The Secret Society Of Western Big Game Hunting

In this episode of The Secret Society of Western Big Game Hunting, host Dan Adler sits down with accomplished hunter and Safari Club International (SCI) Zenith Award recipient Brandon Goodwin. Brandon has achieved the prestigious North American Super Slam, successfully harvesting all 29 recognized North American big game animals. But as Dan and Brandon discuss, the true rewards of hunting often have very little to do with the animals themselves. From remote wilderness adventures to the incredible friendships formed along the way, Brandon shares how hunting has taken him to extraordinary places and introduced him to unforgettable people. Throughout the conversation, Brandon reflects on the importance of putting family first, the years of hard work required to build a successful business, and how those sacrifices eventually provided the opportunity to pursue his lifelong hunting dreams. And then there’s the final chapter of his North American 29. With 28 species behind him, only one animal remained: the Canadian moose. What should have been the final step toward completing his Super Slam became an unforgettable adventure filled with challenges, unexpected obstacles, and the kind of experiences that make hunting stories worth telling.

In this episode of The Secret Society of Western Big Game Hunting, host Dan Adler sits down with professional videographer, freelance filmmaker, and Diamond Outfitters cameraman Nick Stelloh, author of the new book The Lens Behind the Hunt. Together, Dan and Nick dive into the world of outdoor filmmaking, hunting ethics, and the responsibility that comes with telling the stories of our hunting adventures. They explore the difference between simply killing an animal and truly being a hunter, while tackling a controversial question: Is the hunting film industry strengthening the future of hunting, or unintentionally damaging its public perception? Nick also shares valuable insight into one of the most important principles of outdoor filmmaking: Shoot for your edit. Whether you’re a professional videographer producing hunting films or simply someone wanting to capture memories of your next hunt, understanding how to tell a complete story through your camera can make all the difference. From hunting ethics to storytelling and the power of the lens, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be both a hunter and a filmmaker. Subscribe for more conversations with the people, personalities, and storytellers shaping the world of western big game hunting.

This week on The Secret Society of Western Big Game Hunting, Dan Adler goes solo to break down one of the most confusing—and important—parts of hunting the West: the draw application game. Getting tags consistently isn’t just about accumulating points and hoping your name gets pulled. It’s about having a strategy. Dan dives into the Mastery Method and explains what it means to become a tactical applicant—someone who understands the systems, evaluates opportunities, and builds an application strategy designed to put more hunts on the calendar. He also breaks down the “shotgun approach” to applying for Western big game hunts, including why spreading applications across multiple states, species, and opportunities can dramatically change your odds over time. Dan explains the often-confusing difference between bonus points and preference points, how each system affects your chances of drawing, and why simply collecting points isn’t always the best strategy. Finally, Dan talks about Zero Outfitter Fees and its draw application service, designed to take the complexity out of navigating application deadlines, state regulations, point systems, and hunt opportunities across the West. Whether you’re brand new to applying for Western hunts or you’ve been building points for years, this episode is about becoming more intentional with your applications—and ultimately turning applications into hunting opportunities.

In this episode of The Secret Society of Western Big Game Hunting, host Dan Adler sits down with Gray Thornton, President and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation, for an in-depth conversation about the past, present, and future of wild sheep conservation. With 18 years at the helm of the Wild Sheep Foundation, Gray has had a front-row seat to the incredible conservation work being accomplished across North America and around the world. Dan and Gray discuss the tens of millions of dollars raised and invested in wild sheep conservation and, perhaps even more importantly, the thousands of volunteers who freely give their time, talents, and passion to protecting these remarkable animals. The conversation also takes a hard look at some of the biggest challenges facing wild sheep today—from disease transmission from domestic sheep and the ongoing battle to protect wild sheep habitat, to the dramatically increasing costs associated with hunting wild sheep. What does the future look like for wild sheep? What challenges are conservationists facing? And what does it take to ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to pursue these incredible animals? This is a conversation about much more than hunting. It's about conservation, sacrifice, volunteers, leadership, and the responsibility we have to protect wild sheep for generations to come. Join Dan Adler and Gray Thornton for an inside look at the people and challenges behind one of the most important conservation efforts in the world of wild sheep.
#WildSheep #WildSheepFoundation #Conservation #SheepHunting #MountainHunting #BigGameHunting #WildlifeConservation

