Drew Miles Podcast sits down with Seth Swerczek from Hornady for a deep-dive on bullet design and real-world terminal performance. They break down varmint vs match vs hunting bullets, why some projectiles can be “lights out” and others can be inconsistent, and how velocity windows drive expansion and penetration. The conversation hits everything from V-MAX nostalgia and modern ELD-VT performance, to the truth behind ELD-M vs ELD-X construction, energy debates, and practical caliber choices for elk. They close with a focused recommendation for .22 Creedmoor loads (80gr ELD-X and 69gr ELD-VT) and a quick detour into 7PRC vs 280 Ackley, plus some desert dirt-bike talk.

Key takeaways / bullets (for show notes page)

 * Lead-core varmint bullets (example: V-MAX) create dramatic terminal effect on coyotes compared to many monolithic copper options that can “pencil” through thin-skinned game.
 * ELD-VT (Varmint Target) is positioned as a modern, fast-twist varmint bullet line: low-drag shape + explosive terminal behavior.
 * Factory match ammo has closed the gap with handloads for many rifles; modern chambers/twist rates can be more forgiving and consistent.
 * ELD-M vs ELD-X: externally similar in some weights, but internally different (jacket thickness/taper + core retention features) which changes consistency and “performance envelope” on game.
 * Match bullets can absolutely work on animals, but “sometimes” is the problem—consistency matters more than best-case performance.
 * Velocity is a driver for bullet function; too slow can fail to open, too fast can cause shallow blow-up depending on design.
 * For elk-sized game, Seth’s personal preference trends toward 7mm (not necessarily “more energy,” but appropriate diameter + bullet design + confidence).
 * 7PRC’s “why” (vs custom 7 mag / 280 AI): off-the-shelf ability to run long, high-BC bullets in factory rifles/ammo without custom mags/reamers/higher-pressure handload gymnastics.
 * .22 Creedmoor: Seth’s field experience is strongly positive with 80gr ELD-X for deer/antelope and even larger plains game; 69gr ELD-VT is his coyote “medicine.”

Best Hunting Bullet? Ft. Hornady's Seth Swerczek

In this episode, Drew Miles sits down with legendary Coues deer hunter and outfitter Jay Scott to break down everything you need to know about hunting Coues deer hunting in Mexico during the January rut. Jay is heading into his 30th season in Mexico and shares decades of insight into how bucks move, how the rut unfolds, and how to consistently find giant Coues deer when they’re chasing does instead of hiding in the brush.  They cover: How the rut shifts later as you go farther south What Coues bucks actually do in early January How to hunt scrape lines and roaming rut bucks Why mobility is key on Mexico ranches How to find hot zones loaded with does Gun permits, border crossings, and staying safe Why Mexico offers the most authentic Coues deer experience left Whether you’re planning your first Mexico hunt or you just love hearing how great bucks behave during the rut, this episode will change how you think about hunting Coues  deer.   If you’re serious about finding a 100”+ Coues buck, this one is required listening.

GIANT Coues Deer RUT Tactics with Jay Scott

In this episode of the Tricer Podcast, Drew Miles and Mike Herne sit down with Geoff Nemnich of Lucky Duck to break down why so many coyote stands fail—and how to dramatically increase your odds of success. Geoff dives deep into stand selection, wind management, sound strategy, and efficient systems, explaining why calling is often the least important part of killing coyotes. From beginner mistakes to advanced sound theory, this episode is packed with practical predator-hunting knowledge you can apply immediately.

Topics Covered

 * Geoff Nemnich’s background and path into predator hunting
 * Why predator hunting builds better overall hunters
 * Hand calls vs electronic calls: advantages and limitations
 * Why most coyote stands fail before the call starts
 * Macro vs micro location selection
 * Wind direction, crosswind setups, and the “pie” concept
 * Stand access, parking strategy, and stealth approaches
 * Elevation mistakes and forced-visibility setups
 * Sound categories: prey distress, howls, and pup distress/fights
 * Why pup distress works year-round
 * Sound aggression levels and when to increase intensity
 * Why sound choice matters less than setup and location

LINKS:  War on Dogs and Hogs Giveaway:  https://tricer.com/pages/war-on-dogs-hogs

Lucky Duck Decoys:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luckyduckdecoys

Website: https://www.luckyduck.com

The Last Stand:  Website: https://www.tlshunt.com

TRICER USA Website – https://tricerusa.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricerusa/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricerusa/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tricer6985

#CoyoteHunting #PredatorHunting #CoyoteCalling #PredatorControl #LuckyDuck #JeffNemnich #HuntingPodcast #WesternHunting #Coyotes #PredatorCalls #HuntingStrategy #Tricer

Why Most Coyote Stands Fail, Calls, Systems and Speed with Geoff Nemnich

Drew Miles links up with his buddy James Visser of Bow Disciples for a loose, “we’ll do it live” hangout-style episode that bounces between hunting, content creation, and what it takes to build a modern outdoor brand. They talk about the grind of posting across every platform, why short-form clips are now a must, and how both of their teams are leveling up heading into 2026—including Tricer’s push to expand into a full-blown media company with more editing and production horsepower.

