Big Game Hunting Podcast

John McAdams

The Big Game Hunting Podcast will teach you to how to prepare for the big game hunting adventures you’ve always dreamed about. Our host, John McAdams, is an experienced sportsman with decades of experience afield who has successfully hunted big game like whitetail deer, mule deer, blacktail deer, pronghorn antelope, black bear, Rocky Mountain elk, feral hogs, javelina, cape buffalo, kudu, wildebeest, and other species of African plains game in over a dozen different states and countries. In addition to hosting The Big Game Hunting Podcast, John has authored countless hunting articles in prominent hunting publications and is also the founder of The Big Game Hunting Blog. He will guide you down the path of improving your skills as a hunter, teach you how to pick the best hunting rifle for your needs, conduct caliber comparisons (like 6.5 Creedmoor vs 300 Win Mag and 30-06 vs 270 Winchester) to show you how to pick the best hunting caliber for a specific hunting situation, guide you into the world of muzzleloader hunting, share the hard earned knowledge he has earned over the years pursuing game all over the world, and conduct interviews with internationally recognized experts in the hunting community on topics like cape buffalo hunting in Africa and elk hunting in North America. Regardless of whether you’re dreaming about going plains game or cape buffalo hunting on an African hunting safari, on an elk hunting trip in the Rocky Mountains, on a pronghorn antelope hunting adventure on the windswept plains of Wyoming, on a feral hog hunting expedition in Texas, or just learning more about deer hunting in general, then you’ve found the perfect hunting podcast to learn about turning those dreams of hunting adventures into a reality! read less

Our Editor's Take

The Big Game Hunting Podcast is a show that offers advice for hunters of all skill levels. Host John McAdams offers hunting tips. He also shares fascinating hunting stories from his travels across the globe. Beyond his own expertise, John also brings fellow hunters onto the show. These include bowhunting expert Fred Bohm and conservationist Clay Newcomb. John has also interviewed Ryan Lisson, an environmental biologist, about finding public land to hunt on.

As a military veteran and experienced hunter, John is an authority on how to hunt. After serving in the US Army, he decided to share his knowledge. His company, Big Game Hunting Adventures, provides reputable hunting guides. John's goal has always been to give inexperienced hunters the advice they need. He wrote the Insider's Guide to Selecting the Best Caliber for Hunting Almost Anything. Over the years, John has hunted everything from waterfowl to bears to Arizona coues deer. With this podcast, listeners can learn from a master hunter.

Fans of the show enjoy John's simple explanation of advanced hunting topics. He has a friendly tone and doesn't condescend. He often gets frustrated when more experienced hunters refuse to share their knowledge. John created a blog to help beginners avoid this challenge and learn faster. The Big Game Hunting Podcast is a great way to prepare for any type of hunting trip.

Hunting is a skill one never stops perfecting, and this podcast is a useful resource. The Big Game Hunting Podcast offers detailed advice on every aspect of hunting. Listeners may need some tips for choosing a hunting rifle or learning how to start using hounds. Whatever the challenge, John is a professional hunting adviser to turn to. His show is entertaining and unbiased. It's an audio guide for selecting gear and improving the hunting experience.

New episodes of the Big Game Hunting Podcast arrive every Thursday.

