The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

581 | Hunting for Mental Health with Dr. John Delony

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. John Deloney is a mental health expert, bestselling author, comedian — and, yes, passionate backcountry hunter. In this conversation, we explore...

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 4) — Building A Gear System You Can Trust

17 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this fourth installment of the Backcountry Blueprint series, we dive into data from over 1,500 hunters to identify the true gear failures that end ...

580 | Nutrition Without The Noise: Forget Trends & Find Results

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kyle Kamp — Registered Dietitian, mountain athlete, owner of Valley-to-Peak Nutrition, and friend of Exo — returns to the podcast to discuss nutri...

579 | Our Spring Bear Hunt Story, Tactics, & Gear

11 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this "on-the-road" episode, Steve, Mark, and Justin recap a successful backpack spring bear hunt. The crew discusses the hunt strategy and story, t...

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 3) — Easy & Efficient Mountain Living

03 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Backcountry Blueprint series, we break down real data from 1,500 hunters to uncover the essential skills and knowledge required...

578 | Hunting Mountain Goats on Kodiak Island

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about hunting Mountain Goats on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Our guest, Joey Klutsch, is an Alaska Master Guide and Owner of Katmai...

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 2) — Reasons Your Hunt Might Fail

26 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Backcountry Blueprint series, we break down real data from 1,500 hunters to uncover the most common reasons backcountry hunts f...

577 | Training Q&A with Evoke Endurance

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this bonus Q&A episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, we’re joined again by John from Evoke Endurance to tackle listener questions on train...

576 | Backcountry Insights from the Best Ranger

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, Vince Paikowski, a former Army Ranger and winner of the Best Ranger Competition, joins us to discuss ...

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 1) — 7 Attributes of a Successful Backcountry Hunt

19 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you had an opportunity to ask 1,500 hunters to share the most important reasons they have had success in the backcountry, what do you think they wo...

MM 305 | New Schedule, Plus more on Safety, Shooting, & Scopes

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark announce a new schedule for the Monday Minute episodes and a new series coming to the podcast soon. They also dive into listener ques...

575 | Mental Skills to Master the Mountains

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, mental performance expert Ben explains how hunters can master their "interior world" to overcome pressure and fatigue on demanding ba...

MM 304 | Scouting vs Hunting, Rifle Trends, and Backcountry Rescue

06 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark discuss listener questions about a 5-day elk hunt strategy (scouting, hunting, and packing), what they do for rescue plans and logist...

574 | Building the Mountain Hunter: Physiology, Foundations, and the 20-Week Training Plan

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Frieh from Evoke Endurance joins us to discuss a new 20-week training plan, developed in collaboration with Scott Johnston, specifically designed...

MM 303 | Health, Hot Tents, & Tripod Choices

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark discuss some of their takeaways from the recent, must-listen episode with Andy Galpin. They also answer listener questions about usin...

573 | Everyday Habits for Hunting Performance with Dr. Andy Galpin

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Andy Galpin returns to the show to discuss everyday habits that can help or hinder your performance as a hunter. Topics covered include physical train...

MM 302 | Bears, Bivvies, Practice Questions & More...

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about hunting spring bear after a mild winter, nuances of selecting a type of bivy, determining how much sh...

572 | Hunting Dall Sheep in Alaska's Brooks Range

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we talk about hunting Dall Sheep in the Brooks Range of Alaska. Our guest, Joey Klutsch, is an Alaska Master Guide and Owner of Katma...

MM 301 | Elk Advice, Optics in the USA, Hunting Bans, and More...

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Marks goes solo to answer listener questions about hunting elk off-trail and making noise, why we haven't recommended spotting scopes from Leupold, wh...

571 | New Hip, Late AZ Elk, & More with Josh Kuntz

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Return guest, Josh Kuntz, joins us to discuss his recent hip replacement and his late-season elk hunting in Arizona. We explore the mindset needed to ...

MM 300 | Register for The Experience Challenge

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark discuss the purpose of The Experience Challenge, and how you can join this week. Registration is only open through this Sunday (March...

570 | Sheep Hunt Challenge, Show Recap, & Your Questions

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"Live" from the road, again, Steve kinda-sorta hosts this podcast. We discuss the pre-Challenge for everyone who wants to win the Sheep hunt as part o...

569 | ER Visits, Expo Season, & The Experience Challenge

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"Live" from the road, Steve takes over to host the podcast with Mark and Justin along. You'll hear about Steve's surprise emergency room visit (last n...

568 | Unscripted with Travis Bader of Silvercore Outdoors

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Travis from Silvercore Outdoors joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that covers hunting, firearms training, entrepreneurship, and the importance ...

