Addicted Hunting Podcast

Fall bear hunting is all about finding the right food, putting in the time, and being patient—and this bear hunt tested all three. After spotting a bear on opening day, the first opportunity ended with a miss at 556 yards. Then, after finding the bear again, another long-range opportunity didn't work out. Instead of giving up, the guys kept coming back day after day, studying the bear's movements, looking for a better approach, and figuring out exactly where they needed to be. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we talk about what makes fall such a great time to hunt bears, how to find bears around ripe berries and clear cuts, why glassing and patience are so important, how trail cameras can help—and the lessons learned from those missed shots. We also tell the rest of the story and how the bear was finally taken at a much closer distance after nearly a week of chasing him. Topics Covered: Fall bear hunting Finding bears around food sources Huckleberries and blackberries Glassing clear cuts Trail cameras and bear movement Hunting pressure and how it affects bears Patience while glassing Long-range shooting and wind Learning from a missed shot Finding a better shooting position The story of finally killing the bear

Think wild game tastes bad? You might not have a wild game problem—you might have a cooking problem. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dive into what actually makes deer, elk, turkey, and other wild game taste great. From proper preparation and cooking temperatures to adding fat, seasoning, and finding the right way to cook different cuts, we break down some of our favorite ways to turn the animals we hunt into incredible meals. We also talk favorite cuts, ground game, steak bites, crock-pot recipes, elk Alfredo, stuffed peppers, Mississippi roast, jerky, pepperoni, and some of the more overlooked parts of the animal. Plus, we get into the eternal hunter debate: how done is too done when you're cooking wild game? If you've ever cooked a deer or elk and wondered why it came out tough, dry, or “gamey,” this episode is for you. Topics Covered Why some people think wild game tastes “gamey” How processing and preparation affect flavor The dangers of overcooking wild game Cooking deer and elk steaks Adding fat to lean wild game Garlic butter steak bites Elk tenderloin and backstrap Cooking elk in a crock pot Shredded elk tacos Ground elk recipes Elk burgers, tacos, meatloaf & spaghetti Elk Alfredo Mississippi roast Stuffed peppers Favorite wild game recipes Jerky vs. pepperoni Cooking and eating less traditional cuts

The shot is only the beginning. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we’re talking about one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of hunting: what happens after you harvest an animal. From making an ethical recovery to getting the meat cooled down, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with successfully filling a tag. We talk through what to do after the shot, tracking and recovering an animal, gutting vs. the gutless method, keeping meat clean and cool in the field, transporting your harvest, and the pros and cons of processing your own game versus taking it to a butcher. We also share some hard-earned lessons, butcher horror stories, and why properly caring for the animal is such an important part of honoring the harvest. Topics Covered: Ethical recovery after the shot Knowing when to wait and when to track Keeping harvested game cool Field dressing and skinning Gutless vs. traditional processing Transporting and tagging your harvest Processing your own game vs. using a butcher Avoiding wasted meat Honoring the animal and the harvest Passing hunting and processing knowledge on to the next generation

There are a lot of rules in hunting that you’ll find in a regulation book—but what about the rules nobody actually writes down? In Episode 19 of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we’re talking about the unwritten rules of hunting and what it really means to respect other hunters, the animals we pursue, and the places we’re blessed to hunt. From how close is too close to another hunter to whether you should hunt someone else’s spot, we’re getting into the situations that can make or break a hunt. We also dive into public land etiquette, trail cameras and cellular cameras, ethical shots, respecting another hunter’s success, gun safety, helping other hunters pack out an animal, and taking care of the resource. Some of these topics get pretty heated, and there are definitely some areas where we don’t all agree—but that’s what makes the conversation worth having. What unwritten hunting rule would you add to the list? Topics Covered: The unwritten rules every hunter should know How close is too close to another hunter? Public land hunting etiquette First come, first serve hunting spots Hunting near another hunter’s spot Sharing hunting spots and hunting information Trail camera and cellular trail camera etiquette Should cellular trail cameras be banned? Ethical shots and long-range hunting How far is too far for a bow shot? Respecting your harvest Respecting other hunters’ success Hunting and social media etiquette Gun and weapon safety Helping other hunters recover and pack out animals Respecting the hunting resource Why hunters need to protect public access The importance of leaving the woods better than you found them

