Sometimes, you just need to pass on the shot. We'll explore a number scenarios and reasons for not pulling the trigger. Topics include:

• safety
• target identification
• shot angle
• getting steady
• moving animals
• stacked animals
• shooting at the range vs. in the field
• animal recovery
• bad conditions
• when your heart's not in it

Thinking through these scenarios ahead of time will help prepare you to make the right decision in the heat of the moment.

Today I'm talking about a cartridge that's nearly 120 years old but still relevant today: the .30-06. The characteristics of the .30-06 make it perfect for your first big game hunting rifle. That's why I chose it for mine. I discuss:

• affordable and readily available ammo
• manageable recoil
• hunting elk with the .30-06
• why the .30-06 works well with cup-and-core bullets
• the .30-06 vs. the .308
• maximum point blank range
• bullet weights
• ammo capacity and feeding
• other great cartridges for your first big game rifle

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After reviewing the cartridge, I like the .30-06 even more. There's not much it can't do.

As a hunter, I'm always looking forward to the next season. Which reminds me – the holidays are coming up! In this episode, I give you 10 hunting-related gift ideas to help you kill it this holiday season.

1. Knives
2. Knife sharpener
3. Headlamp
4. Vacuum sealer
5. Cooler
6. Bino harness
7. Scope tools & accessories
8. Electronic ear protection
9. Game calls
10. Emergency gear for their truck

My (unpaid) recommendations:

• Opinel Knives⁠
• Worksharp Guided Field Sharpener⁠
• Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp⁠

You've got a deer down. How do you get it back to the truck? In this episode I weigh the pros and cons of:

• dragging a deer
• carrying it out whole
• using a cart or wagon
• quartering and packing it out (my favorite method)

Whatever method you use, you'll be much happier if you're strong and fit. Start training today!

In this episode I talk about why mapping apps like onX Hunt and GOHUNT Maps are so valuable to hunters. I go through a number of ways I use mapping apps, including:

• finding land to hunt
• distinguishing between private and public land
• e-scouting
• route planning
• learning terrain and animal behavior
• GPS, compass, and range finding capabilities
• tracking
• dropping waypoints

Learning to use a mapping app to its full potential is sure to make you more successful in the field.

Today we're talking about how to be efficient and get the best results when you're sighting in your rifle. I give you a quick overview of the sight-in process and then dive in to 10 practical tips.

1. Go with a buddy
2. Get a solid rest
3. Use a shot process
4. Dry fire
5. Start close
6. Bring a spotting scope or binoculars
7. Use an inch-grid target
8. Let your barrel cool
9. Bring your scope wrench
10. Remove ear protection during a ceasefire

I wrap up by discussing having reasonable expectations for new shooters.

In this episode I explain why hunting in the evening can make you more successful and how to address common challenges. I talk about:

• hunting in the morning vs. evening
• why I used to not hunt in the evening
• crepuscular animals
• time of year and temperature
• spotting animals for the next day
• evening hunting pressure
• recovering animals in the dark
• using a mapping app
• storing or hanging animals overnight
• hunting until very last light

Get out there and hunt the evenings!