The Hunt Backcountry Podcast
Episodes
MM 217 | Spring Bear Qs & Final Death Hike Prep
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the final podcast before their annual Death Hike, Steve and Mark chat briefly about the last-minute forecast, the decisions they are making, and ho...
453 | Your Suppressor Questions Answered
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"What questions do you have about selecting, purchasing, owning, and hunting with a suppressor?" That is what we asked our followers on Instagram. And...
452 | Colorado Parks & Wildlife (Your Questions, Misconceptions, and More...)
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are interested in hunting big game in Colorado in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak with John and Brandon from Colorado Parks ...
MM 216 | Boots, Bow, & Rifles
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions about footwear for the Death Hike, their boot choice for early season archer...
MM 215 | Questions with a Kodiak Guide
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our friend, Nolan Cook, is a hunting and fishing guide based on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He joins us on the podcast to answer some listener-submitted qu...
451 | Will Shooting NRL Hunter Matches Help Your Hunting?
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Will shooting an NRL Hunter match help you become a more effective hunter? Or are these matches all about competition that doesn't replicate hunting? ...
MM 214 | Sleeping Pad Warmth, DIY Dehydrated Meals, and More...
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions about the warmth and performance of sleeping pads, making your own dehydrate...
450 | Montana Mountain Goat Hunt (A Listener Story)
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Any opportunity to hunt mountain goats is unique. They are fascinating animals that live in amazing terrain. For today's guest, Colter, the idea of dr...
MM 213 | The Experience Project (+ 10 Years of Exo)
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are launching something NEW! Tune in to hear Steve and Mark share their vision for The Experience Project. Help us make The Experience Project the...
449 | Sheep Hunting Gear List + Q&A
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Mark runs solo to answer your questions about gear from his Dall Sheep hunt in Alaska. In addition to answering those specific liste...
MM 212 | Your Qs on Sleep Systems, Drying-Out, & Training
04 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions about sleeping yourself dry in a down sleeping bag, thoughts on new center-z...
448 | After the Hunt — Montana Deer & Elk Combo
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We continue the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be...
MM 211 | Choosing Elk vs Deer. Using 6.5 Creedmoor for Elk. And more...
26 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions about choosing to prioritize your hunting focus on specific species (in this...
447 | Confidence, Consistency, and Choices in Gear with Jay Nichol
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jay Nichol of Mindful Hunter returns to the podcast to discuss his 2023 season, and the lessons he has learned about confidence, consistency, and choi...
446 | Frank Church Bighorn Sheep Hunt of a Lifetime
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After drawing a once-in-a-lifetime Bighorn Sheep tag in Idaho, and having an amazing experience on the hunt, Jason joins us on the podcast to tell the...
MM 210 | What We Saw (and Heard) at Hunt Expo. Plus thoughts on bow length and stability.
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are back from Hunt Expo and are answering your listener questions, including questions about what we experienced at Hunt Expo, the best new product...
445 | Late-Season Trophy Elk Hunt in MT (A Listener Story)
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is a great conversation on the realities of hunting late-season elk, how dealing with variable weather can change the course of a hunt, the impor...
MM 209 | Narrow Your Focus, Choose a Sleeping Bag or Quilt, and Convert Your Lid
12 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss how to get started hunting, how to choose a sleep ...
444 | Death Hike Lessons with Kyle Kamp of Valley to Peak Nutrition
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are releasing a bonus episode, which we originally recorded with our friend, Kyle Kamp, for his show, the Valley to Peak Nutrition Podcast. K...
443 | Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (Your Questions, Misconceptions, and More...)
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are interested in hunting big game in Montana in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak with Greg and Emily from Montana Fish, Park...
MM 208 | Custom Rifles Aren’t More Accurate? Pack Lid as a Fanny Pack. Sleep gear for Alaska.
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss the real advantages of a custom rifle, compared to...
442 | Idaho Fish & Game (Your Questions, Misconceptions, and More...)
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are interested in hunting big game in Idaho in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak Toby Boudreau, Deer and Elk Coordinator for t...
MM 207 | Made in the USA...or not? Plus, tarp vs rain gear for spring bear.
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After returning from SHOT Show, Steve & Mark talk about what it means to be made in the USA, clarify comments about ridiculously expensive sheep t...
441 | New Mexico Game & Fish (Your Questions, Misconceptions, and More...)
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are interested in hunting big game in New Mexico in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak directly with the New Mexico Department ...
