Pursuit With Cliff - Cliff Gray

In this episode, I sit down with Tim McDonald—who started hunting at 64 and killed his first bear at 65 on a backcountry hunt in Idaho’s Selway Wilderness. We talk about what triggered his late start into hunting, his year-long preparation process, the physical training and gear purchases, how he overcame “first shot” nerves, and why hunting has completely transformed his life. If you’re an adult-...

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Nowicki, U.S. rep for African Bowhunting Adventures, to break down the logistics, expectations, and economics of hunting in South Africa. Joe brings the hunter’s perspective—he’s chased elk, deer, and other big game across the U.S.—and now helps guide Americans into affordable, action-packed safaris that actually make sense. We talk gear, planning, travel, hidd...

In this episode, I sit down with Brett, a hardcore hunter turned spearfisherman. We dive into how spearfishing is hunting, not just fishing, and why it's gaining major traction. Brett shares how the sport is expanding across states, why it's so welcoming, and how it builds physical and mental toughness. We cover everything from gear and access to tournaments and teaching your kids to div...

How I setup my backpack hunting food. It's a system that works. --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff Pursuit With Cliff Podcast https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/ Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership   https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membersh...

Jimmy Oswald joins Cliff to unpack 20+ weeks of experience hunting in Africa. Elephant hunts, safari booking tips, high fence truths, and how to make the most of your first African hunting trip. Jimmy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jerseyjim12/ --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/Pu...

Retired SEAL sniper Steve Messer joins Cliff to drop some marksmanship knowledge for backcountry hunters. From making cold bore shots under pressure to the harsh realities of gear failure and range naivety, this episode is a no-BS guide to shooting better and hunting smarter. They dive into marksmanship fundamentals, mental checklists, field prep, survival gear, and how most hunters are unprepared...

Cliff sits down with his Puerto Rico hunting buddy Jesse to talk island survival—spearfishing, wild pigs, ciguatera, and more. A raw, wild episode on living off the land and exploring hunting and fishing opportunities off the beaten path.  --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff...

Cliff sits down with Jeremy Dugger—owner of Expert Archery in Farmington, NM. Jeremy has collected over 500 real-world data points from bowhunters and breaks down what really matters in your setup. Fixed vs mechanical broadheads, arrow weight, draw weight, and shot distance—all backed by actual outcomes, not marketing hype. Jeremy Dugger - https://www.instagram.com/muleymojo/ --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouT...

Spring bear hunting isn’t about luck—it’s about understanding environmental triggers and using the right tactics. I’ve guided 50+ spring bear hunts across North America, and in this video, I break down the 80/20 of what actually matters. From choosing the right elevation and timing green-up to selecting the gear that makes or breaks a hunt, this is the hard-earned blueprint for finding and killing...

Luke McFadden went from outsider to full-time crabber and YouTube creator. In this episode, he shares his path, lessons from the sea and the woods, and why understanding your food system matters more than ever. Luke McFadden – Commercial crabber & YouTuber. YouTube: @lukemcfadden Instagram: @luke_mcfad --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray Instagram - https://www.insta...

The Colorado hunting draw is changing—big time. In this episode, guide and outfitter Jimmy Oswald breaks down everything you need to know about elk, mule deer, sheep, and moose tags for 2025 and beyond. We dive deep into unit strategies, preference points, and how wolves might impact the herds. If you’re a non-resident, pay attention—some of these changes are going to hit you HARD. Don’t waste you...

Solo episode with Cliff. This video breaks down the biggest lessons that have made the biggest difference for the group of 1,200 new and experienced elk hunters I reached out to. From avoiding the sunk-cost fallacy in scouting to mastering quick shot opportunities, these insights will save you years of frustration in the field.  --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray Instag...

Rifle elk hunting isn't guesswork—it's strategy. In this episode, top hunting guide Evan Koster walks us through the exact process he uses to find, stalk, and kill elk on public land. Whether you’re struggling to locate elk or unsure about midday hunting tactics, this episode delivers real-world insights that will make you a better hunter.  Evan Koster – Veteran elk hunting guide with de...