What does it take to become one of the biggest personalities in the hunting world? Skyler Bradley joins the Addicted Hunting Podcast to talk about the long road from working construction to creating some of the funniest hunting content on the internet. Along the way, he shares incredible hunting stories, hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, and the work that most people never see. This episode is packed with laughs, relatable hunting moments, and honest conversations about family traditions, social media, and why hunting should always be fun. Whether you're a lifelong whitetail hunter or just enjoy great outdoor stories, you're going to love this one. Topics Covered: Meeting Skyler Bradley Viral outdoor content Hunting comedy Michigan deer hunting Deer camp memories Whitetail tactics Turkey hunting Construction to content creator Growing on TikTok, Instagram & YouTube Outdoor storytelling Hunting culture The future of hunting media

If money wasn't an issue, where would you go hunting? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we're sharing our ultimate bucket list hunts—from bugling giant elk in New Mexico and helicopter-accessed red stag in New Zealand to Africa safaris, Alaska moose, monster mule deer, and everything in between. Some of these hunts are realistic, some are pure dreams, and all of them get us fired up for future adventures. Along the way we debate what really makes a hunt worthy of the bucket list, swap stories from past trips, and even talk about the hunts that scare us the most. We want to hear from you too—which hunt would you choose if someone handed you an unlimited hunting budget? Topics Covered New Zealand Red Stag hunts New Mexico trophy elk Africa safari hunting Alaska moose & brown bear Alberta & Saskatchewan giant whitetails Trophy mule deer destinations Blacktail deer dreams Cougar hunting with hounds Bow hunting vs. rifle hunting The most dangerous hunts in the world What makes a true bucket list hunt? Listener bucket list hunting discussion

Most people think the biggest cost of hunting is buying tags, boots, or expensive gear—but that's only the beginning. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dive into the hidden costs that every serious hunter eventually discovers. From countless hours of scouting and staying in shape to balancing family, work, and hunting seasons, we talk honestly about what it really takes to become consistently successful in the woods. Whether you're just getting started or you've been chasing deer and elk for decades, this conversation will help you understand why hunting becomes more than a hobby—it's a lifestyle. We also share stories about injuries, burnout, mental toughness, budgeting for out-of-state hunts, and why, despite everything it costs, we wouldn't trade this lifestyle for anything. Topics Covered: The true financial cost of hunting Time, scouting, and preseason preparation Balancing hunting with family and work Staying physically fit for the mountains Mental toughness and avoiding burnout Hunting safety and backcountry preparedness Planning out-of-state hunts and tag costs Why hunting changes your life for the better

Whether you're brand new to hunting or you've spent years chasing deer and elk, there are lessons that only come through failure. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we share the advice we wish someone had given us when we first started hunting. From scouting and reading the wind to patience, glassing, and learning from missed opportunities, we're breaking down the mistakes that cost us years of success so you don't have to learn everything the hard way. This isn't a conversation from "expert hunters" who claim to know it all. It's an honest discussion about the lessons we've learned through missed shots, blown stalks, frustrating seasons, and unforgettable successes. If you're hoping to become a more confident and successful hunter this season, this episode is packed with practical advice that can save you time, frustration, and maybe even help you fill your next tag. Topics Covered Why most new hunters struggle How to find animals before the season Scouting vs. just hunting Why wind direction matters When to move—and when to stay put Patience and mental toughness Learning to glass effectively Reading terrain and using maps Practicing with your weapon The importance of work ethic Common mistakes every hunter makes Lessons from years of trial and error

If you've ever wondered why some hunters spend every free weekend searching for antlers instead of chasing game, this episode is for you. We sit down with experienced shed hunter Zach Sperling to talk about what makes shed hunting so addictive, how to consistently find more antlers, and the lessons that carry over into becoming a better deer hunter. From giant blacktail sheds to mule deer and elk, we're covering years of hard-earned experience in the mountains. Whether you're just getting started or you're looking to level up your shed hunting game, you'll pick up practical tips on reading terrain, finding wintering areas, locating food sources, and avoiding the mistakes that keep most hunters from finding sheds. Plus, we share some unforgettable stories about giant antlers, close calls, and the bucks that keep us coming back year after year. In this episode: Why shed hunting is so addictive How shed hunting makes you a better hunter Where to find blacktail sheds Mule deer and elk shed hunting strategies Reading winter range and snow lines Finding overlooked spots Common mistakes new shed hunters make Funny and unforgettable shed hunting stories Tips for covering more ground effectively Pacific Northwest shed hunting advice

