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, 2021•34 min
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, 2021•1 hr 2 min
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, 2021•52 min
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, 2021•1 hr 8 min
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, 2021•1 hr 6 min
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, 2021•36 min
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, 2021•1 hr 5 min
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, 2021•35 min
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, 2021•56 min
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, 2021•30 min
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, 2021•1 hr 43 min
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, 2021•28 min
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, 2021•44 min
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, 2021•35 min
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, 2021•31 min
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, 2021•22 min
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, 2021•24 min
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, 2021•38 min
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, 2021•27 min
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, 2021•45 min
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, 2021•44 min
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, 2021•56 min
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, 2021•31 min
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, 2021•1 hr 6 min
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, 2021•20 min
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, 2021•1 hr 6 min
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, 2021•1 hr 29 min
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, 2021•30 min
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, 2021•1 hr 2 min
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, 2021•29 min