Persistence Outdoors Podcast

Re-launching on YouTube 07/14/26! Persistence Outdoors YouTube

Are small calibers and cartridges really sufficient for hunting big game animals like deer, elk, and bears? Are there advantages to hunting with smaller cartridges vs. larger cartridges? In this episode, Samuel explains how his thinking has changed and what you need to know. ⁠https://le.vistaoutdoor.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.hornadyle.com/⁠ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast Outdoor Life: Why Small Cartridges...

If you're new to shooting, you may be surprised at how inaccurate your rifle is... or maybe it's you. In this episode, Samuel talks about diagnosing whether it's you shooting poor groups, or if it's just your rifle. First he explores common issues that could be making your rifle inaccurate. Then he covers shooting mistakes that you can fix to become a better shooter. The Persistenc...

In this episode, Samuel explains the basic factors that affect a bullet in flight, including gravity (or "drop"), velocity, aerodynamic drag, air density, and wind drift. He also covers BC (Ballistic Coefficient), sectional density, shooting up or down hill, true ballistic range, using ballistics calculators, and maximum point-blank range. If you want to become a better rifle shooter sta...

In this episode, Samuel points out the details that make a quality hunting knife. (He also explains which knives NOT to give your kids.) By the end, you'll have a better idea of what the best hunting knife is for your purposes. Many of the of the oversized blades you see hanging in the sporting goods store are not going to cut it. Please follow the podcast to help it grow! The Persistence Outd...

If you're prepping for spring bear or turkey season, or just drew tags for deer or elk, it's time to make a plan. In this episode, Samuel embraces the old Boy Scout motto "Be Prepared" and walks through planning a hunting trip from start to finish. Please follow the podcast to help it grow! The Persistence Outdoors Podcast focuses on big-game hunting in North America. Whether you...

It's not uncommon for hunters and outdoorsmen to struggle with knee pain. Hunting big game like deer and elk often requires a heavy pack out, not to mention carrying around your rifle, water, optics, and everything else. In this episode, Samuel tells the story of his knee injury and recovery. He also explains his new philosophy and protocol for pain-free knees in the wild. Please follow the po...

Animal movement isn't random. For hunters, that's great news. In this episode, Samuel explains daily patterns, rutting movement, and seasonal patterns that can help you find animals when you're hunting deer, elk, bears, and other big game. This episode builds on the previous episode about scouting, so make sure to listen to that one as well. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a huntin...

This episode covers the basics of scouting and e-scouting, two essential hunting skills that can increase your success. Topics include: how to scout, what you're actually looking for when scouting, why terrain features matter, when to e-scout vs. scouting in person, using mapping apps, and more. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast geared towards new and intermediate hunters....

In this episode, Samuel explains knife safety best practices to help you stay safe with a blade. Topics include safe cutting direction, your "blood circle" and the "triangle of death," keeping your knife sharp, how to give and accept a knife safely, what to do with a dropped knife, using cutting gloves, assembling a first aid kit, and more. Remember, don't get complacent! The Persistence Outdoors...

Post-hunting season is a good time to sort through your gear and figure out what worked and what didn't. In this episode, Samuel shares 10 mini-reviews of essential gear items and decides if he'll keep or replace them in the new year. Crispi Nevada boots FHF Gear Pro-M bino harness Yeti 75 cooler Halo Bolt battery pack Black Diamond Storm 450 RAB Electron Pro down jacket Random tripod (ant...

Snow complicates things. It makes hiking harder, you're more likely to get wet, and it adds an element of risk. Whether you're hiking, hunting, or camping in snow, these tips will help you stay comfortable and safe. Plus, you'll find out why you should breath through your nose in cold weather and how gaining weight helped Samuel regulate his body temperature. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a...

Hunters sometimes think that by hunting, they'll save money. But is that really the case? In this episode, Samuel reveals just how much he's spent on guns, gear, tags, and more. He then stacks that up against the monetary value of the meat he's harvested this year. Even after all that, he's still convinced hunting is worth it. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast geared towards ne...

Samuel recounts the ups and downs of hunting whitetail deer in North Idaho and Eastern Washington. After days of tough hunting and few deer, it all comes together during the peak rut. (Also, Samuel manages not to say "mature deer" throughout the entire episode. You're welcome.) The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast geared towards new and intermediate hunters. Whether you’re prepari...

Samuel shares his entire process or building a fire, covering the three things fire needs; the difference between tinder, kindling, and firewood; lean-to and log cabin structures; the best tinder; fire starters; and more. He also gives tips for building a fire in wet weather and explains when to use a stove instead. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast geared towards new and inter...

While we all strive to be successful, there's more to hunting than just bagging game. In this episode, Samuel reflects on the privilege of hunting and some of the many ways we've got it good. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast geared towards new and intermediate hunters. Whether you’re preparing for your first hunt, getting back into it, or just here to hang out, join us as we h...

The more time you spend outdoors, the more you'll hear about layering. But sometimes, it's hard to nail down what layering actually means. In this episode, Samuel explains the theory behind layering, the three-layer system, types of different layering materials, and provides examples of what you might wear in different weather scenarios. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast geared...

If you hunt long enough, at some point you'll make a bad shot. It's an awful feeling to wound to an animal, and it means you've got a lot of work ahead. Today, Samuel tells the story of blood-trailing a wounded buck hundreds of yards and through private property. Next, he explains what to do when you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast...

Samuel tells the story of his recent North Idaho elk hunt: the generous folks who took him out, three bulls killed in five days, missing a chip shot, and finally killing his first elk on his last evening to hunt. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast geared towards new and intermediate hunters. Whether you’re preparing for your first hunt, getting back into it, or just here to hang...

Processing game at home might be easier than you think. With supplies you can get at Walmart, a cooler, and a cutting board, you can process even large animals by yourself. Sure, it takes some work, but it's worth it. In this episode, Samuel tells the story of what happened after he butchered a deer in his apartment. Then he explains why you would process an animal yourself, what you need, how to...

If you've never hunted squirrels before, you might wonder if it's even worth the effort. Who even wants to eat a rodent, anyway? Once you listen to this episode, you may never look at those bushy-tailed tree-dwellers the same way again. Samuel talks about his experience hunting gray squirrels and fox squirrels in Tennessee, and compares that to hunting red squirrels in Idaho. He also describes wha...

Not everybody's prepared to kill a big game animal, gut it, and take care of the meat. But that doesn't mean you can't hunt at all. In fact, there are all kinds of hunting that require less time, less gear, and less know-how than deer or elk hunting. In this episode, Samuel chooses four different hunts for different habitats, each of which simply require a weapon, good footwear, and will to succee...

What happens after you shoot an animal can feel like a mystery if you've never experienced it before. In this episode, Samuel gives a step-by-step explanation of what you'll need to do. Whether you're hunting deer, elk, bear, or some other big game animal, the process is pretty much the same. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast geared towards new and intermediate hunters. Whether...

When you finally go hunting, what should you even do? Just walk around and hope you bump into something? In this episode, Samuel walks through a whitetail deer hunt from start to finish. If you're successful, it could be a long day! The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast geared towards new and intermediate hunters. Whether you’re preparing for your first hunt, getting back into it,...

More places to hunt equal more hunting opportunities. Listen in as Samuel explains the best ways to find a new hunting spot. Topics covered: OnX Hunt app, using government agency websites, private land leases and agreements, private land, scouting, e-scouting tools, finding access and animals, hunting near private land boundaries and more. The Persistence Outdoors Podcast is a hunting podcast gear...