MM 299 | This AND That

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark discuss upcoming Exo in-person events, the soon-coming Experience Challenge, and answer listener questions about training strength vs...

567 | Calling, Hunting, & Eating Mountain Lions

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a listener of the show, Jim, shares his experience and insights on hunting mountain lions in the Pacific Northwest. He discusses the ...

MM 298 | Hunt Expo Recap, Military Packs, New Bows, and More...

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark are back from Hunt Expo and share some thoughts from the show, and also answer listener-submitted questions about the best K4 Pack Ac...

566 | 10-Day Solo Sheep Hunt in Alaska

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, a listener of the show, Caleb, shares his journey into sheep hunting in Alaska, detailing his first successful solo hunt. He discusse...

MM 297 | Questions about The Experience Challenge, Show Season, & More...

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your questions about The Experience Challenge — discussing the official launch date, participant eligibility, challenge deta...

565 | DIY Elk in CO with Llamas (A Listener Story)

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A listener of the show, Russell, joins us to share the story of a do-it-yourself elk and mule deer in Colorado, which he went on with his Dad, brother...

564 | Mountain Hunting with Master Guide, Joey Klutsch

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we learn from Alaska Master Guide and Owner of Katmai/Aniakchak Guide Service, Joey Klutsch. We discuss the challenges of mountain hu...

MM 296 | Dall Sheep Hunt Giveaway — Announcing The Experience Challenge

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Announcing The Experience Challenge. A challenge where you could win a Dall Sheep or Mountain Goat hunt in Alaska. This is not a raffle. This is not a...

563 | Finding & Protecting Alaska with Bjorn Dihle

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive deep into the vast wilderness of Alaska with Bjorn Dihle, a lifelong Alaska resident and outdoorsman. From the intricacies of...

562 | The Power of Constant Adjustment in Elk Hunting

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jasen, a listener of the show, joins us to share lessons from his elk hunting journey. Over many years of hunting, Jasen has had plenty of success, al...

MM 295 | Q&A from SHOT Show & Sheep Show

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"Live" from the road, we recap the best new gear we saw at SHOT Show, answer listener-submitted questions, and provide updates on K4x and The Experien...

561 | From Cancer to Kodiak: Rob's Inspiring Journey

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Rob shares his journey from being a customer of S&S Archery to becoming a key player in the company. He discusses his transition ...

560 | A New Hunter Goes to Alaska for Caribou (A Listener Story)

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we catch up with Nick as he recounts his transformative caribou hunt in Alaska. We discuss his preparation, including physical traini...

559 | DIY Mountain Goat Hunt in Montana

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last month, we selected the winner of the "Best Moment" category from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Shane, and his brother, Alec, joi...

558 | DIY Mountain Goat Hunt in Coastal British Columbia

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last month, we selected the winner of the Best Pack Photo from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Ryan, joins us today to share the full s...

557 | DIY Non-Resident Dall Sheep Hunt In Alaska

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last month, we selected the winner of the Best Photo Story from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Kenny, joins us today to share the full...

MM 294 | Killing, Packing & Eating Game Meat

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss your questions about how they utilize the meat the...

556 | Looking Back & Moving Forward

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark have a candid conversation about the Hunt Backcountry Podcast and Exo Mtn Gear, discussing their vision, plans, products, and more......

MM 293 | Toothbrushes, Training, & Tripods

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss training for hiking speed, the purpose of carrying...

555 | Petra Hilleberg on Tents, Tradition, & The Future

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Petra Hilleberg joins us to discuss the history and future of Hilleberg, what sets Hilleberg tents apart, and to answer your listener-submitted questi...

554 | Twelve Days of Elk Hunting, A Lifetime of Memories

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A listener of the show, Blake, joins us to share the story of his first elk hunt. Blake spent 12 days in the mountains — learning lessons, gaining e...

MM 292 | Stabilized Spotters, Suppressor Covers, Downhill Knees, and More...

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss image-stabilized spotting scopes and question thei...

553 | Our "Gear of the Year" for 2025

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 hav...

552 | Idaho's New Draw System for Non-Resident Elk & Deer Tags in 2026

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are joined by Tara & Alex from Idaho Fish & Game to discuss the all-new draw process for non-resident general elk and deer...

MM 291 | Meat Damage, Pack Failures, Day Hunts & More...

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss Idaho's new and upcoming non-resident tag applicat...

MM 290 | Exo's Once-A-Year SALE + Kodiak Recap and Q&A

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark just returned from Kodiak and they answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute episode. They also discuss Exo's once...

MM 289 | Live from Kodiak [Explicit]

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us "live" from Foxtail Lodge on Kodiak Island, Alaska. This conversation takes place on the day we arrive, before we begin our weeklong adventure...