read less
SportsSports
LeisureLeisure
WildernessWilderness
HobbiesHobbies

Episodes

350: Whitetail Hunting Secrets With Larry Weishuhn
2d ago
350: Whitetail Hunting Secrets With Larry Weishuhn
Larry Weishuhn, also known as "Mr. Whitetail" joins me on the show today to talk about some of the finer points of whitetail deer hunting. I’ve always wanted to sit down with an accomplished deer hunter and wildlife biologist Larry and pepper him with specific questions about how to take my deer hunting game to the next level. Well, that’s what we do today and we discuss all sorts of burning questions I’ve had about deer hunting like whether or not it’s really a good idea to urinate on deer scrapes, how to determine the exact day that’s best for tagging a mature buck during the rut, what exactly is going on during the October lull, and much more.  Subscribe to The Big Game Hunting Podcast on YouTube here Giveaway: Sign up at thebiggamehuntingblog.com/cxgiveaway to be entered in a random drawing for two boxes of 7mm PRC Outfitter ammo. Be sure to confirm your email address if you’re asked to do so after you sign up. All citizens or legal permanent residents of the USA who are over the age of 21 and who are not otherwise prohibited form possessing a firearm, and who lives in a state I can ship to is eligible to enter. You have until 11:59pm central time on 25 December to sign up. I will randomly select one lucky listener from all the submissions to receive both boxes.  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. We have 2 openings remaining for September, October, and November 2025, plus most of 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com to learn more.  I'm hosting a get together for podcast listeners and past/future clients during the Dallas Safari Club Convention at a conference room in the Hyatt House Atlanta/Downtown 6-10pm on Friday, 10 January 2025.     Resources: Follow Larry on Instagram here. Check out his TV show A Sportsman's Life here Check out his web site here And pick up one of his signature knives here
349: The ugly truth about bullet failures
Dec 12 2024
349: The ugly truth about bullet failures
Today, we’re going to talk about bullet failures. Bullet failures are a hot topic, especially when they involve certain, very polarizing bullets and/or cartridges. I absolutely believe they do occur, but I think they get blamed unfairly for a lot of wounded and lost game. I can’t tell you how many people I’ve had tell me they made a perfect shot, but the bullet “blew up on the shoulder” and the animal ran off, never to be seen again. Like I said, bullet failures do occur though and I’ve compiled a giant list of those sorts of stories to share with you in this episode.  Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Watch the video of the Berger bullet gel test I described in this episode here. 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. We have 4 openings remaining for September, October, and November 2025, plus most of 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or contact me directly at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more.  I'll be at the Dallas Safari Club convention in Atlanta 9-12 January 2025 with 2 of my African PHs (Johan and Kobus) and we'd love to meet you if you'll be attending the show. We're hosting a get together for podcast listeners and past/future clients at a conference room in the Hyatt House Atlanta/Downtown 6-10pm on Friday, 10 January 2025.     Address is: 431 Marietta Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 Pizza and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be provided. Space is limited, so please RSVP by emailing me john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you plan on attending! Giveaway: I’m giving away 2 boxes of Federal Fusion ammo for the 308 Winchester. Sign up at thebiggamehuntingblog.com/ammogiveaway to be entered in a random drawing for this ammo. Be sure to confirm your email address if you’re asked to do so after you sign up. All citizens or legal permanent residents of the USA who are over the age of 21 and who are not otherwise prohibited form possessing a firearm, and who lives in a state I can ship to is eligible to enter. You have until 11:59pm central time on 18 December to sign up. I will randomly select one lucky listener from all the submissions on 19 December to receive both boxes.
348: 223 Remington vs 22 ARC Caliber Comparison
Dec 5 2024
348: 223 Remington vs 22 ARC Caliber Comparison
