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

John McAdams
  • 4.9 (417)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Big Game Hunting Podcast where host John McAdams discusses subjects like caliber comparisons, Africa hunting, terminal ballistics, intense hunting stories, and more – featuring a wide variety of guests from industry experts to listeners of the show from all over the world. No fluff, no baloney, just one serious big game hunter doing his best to learn, grow, and have fun alongside his listeners. New episodes release every Thursday. Join us to learn more about subjects ranging from cape buffalo hunting in Africa to hunting deer, elk, bear, and antelope in North America from internationally recognized experts in their fields. Contact me with your questions or feedback via email at: john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com Or visit the searchable archive of all Big Game Hunting Podcast episodes published since 2019 at https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/

  1. 6d ago

    439: First Big Game-4 Young Hunters Share Their First Successful Hunts

    In this special episode, four young hunters sit down to share the stories of their first successful big game animals. My son James talks about preparing for and harvesting his first impala in Africa at age nine with a suppressed 25 Creedmoor. Heidi recounts the excitement (and nerves) of her first deer hunt where she took both a doe and a management buck with a Savage .243, Jake describes the long road that led to his first cow elk in Colorado, and William details the DIY Idaho bull elk he shot near home with a left-handed 7mm PRC. From range practice and gear choices to the emotional rollercoaster of the shot and recovery, these young hunters share their accounts of what it was like for them to take that first animal. Whether you're a parent introducing your kids to hunting or a hunter who still remembers their own first success, this episode is packed with memorable stories from the next generation. Sponsor: Support me on Patreon receive ad-free episodes of the podcast delivered a day early (Wednesday instead of Thursday). Plus, you'll start to receive the other bonuses I deliver to supporters there. Sign up at Patreon.com/biggamehunter. Protect your hearing at the range with AXIL MXII Pro electronic earmuffs. They cut harmful noise while still letting you hear what's going on around you, and they even have space to store AXIL X30i earplugs if you want to double up. Get a pair here: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/muffs Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources 172: Elk Hunting With A 6.5 Creedmoor & A 300 Win Mag With Mark Floyd 283: My 2023 New Mexico Mule Deer Hunt With My Son

    439: First Big Game-4 Young Hunters Share Their First Successful Hunts

  2. Aug 27

    438: 416 Rigby vs 375 H&H Big Bore Caliber Comparison

    In this episode of the Big Game Hunting Podcast, I compare two legendary African dangerous game cartridges: the .375 H&H Magnum and the .416 Rigby. I cover the history and design of both rounds, real-world ballistics, recoil, penetration, rifle and ammunition availability, and how they stack up for buffalo, elephant, and general safari use. I also discuss some of the nuances involved in using the similar performing .375 Ruger, .416 Remington, .416 Hoffman, .416 Taylor, and .416 Ruger. You'll hear stories from Peter Flack, Harry Selby, Robert Ruark, John Taylor, Robin Hurt, and modern professional hunters, plus practical guidance on when the .375 is enough and when stepping up to a .416 makes sense. Whether you're choosing a first dangerous game rifle or deciding between these two classics, this episode on the 375 vs 416 will help you make a more informed decision. Sponsor: Support me on Patreon receive ad-free episodes of the podcast delivered a day early (Wednesday instead of Thursday). Plus, you'll start to receive the other bonuses I deliver to supporters there. Sign up at Patreon.com/biggamehunter. Protect your hearing at the range with AXIL MXII Pro electronic earmuffs. They cut harmful noise while still letting you hear what's going on around you, and they even have space to store AXIL X30i earplugs if you want to double up. Get a pair here: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/muffs 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. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more.  Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook 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. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources 375 H&H Gel Test Results 458 Win Mag Gel Test Results 124: Cape Buffalo Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson 323: Rescured From An Ice Berg In The Arctic Ocean On A Polar Bear Hunt Gone Wrong 375: 375 H&H vs 9.3x62mm Comparison  414: Leopard Maulings to Sudan Bongo Hunts With Robin Hurt  416: 416 Caliber Cartridges With Terry Wieland

