In this episode of the Wing and Tail Boys podcast, hosts Angelo and Chris welcome Brian Melvin, a passionate hunter from New Jersey who recently harvested the state's, and unofficially the world’s, record black bear. Brian shares his unique journey into hunting, starting from a non-hunting family to becoming an avid bear hunter.

He discusses the challenges and strategies involved in bear hunting, particularly focusing on the intelligence and behavior of mature bears. The conversation delves into Brian's experiences, the importance of scouting, and the lessons learned through trial and error in the field. He goes on to share how those trials and errors helped to build his list of what to do and what not to do in the woods to find success.

Brian shares his emotional journey of hunting a specific bear he pursued for years. He discusses the doubts and challenges he faced, the importance of preparation and equipment, and the lessons learned from mistakes made along the way. The conversation also touches on the significance of weather patterns, the impact of arrow weight on performance, and the unique characteristics of the bear he hunted. Brian concludes by sharing his future plans for outdoor adventures and the importance of giving back to the community through hunting.