For the first time on The Secret Society of Western Big Game Hunting Podcast, the roles are reversed.
Instead of asking the questions, Dan Adler finds himself in the guest chair as Nick Hoffman takes over hosting duties for an honest and personal conversation about the experiences that shaped Dan’s life, career, and passion for the outdoors.
Dan shares how a childhood spent in the outdoors sparked a lifelong love for hunting and conservation, the journey that led him to become one of the West’s premier outfitters, and why he chose a life guiding hunters in some of North America’s most rugged country.
The conversation also explores Dan’s time serving in the United States Air Force, the challenges of building an outfitting business from the ground up, and the sacrifices that came with pursuing a life few people truly understand.
Nick digs deeper into the philosophy behind hunting, asking what defines a successful hunt, the importance of respecting wildlife, and the lessons the outdoors can teach about life, leadership, and faith.
The episode wraps up with a fun question every hunter has considered: If you could share one hunt with anyone in history—living or dead—who would it be and why?
Whether you’ve followed Dan’s career for years or you’re just discovering the podcast, this episode offers a rare look behind the scenes at the man usually doing the interviewing.
Topics discussed:
Dan’s introduction to hunting and the outdoors as a young boy
The path that led him to become a professional outfitter
Serving in the United States Air Force
Building an outfitting business from the ground up
What defines a truly successful hunt
Respect for wildlife and the responsibilities of hunters
Life lessons learned in the mountains
Who Dan would most want to share a hunt with—dead or alive

What does nearly 50 years of hunting Africa teach a person—not just about wildlife, but about perseverance, humility, and life itself? In this episode of The Secret Society of Western Big Game Hunting, host Dan Adler sits down with legendary hunter, author, outdoor writer, and television personality Craig Boddington for a conversation filled with unforgettable stories from a lifetime spent pursuing wild game across the globe. Craig shares how his hunting journey began, the adventures that drew him back to Africa time and time again, and how the continent has changed over the last five decades. From dangerous close encounters with Africa's most iconic animals to the lessons learned from hunts that ended without success, this episode is an honest look at both the triumphs and disappointments that shape every hunter. Dan and Craig also discuss why success in hunting isn't always measured by what comes home in the truck, but by the experiences, friendships, and personal growth found along the way. You'll also hear about: Craig's early hunting experiences and what sparked a lifelong passion. Nearly 50 years of hunting adventures throughout Africa. Close calls with dangerous game and the realities of hunting wild places. How Africa's hunting landscape has evolved over the decades. Learning from failure and the hunts that ended empty-handed. Why perseverance is one of a hunter's greatest attributes. How Zero Outfitter Fees is helping hunters connect directly with outfitters. Dan Adler's new book, What the Mountain Knows: A Little About Hunting & A Lot About Life, and the life lessons that hunting continues to teach. Whether you've dreamed of hunting Africa, have spent years chasing big game yourself, or simply enjoy stories of adventure, conservation, and the outdoors, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

What happens when a kid from a non-hunting family in Minnesota ends up traveling the globe on more than 150 big game hunts and building one of the most respected hunting television shows in the industry? In this episode of The Secret Society of Western Big Game Hunting Podcast, Dan Adler sits down with Nick Hoffman—musician, television host, outdoorsman, and adventurer. Before becoming one of hunting’s most recognizable personalities, Nick spent a decade playing fiddle for country superstar Kenny Chesney, performing on some of the world’s biggest stages. But a leap of faith led him to pursue another passion, eventually creating Nick’s Wild Ride, a television series now in its 11th season that has taken him to every corner of the globe in pursuit of unforgettable adventures. In this conversation, Nick shares: Growing up in Minnesota in a family that didn’t hunt. The mentors who introduced him to the outdoors and forever changed the direction of his life. Why gratitude is one of the greatest gifts hunting teaches us. How hunting is about far more than pulling the trigger—it’s about relationships, conservation, adventure, and personal growth. The importance of taking educated leaps of faith to pursue your dreams, even when the path isn’t guaranteed. Lessons learned from a lifetime of travel, music, and hunting around the world. Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, an aspiring outdoorsman, or simply someone chasing a dream, this conversation is filled with wisdom, humor, and inspiration. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who loves the outdoors.