551 | Lightning Safety for Hunters

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Jensenius is a former meteorologist and lightning safety expert with the National Weather Service who now works with the National Lightning Safet...

MM 288 | Return to Zero, Travel Packs, & Cold Weather (Plus an Exo Sale Coming?)

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark are back to answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute. They also discuss updates on what is going on at Exo this month — f...

550 | Kicking Cancer & Hunting Mountains (A Listener Story)

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A listener of the show, Klint, joins us to share the story of planning his first mountain hunt, getting diagnosed with aggressive cancer during the pr...

549 | Airlock Industries — Ultralight Hunting Suppressors

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If a suppressor was truly designed for backcountry and mountain hunting, how would it be different from other suppressors on the market? We answer tha...

MM 287 | Your Questions + Hunt Stories w/ Jake

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jake joins Mark to answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute. They also discuss some updates on Jake's hunting season so far this year, stu...

548 | NWT Dall Sheep (After the Hunt)

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A listener of the show, Jim, joins us to share the story of his Dall Sheep hunt in the Northwest Territories. We discuss Jim's experience with travel ...

MM 286 | Steve's Moose Hunt (and Gear), Wet Rifles, InReach Questions

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve is back from his Idaho Moose hunt and joins Mark to discuss takeaways from the hunt. They also dive into listener questions about their use of t...

547 | NWT Dall Sheep (Before the Hunt)

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A listener of the show, Jim, joins us to discuss his Dall Sheep hunt in the Northwest Territories. As you will hear, today's conversation was recorded...

MM 285 | Making Memories, Gear Upgrades, & Losing Animals

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark goes solo to answer your listener-submitted questions about why time "slows down" during backpack hunts, if he would trade his Swarovski ATS spot...

546 | DIY Solo Elk — Highs & Lows (A Listener Story)

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"I just got home from my second year in a row of successful backpack solo elk hunting with the bow — last year with a cow, and this year with my fir...

MM 284 | Motivation, Record (Smallest) Elk, Training, & More

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about Exo Mtn Gear discounts, how to pack a head and antlers, training in the gym, how to ke...

545 | DIY Colorado Bighorn Ram (A Listener Story)

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A listener of the show, Roman, discovered that he had drawn a Bighorn Ram tag in his home state of Colorado. As a relatively new hunter and someone wh...

MM 283 | Unscripted Q&A

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark go Unscripted and answer your listener-submitted questions. Topics covered include lightning safety, air mattresses and inflators (ye...

544 | Gear Care for Performance & Longevity with Nikwax

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As serious backcountry hunters, we invest hundreds of dollars... Scratch that. Who are we kidding? Most of us have invested thousands of dollars in ou...

MM 282 | Archery vs Rifle Elk, Bow Carry Method, Condensation Prevention

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark discuss their recent elk hunt and answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. Topics covered incl...

MM 281 | Pin-Pointing Bugles, Photo Contest, Cleaning Game, DIY Meals, and More...

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They also announced a new Exo Experience Photo Contes...

543 | Adventure, Aging, & Hunt Stories with Chris Denham

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Denham is a long-overdue guest to join us on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast. We speak with Chris about his history and longevity in the hunting in...

542 | Resilience, Joint Health, & Sleep with Dr. Andy Galpin

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Andy Galpin returns to the Hunt Backcountry Podcast to discuss joint health, sleep, resilience, and other elements that intersect the worlds of hu...

MM 280 | New $10 Shirts & Hats, Solo Elk Packouts, & Optics Questions

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They also announce all-new, at-cost logo gear, includ...

541 | "Custom" Rifle Misconceptions with Tenacity Arms

29 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The term "custom rifle" is grossly overused. Just because a rifle is purchased from a gun builder and not off the shelf at your local store, doesn't m...

540 | Learn to Field Judge with the HornScore App

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To accurately field judge an animal, you need a solid understanding of the species' characteristics and known reference points, as well as a lot of ex...

MM 279 | Post-Hunt Notes, Knife vs Saw, Best Days to Hunt Elk, and More...

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions and chat on some notes from their recent hunts. They discuss optics, tripods and heads, battery-saving...

539 | Post-Hunt Notes: Mark's Fall Bear

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark recently returned from a fall bear hunt, and in this episode, he shares his notes on lessons learned, new gear tested, items that need to be repl...

538 | A Meat Science Deep-Dive + Q&A

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sierra Jepsen is a Meat Scientist and owner of Butcher Solutions, LLC. She returns to the show to take a deeper dive into meat science and also answer...

537 | Lessons from 8 Years of Archery Elk Success

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features a listener of the show, Jordan, who killed an elk with his bow for 8 years straight. We discuss what Jordan has learned over yea...

