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

MM 117 | Opening Day Success, Rifle Scopes, Cold-Weather Gloves

We're back with a Monday Minute episode to answer your questions and hear a recent hunting story. We cover glove options for cold-weather hunts, what rifle scopes we're running these days, and much more... EXO EXPERIENCE CONTEST: https://ExoMtnGear.com/Experience Items mentioned in this episode... - Katabatic Quilt: https://katabaticgear.com/collections/quilts - Ragg Wool Gloves: https://amzn.to/3veEbRL - SIG KILO8K-ABS Rangefinder: https://www.sigsauer.com/kilo8k-abs.html - WeatherFlow Meter: h...

Oct 11, 202134 min

311 | Post Hunt: Steve’s Sheep from the Frank Church Wilderness

Steve is back from the Frank Church Wilderness after a successful Bighorn Sheep hunt. On that hunt, Steve was joined by his good friend Tyler Boschma, and together they notched Steve's once-in-a-lifetime Idaho Bighorn tag, then proceeded to complete the 21-mile packout to an airstrip, allowing them to get flown out of the wilderness. Steve and Tyler (now known together as "Aerosmith") share the ups-and-downs of the hunt, discuss the challenges of hunting in "The Frank", provide the play-by-play ...

Sep 29, 20211 hr 2 min

310 | A Warm Winter Hunt for Javelina & Deer

Expand your hunting opportunity and head south this winter to hunt javelina (and deer!). If you are looking to expand your hunting horizons, a winter trip to the Southwest could be just what you're looking for. In this conversation we hear about the hunting opportunities for Javelina, how to acquire tags and plan your trip, how to e-scout, and what tactics you should use when hunting Javelina. SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience. This month, in September of 2021, the Exo...

Sep 22, 202152 min

309 | Post Hunt: Wife, Mother, & Archery Elk Hunter

She's a wife, mother, and archery elk hunter. Kimber and her husband, Richard, join us to talk about their recent archery elk hunt in Idaho. In addition to hearing the hunting story and what they learned from this hunt, we also speak with Kimber about her perspective as a female that hunts the backcountry. SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience. This month, in September of 2021, the Exo Experience prizes are from Spartan Precision: https://javelinbipod.com Search the Podcas...

Sep 15, 20211 hr 8 min

308 | Post Hunt: High Country Archery Mule Deer with Josh Kirchner

Mark has an unscripted conversation with Josh Kirchner (@dialedinhunter) about Josh's recent weeklong high country archery mule deer hunt in Utah. You'll hear the highs and lows of the story, the lessons learned, the perspective of bringing along someone that is new to high country mule deer hunting, and much more... SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience. This month, in September of 2021, the Exo Experience prizes are from Spartan Precision: https://javelinbipod.com Josh's...

Sep 08, 20211 hr 6 min

MM 116 | Splitting & Cooking Meals, Steve’s Sheep Report, Late-Season Shelters

We answer your questions about cooking dehydrated and freeze-dried meals in the backcountry. We hear about Steve's first trip into the Frank for his Bighorn Sheep hunt. And we discuss shelter choices for late-season hunts, including some of the pros/cons of a stove tent. EXO EXPERIENCE CONTEST: https://ExoMtnGear.com/Experience Resourced mentioned in this show: - Ziploc freezer bags: https://amzn.to/3920DTT - Resealable foil pouch food bags: https://amzn.to/3zWZLvq Share your question for the sh...

Sep 07, 202136 min

307 | ”Perseverance” — A Listener’s Elk Hunting Story

A listener of the podcast, Matt, joins us to share the story of his 2020 elk hunt. Despite many challenges leading up to, and throughout the hunt, Matt persevered on a tough solo hunt and found success. We break down the pre-hunt planning, how Matt adapted through challenges, what the actual hunt taught him, and what he learned after filling his elk tag while solo hunting. SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience This month, in September of 2021, the Exo Experience prizes are...

Sep 01, 20211 hr 5 min

MM 115 | The Exo Experience (A contest, and more...)

For all of us at Exo, the experience is the most important part of the hunt. The experience may be the thrill of an elk bugling, the stalking of an unknowing mule deer, an epic sunrise from a mountain vista, the challenge of pushing through difficult conditions and testing your limits, a heavy pack-out at the end of a successful hunt, and even all of the pre-planning that happens leading up to a backcountry adventure. Join us in the Exo Experience contest by sharing the favorite moments of your ...

Aug 30, 202135 min

306 | Rob Gearing of Spartan Precision

We thoroughly enjoyed Rob's previous appearance on the podcast and had to get him back for more. In his first episode with us (https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/177), Rob discussed his history as a mountaineer and how he confronted risk, fear, and discomfort. In this conversation, we learn more about Rob's background as a mountaineer, how that background influenced his product design philosophy, the unique benefits of Spartan's product offerings, and some practical tips for shooting in the mo...