    438: 416 Rigby vs 375 H&H Big Bore Caliber Comparison

  3. Aug 20

    437: Tiny Ten Hunting In Africa: Mike Arnold's Quest for Pygmy Antelope

    John sits down with Mike Arnold (author of Bringing Back the Lions and Bringing Back the Wild, biologist, and host of the Bringing Back the Wild podcast) for a deep dive into one of the more specialized pursuits in African hunting: the Tiny Ten. Mike shares the full story of how his very first African animal — a Vaal Rhebok in the Great Karoo — launched a multi-country quest that eventually produced eleven of these pygmy antelope. He walks through the hunts for Vaal Rhebok, Bush Duiker, Klipspringer, Cape Grysbok, Steenbok, Damara Dik-Dik, Blue Duiker, Red Duiker, Suni, Oribi, and Red-Flanked Duiker across South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, and Cameroon. They discuss the specialized habitats and tactics required, the surprisingly effective use of varmint calls on some species, the best cartridges for animals that can weigh under 20 pounds (from .22 Hornet to .375), the challenges of shot placement and taxidermy, SCI scoring realities, and why these little antelope are often more difficult and rewarding than many larger plains-game species. Mike also puts on his biologist hat to explain how so many tiny antelope have thrived in a predator-rich landscape, the heavy bushmeat pressure they face, and the conservation role of places like Zambezi Delta Safaris. Whether you've already taken a couple of the Tiny Ten or you're just curious about this specialized side of African hunting, this episode delivers both great stories and practical insight. 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. 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! Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like my ongoing tour of my new office highlighting lessons learned and interesting stories from past hunts. Pick up a copy of Mike's books Bringing Back The Lions & Bringing Back The Wild here Subscribe to Mike's show The Bringing Back The Wild Podcast Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Get a signed copy of Mike's books via his web site: MikeArnoldOutdoors.com Ep 213: Africa's Most Dramatic Conservation Success Story – Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast Ep 253: Hunting In Cameroon With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast  Ep 330: Hunting In Nyala And Bushbuck With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast Ep 379: Croc & Spotted Hyena In Mozambique With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast

    437: Tiny Ten Hunting In Africa: Mike Arnold's Quest for Pygmy Antelope

  4. Aug 13

    436: How to Prepare for an African Safari Hunt (Shooting, Fitness, & More)

    Julius Fortuna returns to the podcast in this episode and we discuss how to properly prepare for an African safari hunt. We discuss range prep, boot break-in, physical fitness, gear recommendations, mental readiness, and much more. clothing, fitness, and mental readiness. This episode is packed with practical advice and hard earned lessons to help YOU avoid some of the mistakes Julius & I have each made over the years so your safari is as safe, fun, and successful as possible. 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. 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! Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like the feedback from other supporters on lessons they learned from their first safari. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Affiliate links to where you can purchase some of the items Julius & I discussed are below. The Perfect Shot II by Kevin Robertson (and/or the mini-edition) Permetherin Clothes Treatment Picardin inscet repellant lotion Hunting Ear Protection Darn Tough Socks Wheeler Torque Wrench 378: Hunting Africa With Double Rifles-Pros And Cons With Julius Fortuna-Check out Julius' previous appearance on the show 264: The Logistics of Hunting Africa Part II (Taxidermy)-Recommended Episode 254: The Logistics of Hunting Africa Part I-Recommended Episode

    436: How to Prepare for an African Safari Hunt (Shooting, Fitness, & More)

  5. Aug 6

    435: 45-70 in Africa Pros, Cons & Lessons Learned

    My father and I took a father-son safari to Africa armed with classic lever-action rifles in .45-70 Government — my Marlin 1895 and his Winchester 1886. Despite being an uncommon choice on the Dark Continent, the old .45-70 delivered devastating close-range performance. Join me as I share the full story, the challenges we experienced with our set-up, and what we learned from running this American classic in Africa. 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. 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! Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like my ongoing tour of my new office highlighting lessons learned and interesting stories from past hunts. 45-70 Ballistic Gel Test Results Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

