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

386 | All-New K4 Pack Systems — Coming Soon

We can finally talk about it! After 3+ years in development, all-new K4 Pack Systems are launching this Spring. In this conversation, Steve & Mark talk about the origins of K4, what they learned over the past several years of development on K4, and what is to come with K4 Packs this year. K4 Updates & Giveaway — https://exomtngear.com/K4 Ask us a question about K4 — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

Jan 25, 20231 hr 4 min

385 | After the Hunt — Elk Season...Is This THE Year?

Today's episode is another "After" podcast from the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Justin first joined us in Episode 362 (https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/362), to tell us about his plan as he went into his third season hunting elk, and the continued pursuit to kill his first elk. Today, he tells us how his elk season went. His fall involved numerous unexpected surprises, new challenges, and success that he didn't originall...

Jan 23, 202358 min

384 | After the Hunt — Adak Island Alaskan Adventure

Today's episode is another "After" podcast from the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Dylan first joined us in Episode 361 (https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/361), to tell us about a hunt he was planning with his father, Brad, for an adventure on Adak Island, Alaska. In today's episode, Dylan and Brad join us to tell us all about their experience, the success they had, the lessons they learned, and more. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https:...

Jan 18, 202356 min

MM 162 | Unscripted with Chris Way

Instead of a Q&A Monday Minute episode, Mark has an unscripted conversation with shooter and critical-thinker, Chris Way. They discuss a variety of topics around rifle shooting and practical practice and assessment for hunters. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Chris' Previous Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/275 - The Rifle Kraft Drill: https://riflekraft.com/ - Chris' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunaroundthesun/ LEAVE A MESSAGE or question for a future Monday Min...

Jan 16, 20231 hr 30 min

383 | After the Hunt — Zoe’s Very First Hunt

Today's episode is another "After" podcast from the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Our guest, Zoe, joined us in Episode 366 (https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/366), as we learned about the journey leading up to Zoe's first-ever hunt. As a brand new hunter, Zoe has a great perspective to share. In the weeks and months leading up to her hunt, she had some amazing opportunities to gain first-hand experience. We talk about that,...

Jan 11, 20231 hr 7 min

MM 161 | Silencer Central Experience, Bivy Setups, Shooting Off Tripods, & Tracking Hikes

Mark runs solo on this Monday Minute to answer questions on suppressors and his experience using Silencer Central. He also answers a listener question on how he tracks his training hikes, including how he uses his Garmin watch and sync's that with Strava. Mark also discusses the use of the VA-5 tripod head for shooting a rifle, and why it isn't ideal. Finally, he discusses why he chose the Katabatic Gear Pinon bivy, and when he uses that bivy instead of other shelter options. Resources mentioned...

Jan 09, 202340 min

382 | Tag Sales, Big Game Management, and more with Idaho Fish & Game

This is a wide-ranging conversation with Toby Boudreau, Deer & Elk Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. We discuss Idaho's recent non-resident tag sale, why Idaho doesn't have a preference/bonus point system, how Idaho's elk and deer tag allocations are managed, the status of CWD in Idaho, the latest information on Idaho's wolf populations, and much more. Toby's previous appearance on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, "Wolves and Wolf Hunting" — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/pod...

Jan 04, 20231 hr 8 min

MM 160 | ”Pro” vs Public, True Cost of Hunting Gear, Archery at 85 Yards

On this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer your listener questions. Today's topics include "Pro Staff" vs everyday hunters, and the value of influencers for Exo Mtn Gear. A listener asks about the true cost of hunting gear, and what to do when it feels like good gear is out of reach. One bowhunter asks about bow sight setup, how many pins are ideal, and is there any reason to shoot your bow at 85-yards (or further). Come see us next week, January 12-14, at the Sheep Show in Reno, NV ...

Jan 02, 202329 min

MM 159 | Nominate a MIL Member, Stay Active This Winter, Quick Rifle Support

On this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer your listener questions. But first, they tell you about a generous, anonymous donor, who wants to gift an Exo Mtn Gear K3 4800 Pack System to a military member for Christmas. Know of a deserving military service member (active or veteran) that could use a good pack? Send an email nomination to podcast@exomtngear.com before December 22, 2022. Include the nominee's name, contact information, and a brief explanation telling us why you are nomin...

Dec 19, 202218 min

381 | Engineered Gear from New Zealand’s Rugged Mountains

As an engineer and mountain hunter, Matt Vincent is always looking for ways to improve his gear. Lighter, stronger, more efficient. That pursuit led Matt to design and produce his own gear, which he sells via MTNGear.us (and MtnGear.nz) We speak with Matt about his life in New Zealand, the hunting opportunities there, and how his personal pursuits in NZ's rugged mountains lead to his products — including the MTNStick and the MTNGear Bipod. https://www.mtngear.us/ https://www.mtngear.nz/ $10,000 ...