Today we’re going to talk about 2 22 caliber cartridges designed for use in America’s favorite gun in the AR-15 platform: the 223 Remington and the 22 ARC. As always, we’ll discuss the overall design characteristics and performance specs of each round, then compare how they stack up next to each other. I’ll also cover how they each perform in some ballistic gel tests and discuss some interesting aspects of how they each performed at the range.  Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Sponsor: I’m giving away 2 boxes of Barnes VOR-TX LR ammo for the 6.5 Creedmoor loaded with the 127gr Barnes LRX bullet. Sign up at thebiggamehuntingblog.com/giveaway to be entered in a random drawing for this ammo. Be sure to confirm your email address if you’re asked to do so after you sign up. Anyone over the age of 21 who is not otherwise prohibited form possessing a firearm, and who lives in a state I can ship to is eligible to enter. You have until 11:59pm central time on 11 December to sign up. I will randomly select one lucky listener from all the submissions on 12 December to receive both boxes.  Resources 223 vs 22 ARC: New Hot Rod? Or Old Reliable – Blog article referenced in podcast Best 223 Remington Ammo For Hunting - 223 Remington 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
347: Ultimate Guide To The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges
Nov 28 2024
347: Ultimate Guide To The "Other" 30 Caliber Cartridges
Today, I discuss all of the other .30 caliber cartridges I didn't cover in episode 286. None of these rounds use a .308" bullet, but all are still .30 caliber cartridges and most fill a similar niche as the .308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield in various parts of the world. As always, I’ll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Where appropriate, I’ll also share some personal anecdotes involving these rounds as well as some observations involving various cartridges by noteworthy gun writers as well. Cartridges covered: 7.5x55 Swiss, 7.62x39mm, 7.62x54R, 7.62x53R, 7.65x53 Argentine Mauser, 303 British, 7.5x54mm MAS, 7.7x58mm Arisaka, 32-20 Winchester Join me at the Dallas Safari Club Convention in Atlanta 9-12 January 2025. More details are forthcoming, but I'll be hosting an event for listeners and past, present, and future African safari clients at the show. Sponsor: I’m giving away a set of AXIL Trackr electronic ear muffs. This is a brand new in the box set literally identical to what I use at the range and sometimes out hunting. The TRACKR muffs provide hearing protection and hearing enhancement, so you can carry on a conversation with the person next to you at the range or hear the sounds of an approaching deer without exposing your ears to damage from gunshots or other loud noises. Sign up at thebiggamehuntingblog.com/giveaway to be entered in a random drawing for these muffs. Be sure to confirm your email address if you’re asked to do so after you sign up. You have until 11:59pm central time on 1 December to sign up. I will randomly select one lucky listener from all the submissions on 2 December to receive those muffs.  Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  Resources Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 338: 338 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 345: 7mm Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast
346: Listen For A Special Announcement!
Nov 25 2024
346: Listen For A Special Announcement!
Join me at the Dallas Safari Club Convention in Atlanta, Georgia 9-12 January 2025. I will be attending the show with 2 of my African PHs (Johan and Kobus) and we'd love to meet you in person if you'll be at the show. We will be hosting an event for podcast listeners and past/future safari hunters Friday or Saturday (10 or 11 January). Stay tuned for more details! Email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you have suggestions for a venue to host this event in Atlanta. Check out my new video on the best hunting rifle slings here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kJUP2QuUR4 Have you ever had a bullet truly fail you on an animal? Email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com with any details of bullet failures you've experienced on game in the past so I can include your story in an upcoming episode on bullet failures. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Sponsor: I’m giving away a set of AXIL Trackr electronic ear muffs. This is a brand new in the box set literally identical to what I use at the range and sometimes out hunting. The TRACKR muffs provide hearing protection and hearing enhancement, so you can carry on a conversation with the person next to you at the range or hear the sounds of an approaching deer without exposing your ears to damage from gunshots or other loud noises. Sign up at thebiggamehuntingblog.com/giveaway to be entered in a random drawing for these muffs. Be sure to confirm your email address if you’re asked to do so after you sign up. You have until 11:59pm central time on 1 December to sign up. I will randomly select one lucky listener from all the submissions on 2 December to receive those muffs.
345: 7mm Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide
Nov 21 2024
