The Hunt Backcountry Podcast
Episodes
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...
MM 175 | Basecamp vs Spike Camp, Better Than Jetboil?, Bad Backs and Packs
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about camping styles for elk hunting, if they have found a backpacking stove better than Jetboil, how ...
399 | Solo Buffalo Hunt in Alaska (A Listener Story)
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Curt joins us to tell the story of his solo buffalo hunt on an Alaskan island, which he completed this past fall. This is obviously a very unique hunt...
FF 02 | Jake’s Rifle Build, Hunt Apps & Plans, and the Future of Final Friday
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jakey is back! We finally had a chance to record the second episode of our new "Final Friday" series. Jake is joined by Mark to recap what they've bee...
398 | Elk Struggles, Surprises, and Success (A Listener Story)
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tanner joins us to tell the story of his elk hunt from this past fall. For his first elk season, Tanner was able to hunt archery and rifle seasons for...
397 | Before the Hunt — Caleb’s Spring Bear Adventure
19 Apr 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...
MM 174 | Exo for Whitetail, Our Favorite Game Meal, Bivy for Condensation Protection
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about their favorite wild game to eat and how they like to prepare it, how to use an Exo pack for whit...
396 | A Wild Winter Sheep Hunt
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After 15 years, today's guest drew a coveted archery Bighorn Sheep tag in his home province of Alberta, Canada. As an outfitter, guide, and pilot, Nic...
MM 173 | Durable Puffy Jackets, Solids & Safety, Gear Storage in Load Shelf
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about puffy jackets and durability, solid clothing colors and hunting safety, gaining more storage spa...
395 | Going Deep with John Barklow
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are "going deep" with John Barklow from Sitka Gear. This conversation will equip you to make better decisions in your selection of...
MM 172 | Fly or Drive for a Solo Hunt? Shooting with Kids. K4 Order Updates.
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions, including the pros and cons of flying vs driving for a solo out-of-state hunt, how to get started sho...
MM 171 | Finally, K4 is here! (Plus Spring Hunting Q&A)
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We have officially launched our all-new K4 Packs & Accessories: https://exomtngear.com/k4 Thank you to everyone that has followed this journey an...
394 | What Keeps A Ballistics Expert Up At Night? (with Hornady’s Jayden Quinlan)
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There is a dizzying amount of information online about rifles, bullets, and ballistics. And while you can find an answer for nearly every question, th...
MM 170 | Which Tent? Which Unit? Which K4 Frame Size?
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions — discussing how to select the right shelter for your hunt, how to narrow-down areas to hunt, and ho...
393 | Backwards Thinking & Ballistics (with Hornady’s Seth Swerczik)
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to rifles, calibers, and cartridges for hunting, many assume that bigger and faster is always better. After all, you can't "kill somethi...
MM 169 | Spring Bears & Snow, Spotting with Rifle Scope, and More...
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions — discussing snow pack and spring bear hunting, using a rifle scope to spot or check animals, pack f...
392 | Solo Elk Success at 60 Years Old (A Listener Story)
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At just 60-years-young, Curtis continues to hunt hard. He is normally a listener of the podcast, but today he joins us as the guest — to tell us a s...
MM 168 | Where to Carry Your InReach, Plus more K4 (and K5?!) Q&A
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions — discussing the best place to carry your InReach (and why it matters), what body type works best in...
FF 01 | Introducing ”Final Friday”
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to an all new segment on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast called "Final Friday". This series will be hosted by none other than the infamous Jakey ...
391 | Tripods for Glassing & Shooting — Part 1 with Michael from RRS
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Who knew that there was so much to know about tripods? In today's podcast with Michael from Really Right Stuff, we talk about tripod selection for the...
MM 167 | Danger vs Discomfort, SOS Cost, K4 Q&A
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions. They discuss... - How much did Kyle's helicopter rescue cost? (Kyle SOS and rescue story is in Episo...
390 | Shared Success on Backcountry Bulls
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our guests, Josh & Dan, tell us a story of shared success on backcountry bull elk. The hunting collaboration between Josh and Dan formed in a uniq...
MM 166 | Unscripted with Luke Carrick
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Instead of a Q&A Monday Minute episode, we are sharing an unscripted conversation hunter, guide, and hunting photographer, Luke Carrick (https://w...
389 | Solo Hunter, Shattered Ankle, SOS, & Helicopter Rescue
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our guest, Kyle, tells his story of falling while solo hunting, hitting SOS on his Garmin InReach, and being rescued by helicopter. As a listener of t...
