On this episode of we're joined by Sonny Tapia for a conversation about Arizona bear hunting, running hounds, and the mission behind Sportsmen For Heroes Foundation.

Sonny shares his perspective on pursuing bears in Arizona, the challenges of hunting with hounds, and the experiences that make this lifestyle so special. But this conversation goes beyond the hunt. We also talk about Sportsmen For Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to changing lives through outdoor experiences for veterans, first responders, and youth with special needs and mobility challenges.

We'll discuss how hunting and the outdoors can bring people together, the stories that make these hunts meaningful, and how fellow hunters, houndsmen, businesses, and outdoor enthusiasts can help support this important mission.

Whether you're interested in bear hunting, hounds, or finding ways to give back to those who have sacrificed for others, this episode is one you won't want to miss!

Be sure to check out Sportsmen For Heroes Foundation and learn how you can get involved: 🌐 https://www.sportsmenforheroes.com/

Thanks for listening and supporting Free Castin!

Free Castin — Hounds, Mules & Everything In Between.

#FreeCastin #ArizonaBearHunting #BearHunting #HoundHunting #SportsmenForHeroes #Veterans #FirstResponders #Hounds #HuntingPodcast

HOUND RIGS & EQUIPMENT — WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED?

What’s in your hound rig?

On this episode of Free Castin, we're talking about the trucks, dog boxes, tools, and equipment that houndsmen depend on when they head to the woods.

From the basics like a good dog box and plenty of water, to the things you may not think about until something goes wrong — CB radios, tire repair kits, tools, spare equipment, batteries, and emergency gear — we're breaking down what belongs in a dependable hound rig.

We also get into the difference between what you actually need and what you just want, building a rig on a budget, old-school setups versus modern equipment, and some of the gear that can make a long night in the woods a whole lot easier.

And of course, we want to hear from you.

If you could only have 10 pieces of equipment in your hound rig, what would they be?

This is a conversation about the equipment that keeps us hunting, keeps our dogs taken care of, and helps us get back home when things don't go according to plan.

Free Castin — Hounds, Mules & Everything In Between.

On this episode of Free Castin, we sit down with Ben Sheets to talk about who Ben is, his background in the hound world, and the story behind Full Cry Magazine.

Full Cry has been a part of the hound-hunting community since the 1930s, documenting the people, dogs, hunts, competitions, and stories that have helped shape the hound world for generations.

We talk about what Full Cry means to houndsmen today, how the magazine has evolved over the years, and why keeping the history and traditions of hound hunting alive still matters.

If you’re a longtime houndsman, a competition hunter, a guide, or just someone who enjoys good dogs and good stories, there’s something in this conversation for you.

Thanks for listening to Free Castin — Hounds, Mules, and Everything In Between.

Subscribe, follow, and share the podcast with another houndsman!

Get your subscription today!

https://fullcrymag.com

Anecdote of a Houndsman

https://www.youtube.com/@AnecdoteofaHoundsman

#FreeCastin #FullCryMagazine #Hounds #HoundHunting #Houndsmen #Hunting #HuntingDogs

Welcome back to another episode of Free Castin!

This episode is all about what houndsmen love most — DOGS!

Sometimes you don't need a big debate or a controversial topic. Sometimes you just need to sit down, talk dogs, and share a few stories. That's exactly what we're doing in this episode.

We're talking about the hounds that started it all, the best dogs we've ever hunted, the traits that make a truly good hound, and the memories that stick with you long after the hunt is over.

From old-school dogs to modern hounds, starting pups, funny hunting stories, and the dogs that have made a lasting impact on our lives — this is a good old-fashioned conversation between folks who love running hounds.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The first dogs that got us into hunting.
• The best hounds we've ever hunted.
• What makes a good dog?
• Old-school dogs versus modern hounds.
• Funny stories and unforgettable memories from the woods.
• Starting pups and raising the next generation of houndsmen.
• The dogs that taught us the most.
• Plenty of good dog talk and stories from the hunting world.

Whether you're a seasoned houndsman, just getting started, or simply enjoy listening to good stories about hunting dogs, there's something here for you.

So sit back, turn it up, and enjoy another episode of Free Castin!

HOUNDS, MULES, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

Anecdote of a Houndsman — Free Castin

If you enjoy the show, be sure to subscribe, follow the podcast, and share this episode with your hunting buddies!