345: 7mm Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide
I discuss all of the 7mm CIP and SAAMI standardized cartridges (plus a couple of other noteworthy rounds) in this episode. As always, I’ll talk about their history, design characteristics, performance specs, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail. Where appropriate, I’ll also share some personal anecdotes involving these rounds as well as some observations involving various cartridges by noteworthy gun writers as well. Cartridges covered: 7x57, 7x64mm Brenneke, 280 Remington, 280 Ackley Improved, 7mm Weatherby Magnum, 7x61 Sharpe & Hart, 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm STW, 7mm STE, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08 Remington, 284 Winchester, 7mm WSM, 7 SAUM, 7mm RUM, 28 Nosler, 7mm PRC Learn more about the rounds I discuss in this episode in Ron Spomer's excellent book 7mm Cartridges From Around The World Sponsor: I’m giving away a set of AXIL Trackr electronic ear muffs. This is a brand new in the box set literally identical to what I use at the range and sometimes out hunting. The TRACKR muffs provide hearing protection and hearing enhancement, so you can carry on a conversation with the person next to you at the range or hear the sounds of an approaching deer without exposing your ears to damage from gunshots or other loud noises. Sign up at thebiggamehuntingblog.com/giveaway to be entered in a random drawing for these muffs. Be sure to confirm your email address if you’re asked to do so after you sign up. You have until 11:59pm central time on 1 December to sign up. I will randomly select one lucky listener from all the submissions on 2 December to receive those muffs.  Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  Resources Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 338: 338 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast 7mm Mauser: A Classic Hunting Masterpiece - Article referenced in podcast 7mm PRC: Complete Guide To Hornady's New Cartridge - Article referenced in podcast 7-30 Waters: What You Need To Know - Article referenced in podcast 7mm Rem Mag vs 300 Win Mag - Article referenced in podcast 243 vs 7mm-08 vs 308 - Article referenced in podcast 6.5 Creedmoor vs 7mm-08 - Article referenced in podcast 270 vs 280 vs 280 AI vs 7mm Rem Mag - Article referenced in podcast 30-06 vs 7mm Rem Mag - Article referenced in podcast 270 vs 7mm-08 - Article referenced in podcast 270 vs 7mm Rem Mag - Article referenced in podcast 6.8 Western vs 28 Nosler vs 7mm Rem Mag - Article referenced in podcast 6.8 Western vs 7mm PRC - Article referenced in podcast 7mm PRC vs 28 Nosler vs 7mm Rem Mag - Article referenced in podcast
344: Moose Hunting With A 22 ARC?
Nov 14 2024
344: Moose Hunting With A 22 ARC?
Tyler Freel is back on the show today to talk about a recent moose hunt where he cleanly killed a nice bull with the new 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge using his AR-15. I Feel like I owe it to my audience to give them the best and most accurate information possible and sometimes that involves challenging previously held beliefs about what people think you “need” to hunt certain animals. This is one of those episodes. So was one of Tyler’s previous appearances on the show with me in ep 282 where he talks about killing a grizzly bear with the 6.5 Creedmoor. You are of course welcome to disagree with us, all I ask is that you keep an open mind as Tyler and I discuss this hunt in detail. As you’ll discover shortly, the little 22 ARC delivered surprisingly good terminal performance on a big Alaskan bull moose and we discuss why that was the case in great detail today. Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically! Sponsor: I’m giving away a set of AXIL Trackr electronic ear muffs. This is a brand new in the box set literally identical to what I use at the range and sometimes out hunting. The TRACKR muffs provide hearing protection and hearing enhancement, so you can carry on a conversation with the person next to you at the range or hear the sounds of an approaching deer without exposing your ears to damage from gunshots or other loud noises. Sign up at thebiggamehuntingblog.com/giveaway to be entered in a random drawing for these muffs. Be sure to confirm your email address if you’re asked to do so after you sign up. You have until 11:59pm central time on 1 December to sign up. I will randomly select one lucky listener from all the submissions on 2 December to receive those muffs.  Resources Read Tyler's article on Outdoor Life about his moose hunt here & see the video on YouTube here. Subscribe to Tyler's Tundra Talk Podcast here. Follow Tyler on Instagram @thetylerfreel.
338: 338 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide
Oct 24 2024
338: 338 Caliber Cartridges: The Ultimate Guide
