John sits down with Mike Arnold (author of Bringing Back the Lions and Bringing Back the Wild, biologist, and host of the Bringing Back the Wild podcast) for a deep dive into one of the more specialized pursuits in African hunting: the Tiny Ten. Mike shares the full story of how his very first African animal — a Vaal Rhebok in the Great Karoo — launched a multi-country quest that eventually produced eleven of these pygmy antelope. He walks through the hunts for Vaal Rhebok, Bush Duiker, Klipspringer, Cape Grysbok, Steenbok, Damara Dik-Dik, Blue Duiker, Red Duiker, Suni, Oribi, and Red-Flanked Duiker across South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, and Cameroon.

They discuss the specialized habitats and tactics required, the surprisingly effective use of varmint calls on some species, the best cartridges for animals that can weigh under 20 pounds (from .22 Hornet to .375), the challenges of shot placement and taxidermy, SCI scoring realities, and why these little antelope are often more difficult and rewarding than many larger plains-game species. Mike also puts on his biologist hat to explain how so many tiny antelope have thrived in a predator-rich landscape, the heavy bushmeat pressure they face, and the conservation role of places like Zambezi Delta Safaris.

Whether you've already taken a couple of the Tiny Ten or you're just curious about this specialized side of African hunting, this episode delivers both great stories and practical insight.

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. 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!

Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like my ongoing tour of my new office highlighting lessons learned and interesting stories from past hunts.

Pick up a copy of Mike's books Bringing Back The Lions & Bringing Back The Wild here

Subscribe to Mike's show The Bringing Back The Wild Podcast

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

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

Ep 379: Croc & Spotted Hyena In Mozambique With Mike Arnold– Mike's previous interview referenced in podcast

Julius Fortuna returns to the podcast in this episode and we discuss how to properly prepare for an African safari hunt. We discuss range prep, boot break-in, physical fitness, gear recommendations, mental readiness, and much more. clothing, fitness, and mental readiness. This episode is packed with practical advice and hard earned lessons to help YOU avoid some of the mistakes Julius & I have each made over the years so your safari is as safe, fun, and successful as possible.

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. 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!

Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like the feedback from other supporters on lessons they learned from their first safari.

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

Resources

Affiliate links to where you can purchase some of the items Julius & I discussed are below.

The Perfect Shot II by Kevin Robertson (and/or the mini-edition)

Permetherin Clothes Treatment

Picardin inscet repellant lotion

Hunting Ear Protection

Darn Tough Socks

Wheeler Torque Wrench

378: Hunting Africa With Double Rifles-Pros And Cons With Julius Fortuna-Check out Julius' previous appearance on the show

264: The Logistics of Hunting Africa Part II (Taxidermy)-Recommended Episode

254: The Logistics of Hunting Africa Part I-Recommended Episode

My father and I took a father-son safari to Africa armed with classic lever-action rifles in .45-70 Government — my Marlin 1895 and his Winchester 1886. Despite being an uncommon choice on the Dark Continent, the old .45-70 delivered devastating close-range performance. Join me as I share the full story, the challenges we experienced with our set-up, and what we learned from running this American classic in Africa.

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. 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!

Join the community I'm building on Patreon to receive exclusive bonus content, like my ongoing tour of my new office highlighting lessons learned and interesting stories from past hunts.

45-70 Ballistic Gel Test Results

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

Watch this full episode on YouTube to see video of the leopard charges, good/bad shots on leopard, etc.

https://youtu.be/t8a3DOHP3nQ

Dave Fulson from Safari Classics TV joins me in this episode to discuss leopard hunting. He shares his thoughts on why he thinks leopard hunting is uniquely demanding compared to any other animal in Africa: the endless waiting, the mental grind, the constant second-guessing, and the incredible emotional payoff when everything finally comes together. We also cover baiting versus hound hunting, why so many hunters miss what should be an easy shot, the realities of following up wounded leopards, and some intense stories of charges and close calls. Whether you've hunted leopard or just dream of doing so, this is a raw, honest, and deeply insightful conversation with one of the most experienced voices in African hunting.

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. 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!

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.

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

Resources

Subscribe to the Safari Classics YouTube channel for tons of free clips, full hunts, and behind-the-scenes footage.

Grab the Safari Classics TV app and get the complete library of over 300 full African safaris, the PH Perspective series, video podcasts, and new content added every week.

John sits down with Graeme Wright, author of the definitive Shooting the British Double Rifle, to explore why double rifles continue to captivate hunters more than a century after their golden era. Graeme shares how his lifelong fascination began and eventually grew into owning and shooting over 100 double rifles. He explains the original purpose of the double rifle, breaks down key terms (side lock vs. box lock, ejectors vs. extractors, Black Powder Express vs. Nitro Express), and tells the story of how Australia became a major hub for these classic firearms. They also dive into the famous .450 ban and the cartridges created to work around it (.470 NE, .500/.465 NE, .476 NE), the enduring appeal of the .500 NE and .577 NE, and more. Graeme even shares field stories, including hunting buffalo with an 8-bore Paradox gun. Whether you already own a double rifle or are simply curious about these iconic firearms, this episode delivers both deep historical insight and practical knowledge from one of the world's leading authorities.

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. 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!

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.

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

Resources

Ep 378: Hunting Africa With A Double Rifle Pros And Cons With Julius Fortuna

Pick up a copy of Shooting The British Double Rifle by Graeme Wright

Is an African safari really as expensive as most hunters think? I break down the real, all-in costs of a guided plains game hunt in South Africa versus a guided rifle elk hunt in Wyoming — using hard numbers from actual hunts in this episode. I discuss everything: daily rates, trophy fees, licenses, tips, flights, taxidermy, meat processing, shipping trophies and meat home, and all the hidden extras that surprise most hunters. You'll see exactly what a quality 8-day plains game package (gemsbok, blue wildebeest, blesbok, and impala) costs compared to a 6-night elk hunt, including my personal numbers from a recent Wyoming elk hunt. If you've ever wondered whether Africa is out of reach financially, or how the costs truly stack up against a North American big game hunt, this episode delivers the transparent breakdown you've been looking for.

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. 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!

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

Recommended Episodes

254: The Logistics Of Hunting Africa Part 1

264: The Logistics Of Hunting Africa Part 2 (Taxidermy)

298: Non-Traditional Taxidermy & Taxidermy Alternatives

Jim Harmer (aka Backfire on YouTube) is back on the show and we discuss a subject I know you'll enjoy: our favorite cartridges for hunting virtually any species of big game. We play little game where Phil and I each list our favorite cartridge and bullet for hunting specific species of game ranging from coues whitetail all the way up to thick skinned species of African game like cape buffalo and elephant and almost everything in between like mule deer, elk, black bear, etc. The catch is we cannot reuse a cartridge for multiple species. Even so, our discussion provides an interesting glimpse into the thought process he and I each use for selecting cartridges and bullets for hunting different species of game.

Email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com with suggestions for other guests you'd like me to play this game with.

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

Resources

Get a Backstop Recoil pad (among many other cool products they sell) at the BackFire Shop

Subscribe to the Backfire YouTube channel here

Ep 419: 25 Weatherby RPM With Richard Mann – Episode referenced in interview

Ep 423: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Phil Massaro – Episode referenced in interview

Ep 401: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Richard Mann – Episode referenced in interview

Ep 387: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Larry Weishuhn – Episode referenced in interview

Ep 372: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With WHO_TEE_WHO – Episode referenced in interview

Ep 336: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Ron Spomer – Episode referenced in interview

Ep 315: Best Caliber For Hunting Darn Near Anything With Joseph von Benedikt – Episode referenced in interview