In this episode, Dan sits down with legendary outdoorsman Larry Weishuhn for a conversation filled with decades of hunting experience, conservation insight, and lessons learned both in the field and behind the camera. Known as an accomplished author, television host, wildlife biologist, and conservationist, Larry shares the stories and experiences that shaped his remarkable career. From harvesting his very first trophy spike as a young boy to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in the hunting world, Larry reflects on the moments that defined his passion for wildlife and the outdoors. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Larry's journey as an author, TV host, biologist, and conservationist.
• Why the next generation of hunters is more important than ever.
• The story behind his first trophy spike and how it changed the course of his life.
• The challenges, frustrations, and unforgettable moments of filming hunts with camera operators. • Larry's lifelong love of writing and storytelling.
• What every hunter should do when a shot doesn't go as planned.
• The difficult reality of wounded game and recovering animals.
Whether you're a lifelong hunter, or someone who simply appreciates great stories from the field, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and inspiration from one of the industry's true icons.

In this episode of The Secret Society of Western Big Game Hunting, Dan Adler sits down with RJ and Aubrey Cianciarulo for an honest conversation about family, hunting, conservation, and the future of the outdoor lifestyle.
With the upcoming birth of their son just around the corner, RJ and Aubrey share their excitement about becoming parents and what it means to raise the next generation in a family built around adventure, faith, and the outdoors.
The conversation dives into their experiences filming "The Choice" and hunting across North America and around the world, and why western big game hunting continues to hold a special place in their hearts. They discuss the importance of authenticity in today's hunting culture, wildlife management, conservation efforts, and the responsibility hunters have in protecting wildlife and wild places for future generations.
RJ reflects on growing up in the spotlight with his parents, and how having cameras around from an early age shaped his perspective on hunting and storytelling. Aubrey shares her journey as a first-generation hunter, the challenges of entering the hunting world, and the fulfillment she has found embracing the hunting lifestyle.
This episode is packed with thoughtful discussion on hunting traditions, conservation, family values, and what it truly means to be "all in" as a hunter.
If you're passionate about western big game hunting, wildlife conservation, and preserving our hunting heritage, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

The Secret Society of Western Big Game Hunting PodcastSpecial Guest: Bart Miller
What does it take to build a successful life, meaningful relationships, and a lasting legacy?
In this episode, Dan Adler sits down with entrepreneur, cowboy, and outdoorsman Bart Miller for a candid conversation about the principles that shape who we become. From the lessons learned in the arena of business to the values forged through a western lifestyle, Bart shares insights on accountability, personal growth, and finding purpose in a world that often promotes entitlement.
Together, Dan and Bart discuss the importance of putting in the reps, embracing responsibility, and making the mindset shifts necessary to become the person you're capable of becoming. They also explore the peace that can be found in the outdoors, the powerful bonds created through shared adventures on the mountain, and the memories made with family and loved ones that last a lifetime.
Topics covered in this episode include:
• Entitlement vs. accountability• Building discipline through consistent effort• Shifting identity and becoming your best self• Entrepreneurship and lessons from a cowboy upbringing• Finding peace, clarity, and perspective in the outdoors• The importance of family relationships• Bonds forged through hunting and shared experiences• Personal growth, purpose, and fulfillment• Why meaningful relationships matter more than material success
Whether you're a hunter, entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone striving to become better, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and timeless principles that can be applied to every area of life.