MM 206 | Q&A From a Hotel Room in Vegas
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While traveling between Sheep Show and SHOT Show, Steve, Mark & Jake record a podcast to answer your questions. This is definitely a much differen...
440 | Arizona Game & Fish (Your Questions, Misconceptions, and More...)
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are interested in hunting big game in Arizona in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak directly with the Arizona Game & Fish D...
MM 205 | ATA Show Recap, See Exo Next Month, Your Questions on Gear
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions, talk about Mark's recent experience at the ATA Show, discuss where you can see Exo in the following m...
439 | After the Hunt — DIY Moose in Alaska
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We continue the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be...
438 | Wyoming Game & Fish (Your Questions, Misconceptions, and More...)
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you are interested in hunting big game in Wyoming in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak directly with the Wyoming Game & Fish d...
MM 204 | New for K4 in 2024? 10x, 12x, (or 8x) for NL Pures?
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss what new changes/additions may be coming to the K4...
MM 203 | The Best of 2023 + What’s New for 2024
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark recap the best of 2023 and reveal some new plans for 2024. They recap the best-selling Exo products of 2023, the most-downloaded podc...
437 | Get Tougher in 2024 (with Dustin Diefenderfer of Mtn Tough)
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you consider yourself a 'resolutions' person or not, the new year is a perfect time to reflect on where you have been, and to make some goals ...
A $10,000 Christmas Surprise (Thank You!)
24 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Merry Christmas from all of us at Exo Mtn Gear! As a thank you to everyone who supported the launch of our new K4 Pack Systems this year, we wanted t...
436 | Hunting Blue Sheep in Nepal (A Listener Story...)
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's guest, Adam, reached out to us about a very unique hunt he went on earlier this year, in Nepal for Blue Sheep. We knew that this hunt involved...
MM 202 | Don’t Waste the Winter (And more...)
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss how to not "waste the winter" and what they do dur...
435 | onX Hunt Features, Mistakes, & Ethics with Dylan Dowson
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We have been using onX Maps for many years. First, using the state-specific chips on a handheld Garmin GPS, and then using the phone-based onX Hunt ap...
MM 201 | Death Hike Planning, Gear of the Year Follow-Up, & Hunting Alaska
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss the trade-off of hunting Alaska, even if it means ...
434 | Our Favorite Hunting Gear of 2023
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At the end of each year, we like to look back and highlight some of the specific gear that made a difference on our hunts that year. We don't necessar...
MM 200 | Holiday & New Year Nutrition Strategies with Kyle Kamp
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It is an interesting time of year to think about nutrition, fitness, and our habits. With most hunting seasons wrapping up and plenty of holiday festi...
433 | After the Hunt — Colorado Archery Elk
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout ...
MM 199 | Post-Season To Do List
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark chat through the things they do after the end of hunting season, so that they are as prepared as possible for next year's hunts. SHA...
432 | After the Hunt — Her First Backpack Hunt
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout ...
MM 198 | Exo Sale Starts NOW. Plus, Jake’s whitetail hunting story and lessons learned.
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There is only one sale a year at Exo Mtn Gear, and it starts NOW. Save 10% site-wide for a limited-time... https://exomtngear.com/ In today's podcas...
431 | After the Hunt — Idaho Mountain Goat
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout ...
MM 197 | Back from Kodiak, Wolves & Elk, Late-Season Archery
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark recap their trip to Kodiak and answer your questions about wolves and elk interactions, shooting a bow in cold weather, objective sup...
MM 196 | Poor Pack Fit, Suppressor Comparisons, Whitetail Hunting, & Sub-Freezing Water Strategies
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark (and Jake!!) answer your questions about managing water in sub-freezing temps, comparing lightweight suppressors for hunting, and mor...
430 | Gabriel Saindon of Ivory Holsters on Elk Hunting, Death Hikes, and Holsters
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gabriel from Ivory Holsters joins us to discuss his recent archery elk hunt, his experience with Death Hikes and how they have helped his hunting, the...
MM 195 | Youth Success, Flat vs Steep Packouts, Bino Digiscoping
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your questions about digiscoping with binoculars, packing heavy loads on steeper and shorter routes vs flatter and longer rout...
429 | Our Rifle Elk (and Deer) Hunt Recap
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark recap their recent rifle elk and deer hunt in Idaho. They had some struggles, found some success, and encountered some things that ga...
MM 194 | Elk Success, Arrow Building, Pack Cleaning, & More...
