterguide62/ --- | |||
| Surviving the Toughest Elk Hunt – Lessons from Cade Cole | 05 Feb 2025 | 01:35:23 | |
Extreme backcountry hunter Cade Cole returns to share the brutal truth about his most challenging elk hunt—no food, no fire starter, and a bareback ride into the mountains with nothing but a recurve bow. We break down the mental and physical endurance required, the myth of patterning bulls, and why social media has distorted what real elk hunting looks like. Essential listening for any hunter pushing their limits. --- | |||
| Hunts YOU Can Actually Do - Elk, Deer and Bears - With Samong Yang | 29 Jan 2025 | 01:50:17 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Samong Yang from "Samong Outdoors" to discuss practical hunting strategies suitable for all skill levels. We explore his unique cultural perspective as a Mong hunter and delve into tactics for successfully hunting bears, elk and mule deer in the Pacific Northwest. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their hunting skills with actionable insights. --- | |||
| 3 Guide Proven ELK RIFLE SETUPS - $1,500 to $10K+ | 22 Jan 2025 | 01:07:16 | |
Join Cliff on this episode of Pursuit with Cliff Gray as he breaks down three guide-proven elk rifle setups, covering everything from budget-friendly builds at $1,500 to premium setups over $10K. Drawing on years of guiding experience, Cliff explains not just what works but why—digging into calibers, optics, and accessories that make these rifles effective in the field. Whether you’re gearing up for your first elk hunt or refining your existing setup, this episode provides practical insights to help you choose or build the perfect rifle for your goals. Tune in and get ready to elevate your elk hunting game! --- | |||
| Hunting to Rebuild Your Mental Health – Dr. Ben Peery | 01 Oct 2025 | 01:07:35 | |
Hunting can be life-changing. In this episode, Cliff Gray sits down with Dr. Ben Peery – ER physician and Chief Medical Officer of INVI Mind Health – to dive deep into mental health, resilience, and why hunting affects people so profoundly. They discuss HRV (heart rate variability) as a measurable way to track stress, how the backcountry accelerates personal growth, and why camaraderie in hunting camps creates unmatched bonds. --- | |||
| Is Colorado Stealing Your Preference Points? - With Lane Walter | 21 Jan 2025 | 01:21:53 | |
In this episode of Pursuit With Cliff, host Cliff Gray interviews Lane Walter from the Colorado Bow Hunters Association. Together, they unpack the upcoming changes to Colorado's draw structure, discussing the anticipated winners and losers with the new rules slated for 2028. As they delve into these vital shifts for residents and non-residents alike, listeners gain practical insights on how to adapt their hunting strategies in response to the evolving landscape. Perfect for avid hunters looking to stay ahead of the game. --- | |||
| I Pray I'm Wrong About The Colorado Wolf Reintroduction | 13 Jan 2025 | 00:09:33 | |
Cliff's thoughts on the next round of wolf reintroductions in Colorado. --- | |||
| Take Advantage of How Colorado Hunting is Changing - Cliff and Jimmy Discuss | 28 Dec 2024 | 02:07:46 | |
Join Jimmy Oswald and me as we dive into hunting mule deer and elk in Colorado, exploring strategies to navigate the evolving hunting landscape in the state. We cover draw tactics, essential gear, and emerging wildlife trends, sharing practical tips and hard-earned insights. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this episode has something for everyone. --- | |||
| Badass Gifts (Stuff I Used All Year as a Guide) | 13 Dec 2024 | 00:29:06 | |
Proven gifts for the outdoorsman or hunter. --- | |||
| 20 Years of Calling and Killing Public Land Bulls With Drew Rouse | 10 Dec 2024 | 01:50:21 | |
Cliff Gray interviews Drew Rouse, a seasoned elk hunter known for his success in the toughest public land units and as the inventor of the Elk Reel elk call. They dive into effective elk calling strategies, navigating high-pressure hunts, and the realities of hunting non-vocal elk in over-the-counter areas. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hunter, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you refine your approach and improve your odds in the field. --- | |||
| Elk Arrows, Broadheads and Shot Placement - With The Ranch Fairy | 03 Dec 2024 | 01:56:59 | |
In this episode, Cliff Gray sits down with Troy Fowler, aka 'The Ranch Fairy,' to tackle the hotly debated topic of heavy vs. light arrows in bowhunting. Troy shares his field-tested insights on arrow momentum, broadhead durability, and how to reduce wounded game. They also dive into the physics behind penetration and the critical trade-offs hunters face when choosing their gear. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting, this episode delivers practical advice and a fresh perspective on becoming more effective in the field. Timestamps: --- | |||
| Lessons From a REAL inReach SOS with Vince Klonowski | 22 Nov 2024 | 01:47:19 | |
If you are using an inReach, you should listen to this interview and integrate the tips that Cliff and Vince mention. Some small details will greatly increase the value of your inReach service in this type of situation. --- | |||
| Hunting For Survival - 5 Skills That Actually Matter | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:23:57 | |
Essential survival hunting concepts everyone should understand— you never know when you might find yourself unexpectedly relying on hunting to stay alive. --- | |||
| Alaska Guide Questions - Bear Shot Placement, AK Gear Recommendations, What makes a good client? | 16 Nov 2024 | 00:09:57 | |
Behind the scenes discussion between guides up in Alaska. --- | |||
| ELK SIGN 101 - Tracks, Rubs, Wallows, and Elk Turds | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:40:55 | |
Everything you need to know about reading elk sign. Tracks, scat, wallows, rubs, and scrapes—Cliff breaks it all down, drawing from decades of guiding elk hunters in the wilderness and beyond. --- | |||
| Q&A With Elk Hunting Guide – 30+ Questions on Gear, Access, and Strategy | 25 Sep 2025 | 02:06:49 | |
A full-length hunting Q&A pulled from the livestream I hosted 9/17/2025 alongside a massive elk hunt and gear giveaway. Over the course of nearly two hours, I tackle 20–30 questions from hunters on topics ranging from elk strategy, private vs. public land access, and calling setups, to logistics like processing, packing out meat, and cooler space. --- | |||
| Big Mule Deer and CONTROVERSIAL Hunting Topics with Mike Duplan | 12 Nov 2024 | 02:06:29 | |
Mike Duplan and Cliff discuss an array of hunting topics from structuring a life around hunting opportunity, archery wounding loss, high fence hunting, to the changing management of mule deer in Colorado. --- | |||
| Shot Placement, Stalking and BECOMING A BETTER HUNTER with James Nash | 07 Nov 2024 | 01:34:19 | |
Join us as we dive into the wilds of Australia with James, who’s just returned from bow hunting water buffalo and pigs in some of the most unforgiving landscapes on the planet. He breaks down hard-earned tactics on stalking, shot placement, and handling remote terrain—skills that translate seamlessly to hunting elk and deer here at home. --- | |||
| Don't be A FAT HUNTER with Nate Illingsworth | 30 Oct 2024 | 01:25:08 | |
Cliff and Nate discuss Nate's weight loss journey that has paralleled his journey to improve as a hunter. Nate has proven success on this front and details how he got there. --- | |||
| TOP Elk Hunting Questions ANSWERED! | 18 Oct 2024 | 00:56:46 | |
Cliff starts off with a detailed review of some gear that he utilized over the past few weeks of guiding, Cliff Skinner custom skinning knife, Worksharp sharpeners and the surprisingly effective Jim Green barefoot boots. --- | |||