You've dreamed the dream and made the plan. Now, you're about to depart for a big game safari in Africa! How do you prepare properly?  This episode, we sit down with Tate Bradfield, who is about to leave for his first-ever safari—and he's after Cape Buffalo... the legendary Black Death. We talk through his choice of cartridge and rifle, how to shoot well and reload fast and sure under stress, and much more. ENJOY!  Check out our new "recommended outfitters" hunt booking agency! We're super excited about this venture that allows us to share our favorite destinations around the world with our loyal listeners. We'll also be doing hosted hunts each year, which will be available first to our loyal listeners on Patreon.  We have a new advertising partner! Check out Swift Bullets, known and trusted as the best of the best by most African Dangerous Game specialists.  It's Porter's Firearms' 30-year anniversary this month! Listen in for some incredible deals they're offering specifically to podcast listeners, or call Shane Porter at 870-701-0504.    VISIT ALL OUR SPONSORS HERE:  www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com www.swiftbullets.com    

Africa's Cape Buffalo, known by those that hunt them as "Black Death," are the most achievable and at the same time most compelling of all dangerous game to pursue.  Hunting Black Death must be done properly, with a good rifle, chambered for a potent cartridge, that's loaded with a premium bullet.  This epside we sit down with Mark Haldane, owner and operator of Zambeze Delta Safaris, who likely has more experience hunting Cape Buffalo than any other PH alive. Mark discusses adequate buffalo cartridges, good buffalo cartridges, and great buffalo cartridges. Perhaps more importantly, Mark states unequivocally what is the best bullet for hunting Cape Buffalo.  Shot placement is crucial on Cape Buffalo, and Mark details exactly where to aim on broadside, quartering, and facing-on bulls, as well as how to follow up your shots... whether it's just an insurance shot as your bull staggers away or facing a charge and maximizing your chances of stopping that bull before he gets to you. Folks, this was one of my all-time favorite conversations. ENJOY!  FRIENDS! We're doing short bonus audio episodes two or three times a week now for our Patreon page. Please join our little Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry, where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you wish—can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:  www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.swiftbullets.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Why did the Hearing Protection Act fail? Will it ever go through? Was the abolition of the $200 tax stamp on silencers a win for gun owners? Should potential buyers wait until the sunset of the NFA $200 tax occurs at the end of 2025? We answer all these questions and more on this episode of the Backcountry Hunting Podcast. ENJOY!    FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you like—can contribute a few dollars to help the podcast survive and thrive. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:  www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

This awesome episode gets below the veneer that is luxurious Africa... Deep into the gritty stories that expose the warm, friendly, but sometimes violent heart of the Dark Continent. We talk favorite areas and species to hunt in Africa, best tools for the task (rifles, cartridges, and bullets), and how to bring an attitude geared for success on safari. Plus, Andy shares his story of an incredible charge by a wounded leopard, which he killed literally as it sprung on him. ENJOY!    FRIENDS!  Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry, where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you wish—can contribute a few dollars to help us keep the podcast rolling. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:  www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ https://javelinbipod.com

Can the rifle you choose for western hunting make or break your hunting success? In this episode, we sit down for a fire-side chat with professional outfitter Tate Bradfield to get his take on top choices for western hunting rifles. We talk through several price tiers, including the $600 to $1,200 range; the $1,200 to $1,800 range; the $1,800 to $2,400 range, and finally, top-tier rifles without cost restraints.  As a bonus, we get Tate's opinion on best bows for archery hunting the West, along with his favorite broadhead models. ENJOY!    FRIENDS! We're publishing short bonus episodes multiple times weekly now on Patreon. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you like—can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:  www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

This episode was recorded live and raw in Alaska, DIY hunting big black bears in southeast Alaska off the good boat Venturess. Long days, tons of fishing, and tracking wounded bears into thick, treacherous terrain made for an unforgettable adventure! ENJOY!    We're publishing brief Q&A audio episodes twice weekly on www.patreon.com/backcountry now! Join to get access, and if you'd be so kind, please contribute a few dollars to help the podcast stay alive and thrive. Much appreciated!  —JvB VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:  www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

This episode takes a deep dive into the crucial gear you should have on a DIY elk hunt. Host Joseph and guest (outfitter Tate Bradfield) detail why each item is important, along with how to pick the right brand and model for your specific needs.  This was recorded outside by an early morning campfire, so the audio isn't as good as our usually studio sound, and there are occasional wind noises. We apologize for that... but hopefully the quality of the discussion makes up for it. ENJOY!    FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material, and if you wish and can contribute a few dollars. Thanks to all those already on board!   VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:  www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

From scope to scabbard, here's how to set up a rifle that's ideal for western hunting. This episode takes a deep dive into vital accessories and parts including:  Scope quality, features, and types Scope mounting systems Bipod types, construction, and crucial characteristics Anti-cant scope levels RIfle slings and what doesn't work Ammo carriers and their vital necessity Optimal suppressors—light, compact, and crucial Bonus: Iron sights, and whether your rifle should have them.  Not only do we discuss what accessories a good western hunting rifle should have, we talk through why. Naturally, we wander off into hunting stories that support the points we're making. ENJOY!    FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you like—can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:  www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com https://javelinbipod.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com

This episode takes a deep dive into how to select just the right hunting rifle. A tool that is ideal for your type of hunting, and is reliable, accurate, durable, and ergonomic. We talk through various action types, barrel types, stock types, and the crucial characteristics of each. And last but not least, we discuss the importance of finding a rifle that is trustworthy... one you can become ultimately confident with. ENJOY!    FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you feel inspired to—can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:  www.onxmaps.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com www.silencercentral.com https://javelinbipod.com  

These five cartridges are proven around the world. They're known and used everywhere hunters gather. Several of them have taken every big game species on earth. Each is historically significant yet currently relevant. And all five are available in a wide selection of rifles and ammunition.  In this episode, my son William—AKA the "Backcountry Apprentice" —and I sat down and shared perspectives on several cartridges that we believe deserve legendary status. ENJOY!