Addicted Hunting Podcast

Archery hunting is never easy, and that's exactly what makes it so addictive. From long hikes into the backcountry and challenging stalks to missed opportunities, unpredictable weather, and the patience it takes to make the right shot, this episode is all about the highs, lows, and unforgettable experiences that come with bowhunting.

We share stories from the mountains, including encounters with Roosevelt elk and mule deer, and follow along as Max works toward his first archery big-game animal. It’s a hunt filled with tough decisions, a challenging shot, and the kind of hard-earned payoff that makes all the miles and effort worth it. Whether you're a seasoned bowhunter or just getting started, there's something about archery hunting that keeps bringing us back for more!

Topics Covered:

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The challenges and rewards of archery hunting

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Long hikes and backcountry hunting adventures

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Stalking Roosevelt elk

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Scouting and hunting mule deer

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Dealing with wind and unpredictable weather

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The importance of shot placement and tracking a wounded animal

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Max's first archery big-game hunt

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The persistence and patience required to be a successful bowhunter

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Why the challenge of archery hunting keeps us coming back

Getting close to big mule deer with a bow takes more than luck. It takes patience, scouting, smart decisions, and knowing when to make your move. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we’re talking early-season archery hunting, mule deer stalking tactics, preparing for deer and elk season, and what it really takes to get within effective bow range. From watching deer movement to learning how to close the distance without getting busted, we’re sharing hunting experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for the season ahead.

We’re also discussing ethical bowhunting shot distances, practicing with your bow, hunting blacktail in the Pacific Northwest, and proposed Washington deer tag rule changes. Plus, we talk about our plans for the upcoming hunting season, the hunts we’ll be filming, and the excitement of chasing deer and elk this fall. Whether you’re a seasoned bowhunter or getting ready for your first archery season, join the Addicted Hunting crew for real hunting talk, practical tips, and plenty of laughs. Subscribe for more hunting stories, archery tactics, and adventures from the woods!

Topics covered

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Early-season archery hunting strategies

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How to stalk mule deer and get within bow range

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Why patience matters when hunting big bucks

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Scouting deer and understanding their movement

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Hunting blacktail deer in the Pacific Northwest

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Tree stands, ground blinds, and adapting your approach

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Bow practice and determining your effective shooting range

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Ethical shot distances in archery hunting

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Proposed Washington deer tag rule changes

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Preparing for the upcoming deer and elk seasons

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Upcoming hunts, filming plans, and hunting-season goals

Is Jason Hausman really the luckiest hunter alive? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, Jason joins the conversation to share years of hunting experience, unforgettable blacktail encounters, and the stories behind his reputation for being ridiculously lucky in the woods. From chasing mature Westside blacktail bucks in thick country to memorable hunts with his dad, Jason has plenty of stories that prove you never know what might happen when you head into the woods.

We also talk about lessons learned in the field, rifle and muzzleloader hunting, elk hunting, double-buck encounters, and the moments that make hunting memories last a lifetime. Plus, Jason shares some surprising stories—including an encounter where a missed opportunity was followed almost immediately by a chance at another buck—and answers a round of rapid-fire hunting questions. Whether you're a dedicated blacktail hunter or just love hearing great hunting stories, this episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and reasons to keep heading back into the woods.

Topics Covered:

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Why Jason might be the luckiest hunter alive

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Hunting mature Westside blacktail bucks

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Memorable hunting trips with his dad

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Unexpected encounters and double-buck stories

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Lessons learned from missed opportunities

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Rifle and muzzleloader hunting

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Elk hunting experiences and tactics

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Hunting traditions and memories

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Rapid-fire hunting questions

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The unusual school bus prairie-dog hunting rig

Tree stand, ground blind, or spot-and-stalk—which hunting method is actually the best? On this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we compare three popular ways to hunt, sharing the advantages, disadvantages, and lessons we've learned from our own experiences in the field. From choosing the right setup to deciding when to stay put or make a move, we dig into what makes each approach effective—and when it can go wrong.

Topics covered in this episode:

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Tree stands vs. ground blinds vs. spot-and-stalk hunting

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The pros and cons of each hunting method

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Scent control, wind direction, and access routes

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Avoiding hunting pressure and over-hunting a location

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Setting up ground blinds and making the most of their visibility

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Glassing, moving slowly, and approaching deer while spot-and-stalk hunting

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Hunting mature bucks and learning from mistakes in the field

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Our personal experiences and thoughts on which method works best

Whether you're preparing for your next whitetail season or looking to improve your hunting strategy, join the conversation and decide which method you'd choose. What works best for you: tree stand, ground blind, or spot-and-stalk?

Is baiting really unfair chase? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dive into one of the most controversial topics in hunting: baiting. With Washington banning baiting for deer and elk, we discuss where we think the line should be drawn, whether baiting actually makes hunting less fair, and how baiting compares to trail cameras, food plots, calling, scouting, and other modern hunting tactics.

We also debate high-fence hunting, expensive gear, hunting technology, mature bucks and luck vs. skill, and whether modern hunting is becoming too easy. Plus, we tackle some “legal but weird” hunting tactics and rapid-fire which hunting practices we would keep or ban. Where do you draw the line? Let us know your opinion in the comments!