Aug 25, 202156 min

MM 114 | How To Get Under A Heavy Pack, How Heavy Is Too Heavy?, and More...

Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on how to best use and load your pack for upcoming hunts. We talk about techniques to get under a heavy pack and get on your feet, the importance of how you load and organize your pack with gear, and how heavy is too heavy for a multi-day hunt. Resources mentioned in this show: - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-load-your-hunting-pack - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/free-hunting-gear-list-spreadsheet Share your question for the show...

Aug 23, 202130 min

305 | The Elk Nut — Paul Medel talks Age, Calling, Pressure, and More...

One of our favorite guests, Paul the "Elk Nut" Medel, returns to talk about hunting at his age (66), how he trains to hunt elk at his age, how elk hunters should deal with hunting pressure, what elk hunters get wrong on calling, and much more. If you want to hear more from Paul, check out these previous episodes: - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/036 - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/037 - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/093 - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/138 Get the ElkNu...

Aug 18, 20211 hr 43 min

MM 113 | Pack Training Stinks, Elk Week Giveaway, UL Pan Head

Jake joins Mark & Steve to answer listener questions about pre-season pack training with your hunting pack, some weight-saving options for tripod pan heads, traveling with meat, and more. ELK WEEK Giveaway launches tonight (08/16) on the Born & Raised YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/BROYouTube Resources mentioned in this episode... - https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/nighthawk - https://sandsarchery.com/collections/lightweight-tripods - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/254 Shar...

Aug 16, 202128 min

304 | ELK WEEK: Everything Elk Q&A

We wrap-up ELK WEEK 2021 with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors, as we answer your questions for an "Everything Elk" Q&A session. The ELK WEEK Video & Giveaway launches Monday, August 16, on the Born & Raised Outdoors YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/BROYouTube Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Aug 13, 202144 min

303 | ELK WEEK: How to use thermals, cover country, and use your limited time...

Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the fourth of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors to tackle the most important and most common elk hunting questions that we have received from you all. In this episode, we talk about how to use thermals, cover country, and make the best use of your limited time in the elk woods. We talk about how to plan your day while elk hunting. If you should select your calling loca...

Aug 12, 202135 min

302 | ELK WEEK: How to deal with hunting pressure and still fill your elk tag...

Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the third of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors to tackle the most important and most common elk hunting questions that we have received from you all. In this third episode, we talk about how to deal with hunting pressure while elk hunting. We answer your questions about hunting pressure, including... Do you change calling tactics with pressured elk? How much hunting pr...

Aug 11, 202131 min

301 | ELK WEEK: How to hunt elk with a partner, or in a group...

Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the second of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors to tackle the most important and most common elk hunting questions that we have received from you all. In this second episode, we talk about how to hunt elk effectively with a partner or in a group. This conversation will give you tips for caller-and-shooter setups, how to communicate with your hunting partner in the pres...

Aug 10, 202122 min

300 | ELK WEEK: How to know if you’re on the right track...

Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the first of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors to tackle the most important and most common elk hunting questions that we have received from you all. In this first episode, we talk about how to know if you're on the right track as an elk hunter. If you are a struggling elk hunter with limited, inconsistent, or non-existent success in the elk woods, this episode is for ...

Aug 09, 202124 min

299 | Expert Roundtable: Game-Changing Gear

What gear truly matters to you and makes the biggest difference in your hunting? If you had a limited budget and were starting all over as a hunter, where would you focus your spending? We answer these questions in the final installment of our 5-part Expert Roundtable series. Roundtable Guests: Jeff Bloomquist, Darin Cooper (https://rentoutdoorgear.com/), Billy Molls (https://billymollsadventures.com/), Charlie Perry, and Steve Speck (https://exomtngear.com) Search the Podcast Archive: https://e...

Aug 06, 202138 min

298 | Expert Roundtable: Mistakes That Made Me Better

We ask our panel of guests, What lessons have you learned the hard way? Is there a specific story where you made a mistake that you commonly refer back to, or have learned from in a way that changes how you have hunted ever since? This is Part 4 of the 5-part Expert Roundtable series. Be sure to tune in to the previous episodes, and also look for the next and final episode to complete this series. Roundtable Guests: Jeff Bloomquist, Darin Cooper (https://rentoutdoorgear.com/), Billy Molls (https...

Aug 05, 202127 min

297 | Expert Roundtable: The Key to Consistency

What is the key to consistency in hunting? For hunters that continue to find success on more hunts than not, what do they attribute that success to? If they were to boil it all down, does their consistency come from their pre-season planning and scouting, their knowledge of animal behavior and hunting techniques, their hunting instincts, or something else? Those are the questions we ask our expert roundtable in today's episode. This is Part 3 of the 5-part Expert Roundtable series. Be sure to tu...

