Best Ben Freel Podcasts (2026)

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Episode 192: DLP: Stopping a Charging Grizzly 1:56:26

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5M ago1:56:26

1:56:26

In this episode, I’m joined by Brett TerBeek and his hunting partner Andy M. We talk about the upcoming sheep season, recap some spring bear stuff, but also walk through their recent scouting trip where they accidentally walked into a grizzly’s moose kill. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 191: Loose Ends; with Temple, Connor, and Dr. Schultz 2:22:23

5M ago2:22:23

2:22:23

In this episode, I’m joined by Temple Dillard, Connor Owen, and Frank Schultz. We catch up on some hunting and fishing stories from this past spring and summer and eagerly look forward to the upcoming fall hunting seasons. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 190: Kids Tell the Best Bear Stories 56:30

5M ago56:30

56:30

In this episode, I’m joined by my daughter Sadie and son Jed. They both got bears this spring and we are finally getting around to telling their stories. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 189: Building A Better Copper Bullet, with Sam McGuire 1:22:01

5M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

In this episode I’m joined by Sam McGuire of McGuire Ballistics and SMC Williams Guide Service out of California. I’ve had a chance to load and shoot a bunch of Sam’s bullets and an even better opportunity to hunt big pigs with him and see them in action. We talk about Sam’s background in guiding and his journey in ballistic manufacturing. Most imp…

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Episode 188: Sheep and Shooting, with Ben Reynolds 1:47:12

6M ago1:47:12

1:47:12

In this episode I’m joined by passionate sheep hunter and mountain adventurer Ben Reynolds. We recently competed together in the first Alaska NRL Hunter rifle match and talk about that experience, how it can benefit hunters. We also hit on Ben’s sheep hunting experience and both the mental and physical approach that has helped him be successful. En…

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Episode 187: Back in the Clinic 2:48:43

9M ago2:48:43

2:48:43

In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Schultz, Connor Owen, and Matt Herkstroeter. Recording from the Dr. Schultz clinic, we talk about how hunting rifles aren’t made like they used to be, picking a suppressor, which rifle Connor should take to Kodiak, and much more. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 186: Make the Alaska Range Great Again, with Coke Wallace 1:36:59

11M ago1:36:59

1:36:59

In this episode I’m joined by Frank Schultz and master guide Coke Wallace. We hit a number of topics such as how the past season has gone for Midnight Sun Safaris, speculate on predator control, and talk about some of the issues and relationships with federal agencies and how they manage Alaska’s lands.…

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Episode 185: Talking .22s with Colton Bagnoli 1:37:49

12M ago1:37:49

1:37:49

I’m joined in this episode by Colton Bagnoli, who was a long-time editor for Western Hunter, and now Shooting Times. He’s been a guide, gunsmith, SWAT team member, and competitive shooter. We talk about some of the new .22-cal cartridges and his experience with them. What they are, what they aren’t, and what’s important in cartridge selection.…

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Episode 184: The Good Old Days 3:06:47

1y ago3:06:47

3:06:47

In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Schultz, Matt Herkstroeter, and Connor Owen. We talk about old man shoes, new snow machines, muzzleloader bullets, and a whole bunch else. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 183: Kodiak Giant with Jason Wenger 2:32:53

1y ago2:32:53

2:32:53

In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Schultz and Jason Wenger. We get to hear some of Jason’s stories about moving to Alaska many years ago and his long-awaited hunt for a huge Kodiak bear. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 182: A First Ram Double with Tyson Porter and Hunter Parini 2:26:05

1y ago2:26:05

2:26:05

In this episode, Frank Schultz and I are joined by Tyson Porter and Hunter Parini, who recount their ball-buster of a sheep hunt. We’ve got rock slides, alders, nipple-deep creeks, and two awesome rams. Enjoy.By Tyler Freel

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Episode 181: Mike Cronk 1:32:12

1y ago1:32:12

1:32:12

In this episode, I’m joined by Tok area resident Mike Cronk. Mike is a retired teacher and avid trapper and hunter. He’s been serving as an AK congressional representative and is now running for the State Senate. We talk about wolf trapping, sheep hunting in tennis shoes, bear baiting, and why it’s important to vote. Enjoy!…