The conversation gets into real-world hunting logistics too: balancing DIY tags with the reality of harder-to-draw western hunts, the pros/cons of paid tags for scheduling, and why neither of them feels the need to hide what works for them. They swap stories from Africa, Hawaii, whitetail country, and javelina hunts, plus dive into gear and sponsor highlights (including Bow Disciples’ broadhead setup). They also hit on the importance of growing the hunting community to protect the future of the sport—and finish with rapid-fire “funniest moment” field stories that are pure chaos in the best way.

JAMES VISSER

BOW DISCIPLES

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/bowdisciples/

Website - https://www.bowdisciples.com [https://www.bowdisciples.com/]

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/BowDisciples

TRICER USA

Website – https://tricerusa.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricerusa/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricerusa/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tricer6985

#tricer #tricerpodcast #bowdisciples #huntingpodcast #outdoorpodcast #westernhunting #archeryhunting #bowhuntinglife #huntingcontent #outdoorcreators #huntingmedia #shortformcontent #huntingindustry #publiclandhunting #modernhunter #huntingculture #backcountryhunting #contentcreators #huntingstories #huntinglife

Doing It Live: Content, Chaos, and the Future of Hunting Media – James Visser

In this episode of the Tricer Podcast, Drew Miles is joined by BAKCOU Bikes co-founder Dave Andre to talk about how hunting e-bikes are changing the way we access the mountains. Dave walks through the origin of BAKCOU, how he and his brother-in-law went from an excavating business and neurophysiology to building purpose-built e-bikes for Western hunters, and what truly sets their bikes apart from cheap Amazon options. They dig into real hunt stories where e-bikes and scooters made the difference on elk, aoudad, whitetails, and mule deer, plus how overbuilt frames, powerful mid-drive motors, and smart geometry help hunters go farther, quieter, and with more energy for the pack out. The episode wraps with a look at evolving e-bike regulations, ethical trail use, and the “Bigger Than the Hunt” giveaway that unites brands to support kids in need. If you are considering an e-bike this is a must listen podcast

BAKCOU Bikes

Instagram - @bakcoulife - https://www.instagram.com/bakcoulife/

Website - https://bakcou.com/

TRICER USA

Website – https://tricerusa.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricerusa/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricerusa/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tricer6985

#tricer #tricergear #tricerpodcast #bakcou #bakcoubikes #huntingebike #westernhunting #backcountryhunting #spotandstalk #elkhunting #muledeerhunting #predatorhunting #publiclandhunter #quietaccess #huntfarther #huntsmarter #huntinggear #conservation #silentassassin

E-Bikes in the Backcountry: The Future of Western Hunting – Dave Andre

Drew Miles sits down with close friend and entrepreneur Cody Rich for an inside look at Bridger’s first hunting-specific smartwatch, the “Reckon,” and the story behind how it was built. They talk about Cody’s rough upbringing, the mentors who shaped him, and how those experiences forged his drive to create instead of becoming a statistic. The conversation dives into entrepreneurship—spotting opportunity like a hunter, failing forward, and being motivated more by freedom, impact, and innovation than by money. Cody explains how frustration with relying on his phone and current smartwatches in the field sparked the idea for a watch designed specifically for hunters, leading to a purpose-built device with long battery life, intuitive hotkeys, redshift night mode, offline maps, and quick-access dope cards. He also shares his long-term vision of building a legacy tech brand for hunters, firefighters, and warfighters—not just another gear company. They wrap by encouraging listeners to join the limited release email list at BridgerWatch.com and teasing a Bridger watch giveaway in an upcoming Tricer hunt giveaway.

CODY RICH – BRIDGER WATCH

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bridgerwatch/

Website - https://www.bridgerwatch.com [https://www.bridgerwatch.com/]

TRICER USA

Website – https://tricerusa.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricerusa/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricerusa/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tricer6985

#tricer #tricergear #tricerpodcast #bridgerwatch #bridgerreckon #backcountryhunting #westernhunting #gearinnovation #hunttech #huntinggear #mountainhunting #elkseason #deerseason #backpackhunting #publiclandhunter #huntbetter #onxhunt #hunterlife #outdoorinnovation #builtbyhunters

Bridger Watch: From Idea to Innovation – Cody Rich

In this episode of the Tricer Podcast, Drew Miles welcomes back two-time guest Gaven Swinson of Gila Monster Outdoors for a deep dive into their latest adventures across New Mexico. From hiking 10 miles into rugged country in pursuit of big bulls to youth mule deer hunts and unforgettable barbary sheep experiences, this conversation is loaded with real DIY public-land stories.

Drew and Gaven break down the highs and lows of going deep into the wilderness, how their strategies have evolved, and the gear and calling tactics that made a difference this season. They also talk about the challenges of filming hunts in tough terrain, the humorous frustrations of social media, and the camaraderie that makes time in the field so meaningful.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just love a good adventure, this episode captures the grit, passion, and joy of chasing big game in the West. Be sure to subscribe to Gila Monster Outdoors to follow along with all their upcoming hunts and films.

