381: A Cape Buffalo Hunt 30 Years In the Making With Jimmy Epperson

381: A Cape Buffalo Hunt 30 Years In the Making With Jimmy Epperson

Author: John McAdams July 24, 2025 Duration: 1:17:17

Jimmy Epperson dreamed about hunting Cape buffalo for over 30 years before Big Game Hunting Adventures helped turn that wish into a reality for him in 2023. Jimmy also just returned from another hunt with us in early 2025 for some of the species he didn't get on his first trip. Like Scott Spanton, Jimmy has a unique perspective on what it's like hunting very early in the hunting season vs very late in the hunting season. Plus, Jimmy has also hunted game from across the size and weight spectrum ranging from jackal and impala on the lighter end up to buffalo, eland, and giraffe on the heavier side of things and can share some personal experiences on how things are different hunting those gigantic animals.

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. We have space remaining for a hunt in October 2025 and as well as March, April, May, September, October, and November 2026. 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!

In this episode of The Big Game Hunting Podcast, host John McAdams sits down with Jimmy Epperson, who has hunted twice with Big Game Hunting Adventures for buffalo and many species of antelope.

They discuss Jimmy's two hunts in South Africa during 2023 and 2025 and how the bush was different hunting early vs late in the season, how it felt to make his dream of hunting buffalo come true, and why he chose the cartridges and bullets he used on each hunt.

Their takeaway? That buffalo hunt was the fulfillment of three decades worth of dreaming and it turned into an experience he'll treasure forever.

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Resources

Ep 294: First Africa Hunting Safari With Scott Spanton – Episode referenced in podcast


John McAdams hosts the Big Game Hunting Podcast, a conversation grounded in the realities of pursuing game across continents. Each episode feels like a detailed campfire talk, moving from the technical specifics of terminal ballistics and caliber selection to the raw, unforgettable narratives from the field in Africa, North America, and beyond. McAdams brings together a global community, with voices ranging from seasoned industry professionals to fellow hunters who call in with their own experiences. The focus is always on practical knowledge and authentic stories, stripping away any pretense to get to the heart of what hunters actually want to discuss. By sharing his own journey of learning and improvement, McAdams creates a space where curiosity and respect for the wilderness drive the dialogue. Tuning into this podcast means joining a serious yet accessible exchange where the complexities of the hunt are explored without filter. New conversations are released every Thursday, offering a consistent dose of insight and camaraderie for anyone passionate about the pursuit.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Big Game Hunting Podcast - Hunting Africa, North America, & More!
Podcast Episodes
380: From Iraq & Afghanistan To Hunting South Africa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:04
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379: Croc & Spotted Hyena In Mozambique With Mike Arnold [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:33
Mike Arnold is back on the show to discuss his safari in Mozambique for spotted hyena and crocodile. Mike shares the story of that hunt (where, among other things, he took a monster crocodile) along with his new book: Br…
377: Charging Buffalo & Kudu In The Snow With Kobus Kok [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
I sat down with one of my South African Professional Hunters, Kobus Kok, at the Dallas Safari Club convention and recorded a short interview. Among other things, we discuss how he got started in this line of work along w…
376: Africa Hunting 101 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:46
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375: 375 H&H vs 9.3x62mm & Ruger Hawkeye vs Safari Magnum [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:49:18
John McAdams shares insights on the 375 H&H vs 9.3x62mm informed by real world data obtained at the range, afield, and in ballistic gel in this podcast episode. John discusses the design characteristics, performance spec…
374: Kudu Hunting 101 With Kevin Robertson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:45
Kevin Robertson shares some insights on kudu hunting in this podcast interview, focusing on the kudu biology, where they live, what they eat (and how that affects their behavior), how trophy quality varies from region to…
373: Hunting Africa With Unusual Rounds: 45-70, 50-110 & More [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:25
My father, Kevin McAdams joins me in this episode to discuss three African safaris where he used classic and indeed unusual rifles and cartridges like 22 Hornet, 33 WCF, 577/450 Martini Henry, 45-70, and 50-110 Wincheste…
372: Best Cartridge for Hunting Darn Near Anything With Who Tee Who [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:25
Adam Wies (aka Who Tee Who 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're play little game where Adam and I each…
371: Sierra Bullets With Colby Adamek and Mark Walker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:51
Colby Adamek and Mark Walker discuss Sierra bullets in this podcast interview, focusing on the history of the company, the various target and hunting bullets they currently offer, the performance specifications and recom…