Oregon Bull of a Lifetime | From Guide to Hunter with Eric Vanderzanden

This might just be my favorite elk hunting story I’ve recorded in the last few years—maybe ever. This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Eric Vanderzanden, and he’s back with an absolute all-timer. After nearly two decades of archery hunting general season in Oregon, Eric finally drew one of the state’s most coveted bull elk tags. But this story goes so far beyond a tag. It’s about obsession, preparation, and an unexpected twist of fate. Eric has spent years guiding in this unit—helping others chase down giants, including Governor’s Tag bulls—and built a reputation as one of the go-to guys in Oregon’s “Big Three” units. When it was finally his turn to hold the tag, it came with a powerful story of friendship, legacy, and helping a man with terminal cancer live out his last hunting dream. This is a true 301-level hunt and one you’ll never forget. Do me a favor—share this one with a hunting buddy. It’s that good.