Army veteran Matt Tyree was the lucky veteran selected for the plains game safari I gave away as part of my 5 year Big Game Hunting Podcast Anniversary with my South African PH's Johan and Kobus. Matt literally just returned from the hunting safari of a lifetime and joins me on the show today to tell us how things went!

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. We have space remaining for a hunt in October 2025 and as well as March, April, May, September, October, and November 2026. 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!

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with Matt Tyree, who we selected as the veteran to receive the plains game hunt in Africa we gave away during the 5 year Big Game Hunting Podcast anniversary celebration in 2025.

They discuss Matt's military career (to include his deployments to Iraq & Afghanistan) as well has how he prepared for the hunt, the rifle set-up he brought to Africa, how the hunt went, and what it was like sharing the experience with his 11 year old son, Marshall.

Their takeaway? This was the trip of a lifetime for both Matt and Marshall. They had an outstanding safari and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Matt also wanted to extend a special thanks to all of the generous listeners who provided donations above and beyond what John, Johan, and Kobus provided with the hunt itself.

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Mike Arnold is back on the show to discuss his safari in Mozambique for spotted hyena and crocodile. Mike shares the story of that hunt (where, among other things, he took a monster crocodile) along with his new book: Bringing Back The Wild.

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. We have space remaining for a Free State hunt in October 2025 and for Limpopo/Free State hunts in April, May, September, October, and November 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more.

Pick up a copy of both of Mike’s books at https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/mikearnold/

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with Bringing Back the Lions & Bringing Back The Wild author Mike Arnold.

They discuss Mike’s recent safari in Mozambique where he successfully hunted crocodile and spotted hyena. Mike also shares a few details about his brand new book: Bringing Back The Wild.

Their takeaway? That part of Mozambique is a fantastic area for crocodile hunting and hunting hyena at night with a thermal is an exciting way to pursue those wary creatures. Plus, Mike’s new book is a great read for those who want to learn more about how sustainable hunting can benefit both local communities and wildlife populations.

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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

Julius Fortuna of the Double Rifle Society discusses hunting Africa using a double rifle in this podcast interview, focusing on the pros and cons of double rifles for various situations, reasonable accuracy and effective range expectations, how to regulate a double rifle, popular cartridges for double rifles, the pros and cons of several modern production double rifles, and a few stories involving doubles (or hunters who WISHED they had a double).

Watch this interview on YouTube here (buffalo charge at 30:50, elephant charge at 1:12:48, 2nd buffalo charge at 1:18:00)

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. We have space remaining for a Free State hunt in October 2025 and for Limpopo/Free State hunts in April, May, September, October, and November 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with Julius Fortuna of the Double Rifle Society.

They dive deep into double rifles and talk about things like double rifle regulation, common double rifle manufacturers and cartridges, situations where a double rifle excels over a bolt-action rifle, and discuss a few stories involving hunting with a double rifle.

Their takeaway? Double rifles are cool and certainly can be incredibly useful in certain situations, but are not without their downsides. However, their fast handling and fast shooting characteristics mean they almost cannot be beat in life or death encounters with thick-skinned big game at extremely close range.

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Resources

Learn more about the Double Rifle Society on their web site

I sat down with one of my South African Professional Hunters, Kobus Kok, at the Dallas Safari Club convention and recorded a short interview. Among other things, we discuss how he got started in this line of work along with some noteworthy experiences from his career, like two extremely close range encounters with buffalo and one kudu hunt in the snow. We also talk about misconceptions people have about hunting Africa, common mistakes visiting hunters make, and how to make the most out of a hunt in Africa.

Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt with Johan or Kobus 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. We have space remaining for a Free State hunt in October 2025 and for Limpopo/Free State hunts in April, May, September, October, and November 2026. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more.

Ep 356: PH Interview-French Foreign Legion to surrounded by crocs in a rowboat – Interview with Johan Seyffert (Kobus’ partner) referenced in episode.

Interested in hunting Africa but don’t quite know where to start? This is an “Africa Hunting 101” episode aimed at answering many of the basic questions first time hunters have prior to booking a hunt in Africa like: where to go, what animals they should focus on, the pros and cons of hunting at various times of year, how to pick a good outfitter, etc. John also shares a few examples of what animals are good for that first time hunt, stories from previous hunts, and a few cautionary tales of how things went off the rails for those who did not follow these principles.

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. We are full for 2025 and June, July and August 2026, but still have some openings remaining otherwise next year. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses the basics of hunting Africa and recounts some stories from previous hunts, provides recommendations on places and animals to target on that first trip over, and shares a few stories of how things went right (and wrong) on various hunts. John also discusses rifles, cartridge, and other gear recommendations that can help make that first trip to Africa a memorable one.

The big takeaway? An African safari for plains game is a fun and cost effective way to experience a trip to the dark continent, but it’s also essential that you prioritize what’s important to you and choose an outfitter who will deliver the experience you want.

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Resources

Ep 254: The Logistics Of Hunting Africa Part 1 – Episode referenced in the podcast

Ep 264: The Logistics Of Hunting Africa Part 2 (Taxidermy) – Episode referenced in the podcast

Ep 252: How To Become A Professional Hunter With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in show

Ep 373: Hunting Africa With Unusual Rounds: 45-70, 50-110 & More – John’s interview with his father about some previous Africa hunts

John McAdams shares insights on the 375 H&H vs 9.3x62mm informed by real world data obtained at the range, afield, and in ballistic gel in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance specifications, pros and cons, and some hunting stories involving each cartridge. Plus, he also shares some details on what he thinks about the Ruger M77 Mk II (aka Ruger Safari Magnum) and Ruger Hawkeye rifles.

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. We are full for 2025 and June, July and August 2026, but still have some openings remaining otherwise next year. 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.

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams discusses the 375 H&H vs 9.3x62mm.

John conducts a deep dive on both cartridges, compares how both rounds perform in ballistic gel tests, discusses their pros and cons, and shares a few hunting stories involving the 9.3x62mm and 375 H&H. John also discusses how Ruger’s old M77 Mk II in 375 H&H (aka the Ruger Safari Magnum) compares to their newer Hawkeye rifle.

John’s takeaway? The 9.3x62mm and 375 H&H are both fantastic cartridges and there’s a tremendous amount of overlap in what they’re each ideally suited for. John personally prefers the 9.3x62mm, but recognizes and appreciates the strengths of the 375 H&H and why some people prefer that round instead.

Please hit that “SUBSCRIBE” or “FOLLOW” button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

Resources

Ep 124: Cape Buffalo Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson – Episode referenced in podcast

Episode 267: 9.3x62mm Mauser Profile – Episode referenced in podcast

Episode 297: 9.3mm and 375 Caliber Cartridges-Your Ultimate Guide – Episode referenced in podcast

Episode 333: About That Buffalo Roy Weatherby Shot With A 257 Weatherby – Episode referenced in podcast

My father, Kevin McAdams joins me in this episode to discuss three African safaris where he used classic and indeed unusual rifles and cartridges like 22 Hornet, 33 WCF, 577/450 Martini Henry, 45-70, and 50-110 Winchester. We’ll discuss how those cartridges performed over there along with several fascinating stories from those hunts involving animals like aardwolf, cheetah, honey badger, mongoose, and owl that go well beyond some of the animals typically featured in Africa hunting stories.

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. We are full for 2025 and June, July and August 2026, but still have some openings remaining otherwise next year. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more.