Dec 14, 20221 hr 23 min

MM 158 | Idaho Elk Tags & Strategy, Bipod vs Shooting Sticks, Exo Bag Design

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss Idaho's recent non-resident tag sale, the best strategy for two hunters each filling their elk tags on the same hunt, when to choose a bipod or shooting sticks for a rifle hunt, and why there isn't a horseshoe zipper on every Exo bag design. $10,000 Giveaway — https://exomtngear.com/giveaway — Enter before December 23, 2022 More links mentioned in this episode... - https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/...

Dec 12, 202233 min

380 | After the Hunt — Texas to Idaho for Elk

Today's episode is another "After" podcast from the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Our guest, Taylor, joined us in Episode 358, as he was making plans for his first elk hunt in Idaho. Taylor's plans for the hunt changed after that podcast, which you will hear about. We also detail the hunt story, the lessons Taylor learned, and why he is better equipped for success next year. Listen in and you will find some valuable lessons as...

Dec 07, 202251 min

$10,000 Giveaway to Highlight Independent Outdoor Companies

At a time when corporations and investment groups are overtaking small companies, and the algorithms of social media giants are making it harder for small businesses to communicate with customers, we want to highlight independent brands in the outdoors and hunting industry. Join our $10,000 Gear Giveaway to support independent companies that we know, trust, and believe are worthy of your support. THE GIVEAWAY — https://exomtngear.com/giveaway

Dec 05, 202218 min

379 | Unconventional Success (A Listener Story...)

After an unconventional start to his big game hunting experience, Jim had some unconventional hunting success this past fall. Jim, who is a listener of the show and an everyday hunter from Tennessee, joins us on this episode to share the story of his Montana elk and mule deer hunt from this past fall. This unconventional success story is entertaining, informational, and inspiring. LEAVE A MESSAGE: http://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exo...

Nov 30, 20221 hr 18 min

MM 156 | Young Kid, Big Buck. Giveaway Coming. Best Hunting Show.

Mark and Steve are joined by co-co-Host, Jakey. They tell the story of Jake's mule deer season, his younger brother's big buck, and what Jake learned on this coveted tag. Before they all get to work catching up from Exo's recent once-a-year sale, they also answer listener questions about the best hunting show. No, not a TV show, but the best in-person show or "expo" to attend for big game hunters. Don't miss the BIG giveaway launching next week. Sign-up to become an Exo Insider to get notified w...

Nov 28, 202222 min

20% OFF at Exo Mtn Gear Starts NOW

20% OFF for a limited-time. All Exo Mtn Gear packs, accessories, and logo gear is on sale. That also includes Hunt Backcountry Podcast logo gear! SAVE NOW: https://exomtngear.com/sale We will be back to regular podcasts next week. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Nov 21, 20223 min

378 | After the Hunt — Rookies Hunting Fall Bear in NM

Today's episode is another "After" podcast from the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Our guest, Jeff, joined us in Episode 365, before joined a group of guys to hunt bears in New Mexico. Their hunt did not go according to plan, but they learned some extremely valuable lessons from their experience — and in this episode, you can learn from those lessons and experiences. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or pod...

Nov 16, 20221 hr 17 min

MM 154 | 7PRC vs 7SAUM, Spotting Scope Review, Active Insulation Mid-Layers

Save 20% on all Exo Mtn Gear purchases — SALE BEGINS 11/21/22. Limited-time and limited quantities. Sign-up to get notified when the sale begins... EXO SALE NOTIFICATION: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter On this solo Monday Minute, Mark answers your listener questions. Topics include Swarovski's new compact spotting scopes (ATC and STC), and how they compare to the rest of the best spotters on the market. Watch the spotting scope review and comparison video with Steve Speck and Rob McConnell fr...

Nov 14, 202240 min

377 | The Best Gear We Used in 2022

Like most backcountry hunters, we are passionate about the gear we use. At the end of each year, we like to highlight some of the favorite gear we have used for hunts throughout the year and discuss why those particular items made a difference for us personally. In this episode, Steve & Mark share the best gear they used in 2022. Visit https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/2022-gear-of-the-year to view all of the gear discussed in today's episode, as well as to see previous Gear of the Year s...

Nov 09, 202248 min

MM 153 | Exo Sale, Reloading, Clothing & Sleeping, Steve’s Solo Elk

Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions about upcoming Exo sales, pack fabrics, whether to hunt elk or bear for a first-time western hunter, if clothing should be considered part of a sleep system, and questions on reloading for precision rifles. They also talk about Steve's recent solo elk hunt and packing-out meat with a dirt bike. Get details on the Exo sale coming later this month: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Share your question about reloading (or anything else): https://...