I discuss all of the 33 caliber CIP and SAAMI standardized cartridges (plus a couple of other noteworthy rounds) in this episode and discuss their history, legacy, their strengths and weaknesses, and their recommended uses in detail.  Cartridges covered: 33 WCF, 333 Jeffery, 338-06 A-Square, 338 Winchester Magnum, 338 Lapua Magnum, 338 Blaser, 8.6 Blackout, 338 Federal, 338 Weatherby RPM, 338 Ruger Compact Magnum, 338 Marlin, 338 Norma, 338 Remington Ultra Magnum, 33 Nosler, 340 Weatherby Magnum, 338-378 Weatherby Magnum, 8.5x55 Blaser, 338 ARC Sponsor: Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  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 Episode 286: 30 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 291: 270 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 300: 40 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 328: 25 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast Episode 329: 50, 60, & 70 Caliber Safari Cartridges With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in podcast 300 PRC vs 338 Lapua - Article Referenced In Podcast 338 Federal vs 308 Winchester vs 358 Winchester - Article Referenced In Podcast 300 Win Mag vs 338 Lapua vs 338 Win Mag - Article Referenced In Podcast
337: I just punched my moose tag!
Oct 17 2024
337: I just punched my moose tag!
I just made it home from an outstanding moose hunt in Colorado with my son! We had an amazing trip and I successfully took a cow Shiras Moose, which was a species I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to hunt because those tags are just so darn hard to obtain. Not only did I manage to pull a tag, but successfully punched it! Today’s episode is a detailed recap of our 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). Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material (including video of this hunt and results of the necropsy I did on that moose) at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  You can buy some XCOR ear buds (which are my personal favorite ear protection) here. Resources 7mm PRC: Ultimate Guide To Hornady's New Cartridge – Blog article referenced in podcast Best Hunting Rifle Slings – Blog article referenced in podcast Banish Backcountry Silencer Review – Blog article referenced in podcast Best 7mm PRC Ammo For Hunting – Blog article referenced in podcast 17 Best Rifle Scopes For Hunting – Blog article referenced in podcast Ep 283: 2023 New Mexico Mule Deer Hunt Recap – Podcast referenced in episode
333: About That Buffalo Roy Weatherby Shot With A 257 Weatherby...
Sep 19 2024
333: About That Buffalo Roy Weatherby Shot With A 257 Weatherby...
As I promised you a couple of weeks ago, we’re going to talk about the details I've been able to dig up regarding the often repeated story where Roy Weatherby supposedly killed a cape buffalo with the 257 Weatherby Magnum today. Buckle up folks, because this is going to be a good one! Email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com if you have additional information about Roy Weatherby killing a cape buffalo with the 257 Weatherby. I'll happily correct the record if I'm wrong about this issue. 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). Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  Resources Ep 328: Complete Guide To 25 Caliber Cartridges Weatherby Podcast Episode #34 On 257 Weatherby Magnum (they start talking about the Guns & Ammo article at the 5:50 mark in that episode) Get a copy of Weatherby: The Man. The Gun. The Legend. here Other sources: Guns & Ammo September 1962 issue, The High Priest of High Velocity by John Lachuk (p46-47) Rifleman in Africa by Wallace Taber, First Edition January 1953 (p47) Assignment Safari by Wallace Taber, 3rd Edition January 1953 (p23) Guns Magazine November 1956 issue, Hunting Elephant With A Deer Rifle by Wallace Taber (p34-36, p51-52)
331: A Hair Raising Leopard Hunt In Zimbabwe
Sep 5 2024
331: A Hair Raising Leopard Hunt In Zimbabwe
Joe Thompson is up next in my ongoing Africa hunting mini-series to talk about his hair raising leopard hunt in Zimbabwe last year. As you’ll learn here shortly, there was a lot of drama associated with this hunt, especially at the beginning. As Ferris Bueller once said, life comes at you pretty fast and that’s exactly what happened to Joe on this leopard hunt. 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. Plus, we’re offering our remaining hunt for November 2024 at a fantastic discount! Visit bestsafarihunt.com or contact me directly at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more.  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). Global Rescue Travel & Medical Evacuation Insurance- I personally always get medical evacuation and travel insurance through Global Rescue for all of my hunts in Africa and I highly recommend you do so as well. Resources Ep 293: Leopard Hunting With Phil Massaro In Zimbabwe  Ep 158: Leopard Hunting With Gavin Lipjes Ep 154: Leopard Hunting With Kevin Robertson