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your questions about post-hunt pack cleaning, the purpose of load-lifters on pack frames, if getting "into the weeds" and buil...
428 | 3 Weeks of Elk Hunting — 1 Elk & Zero Bugles
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It took 3 weeks of hard hunting for Graydon to fill his elk tag this past September. During that time, he didn't hear a single bugle or find fresh sig...
MM 193 | onX vs GoHunt Maps, Hunt Like It Is 1980, Charity Events, and More...
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your questions about onX vs GoHunt for mapping in the field, and ballistic rangefinders (handheld vs binos). They also discuss...
427 | After Archery, Before Rifle — A Listener’s Elk Hunting Story
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Caleb Buck joins us to share his experience hunting elk over the past several years, and how he plans to apply that knowledge to a different type of e...
MM 192 | Archery vs Rifle Elk, Mark’s Rifle Review, Boot Failures, & Stabilized Binos
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark discuss some of the lessons they learned in September, Mark's custom rifle review, boot failures and bad customer service, and also a...
426 | Follow Her Arrow (with Jessica Byers)
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this wide-ranging conversation with Jessica Byers we discuss what it is like to be a female in the hunting industry, how to get girls started hunti...
MM 191 | Elk Hunting Confidence & Would You Rather?...
25 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on building elk hunting confidence, a "Would you rather?" sleeping scenario, and also recap Steve's re...
425 | Hunting Parnerships — How & Why to Forge Them
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This conversation was originally recorded for The Lifetime Athlete Podcast, hosted by John Zombro. Mark and Steve joined John on his podcast to discus...
MM 190 | Elk Season Update & Ramblings on Waterproof Socks, Optics, and Being A Wuss
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark are back with a Monday Minute episode to answer your listener questions on the best method to carry/access your phone while hunting, ...
424 | Mark’s Sheep Hunt Story
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark is back from Alaska with a story to tell. In this episode he shares the story of his recent backpack Dall Sheep hunt, which he completed with his...
423 | Before the Hunt — Idaho Elk & Deer
11 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout ...
422 | Before the Hunt — DIY Moose in Alaska
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout ...
421 | Before the Hunt — Idaho Mountain Goat
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout ...
420 | Before the Hunt — Her First Backpack Hunt
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout ...
MM 189 | Wet Wipes, Elk Decoys, Kowa Binos, and more...
21 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about hunting solo elk with decoys, adding DWR treatment to help waterproof packs, why they have recom...
419 | Before the Hunt — Montana Deer & Elk Combo
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout ...
418 | Before the Hunt — Colorado Archery Elk
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout ...
MM 188 | How To Find, Call, & Kill Elk with Corey Jacobsen
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Corey Jacobsen joins us to answer your listener questions (and ours) about finding, calling, and killing elk. We cover elk call selection, how to find...
417 | Travel Tips for Out-of-State Hunts
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After living and hunting in Idaho and Montana, Eli moved to the east coast. Now that he will have to travel out-of-state to hunt the mountain west, he...
416 | Backcountry First Aid — Knowledge, Skills, and Supplies
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Living in the backcountry can be dangerous — especially for hunters. In addition to hiking in treacherous terrain and encountering difficult weather...
MM 187 | Pack meat upside down? How many rifle rounds to carry in the backcountry?
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about packing meat upside down on your pack, how many rifle rounds to bring on a backcountry hunt, the...
415 | After the Hunt — An Adventure in New Zealand
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We continue the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be...
414 | How To Shoot Your Rifle From A Tripod — Part 2 with Michael from RRS
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Being able to effectively shoot your rifle from a tripod is a skill that will make you a more effective hunter — especially if you hunt in variable ...
MM 186 | Don’t Be A Boob, New K4 Rifle Carrier, Nightly Nitty-Gritty
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark announce the new K4 Rifle Carrier and also answer your listener questions about nightly routines while backpacking, trekking poles, w...
413 | Custom Rifle Misconceptions with AllTerra Arms
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The world of custom and semi-custom rifles can be overwhelming. With seemingly endless options (cartridges, components, bullets, builders, etc), how d...
412 | Backpack Hunt Breakdown — Goat, Bear, & Caribou
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Backpack Hunt Breakdown is a new series for July of 2023. Each week we will have a new episode in this series, featuring a new guest and a differe...
MM 185 | Embarrassing Questions, Trophy Expectations, and More...
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on the topics of expectations for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, preventing and dealing with stinky boots,...