Topics Covered:

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Baiting and fair chase

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Washington's baiting ban

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Deer and elk baiting

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Salt licks, minerals, and food plots

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Trail cameras and scouting

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High-fence hunting

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Hunting ethics

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Hunting technology

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Legal but weird hunting tactics

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Luck vs. skill

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Expensive hunting gear

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Is modern hunting getting too easy?

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Hunting tactics we would keep or ban

Turkey hunting looks simple… until you’re actually in the woods. In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we break down a turkey season filled with smart gobblers, unpredictable weather, missed opportunities, close calls, and plenty of mistakes. From Washington to Eastern Oregon, we learned just how good turkeys are at spotting movement, reacting to calls, and making hunters work for every opportunity.

We talk about what went right, what went wrong, and the lessons that came from both. We cover hunting in wind and snow, choosing the right calls, dealing with tricky terrain, staying perfectly still when a gobbler is closing in, learning from misses, and why sometimes you simply have to take the opportunity when it presents itself. If you’ve ever hunted turkeys, you know they have a way of humbling you—and this season gave us plenty of reminders.

Topics Covered:

• Washington turkey hunting
• Eastern Oregon turkey hunting
• Merriam’s and hybrid turkeys
• Hunting in wind and snow
• Calling turkeys in difficult terrain
• Diaphragm, slate, and box calls
• How turkeys detect movement
• Missed opportunities and mistakes
• Learning from missed shots
• Staying patient in the turkey woods
• When to take the shot
• What makes turkey hunting so addicting
• Lessons learned from a challenging season

What separates a good hunter from everyone else? Is it luck, skill, experience—or something else? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we break down the 10 things that separate good hunters from everyone else. From consistency and adaptability to work ethic, mental toughness, patience, decision-making under pressure, and understanding animals, these are the traits that can make a difference when the pressure is on.

We also talk about being willing to fail, learning from your mistakes, and taking ownership instead of making excuses. Becoming a better hunter isn't about finding one magic skill or getting lucky—it’s about stacking these habits and traits together over years of experience. Whether you're chasing deer, elk, or other game, this conversation will give you plenty to think about before your next hunt.

Washington hunters are watching their hunting opportunities change—and the guys on this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast have a lot to say about it. From the push toward draw systems and the potential loss of over-the-counter opportunities to point creep and what these changes could mean for new and young hunters, this conversation digs into some of the biggest issues facing hunting in Washington right now.

The conversation also takes a hard look at Washington's Fish & Wildlife Commission, predator management, wolves, cougars, bears, deer and elk populations, and the broader future of hunting across the West Coast. Is limiting hunters while predator populations increase really the best way to manage wildlife? And what can hunters actually do to have a voice in these decisions? If you're a Washington hunter—or simply care about the future of hunting—this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Topics Covered:

• Washington's hunting draw system
• Over-the-counter (OTC) hunting opportunities
• Point creep and preference points
• The future of Washington hunting
• Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission
• Predator management
• Wolves, cougars and bears
• Deer and elk populations
• Hunter participation
• Young and new hunters
• Hunting policy across the West Coast
• Oregon's IP 28

Modern hunting technology has changed the way we hunt, from OnX and trail cameras to rangefinders, ballistic apps, thermals, and high-end optics. But are modern hunting gadgets cheating, or are they simply tools that make us more efficient and successful hunters?

In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we take a hard look at how technology has changed hunting and where we think the line might be. We talk about the benefits of modern hunting gadgets, how technology has increased hunting pressure, whether cell cameras and thermals have gone too far, and whether relying on technology can actually keep us from learning the skills that make us better hunters.

Topics Covered:

• Modern hunting technology and gadgets
• OnX and digital mapping
• Trail cameras and cell cameras
• Rangefinders and ballistic apps
• Thermal optics and thermal drones
• How technology has increased hunting pressure
• YouTube and the accessibility of hunting information
• The difference between being a better hunter and a better killer
• Fair chase and where technology crosses the line
• Whether hunters have become too dependent on technology
• The future of hunting technology

Why can you see elk everywhere before hunting season, but suddenly can’t find them when it actually matters? In this episode of the Addicted Hunting Podcast, we dig into what it really takes to find elk before and during hunting season. From putting in the miles and using trail cameras to understanding habitat, water sources, bedding areas, travel routes, and the terrain elk actually want to use, we break down the scouting strategies that can help you stop hunting empty country.

We also share some real-world scouting stories, including the process of finally figuring out where a group of elk was hiding after years of hunting the same area. We talk about north-facing slopes, south-facing feed areas, saddles, benches, drainage heads, changing conditions, and why animals can seem to disappear once opening day arrives. If you're getting ready for elk season or trying to become a better scout, this episode is packed with things you can put to work in the field.

Topics Covered:

• How to find elk before hunting season
• Why elk seem to disappear on opening day
• Using trail cameras for scouting
• Reading maps and understanding terrain
• North-facing slopes and bedding areas
• South-facing slopes and feed
• Finding water sources
• Saddles, benches, ridges, and travel routes
• Hunting the head of drainages
• How changing habitat affects animal movement
• Scouting public land
• Learning from sign and animal patterns
• Real-world elk scouting stories
• Why putting in extra effort can make the difference

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