The Hunt Backcountry Podcast - podcast cover

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

by Exo Mtn Gearhuntbackcountry.podbean.com
Backcountry hunters talking backcountry hunting. No advertisers or sponsors, no fluff, no BS. We discuss tactics, strategies, gear, hunt stories, and more — featuring a wide variety of guests, from industry experts to everyday listeners of the show. Your hosts, Steve & Mark, have decades of experience hunting the mountains for elk, deer, bear, antelope, sheep, mountain goats, moose, caribou, and more. While this podcast is 100% independent and free from advertising or sponsorship, it is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear, which we own and operate. Exo’s mission is to build the best backcountry hunting pack systems available, provide the best service possible, and do it all right here in the USA. Learn more at: https://exomtngear.com/ Contact us at any time with your questions or feedback by emailing us: podcast@exomtngear.com. Or visit the searchable archive of all podcast episodes we have published over the past decade at: https://exomtngear.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! —Steve & Mark
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Episodes

238 | How to Hunt Mule Deer - Bucks In The Cascades

Bob & Jeff from PNWild join us to talk about hunting mule deer in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. Connect with PNWild... - https://pnwild.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/pnwild - https://instagram.com/pnwild_ Have a question for the show? Email podcast@exomtngear.com

Jul 16, 202022 min

237 | How to Hunt Mule Deer - Beyond Spot-and-Stalk

We conclude the How to Hunt Mule Deer podcast series with this in-depth episode on alternate tactics for mule deer hunting. Our guest, Robby Denning, is an extremely dedicated mule deer hunter, with decades of experience. Robby is the author of "Hunting Big Mule Deer" and joins us to discuss still-hunting, tracking, ambush hunting, and other tactics to hunt mule deer "beyond spot-and-stalk". Robby's Book: https://amzn.to/30esQBM Robby's Blog: https://www.rokslide.com/author/robby-denning/ Contac...

Jul 15, 20201 hr 18 min

MM 71 | Death Hike Recap, Shooting Suppressed, Budget Packs, and more...

We quickly recap this past weekend's Death Hike (more to come on that), talk about Mark's experience shooting with his new suppressor, and answer listener questions on budget packs, hunting with mountain bikes, and more... Share your question for the next show: podcast@exomtngear.com

Jul 14, 202040 min

236 | How to Hunt Mule Deer - Shooting

We continue the How to Hunt Mule Deer podcast series with this in-depth episode on SHOOTING and archery setups for mule deer. Our guest, Tim Gillingham, is a world-class competitive archer, a passionate and accomplished hunter, and a well-respected part of the archery industry as a whole. We are excited to chat with Tim about the technical and practical aspects of hunting mule deer with archery equipment. This is a deep-dive episode that challenged some of the things we thought we know as bowhun...

Jul 08, 20201 hr 16 min

MM 70 | How to Pack, Mountain Supplements, Best Down Jackets, and more...

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on how to pack gear in your pack, what "mountain supplements" they use in the backcountry, what Steve found in his test of numerous down jackets, and how breathing techniques can be an effective tool for hunters. Submit your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Jul 06, 202032 min

235 | How to Hunt Mule Deer - Stalking

We continue our How to Hunt Mule Deer series with this in-depth episode on STALKING mule deer. Our guest, South Cox, is a very experienced mule deer hunter that specializes in chasing high country deer with stick-and-string. South has spent years hunting mule deer with spot-and-stalk tactics. In this episode, we learn South's methods for executing stalks in the high country. Resources mentioned in this show... - South's DVDs: https://stalkerstickbows.com/stalker-shop/ - South's YouTube: https://...

Jul 01, 20201 hr 19 min

MM 69 | Google Earth Tricks, Shot Routines, Ballistic Reticles, and more...

Steve & Mark answer your questions on archery shot routines, custom ballistic reticles, quality of roads for elk hunting, and more. You'll also hear about "impressively stupid" questions from hunters. We also discuss some listener tips about using Google Earth and other resources for satellite imagery. As mentioned in the show, check out Google Earth Engine (https://explorer.earthengine.google.com/) and use the "Add data" function to explore data overlays. Suggested data layers include "Land...