GAVEN SWINSON – GILA MONSTER OUTDOORS

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gilamonsteroutdoors/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@gilamonsteroutdoors

TRICER USA

Website – https://tricerusa.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricerusa/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricerusa/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tricer6985

#tricer #tricerpodcast #gilamonsteroutdoors #westernhunting #newmexicohunting #elkhunting #muledeerhunting #barbarysheep #outofstatehunter #publiclandhunting #backcountryhunting #diyhunter #huntingstories #huntfilm #huntinglife #huntinggear #opticsgear #onfootadventures #gohunt #gilariver #huntingcommunity #madeforthemountain

Backcountry Bulls & Barbary Sheep: Wild Hunts with Gaven Swinson

In this episode of the Tricer Podcast, Drew Miles sits down with Ivy O’Guinn, Alaskan hunting guide, commercial fisherwoman, and cast member on Mountain Men. Ivy shares her incredible journey growing up among strong, subsistence-driven women and how her early life on Alaska’s waters eventually led her into guiding big-game hunts across the state’s unforgiving interior.

Drew and Ivy dive into her experiences guiding brown bear, moose, and sheep hunters, the lessons learned from living completely off-grid, and her recent adventures traveling and hunting in Africa. Ivy also opens up about the realities behind TV survival shows, her passion for empowering women in the outdoors, and why conservation and predator management matter so deeply in Alaska.

This episode delivers an honest, inspiring look into life at the edge of the wilderness—and Ivy’s mission to help more women step confidently into Alaska’s hunting community.

IVY O’GUINN

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ivyo/

TRICER USA

Website – https://tricerusa.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricerusa/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricerusa/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tricer6985

#tricergear #tricerpodcast #alaskahunting #alaskaguide #mountainmen #womenwhohunt #backcountryhunting #bearhunting #moosehunting #sheephunting #huntinglife #outdoorwomen #huntfishlive #publiclandhunting #predatormanagement #conservationhunting #offgridliving #subsistencehunting #mountainhunting #alaskanadventures #outdoorcommunity #westernhunting

Life on the Edge: Ivy O’Guinn on Alaska, Guiding, and Grit

In this episode of the Tricer Podcast, host Drew Miles talks with Brandon and Seth from Shield Arms, a Montana-based company redefining firearm innovation. What began in 2017 inside a barn has grown into a powerhouse brand known for designing products shooters and hunters actually want—no focus groups, just firsthand experience driving design.

Brandon and Seth share the story behind Shield Arms’ rise, from the game-changing S15 magazine—which fits 15 rounds in a Glock 43X or 48 without altering the footprint—to their expansion into folding AR-15 lowers and an all-new modular pistol system that blends the best of Glock and SIG platforms. The conversation dives into their in-house engineering process, open-source approach to parts, and their commitment to collaborating with other top brands in the industry.

SHIELD ARMS

Website - https://shieldarms.com [https://shieldarms.com/]

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shield.arms/

X - https://x.com/ShieldArms



TRICER USA

Website – https://tricerusa.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricerusa/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricerusa/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tricer6985





#tricerpodcast #tricergear #shieldarms #westernhunting #backcountryhunting #longrangehunting #precisionrifle #montanahunting #huntinggear #shootingcommunity #outdoorinnovation #gearjunkie #gunindustry #glock43x #glock48 #madeinmontana #hunterlifestyle #firearmsindustry #byshootersforshooters

Building Gear for Shooters, by Shooters – The Shield Arms Story

In this episode of the Tricer Podcast, Drew talks with Jim “PK” Pilkauskas, founder of Remnant 300, a faith based organization that believes manhood is something that must be awakened, built, and lived out through faith, brotherhood, and real challenge. Drew and Jim dig into the role of fathers, mentorship, and what it really means to lead with strength and humility. Jim shares his journey in founding Remnant 300, a ministry focused on raising up young men through discipleship, accountability, and real-world servant leadership.

Drew and Jim talk about biblical masculinity not as a buzzword, but as a lived example of being a protector, provider, and leader who serves others first. The conversation tackles the cultural challenges men face today, the importance of strong male role models, and why developing a personal relationship with God is foundational to becoming the man you're called to be.

At its core, this episode is about building men who lead with courage, faith, and purpose.

JIM "PK" PILKAUSKAS

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/remnant_300/

Website - https://www.remnant300.org [https://www.remnant300.org/]

TRICER USA

Website – https://tricerusa.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tricerusa/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tricerusa/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tricer6985

#tricer #tricergear #westernhunting #mountainlife #backcountrymindset #ironsharpensiron #biblicalmasculinity #kingdommen #servantleadership #faithoverfear #providerprotectorleader #raisethefuture #menonmission #leadwithpurpose #builtforthis #purposeovercomfort #brotherhoodbuilt #staydangerousstayhumble #walkwithstrength #livewithintention

Raising Men of Strength and Purpose – Jim “PK” Pilkauskas

Drew Miles sits down with hunters from around the world to gain insight into their adventures, successes, and failures.

The Tricer Podcast