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Episode 180: Moose Camp 2024 3:20:35

1+ y ago3:20:35

3:20:35

In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Schultz, Connor Owen, and Matt Herkstroeter. We get together to tell all our newest moose hunting stories from 2024. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 179: Moose and Old Stories with Tracy Freel 1:05:58

1+ y ago1:05:58

1:05:58

In this episode, I’m joined by my uncle Tracy, who talks a bit about getting his moose this year as well as a bunch of old stories.By Tyler Freel

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Episode 178: August Re-Cap with Carson Keys 3:28:54

1+ y ago3:28:54

3:28:54

In this episode I’m joined by Frank Schultz, Connor Owen, and Carson Keys, who grew up in Fairbanks, and recently came back while working in his new role with Safari Club International. We get to hear about our 2024 sheep struggles and a recap of Carson’s first sheep hunt ever. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 177: Becky Schwanke 59:13

1+ y ago59:13

59:13

In this episode I’m joined by biologist and current Alaska state house candidate Rebecca Schwanke from Glenallen, AK. Becky has long been an avid hunter who understands both the rural subsistence and more urban perspectives when it comes to access to hunting opportunities in our great state. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 176: Summer Rush with Frank Schultz, Matt Herkstroeter, and Connor Owen 3:07:30

1+ y ago3:07:30

3:07:30

In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Schultz, Matt Herkstroeter, and Connor Owen. Summer has been busy as hell, so we’re all over on topics from truck tires to rafting to prepping for sheep hunting. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 175: Arthur Abalama 1:50:56

1+ y ago1:50:56

1:50:56

In this episode, Arthur Abalama is back on the podcast, this time in person. Arthur, Frank Schultz, and I chat about what we’ve all been up to this spring, and get to hear more about seal and wolf hunting from Arthur. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 174: Bear Killin’ Boys 1:04:03

1+ y ago1:04:03

1:04:03

In this episode, I’m joined by my son Jed and our friends Brett and Colton TerBeek. We have a lot of catching up to do, but focus on Jed and Colton’s bear stories from this spring. Colton got his first bear ever! Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 173: Reloading 2.0 1:07:45

1+ y ago1:07:45

1:07:45

As requested, in this episode, I dive a little deeper into my own reloading practices and some of the advantages/disadvantages of how I do things. I also talk about some of the larger sample size testing I’ve been doing and some ways that load development is now radically simpler than it used to be for me. Enjoy and feel free to send questions to p…

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Episode 172: Ram Party 1:13:24

1+ y ago1:13:24

1:13:24

In this episode, I collected a few short stories and words of wisdom from a local gathering of sheep hunters. I wish I could have spent an hour with everyone there, but on this episode, are bits from Jerry Lees, Marty Meierotto, Bob Cassell, Skip Scott, Tony and Kodi Hollis, and Tom Lamal. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 171: Farewell Bison with Kris Kooistra and Mark Rowenhorst 1:57:58

2y ago1:57:58

1:57:58

In this episode, I’m joined by Kris Kooistra, Mark Rowenhorst, and Frank Schultz. We get to hear all about Kris’s unlikely Farewell bison draw and awesome adventure. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 170: Reloading…According to Tyler 1:33:32

2y ago1:33:32

1:33:32

In this episode I walk through the basic steps and equipment for reloading, specifically hunting rifle cartridges, and my basic methods for load development.By Tyler Freel

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Episode 169: Gun Nerd Stuff with John B. Snow 1:27:10

2y ago1:27:10

1:27:10

In this episode, I’m joined by my work partner-in-crime John B. Snow, shooting editor at Outdoor Life. We talk about some of the recent projects we have been working on including the new 22 ARC, some of the affordable guns I have been shooting, and the importance of knowing how your hunting rifle really shoots. Enjoy!…

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Episode 168: Wacey Arthur 1:41:26

2y ago1:41:26

1:41:26

In this episode, I catch with Wacey Arthur from Alberta. We talk some gun nerd stuff, packing moose out of bad spots, and predator rifles. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 167: Dark Winter Evenings 3:18:28