Jun 30, 202034 min

234 | How to Hunt Mule Deer - Locating

We continue our How to Hunt Mule Deer series with this in-depth episode on LOCATING mule deer. Our guest, Dioni Amuchastegui, is a friend and dedicated mule deer hunter in Idaho. Dioni has spent a lot of time studying, observing, and hunting mule deer. In this episode, we learn Dioni's methods for finding mule deer — and specifically finding mature bucks — which has allowed him to have many years of successfully punching his deer tag, filling his Exo pack, and putting some great antlers on the w...

Jun 24, 202057 min

233 | How to Hunt Mule Deer - Scouting

We continue our How to Hunt Mule Deer series with this in-depth episode on SCOUTING for mule deer. Our guest, Jason Wright, is a friend and muley addict. Jason has a knack for finding good deer country and has spent countless hours scouting for mule deer — using both e-scouting tools (Google Earth, onX Maps, etc) as well as significant time behind glass in deer country. In this episode, we learn Jason's methods for identifying good deer country. Be sure to hit the Subscribe button to receive fut...

Jun 17, 202046 min

MM 68 | Elk, Deer, Broadheads, Releases, Altitude Sickness, and more...

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on hunting elk vs deer, what they look for in broadheads, how to handle hunting with a handheld release, and what hunters should know about altitude sickness. Submit your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Jun 15, 202031 min

232 | How to Hunt Mule Deer - An Introduction

We are kicking off a new podcast series, How to Hunt Mule Deer. In future episodes, we will interview guests and take a deep-dive into scouting, locating, stalking, shooting, and more. In this first episode, Steve & Mark discuss some of the things that set mule deer hunting apart for hunting for other species, what new muley hunters should know, and how hunting mule deer can help you develop as a well-rounded hunter. Be sure to hit the Subscribe button to receive future episodes. If you have...

Jun 10, 202040 min

231 | Building, Shooting, and Renting Rifles

We speak with Darin Cooper about his transition from being an engineer at Hoyt Archery to his deep-dive into the precision rifle and long-range shooting world. We cover a lot of ground in this one. In addition to talking about arrow setups, rifle setups, cartridge selection, and related topics, we talk about Darin's new company that offers gear rentals for high-end hunting gear, including custom rifles, optics, shelters, and Exo pack systems. Learn more about Rent Guns & Gear: https://rgunsn...

Jun 05, 20201 hr 5 min

230 | How To Hike Heavy (Replay)

As backcountry hunters, we depend on hiking to move us into, through, and out of the backcountry. We do this movement with a load on our backs — whether that’s the light load of a day’s essentials, a moderate load of gear for a multiday hunt, or the heavy load of success on our backs. The terrain, the distance, the pace, and the weight vary. So shouldn’t our training hikes mimic these various demands? Our guest in this episode, Mike Prevost, has studied the science and research of hiking heavy. ...

Jun 03, 202056 min

MM 66 | Shooting Bows in the Wind and More Archery Qs Answered

What tips do you have for shooting in the wind? What are the benefits of using a dovetail mount on a bow sight? What stabilizer setup do you recommend? How do you motivate your buddy to get out of the sleeping bag in the morning and start hunting? We tackle these questions on today's Monday Minute podcast. Have a question for a future show? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com

Jun 01, 202030 min

229 | The Story of the SIG Cross Hybrid Hunting Rifle

The new Cross rifle from Sig Sauer is a hunting rifle like you haven't seen before. It is a combination of a bolt-action rifle with AR-styling and a chasis-style stock that is both foldable and incredibly adjustable. But there's more to the Cross than just modern looks. Along with the Cross rifle, Sig also launched a completely new cartridge called the 277 Fury. This new cartridge with a hybrid steel and brass case design allows for the short 16" barrel to send a 140g bullet at speeds just shy o...

May 29, 20201 hr 4 min

228 | Pack Essentials: Everything Else

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this final episode of the four-part series, they discuss navigation, communication, clothing, personal care, safety items, and more. - Learn more & subscribe at: exomtngear.com/podcast - Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com

May 27, 202047 min

MM 65 | Bears, Beers, and Ballistics

We are joined with a special guest, and discuss ballistics (including how barrel length affects velocity), beverages (including beers and backcountry coffee), and get the full story of the adventure that was Steve's recent bear hunt. Have a question for a future show? Send it to: podcast@exomtngear.com

May 25, 202050 min

227 | Hunting with Hammers

Steve Davis of Hammer Bullets joins us to discuss the history, development, and use of Hammer Bullets for hunting. Hammer is a small bullet manufacturer out of Montana. Brian and Steve started Hammer Bullets when they, as hunters, couldn't find the bullet they were looking for on their market. You'll hear how they started building bullets in their garage, the struggles they went through in testing, and how they ultimately found a unique design that had numerous benefits for hunters and hand-load...