MM 278 | New Gear, Stalking Deer, Archery Elk Podcasts, & More...

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about backpacking with kids, hunt plans, best week of September for archery mule deer, stalk...

536 | DIY Dall Sheep in Alaska (Before the Hunt)

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most sheep hunt stories either include a guide or the hard-earned experience of a die-hard, do-it-yourself sheep nut. But for Erik and his buddy, Evan...

MM 277 | More Bow Tuning, Best Sun Hoody, Animal Recovery, and more...

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about bow tuning, even if broadheads are hitting with field points, suggestions on base laye...

535 | CrossFit Champion to Elk Passion with Rich Froning

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For four years straight, Rich Froning was considered "the fittest man on earth"  as he dominated the CrossFit Games competition. After retiring from ...

534 | Elk Week, Kids Hunts, & Bears with Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trent Fisher from Born & Raised Outdoors joins us to discuss elk hunting, his experience getting his kids into hunting, and judging big black bear...

MM 276 | Archery Elk Gear, Tire Drags, Swaro ATC, & More...

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about backcountry hygiene, the Swarovski ATC compact spotter, tire drags with the K4 Frame, ...

533 | Technical Bowhunting with Darin Cooper

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former archery engineer, competitive shooter, and accomplished hunter, Darin Cooper (@darin_cooper) comes back to The Hunt Backcountry Podcast. We dis...

MM 275 | Manifesting Elk, Beginner Questions, Bow Carry, Battery vs Solar, and More...

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about power banks vs solar panels, how to dry and care for water bladders, and things first-...

532 | CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! (Big Giveaway + Exo Discount)

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We launched the very first episode of The Hunt Backcountry podcast exactly 10 years ago, on July 16, 2015. To celebrate 10 years of the podcast, we...

MM 274 | Knife Sharpening, Backpacking Light, Removing Reviews, and More...

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about how we sharpen our hunting knives, Mark's lessons from his mountain bike race, why S&a...

531 | Nick, Part 1 (New Hunter, Elk Hunting Bootcamp, Prepping For Alaska)

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A listener of the show, Nick, joins us to discuss his recent experience at an elk hunting bootcamp, how he is preparing for his first trip to Alaska f...

MM 273 | Base Bottoms vs Puffy Pants, Meat & CWD, Which Broadhead, and More...

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about using base layer bottoms vs puffy pants, eating game meat from CWD areas, the broadhea...

530 | Hunting Apparel We Designed, Tested, & Refined with Outdoor Vitals

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For the past 2+ years, we have been working on some apparel pieces with the guys at Outdoor Vitals. After extensive testing and refinement of the desi...

MM 272 | Archery Follow-Up Shots, Rifle Carry, Spotting Scopes, and More...

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about taking follow-up shots when bowhunting, tips for carrying a rifle (stock or folding ch...

529 | What Broadhead Should You Shoot This Season? (No BS Reviews...)

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures joins us to discuss priorities for broadhead selection, what he has learned from independently testing and rankin...

MM 271 | Backpacking Food, Shooting + Glassing Heads, Boot Care, and More...

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about food for backpack hunts, bear meat recipes, tripod heads for shooting and glassing, bo...

528 | DIY Alaska Black Bear Hunt (A Listener Story)

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is a great listener hunt story with Ryan, about his do-it-yourself black bear hunt in Alaska. We discuss how Ryan planned this hunt, the logistic...

MM 270 | Keep It Public, Water Filters, Suppressors, Optics, & More...

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions and discuss some timely topics. They cover another attempt to sell public lands, what's goin...

527 | Nate Simmons on Advanced Archery, Stalking Strategy, Filming Hunts, and More...

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nate Simmons joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that includes a deep-dive into advanced archery, stalking strategies on mule deer, the key to hi...

MM 269 | Rucking & Training Qs, Outdoor Vitals Discount, and More...

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about footwear for training vs hunting, the best way to load weight for rucking, what they c...

526 | Follow-Up on "Bowhunter Data" with Jeremy Dugger

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremy Dugger (@muleymojo) returns to answer your questions after he recently joined us to discuss the data he has collected from 500+ bowhunters on b...

MM 268 | New Things Coming, Backpacking with Kids, Packing Rifle Rounds, and More...

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about packing sleep systems, shelter choice for backpacking and hunting with kids, training ...

525 | How To Load Your Pack for a Multi-Day Backpack Hunt

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How you load your pack matters. The way you load your gear can help or hinder the pack's performance, and it can also make you a more efficient hunter...

MM 267 | Multicam Pre-Order, Garage Sale, Steve's Pet Peeve, & Your Qs

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about updates on our footwear choices, if gear noise scares animals away, our gear list for ...