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The line between determination and recklessness blurs in this captivating episode featuring Brendan Bramford, a hunter whose life story spans continents and carries the weight of generations of hunting tradition. Born in Zimbabwe where his father worked as a professional hunter, Brendan's earliest memories include riding in Land Cruisers on safari before his family fled political violence that claimed their home.

Brendan's storytelling prowess shines as he recounts his first black bear harvest in Washington—a tale that begins with him answering nature's call behind camp and spotting what he thought was a burnt stump until it started moving. With his pants literally down, he managed to make the shot of a lifetime, creating a hunting memory equal parts successful and embarrassing.

The heart of the episode centers on Brendan's remarkable elk hunt where stubborn determination overcame physical limitations. Just three days before a planned five-day backcountry archery hunt, Brendan severely sliced his forearm open, requiring extensive stitches. Against medical advice and common sense, he proceeded with the hunt, hiking eight miles into the wilderness with an 82-pound pack and his arm freshly bandaged. When the moment came to draw on his first bull elk, the searing pain nearly derailed the opportunity—but Brendan persevered through multiple shots and tracking to harvest his first archery elk.

The episode closes with sobering stories of Brendan's family history hunting dangerous game in Africa, including his father being run over by a Cape buffalo and a family friend's recent horrific mauling by a leopard. These tales serve as powerful reminders of nature's raw power and the risks some hunters accept in pursuit of their passion.

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Derrick Murray's journey as a hunter began at just five years old, wielding nothing but sticks and his grandfather's questionable advice about knocking squirrels from trees. Remarkably, that bizarre technique worked—creating one of many unforgettable hunting memories that would shape his life.

Through turkey hunts interrupted by oblivious mountain bikers and a troublesome rifle that morphed into a reluctant single-shot, Derrick shares authentic moments from a lifetime in the woods. His most memorable hunt features pants around his knees, deer running through his sights, and five shots in the fading minutes of deer season—a story that perfectly captures the unexpected nature of hunting success.

What makes Derrick's narrative especially powerful is how hunting became his anchor during recovery from addiction. After achieving sobriety nine years ago, his first turkey hunt represented more than just a successful harvest—it marked a reclamation of identity. Watching his young son's eyes light up at the sight of that turkey created a moment of pure connection that reinforced why hunting matters.

Now planning to introduce his five-year-old to the woods, Derrick exemplifies how hunting traditions pass through generations, creating bonds that transcend the simple act of harvest. His stories highlight the healing power of time spent outdoors and remind us that sometimes our most meaningful hunting moments happen when everything seems to be going wrong.

Whether you're a lifelong hunter or simply appreciate authentic outdoor stories, Derrick's experiences offer both humor and heart. Share your own hunting stories with us—we'd love to feature you on a future episode!

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Twenty years ago, when Dan Adler told friends and family he was leaving the Air Force to become a hunting guide, they asked what he'd do for "real money." Today, as founder of North America's largest outfitting operation with 61 guides across 42 million acres, Dan has the last laugh—and the best stories.

Dan takes us from his earliest days as a fishing-obsessed kid working on boats at age 13 to becoming a first-generation hunter who built an empire from scratch. With entertaining candor, he shares two unforgettable "bathroom disaster" stories that had me laughing out loud: one involving a negative camper who received some karmic justice via a collapsed toilet seat, and another featuring a confused 10-year-old who misunderstood instructions about his canteen during a youth hunt.

The highlight comes when Dan reveals a technique called "shock bugling" that he reluctantly used with a Navy SEAL client who initially forbade bugling as a calling strategy. When the SEAL finally got his opportunity at a massive bull elk, he experienced what Dan calls "cheese melting"—a phenomenon where even the most disciplined individuals freeze up from pure excitement and physically cannot draw their bow.

Throughout our conversation, Dan offers invaluable perspective for hunters of all experience levels, particularly about trophy expectations. He notes that only 4% of harvested elk exceed 350 inches and less than 1% surpass 360 inches, reminding us that a 300-inch bull is still a remarkable achievement. His advice to hunters feeling the pressure of score expectations is refreshingly simple: enjoy the freedom, the outdoors, and the experience rather than fixating on antler measurements.

Ready to learn more from this hunting entrepreneur? Check out Dan's upcoming book "Suck Less at Hunting" or explore his innovative Zero Outfitter Fees program designed to make guided hunts more accessible. This episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and the kind of authentic hunting stories that remind us why we love the outdoors.

Websites:

www.DiamondOutfitters.com

www.ZeroOutfitterFees.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/DiamondOutfittersZeroOutfitterFees

https://www.facebook.com/zerooutfitterfees

Insta:

@zerooutfitterfees

@diamondoutfitters_zof

@diamonddanadler

🔭 Upgrade Your View with Vortex Optics! Experience unparalleled clarity and precision with our top-of-the-line binoculars, scopes, and more. Check out our full range at VortexOptics.com

Visit SummitBowstrings.com or call 210-701-7399 to gear up with the best. Summit Bowstrings – where excellence and innovation meet in every string.


USE CODE: HSP10

Christensen Arms
Christensen Arms makes the best hunting and long-range rifles in the world. Made in the USA.

Support the show

Hunting Stories Instagram

Have a story? Click here!