May 22, 20201 hr 17 min

226 | Pack Essentials: Hunting Gear

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this third episode of the four-part series, we discuss the hunt-specific gear that should be in your pack. We cover everything from the knives and game bags we use, to how we carry our binos, and what weapon-maintenance items we bring into the backcountry. - Learn ...

May 20, 202039 min

MM 64 | Steve’s Bear, Boots, and More Q&A

Steve filled a bear tag this weekend...and tore up a pair of boots on their maiden voyage. We chat about that, then dive into listener questions on water filters, sandbags and pack weight, packing wood stoves, and more... Share your questions via email: podcast@exomtngear.com

May 18, 202019 min

225 | Terminal Performance — How Berger Bullets Perform on Impact

How does a bullet kill? There are different theories, different opinions, and different bullet designs. Today we're speaking with Garett Stoddard from Berger Bullets to understand how Berger bullets are designed and constructed to perform on game. Garett is an engineer that has spent a lot of time studying bullet design and terminal performance, and as a hunter himself, also puts his research to the test in the field. This discussion on Terminal Ballistics (a bullet's performance on game) is a g...

May 15, 202050 min

224 | Pack Essentials: Water, Food, and Cooking

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this second episode of the four-part series, we discuss the topics of Water, Food, and Cooking. We cover everything from how we filter water, to selecting the best stove for the backcountry, to our favorite meals and snacks for extended adventures. - Backcountry Fo...

May 13, 202051 min

MM 63 | Non-Hunting vs Anti-Hunting

Steve and Mark answer a listener question about supporting "non-hunting" companies, cold weather gear, and more. Share your question with us: podcast@exomtngear.com Learn more & subscribe for future episodes: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

May 11, 202018 min

223 | What Is BC? Why Does It Matter? Bryan Litz On What Hunters Need To Know...

It doesn't take a degree in rocket science to understand bullet performance. Or does it? Bryan Litz is a scientist, shooter, and ballistician. He quite literally "wrote the book" on external ballistics and informed what we know about the flight and performance of bullets. Bryan joins us in this episode to breakdown the concept of BC (Ballistic Coefficient) and what this number on your box of bullets or ammunition means for you as a hunter and shooter. We discuss what BC is, how it is measured, w...

May 08, 202059 min

222 | Pack Essentials: Shelter & Sleep Systems

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this first episode of the four-part series, we discuss the topics of Shelters & Sleep Systems. If you've been wondering about floorless shelters vs double-wall tents, sleeping bags vs quilts, or other related topics, this discussion is for you. - Budget Gear Li...

May 06, 20201 hr 4 min

MM 62 | Should I upgrade or replace my scope?

If you have a limited budget and are looking to extend the effective range of your rifle, should you consider upgrading or replacing your rifle scope? We answer that listener question with the help of Brenton from Leupold Optics. Do you have a question or topic suggestion for a future episode? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com

May 04, 202020 min

TSS FINALE

The TSS episodes are coming to an end, but keep your questions coming and we will answer them on upcoming Monday Minute episodes... podcast@exomtngear.com

May 01, 202042 min

221 | Precision Reloading, Part 2 - All About Brass

Brass cases are a critical component of a loaded rifle cartridge, and understanding how to properly work with brass cases is a critical aspect of being a safe and successful reloader. In this episode, we discuss what every reloader should know about brass. We answer the questions... - "What is the difference between loading with new brass and previously-fired brass?" - "Is it better to full-length size or 'neck size' brass before loading?" - "When should I trim, chamfer, and deburr brass cases f...

Apr 29, 202047 min

TSS 25 — Finding Water, DIY Dehydrated Meals, Arrow FOC, and more...

How do you find reliable water sources using maps or Google Earth? How do you make your own dehydrated meals for backpacking at home? How do I balance arrow speed, total arrow weight, and FOC (front-of-center) for my arrows? Will Exo offer more color or camo options on packs in the future? Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're ...

Apr 28, 202035 min
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