    435: 45-70 in Africa Pros, Cons & Lessons Learned

  6. Jul 30

    434: The Spotted Chainsaw-Dave Fulson on Leopard Charges, Follow-Ups & Survival

    Watch this full episode on YouTube to see video of the leopard charges, good/bad shots on leopard, etc. https://youtu.be/t8a3DOHP3nQ Dave Fulson from Safari Classics TV joins me in this episode to discuss leopard hunting. He shares his thoughts on why he thinks leopard hunting is uniquely demanding compared to any other animal in Africa: the endless waiting, the mental grind, the constant second-guessing, and the incredible emotional payoff when everything finally comes together. We also cover baiting versus hound hunting, why so many hunters miss what should be an easy shot, the realities of following up wounded leopards, and some intense stories of charges and close calls. Whether you've hunted leopard or just dream of doing so, this is a raw, honest, and deeply insightful conversation with one of the most experienced voices in African hunting. 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. 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! Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook 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. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Subscribe to the Safari Classics YouTube channel for tons of free clips, full hunts, and behind-the-scenes footage. Grab the Safari Classics TV app and get the complete library of over 300 full African safaris, the PH Perspective series, video podcasts, and new content added every week.

    434: The Spotted Chainsaw-Dave Fulson on Leopard Charges, Follow-Ups & Survival

  7. Jul 23

    433: The Enduring Romance of the British Double Rifle + The 8-Bore Buffalo Hunt

    John sits down with Graeme Wright, author of the definitive Shooting the British Double Rifle, to explore why double rifles continue to captivate hunters more than a century after their golden era. Graeme shares how his lifelong fascination began and eventually grew into owning and shooting over 100 double rifles. He explains the original purpose of the double rifle, breaks down key terms (side lock vs. box lock, ejectors vs. extractors, Black Powder Express vs. Nitro Express), and tells the story of how Australia became a major hub for these classic firearms. They also dive into the famous .450 ban and the cartridges created to work around it (.470 NE, .500/.465 NE, .476 NE), the enduring appeal of the .500 NE and .577 NE, and more. Graeme even shares field stories, including hunting buffalo with an 8-bore Paradox gun. Whether you already own a double rifle or are simply curious about these iconic firearms, this episode delivers both deep historical insight and practical knowledge from one of the world's leading authorities. 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. 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! Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook 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. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Resources Ep 378: Hunting Africa With A Double Rifle Pros And Cons With Julius Fortuna  Pick up a copy of Shooting The British Double Rifle by Graeme Wright

    433: The Enduring Romance of the British Double Rifle + The 8-Bore Buffalo Hunt

  8. Jul 16

    432: The 6.5x55-The 130+ Year Old Round Delivering 6.5 PRC Performance

    Joseph von Benedict returns to the show for a deep dive into one of his favorite classic cartridges: the 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser (aka the 6.5 Swede). Joseph shares a few hunting stories involving the cartridge from Mozambique, New Zealand, and even a giant roe deer in Spain. They break down the cartridge's rich history and Olympic pedigree, why it's still winning fans more than 126 years after its introduction, and how modern handloads and bullets can push the 6.5×55 to near 6.5 PRC performance. If you appreciate classic cartridges that still deliver serious performance with the right loads and shot placement, you'll love this conversation. 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. 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! Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook 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. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Recommended Episodes Ep 96: Elk Hunting Bullets With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 104: Elk Hunting Rifles With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 130: Caribou Hunting In Alaska With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 162: Moose Hunting 101 With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 174: Bighorn Sheep Hunting With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 315: Best Cartridge For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Joseph von Benedikt – Previous interview with Joseph Ep 368: 300 H&H: The Original .30 Caliber Magnum With JvB – Previous interview with Joseph 1) Joseph's Personal Instagram Page 2) Check Out The Backcountry Hunting Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, & YouTube

    432: The 6.5x55-The 130+ Year Old Round Delivering 6.5 PRC Performance
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4.9
out of 5
417 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Big Game Hunting Podcast where host John McAdams discusses subjects like caliber comparisons, Africa hunting, terminal ballistics, intense hunting stories, and more – featuring a wide variety of guests from industry experts to listeners of the show from all over the world. No fluff, no baloney, just one serious big game hunter doing his best to learn, grow, and have fun alongside his listeners. New episodes release every Thursday. Join us to learn more about subjects ranging from cape buffalo hunting in Africa to hunting deer, elk, bear, and antelope in North America from internationally recognized experts in their fields. Contact me with your questions or feedback via email at: john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com Or visit the searchable archive of all Big Game Hunting Podcast episodes published since 2019 at https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/podcast/

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