For years, social media has transformed the hunting world—but has it actually made hunting better? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dive into one of the biggest debates in modern hunting. From trophy culture and hunting influencers to crowded public land and the pressure to create content, we discuss the good, the bad, and everything in between. Is social media inspiring more hunters, or is it changing the sport for the worse? We also talk about hunting ethics, filming hunts, sharing successful harvests online, protecting hunting locations, and how comparison can affect the way we view success in the field. Whether you're a lifelong hunter or just getting started, this conversation is sure to challenge your perspective. Talking Points Has social media changed hunting forever? Trophy hunting vs. hunting for meat Hunting influencers and online pressure Public land overcrowding Protecting hunting spots online The positives of social media for recruiting new hunters Hunting ethics and creating content Is social media creating hunters...or spectators? How Addicted Hunting approaches content creation Why authenticity matters in hunting

Why do so many experienced deer hunters spend their off-season chasing coyotes? The answer might surprise you. In this episode, Alex, Cliff, and Corey break down the role predators play in modern wildlife management and explain why they believe predator hunting is one of the most important—and most exciting—forms of hunting available today. From cougars and coyotes to thermal scopes and electronic calls, this conversation is packed with practical tips, hunting stories, and hard-earned lessons from years spent pursuing predators. If you've ever wondered whether predator hunting is worth your time, this episode may change your mind. Topics Covered Predator hunting fundamentals Why every deer hunter should hunt coyotes Wildlife management and predator control Electronic calls vs mouth calls Thermal optics and night hunting Cougar encounters and hunting stories Ranch life and livestock protection Scouting predator-rich areas Calling sequences that work Gear recommendations Public land predator hunting The future of predator management

Turkey hunting looks easy… until you actually try it. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, the crew talks all things spring gobblers with longtime turkey hunter Corey Sweeney. From birds hanging up just out of range to the adrenaline rush of calling a tom into your lap, this conversation covers why turkey hunting hooks people for life. The guys share wild hunting stories, lessons learned over decades in the field, and practical tips for finding and killing more birds. They also break down turkey myths, scouting strategies, roosting habits, decoy setups, and why turkeys are way smarter than most hunters think. If you love hunting stories, spring mornings, and hearing gobbles echo through the timber, this episode is for you. Topics Covered Turkey hunting myths debunked Why turkeys aren’t “dumb birds” How to locate gobblers at daylight Calling strategies that actually work Turkey hunting gear and shotgun setups The thrill of calling in a wild turkey How turkey populations have changed Hunting with bows vs shotguns Roosting birds and scouting tactics Turkey hunting memories and stories Beginner turkey hunting advice Why spring turkey season is so addicting

From stuffing deer into the trunk of a Toyota Camry to building fully dialed hunting rigs, this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast is all about the trucks, side-by-sides, upgrades, and gear that make hunting better. Marlin and Jonathan break down their favorite hunting rigs, debate Tacoma vs diesel trucks, talk tires, lifts, winches, lighting, reliability, and all the little details that separate a good hunting rig from a great one. Whether you’re driving a beat-up budget rig or a brand-new truck, this episode is packed with real-world experience from years of hunting the Pacific Northwest and beyond. From emergency gear and recovery setups to side-by-sides and long road trips, this is the ultimate conversation for hunters who are obsessed with building the perfect hunting setup. Topics Covered Best hunting trucks Toyota Tacoma vs full-size diesel trucks Best tire setups for hunting Lift kits and suspension Hunting truck accessories Winches, bumpers, and recovery gear Side-by-side setups Budget hunting rigs Emergency gear for hunters Hunting truck lighting upgrades Tacoma build ideas Hunting rig organization Backcountry truck essentials Favorite hunting mods Pacific Northwest hunting rigs

What separates successful duck hunters from everyone else? According to waterfowl guide Brandon Powers, it isn't expensive gear, fancy calls, or massive decoy spreads. It's understanding bird behavior, scouting effectively, and knowing when to let the ducks tell you what they want. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dive deep into duck hunting strategy, waterfowl migration, calling techniques, decoy setups, hunting stories, and conservation. Brandon shares what he's learned after years of guiding hunters and why some of the most common advice in duck hunting can actually hurt your success in the field. Topics Covered Waterfowl hunting fundamentals Reading duck body language How much calling is too much? Choosing the right shotgun and ammo Best decoys for ducks and geese Scouting strategies that produce results Hunting pressured birds Why weather changes everything Guide life and tough hunting seasons Duck hunting stories and lessons learned Waterfowl conservation Getting new hunters into the sport