2y ago3:18:28

3:18:28

In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Schultz, Temple Dillard, and Matt Herkstroeter. We talk old snow machines, 50 below zero, and hacking it out in our beloved home.By Tyler Freel

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Episode 166: Season Recap and New Ventures with Steve Hallenbeck 1:14:14

2y ago1:14:14

1:14:14

In this episode, I’m joined by long-time friend Steve Hallenbeck. We talk about his fall season, letting a giant bull moose get away, and some of his plans for guiding sheep and bear hunters in the future. Enjoy.By Tyler Freel

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Episode 165: Local Ponds, Q&A, and New Bunny Boots, with Matt Herkstroeter 2:43:30

2y ago2:43:30

2:43:30

In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Herktroeter. We talk about winter tourism and local pond fishing for kids, answer questions about trap prep, buying used sleds, and emergency riverboat tools, and kick around whether we really want to be testers for the new “bunny boots,” or not. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 164: Taylor “Deadpool” Ausbun, Dr. Frank Schultz, Connor Owen 3:14:13

2y ago3:14:13

3:14:13

In this episode I’m joined by first-time guest and fighter pilot Taylor Ausbon, as well as Dr. Frank Schultz, and Connor Owen! We do a little catching up, field the first ever Tundra Talk ISMP contest, and hear Taylor’s epic moose story from this fall. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 163: Decades of Adventure, with Jerry and Thomas Lees 3:17:50

2y ago3:17:50

3:17:50

In this episode, I’m joined by Frank Schultz, as well as Jerry and Thomas Lees. We talk lots of sheep hunting, moose hunting goat hunting, and just a few of Jerry and Thomas’s stories from many years of hunting Alaska. Check out Thomas’s YouTube channel Backcountry Alaska for some of their awesome videos!…

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Episode 162: The Fish Doctor, Kevin Fraley 1:48:55

2y ago1:48:55

1:48:55

In this episode, I’m joined by Kevin Fraley, who gets to travel around Alaska and the world doing hook-and-line fish research. Naturally, we talk fish, but also some of the more specific points of the potential Ambler road project.By Tyler Freel

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Episode 161: Youth Sheep with Brett and Hunter TerBeek 1:24:04

2y ago1:24:04

1:24:04

In this episode I’m joined by Brett TerBeek and his son hunter. They tell the story of Hunter’s first sheep hunt where he was able to get his first ram. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 160: Cartridge Nerds, Dead Gun Writers, and the New Garmin Chronograph 1:51:52

2y ago1:51:52

1:51:52

In this episode, I sit down with Outdoor Life shooting editor John B. Snow. We talk about cartridge design and performance, talk about whether the gun writers of old were pushovers, and John breaks down the new Garmin chronograph in detail. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 159: Sheep Management History, with Wayne Heimer 2:04:15

2y ago2:04:15

2:04:15

In this episode I’m joined by one of the first dedicated Dall sheep biologists in the state of Alaska, Wayne Heimer. Wayne did a lot of the field research to help establish the full-curl regulation in Alaska, and published a book on the history of sheep management in our state. For more information or to get your own copy, go to wayneheimer.com. En…

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Episode 158: Buzzer Beater Moose with Dusty Spencer 2:13:09

2y ago2:13:09

2:13:09

On this episode, Dusty Spencer is back to tell about his 2023 moose season, along with Temple Dillard and “the doctor” Frank Schultz. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 157: Brown Bears and Sheep Tales with Rob McIntosh 1:45:44

2y ago1:45:44

1:45:44

In this episode, I’m joined by Rob McIntosh, who was telling me sheep tales long ago when I was in high school. We talk about his exciting spring brown bear hunt and some older sheep stories. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 156: Moose Camp 2023 2:14:16

2y ago2:14:16

2:14:16

In this episode, Frank Schultz recap the highs and lows of our September moose hunt. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 155: Cycling and Packing Moose, with Matt Herkstroeter 3:18:37

2+ y ago3:18:37

3:18:37

In this episode I’m joined by Matt Herkstroeter who has spent his summer diving into cycling, photographing cool stuff, and shooting bull moose on his last night to hunt. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 154: Tracking Deer with Dave Murray 2:07:58