Nov 07, 202232 min

376 | After the Hunt — Early Rifle Mule Deer in Colorado

Today's episode is another "After" podcast from the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Our guest, Ryan, joined us in Episode 359, before he and two of his buddies from Wisconsin headed into the high country of Colorado to hunt Mule Deer this past September. In this conversation with Ryan we hear the hunt story, lessons learned, and much more. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast E...

Nov 02, 202250 min

MM 152 | We’re Not Paid, Steve’s Buck, Cold-Weather Boots

Steve & Mark talk about Steve's recent Mule Deer hunt, why they don't take any money from sponsors or affiliates for the podcast, and how they deal with insulated boots for cold weather and late-season hunts. ASK A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry OR podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Oct 31, 202224 min

375 | Rugged Rifle Scopes for Hunting with Nightforce Optics

After independently choosing to use Nightforce scopes, Steve and Mark wanted to chat with the Nightforce crew to learn more about the company's history, what is behind their tagline of "Rugged. Reliable. Repeatable.", and to answer your listener questions about riflescopes. Whether you are looking to learn more about Nightforce rifle scopes in particular, or want to understand more about the design, manufacturing, and function of rifle scopes in general, you will enjoy this conversation. LEAVE A...

Oct 26, 20221 hr 8 min

MM 151 | Lessons from Failure, Mental Toughness, Best Water Filter

Steve & Mark recount their recent Idaho elk hunt and connect their experience to a listener question about developing mental toughness. How do you stay positive and keep hunting hard when the weather, animals, and other elements of the hunt don't go your way? They also talk about their choice in water filter systems between the Sawyer Squeeze, Katadyn BeFree, and Platypus Quickdraw. - Katadyn BeFree: https://amzn.to/3CZkotz - Hydrapak Seeker Water Storage: https://amzn.to/3TxDwGi (Compatible...

Oct 24, 202230 min

374 | After the Hunt — Dall Sheep in the Brooks Range

Today's episode is the first "After" podcast from the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Our guest, Joseph, joined us in Episode 364, before he went on his Dall Sheep hunt in the Brooks Range of Alaska. In today's conversation, Joseph shares the hunt story, lessons learned, and much more. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Oct 19, 202259 min

373 | Mark’s Mountain Goat Adventure in Alaska

Having just returned from a challenging but successful Mountain Goat hunt in Southeast Alaska, Mark joins Steve to tell the entire story on this podcast episode. As you will hear, this hunt was quite an adventure, with a lot of ups-and-downs over nine days. See photos from the hunt, get Mark's complete gear list, read some of his lessons-learned, and see the new and notable gear that Mark used... https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/alaska-mountain-goat-hunting-gear-list The Hunt Crew: - Mark Hu...

Oct 12, 20221 hr 27 min

MM 150 | Answering Your Questions About Mark’s Rifle

Mark answers listener questions about his custom rifle build, which he initially discussed in Episode 370, and also documented in this article: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/custom-hunting-rifle-build In this episode, Mark answers questions on the total cost of the rifle, the recoil of shooting a lightweight magnum rifle, spotting impacts, the speeds and maximum effective range of the rifle, the benefits of short barrels, how to configure ballistics for different environments, and more. A...

Oct 10, 202236 min

372 | Lone Goat, Part 2 with Shane Vander Giessen

In the previous episode, Shane told us about his 2021 mountain goat hunt in his home state of Washington. In this episode, Shane is fresh off of his 2022 mountain goat hunt in Southeast Alaska. He harvested a beautiful B&C billy with his bow, dealt with 5-inches of rain in a single day, and learned some lessons throughout the adventure. Tune-in to hear the whole story. Connect with Shane: https://www.instagram.com/lonegoatmedia/ LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podca...

Oct 05, 20221 hr

371 | Lone Goat, Part 1 with Shane Vander Giessen

Shane Vander Giessen has been fascinated with Mountain Goats from a young age. After decades of dreaming for an opportunity, he finally, and fortunately, got the chance to hunt them. What unfolded was a wild adventures; which is often the case when hunting mountain goats. Tune in to hear why Shane is fascinated with the species and what made his pursuit of his first goat so special. Next week, you'll hear about another long-shot opportunity that came Shane's way as he hunted mountain goats in Al...

Sep 28, 20221 hr 7 min

370 | My Custom Rifle — What I Built, What I Learned...

Mark takes a deep-dive into the custom rifle that he built a couple of years ago. What did he build, what did he change, how has it performed, and what did he learn along the way? To see this rifle, read more about his experience with it, and get links to all of the components, go to: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/custom-hunting-rifle-build ASK A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry OR podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Sep 21, 20221 hr 10 min
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