#FreeCastin #AnecdoteOfAHoundsman #Houndsmen #HoundDogs #HoundHunting #Coonhunting #HuntingDogs #DogTalk #HuntingStories #Hounds

On this episode of Free Castin, we’re taking you to Africa for an incredible conversation with the hunter behind what may be a world-record leopard.

We start with the hunt itself — how the leopard was found, the tracking, the preparation, the people involved, the challenges along the way, and what it was like when the opportunity finally came together.

But this episode goes much deeper than the hunt.

We also take a hard look at what happens when hunters travel to Africa and spend money on a safari. Where does that money go? How much stays in the local community? What do the trackers, guides, camp workers and other local people gain from hunting? And what does regulated hunting mean for wildlife conservation and the people who live alongside these animals?

We talk about the specific community where this hunt took place and the relationship between wildlife, hunting and the people who call these areas home.

This is a story about an incredible leopard, an unforgettable hunt, and the much bigger picture behind hunting in Africa.

The hunt. The leopard. The people. The conservation. The story behind the trophy.

This is Free Castin — Hounds, Mules & Everything In Between.

Listen in, and hear the story straight from the hunter himself.

#FreeCastin #LeopardHunting #AfricanHunting #Africa #Hunting #Conservation #BigGameHunting #Houndsmen #Safari #WorldRecordLeopard

On this episode of Free Castin, we dive into a subject that every Arizona hunter needs to think about: hunting regulations and who is going to shape them in the future.

Hunters don't always agree when it comes to changing rules and regulations. Many see new regulations as nothing more than government control—and sometimes that concern is justified.

But what happens when hunters completely disengage from the process?

If sportsmen aren't willing to identify problems, propose reasonable solutions, and work with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, there will always be other groups willing to step into that conversation.

And those groups may not have the same goals we do.

We're talking about why hunters need to be involved before a proposed regulation becomes a fight, why simply saying “NO” isn't always enough, and how sportsmen can help shape regulations that protect wildlife while preserving hunting opportunities.

We'll also talk about the biggest challenge of all:

Getting hunters to understand that participating in wildlife management doesn't necessarily mean giving up our rights or accepting government control.

Sometimes protecting the future of hunting means being willing to make smart changes today.

So the question is:

Would you rather hunters help write the rules—or let someone else write them for us?

Listen in, share your thoughts, and join the conversation.

Free Castin — Hounds, Mules and Everything in Between.

2026 Arizona Hound Hunters Rendezvous — The Recap

In this episode of Free Castin, we’re looking back at the 2026 Arizona Hound Hunters Rendezvous!

We’re talking about the people, the dogs, the stories, the laughs, the food, the music, the vendors, and all the memories that made this year’s Rendezvous one to remember.

But more than anything, we’re talking about why events like this matter.

Houndsmen from different backgrounds and different parts of the country came together to celebrate the lifestyle we love, share knowledge, build friendships, and help keep the traditions of hound hunting alive for the next generation.

We’ll talk about some of our favorite moments from the weekend, what we learned, what we can improve on, and where we want to take the Arizona Hound Hunters Rendezvous from here.

Hounds. Mules. Stories. Brotherhood.

This is Free Castin’ — Hounds, Mules & Everything in Between.

Subscribe to Anecdote of a Houndsman on YouTube and join the conversation!

Hunters vs. Hunters

In this episode of Free Castin, we're diving into one of the biggest issues facing the hunting community today: hunters fighting hunters.

Why are we so quick to attack someone because they hunt differently than we do? Houndsmen, archery hunters, rifle hunters, guides, DIY hunters, trophy hunters, meat hunters—we all have different methods, traditions, and opinions.

But when one group turns against another, are we helping protect hunting… or helping tear it apart?

We'll talk about the division between hunters, social media battles, defending legal hunting methods we may not personally use, and why hunters need to find some common ground if we're serious about protecting hunting and wildlife management for the next generation.

You don't have to hunt the same way I do. You don't even have to agree with me.

But if it's legal, ethical hunting, should we be standing together instead of tearing each other down?

This one is about hunting, conservation, brotherhood, and taking a hard look at ourselves.

Free Castin — Hounds, Mules and Everything in Between.