2+ y ago2:07:58

2:07:58

In this episode I’m joined by Frank Schultz and his longtime friend Dave Murray, who is an avid deer tracker in the northeastern U.S. We get some great insight into how he hunts and get ready for our upcoming moose hunt. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 153: Sheep Recap 2023 4:04:08

2+ y ago4:04:08

4:04:08

I’m joined by Frank Schultz, Connor, and Adam Owen in this episode where we talk about the highs and lows of our sheep hunts this year. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 152: Pre-Sheep 2023 3:03:51

2+ y ago3:03:51

3:03:51

In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Frank Schultz, Connor Owen, and Nick Krysinski. We reflect on the busy-as-hell summer and, of course, look forward to sheep season!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 151: Jed’s Bear 57:32

2+ y ago57:32

57:32

In this episode, Jed tells the story of his first bear, and we talk rifles, bb guns, and squirrel retrievers.By Tyler Freel

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Episode 150: Shooting, Cartridges, and Hunting rifle talk with John B. Snow 1:51:17

2+ y ago1:51:17

1:51:17

In this episode, I sit down to chat with my coworker and Outdoor Life Shooting Editor John B. Snow. John’s an interesting smartass who is very knowledgeable on rifles, shooting, cartridges and ballistics. We talk a bit about how he got where he’s at, why medium-sized cartridges have been popular for more than 100 years, and how hunters and shooters…

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Episode 149: The 6.5 Grizzly 52:44

2+ y ago52:44

52:44

This episode tells the story of my 2023 grizzly, and is also shared on the Outdoor Life Podcast. I’m telling the story of this hunt to my boss and long-time friend, Editor-in-Chief Alex Robinson. You can read the story of the hunt HERE, and be sure to check out The Outdoor Life Podcast. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 148: Snow Caves and Ski-Doos with Jr Pederson 3:28:45

2+ y ago3:28:45

3:28:45

In this episode I’m joined by Frank Schultz, Temple Dillard, and Jr Pederson. It’s been awhile since Jr has been on the podcast, and we get to hear some stories about bear hunting, moose shooting, getting buried alive in a blizzard, and the story behind running Polaris skis on your Ski-Doo. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 147: Hunter Knezovich 1:31:04

3y ago1:31:04

1:31:04

In this episode I’m joined by Hunter and his son Jett Knezovich. Hunter had hunted elk and mule deer all his life in Wyoming and had been a Tundra Talk listener since before making the move to Fairbanks. We talk about how things were growing up compared to what it’s like living and hunting in Alaska now, and get to hear about Jett’s first caribou. …

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Episode 146: Wolves, Bravos, and Optical Illusions 3:35:03

3y ago3:35:03

3:35:03

In this episode I’m joined by Temple Dillard, Dr. Frank Schultz, and Connor Owen. We talk about busted up sleds, shooting wolves, rant about the federal subsistence board, and a few other things. Winter is getting short, so enjoy it!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 145: My Turkey Has Hypothermia, Officer. With Peyton Merideth 1:32:30

3y ago1:32:30

1:32:30

In this episode, I’m joined by retired Fairbanks police officer and detective, Peyton Merideth. Although he’s recently moved, Peyton spent most of his life here in Fairbanks, and is a passionate outdoorsman. We talk about his book My Turkey Has Hypothermia, Officer, some of the major crimes and experiences he dealt with, and wrap it up with plenty …

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Episode 144: Kicking off 2023 3:49:48

3y ago3:49:48

3:49:48

In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Herkstroeder, Temple Dillard, and Dr. Frank Schultz. We discuss the past year a bit, broken sleds, my muzzleloader whitetail hunt, and what’s to come for 2023. Enjoy!By Tyler Freel

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Episode 143: First Brown Bear 1:25:45

3y ago1:25:45

1:25:45

On this episode, I’m joined for a while by my boy Jed, and also Uncle Tracy. For the first time, my cousin and Tracy’s stepdaughter Drew Wood. Drew has gotten into a lot of hunting in the past couple years and just got her first brown bear.By Tyler Freel