Sometimes, you just need to pass on the shot. We'll explore a number scenarios and reasons for not pulling the trigger. Topics include:

• safety
• target identification
• shot angle
• getting steady
• moving animals
• stacked animals
• shooting at the range vs. in the field
• animal recovery
• bad conditions
• when your heart's not in it

Thinking through these scenarios ahead of time will help prepare you to make the right decision in the heat of the moment.

Today I'm talking about a cartridge that's nearly 120 years old but still relevant today: the .30-06. The characteristics of the .30-06 make it perfect for your first big game hunting rifle. That's why I chose it for mine. I discuss:

• affordable and readily available ammo
• manageable recoil
• hunting elk with the .30-06
• why the .30-06 works well with cup-and-core bullets
• the .30-06 vs. the .308
• maximum point blank range
• bullet weights
• ammo capacity and feeding
• other great cartridges for your first big game rifle

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After reviewing the cartridge, I like the .30-06 even more. There's not much it can't do.

As a hunter, I'm always looking forward to the next season. Which reminds me – the holidays are coming up! In this episode, I give you 10 hunting-related gift ideas to help you kill it this holiday season.

1. Knives
2. Knife sharpener
3. Headlamp
4. Vacuum sealer
5. Cooler
6. Bino harness
7. Scope tools & accessories
8. Electronic ear protection
9. Game calls
10. Emergency gear for their truck

My (unpaid) recommendations:

• Opinel Knives⁠
• Worksharp Guided Field Sharpener⁠
• Black Diamond Storm 450 Headlamp⁠