Tim set out on his first-ever DIY elk hunt on Colorado public land—solo—and came home with a 6x6 bull. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how he made it happen, from e-scouting and choosing the right unit to glassing, hunting strategy, and the brutal solo pack-out. If you’re planning your first elk hunt or want to improve your approach, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways you won...

Ryan Gill of Hunt Primitive joins me to talk about hunting like our ancestors did—no modern gear, just handcrafted bows, arrows, and even atlatls. We discuss the reality of primitive hunting, the skills it takes, and how it can make you a better hunter today.  Key Topics Covered: Building traditional bows, arrows, and stone points from scratch. Hunting bison, pigs, and deer with primitive weapons....

In this episode of Pursuit with Cliff Gray , I’m joined by Jordan from The Draw – the go-to expert on navigating New Mexico’s hunting draw system. We break down the strategies and tactics for every species, from elk and oryx to ibex and aoudad. Jordan shares insider tips on maximizing your draw odds, choosing the best units, and leveraging New Mexico’s unique system to your advantage. We also dive...

Dave Hansen is back, and we’re cutting through the noise—government overreach, fake science, and the never-ending attack on hunters and fishermen. From California’s push to shut down sand bass fishing to the wolf and sea lion disasters, it’s clear that wildlife management has become political theater. Link to the Sand Bass zoom call on February 13th - https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx? Docum...

Extreme backcountry hunter Cade Cole returns to share the brutal truth about his most challenging elk hunt—no food, no fire starter, and a bareback ride into the mountains with nothing but a recurve bow. We break down the mental and physical endurance required, the myth of patterning bulls, and why social media has distorted what real elk hunting looks like. Essential listening for any hunter push...

In this episode, I sit down with Samong Yang from "Samong Outdoors" to discuss practical hunting strategies suitable for all skill levels. We explore his unique cultural perspective as a Mong hunter and delve into tactics for successfully hunting bears, elk and mule deer in the Pacific Northwest. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their hunting skills with actionable i...

Join Cliff on this episode of Pursuit with Cliff Gray as he breaks down three guide-proven elk rifle setups, covering everything from budget-friendly builds at $1,500 to premium setups over $10K. Drawing on years of guiding experience, Cliff explains not just what works but why —digging into calibers, optics, and accessories that make these rifles effective in the field. Whether you’re gearing up...

In this episode of Pursuit With Cliff, host Cliff Gray interviews Lane Walter from the Colorado Bow Hunters Association. Together, they unpack the upcoming changes to Colorado's draw structure, discussing the anticipated winners and losers with the new rules slated for 2028. As they delve into these vital shifts for residents and non-residents alike, listeners gain practical insights on how t...

Cliff's thoughts on the next round of wolf reintroductions in Colorado. --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff Pursuit With Cliff Podcast https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/ Cliff's Hunt Planning and Strategy Membership   https://pursuitwithcliff.com/...

 Join Jimmy Oswald and me as we dive into hunting mule deer and elk in Colorado, exploring strategies to navigate the evolving hunting landscape in the state. We cover draw tactics, essential gear, and emerging wildlife trends, sharing practical tips and hard-earned insights. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this episode has something for everyone.  --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouT...

Proven gifts for the outdoorsman or hunter. The video is best so you can see everything I am talking about. It is on YT here: https://youtu.be/6bzCYbkhLfM --- FOLLOW CLIFF YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/PursuitWithCliff Pursuit With Cliff Podcast https://pursuitwithcliff.com/interviews-and-podcasts/ Clif...

Cliff Gray interviews Drew Rouse, a seasoned elk hunter known for his success in the toughest public land units and as the inventor of the Elk Reel elk call. They dive into effective elk calling strategies, navigating high-pressure hunts, and the realities of hunting non-vocal elk in over-the-counter areas. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hunter, this episode is packed with actionable...