Aug 04, 202145 min

296 | Expert Roundtable: Unconventional Wisdom & Tactics

What are some hunting tactics or strategies that you use, which may seem counterintuitive, go against conventional wisdom, or be undervalued in common hunting advice? Or, what are some animal patterns and behaviors that you observe which seem to go against common thought patterns that hunters have? What do you do, or how do you hunt, differently than hunters may expect? Those are the questions we ask our expert roundtable in today's episode. This is Part 2 of the 5-part Expert Roundtable series....

Aug 03, 202144 min

295 | Expert Roundtable: The Final Moment Mindset

When the hunt really becomes a hunt and you're in the final moments before a shot opportunity, what is your "Final Moment Mindset"? We answer this question with 5 expert hunters to understand how they effectively perform in the final, and most important, moments of a hunt. This episode is the first of five episodes in our Expert Roundtable series. In the next episode (296), we will ask our roundtable guests about any unconventional wisdom or tactics that they practice in the field. Roundtable Gu...

Aug 02, 202156 min

MM 112 | Live with Born & Raised Outdoors

Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors. The BRO crew shares their secrets to consistency in the elk woods, what lessons they've learned the hard way, and much more. We also share some exciting news about new podcasts, videos, and giveaways to be released in the coming weeks before opening day. Born & Raised Outdoors: https://bornandraisedoutdoors.com/ Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: https://exomtngear.com/...

Jul 30, 202131 min

294 | Seven Years of Struggle — A Listener Story

You've invested plenty of time, energy, and money into elk hunting, but what do you have to show for it? If you're a struggling elk hunter, you're not alone. On this episode, we're joined by a listener of the podcast that shares his multi-year journey of elk hunting. We discuss what he's learned along the way and what keeps him going in the midst of the struggle and setbacks. There is a lot to learn and take away from this conversation, including practical tips, a helpful mindset, and some advic...

Jul 28, 20211 hr 6 min

MM 111 | Creedmoor vs PRC, Bow Temperature, Backcountry Power, and More...

Steve & Mark answer listener questions, including... Why did they chose 6.5 Creedmoor over 6.5 PRC? What affects will extreme temperatures have on your bow? How much power is needed to recharge electronics in the backcountry? Do they ever use ice axes instead of trekking poles? And how long could they survive in the wilderness on their own? Mark's Article on 6.5 Creedmoor vs 6.5 PRC: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/creedmoor-vs-prc Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.co...

Jul 26, 202120 min

293 | All About Glassing — Optics Gear, Strategies, and Skills

In this episode, we are joined by our buddy, JD Ponciano. As a hunter, guide, and experienced professional in the optics industry, JD has a wealth of knowledge on optics. He has both intimate knowledge of glassing gear, as well as extensive first-hand knowledge of putting optics to use in the field. We speak with JD about everything from optics selection, to glassing strategies, to optics support and accessories. Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: h...

Jul 21, 20211 hr 6 min

292 | Our Complete Gear List for Backcountry Hunting (6 Years Later...)

Six years ago, on Episode 004, Steve and Mark went line-by-line through their gear lists and discussed what they packed for backpack hunts. In this episode, they revisit their gear list and compare it to what they packed back then. They not only discuss the gear that's changed, but also how their mindset has changed in certain ways. FREE Backpack Hunting Gear List Template (Spreadsheet) — If you want a resource to help you plan easier and pack smarter, get our gear list template... https://ExoMt...

Jul 14, 20211 hr 29 min

MM 110 | Gear You Don’t Need, Hunting Burnout, Bow Care in the Backcountry

We answer your listener questions on bow storage and care in the backcountry, dealing with burn-out or stress as hunting season approaches, and what gear shouldn't be in your pack. What gear did you used to pack that you no longer bring? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Jul 12, 202130 min

291 | Shelter Design & Selection for Backpack Hunting

As a backcountry hunter, it is critical to select a shelter that meets your needs, accommodates your preferences, and is built to withstand what nature may throw at you. In this episode, we are joined by Henry Shires of TarpTent to discuss shelter design and selection for backpack hunting. We not only cover some of the unique design elements of TarpTent shelters, but we also speak about shelter design and selection in general. The questions we answer on this episode include... - What are the dif...

Jul 07, 20211 hr 2 min

MM 109 | Gear List Spreadsheet, Custom Nalgene Lid, To Upgrade or Not?

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on this Monday Minute show. Questions on topics covered include a new Nalgene lid option that allows you to run a drinking tube from the bottle, how to be a useful member of a new hunting camp, using a spreadsheet template to manage your gear list, when to upgrade your bow or other gear, and if flagging tape is worth packing. Resources mentioned in this episode... - Nalgene Lid: https://www.hardsidehydration.com/ - Lighter Pack: https://lighterpack.com/...

Jul 05, 202129 min
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