What happens when it takes five years to finally punch your first tag? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting podcast, the crew shares stories about failure, persistence, and the moment everything finally comes together. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of hunting, the close calls that still haunt them, and why success means more after years of grinding it out. This episode is full of honest hunting stories, blacktail hunting talk, mountain memories, and conversations about why hunters willingly endure miserable weather, exhaustion, and failure just for a chance at one unforgettable moment. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s worth sticking with hunting after tough seasons, this one will hit home. Topics Covered Five-year journey to a first buck Hunting perseverance Public land hunting struggles Blacktail hunting stories Why hunters embrace failure Mental toughness in hunting Memorable deer encounters Hunting camp conversations Lessons from missed opportunities The addiction to the hunt

This week on the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we’re diving headfirst into one of the biggest debates in hunting: rifle vs muzzleloader vs archery. The guys break down the pros, cons, frustrations, advantages, and unforgettable experiences that come with every weapon choice — and things definitely get heated along the way. From screaming elk during archery season, to muzzleloader misfires, to long-range rifle setups and shotgun stories from the old days, this episode is packed with real hunting experiences, hard lessons, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a hardcore bowhunter, a rifle addict, or somewhere in between, this episode will probably make you defend your favorite setup in the comments. Topics Covered Archery hunting pros and cons Why elk bugling changes everything Rifle hunting advantages and pressure Muzzleloader hunting stories and failures Ethical shot placement discussion Long-range shooting setups Crossbow and shotgun hunting talk Hunting pressure on public land Washington hunting seasons Why hunters argue about weapon choices Favorite hunting setups Lessons learned from missed shots Hunting mistakes that still hurt Why every weapon has tradeoffs

After days of freezing sits, long hours in the stand, and barely any movement, it all came down to a single moment. One opportunity. One shot. The kind of chance every whitetail hunter waits all season for—and sometimes only gets once. What happened next is the reality of hunting mature bucks. Even when everything finally comes together, it only takes one small mistake to change the outcome. This episode breaks down the full story, from the grind of the hunt to the split-second decision that made all the difference. Topics Covered: Long sits and mental toughness Hunting slow conditions Capitalizing on rare opportunities Shot execution under pressure Buck behavior during rut phases Stand discipline Missed shot breakdown Close encounter storytelling Lessons from high-pressure moments Staying focused after mistakes

We taught the world how to hunt… but did it come with a cost? In this episode, we sit down and have an honest conversation about how hunting has evolved over the last decade—and how things like social media, technology, and online education have completely reshaped the landscape. On one hand, it’s never been easier to get into hunting. On the other, it’s never felt more competitive. We talk about losing spots, gaining opportunity, and the tension between growing the sport and protecting what made it special in the first place. Topics covered in this episode: • Is hunting getting better, worse, or just different? • How social media changed hunting forever • The explosion of public land hunting • Digital tools like maps and scouting apps • The shift from tradition to online learning • Ethics vs entertainment in hunting content • The pressure of filming hunts • Out-of-state hunting and tag demand • Predator populations and wildlife management • How hunters can protect the future of the sport

We were in elk… like really in elk—and still couldn’t seal the deal. This episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast is a rollercoaster of close calls, tough decisions, and straight-up hunting frustration. From a herd of 27 elk to bulls screaming just out of reach, we had opportunity after opportunity… and couldn’t capitalize. If you’ve ever had a hunt where everything should’ve come together but didn’t, this is that story. We break down what went wrong, what we learned, and why sometimes the hardest part of hunting isn’t finding animals—it’s making the right call when it matters most. In this episode: • In-season elk hunt recap (Washington) • Getting within 70 yards of elk •The decision that changed everything • Bulls bugling and disappearing • Missed opportunities and hard lessons • Shot placement, distance, and ethics • Hunting pressure and changing elk behavior • “Expect the unexpected” moments

The 2025 hunting season didn’t exactly start the way we hoped… we got completely skunked in the draw. No tags, no luck, nothing. But instead of sitting the season out, we decided to go all-in and build a plan that turned into what might be our most ambitious hunting season yet. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we break down everything we’ve got coming—from Washington muzzleloader elk camp to mule deer, antelope, and an insane Ohio whitetail hunt on one of the wildest properties we’ve ever seen. We also swap some real hunting stories, including close calls, missed opportunities, and lessons learned the hard way. If you’ve ever had to pivot after a bad draw, this one’s for you. In this episode: • Getting skunked in the Washington tag draw • How we pivoted and built a full hunting season • Multi-season tags and maximizing opportunity • Muzzleloader elk hunting plans and strategies • Elk camp with the crew and hunting private timber land • Mule deer hunting goals and target bucks • Antelope hunting plans and preparation • Ohio whitetail hunt and historic hunting property • Shot placement, tracking, and hard lessons learned • Why hunting with friends is what it’s all about