411 | Hunt With Health, For A Lifetime
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you become and/or stay healthy in a way that will allow you to hunt into the later decades of life? If your goal is to be a life-long hunter wi...
410 | Backpack Hunt Breakdown — Mule Deer
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Backpack Hunt Breakdown is a new series for July of 2023. Each week we will have a new episode in this series, featuring a new guest and a differe...
MM 184 | Solo Gear Q&A
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark answers gear-related questions from listeners, covering water filtration, digiscoping adapters, shelter comparisons, puffy jackets, suppressors, ...
409 | 2023 Death Hike Recap
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING — While we normally keep our show family-friendly, there are a few curse words used in this episode. Additional warning (a cheesy one) — ...
408 | Backpack Hunt Breakdown — Solo Sheep
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Backpack Hunt Breakdown is a new series for July of 2023. Each week we will have a new episode in this series, featuring a new guest and a differe...
MM 183 | Hunting Notes, Tarps for Glassing, Taller Nalgenes
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark & Steve answer listener questions about how they take and use notes after their hunts, what suggestions they have for versatile tarps (glassi...
407 | Before the 2023 Exo Death Hike
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark discuss this year's Death Hike just hours before it begins. They cover the plan and route for this year, what training has looked lik...
406 | Backpack Hunt Breakdown — Solo Elk
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Backpack Hunt Breakdown is a new series for July of 2023. Each week we will have a new episode in this series, featuring a new guest and a differe...
MM 182 | July Giveaway & Your Mule Deer Qs Answered
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark is joined by Dioni Amuchastegui, who is a Mule Deer fanatic and a good friend of Exo. Dioni joins us to answer your listener questions on Mule De...
FF 04 | Jake’s 5 Questions with Jeff Bloomquist
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this Final Friday episode, Jake sits down with Jeff Bloomquist. Jeff has been on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast a couple of times before and is a lon...
405 | Sleeping Pad Selection, Misconceptions, and More...
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you have been let down by an uncomfortable, cold, or deflated sleeping pad in the backcountry. If you have, you know that you never want to expe...
MM 181 | Corey Jacobsen on Elk Calling Setups
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you have ever wanted a visual, play-by-play breakdown of actual elk calling setups to help you become a more successful elk caller, the new "In the...
404 | Archery Accuracy — Help vs Hype
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Although we have years of experience bowhunting, shooting archery events, testing archery products, and tuning our bows, we have been a bit "out of to...
MM 180 | New Products, Old Podcasts, & Your Questions Answered
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark & Steve answer listener questions about managing electronics and battery power on extended hunts, water storage and filtration, when they use...
403 | Partner Tactics & Communication for Effective Elk Hunting
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There is a lot of elk hunting advice about calling. And even how to effectively setup when there are two guys in a caller-and-shooter scenario. But wh...
MM 179 | Watch Mark’s Mountain Goat Hunt (Plus Q&A)
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark from Exo Mtn Gear and the Hunt Backcountry Podcast is joined by his friend and hunting guide, Mark Rowenhorst, of Limitless Alaska Guiding. They ...
FF 03 | Jake’s 5 Questions with Steve Speck
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Final Friday podcast is back! In this episode (and future episodes), Jake interviews individuals who we consider to be very skilled and successful...
402 | After the Hunt — Caleb’s Spring Bear Adventure
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is another "After" podcast from the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast...
June 2023 Giveaway with SIG SAUER
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We are giving away the all-new ZULU6 HDX Image-Stabilizing binoculars from Sig Sauer. Tune in to this episode to hear about this giveaway and hear mor...
MM 178 | After Our Bear Hunt (Plus, Dinosaur Legos)
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After returning from the mountains for a spring bear hunt, Steve & Mark recaps the ups-and-downs of the hunt, and also share their thoughts on som...
MM 177 | Before Our Bear Hunt (Your Questions)
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Steve & Mark head into the mountains for a spring bear hunt, they chat about the plan for the hunt and also answer your listener questions on s...
401 | Backpacking for Bucks in California (A Listener Story)
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cameron joins us to share the story of his successful backpack deer hunt from this past fall. Hunting his home state of California, Cameron had to ove...
MM 176 | Gear Insurance, Cartridge Comparison, Sheep Prep
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions, including a follow-up about cooking dehydrated for freeze-dried meals in Zip-Loc bags, a free tool to...
400 | Before the Hunt — An Adventure in New Zealand
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We continue the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be...