MM 165 | K4 Pack System Q&A (Part 2)
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your questions about the all-new K4 Pack Systems releasing in March. They discuss: - Why should I switch to Exo and the new K...
388 | Rifle Chassis Comparison — XLR Element vs MDT HNT26
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to folding rifle chassis that are purpose-built for the weight-conscious backpack hunter, there are two primary options — The XLR Elem...
MM 164 | No Off Season — Training & Nutrition
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you are looking for simple, practical, and applicable knowledge on training and nutrition before your next hunting season, this episode is for you....
387 | Why I Went Guided — Arizona Elk Hunt
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After drawing an Arizona elk tag that surprised him, our guest, Brent, shares why he ultimately decided to hire a guide for the hunt. Having never bee...
MM 163 | K4 Pack System Q&A (Part 1)
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After announcing the all-new K4 Pack Systems last week, Steve & Mark answer your questions about K4 Packs in today's Q&A. They discuss: - Wha...
386 | All-New K4 Pack Systems — Coming Soon
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
385 | After the Hunt — Elk Season...Is This THE Year?
23 Jan 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...
384 | After the Hunt — Adak Island Alaskan Adventure
18 Jan 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...
MM 162 | Unscripted with Chris Way
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Instead of a Q&A Monday Minute episode, Mark has an unscripted conversation with shooter and critical-thinker, Chris Way. They discuss a variety o...
383 | After the Hunt — Zoe’s Very First Hunt
11 Jan 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...
MM 161 | Silencer Central Experience, Bivy Setups, Shooting Off Tripods, & Tracking Hikes
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mark runs solo on this Monday Minute to answer questions on suppressors and his experience using Silencer Central. He also answers a listener question...
382 | Tag Sales, Big Game Management, and more with Idaho Fish & Game
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is a wide-ranging conversation with Toby Boudreau, Deer & Elk Coordinator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. We discuss Idaho's recen...
MM 160 | ”Pro” vs Public, True Cost of Hunting Gear, Archery at 85 Yards
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer your listener questions. Today's topics include "Pro Staff" vs everyday hunters, and the value ...
MM 159 | Nominate a MIL Member, Stay Active This Winter, Quick Rifle Support
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer your listener questions. But first, they tell you about a generous, anonymous donor, who wants ...
381 | Engineered Gear from New Zealand’s Rugged Mountains
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As an engineer and mountain hunter, Matt Vincent is always looking for ways to improve his gear. Lighter, stronger, more efficient. That pursuit led M...
MM 158 | Idaho Elk Tags & Strategy, Bipod vs Shooting Sticks, Exo Bag Design
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss Idaho's recent non-resident tag sale, the best strategy fo...
380 | After the Hunt — Texas to Idaho for Elk
07 Dec 2022
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...
$10,000 Giveaway to Highlight Independent Outdoor Companies
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At a time when corporations and investment groups are overtaking small companies, and the algorithms of social media giants are making it harder for s...
379 | Unconventional Success (A Listener Story...)
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After an unconventional start to his big game hunting experience, Jim had some unconventional hunting success this past fall. Jim, who is a listener o...
MM 156 | Young Kid, Big Buck. Giveaway Coming. Best Hunting Show.
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
20% OFF at Exo Mtn Gear Starts NOW
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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! SAV...
378 | After the Hunt — Rookies Hunting Fall Bear in NM
16 Nov 2022
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...
MM 154 | 7PRC vs 7SAUM, Spotting Scope Review, Active Insulation Mid-Layers
14 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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... ...
377 | The Best Gear We Used in 2022
09 Nov 2022
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...
MM 153 | Exo Sale, Reloading, Clothing & Sleeping, Steve’s Solo Elk
07 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions about upcoming Exo sales, pack fabrics, whether to hunt elk or bear for a first-time western hunt...
376 | After the Hunt — Early Rifle Mule Deer in Colorado
02 Nov 2022
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...
MM 152 | We’re Not Paid, Steve’s Buck, Cold-Weather Boots
31 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 dea...
375 | Rugged Rifle Scopes for Hunting with Nightforce Optics
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After independently choosing to use Nightforce scopes, Steve and Mark wanted to chat with the Nightforce crew to learn more about the company's histor...
MM 151 | Lessons from Failure, Mental Toughness, Best Water Filter
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark recount their recent Idaho elk hunt and connect their experience to a listener question about developing mental toughness. How do you...
374 | After the Hunt — Dall Sheep in the Brooks Range
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is the first "After" podcast from the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podca...
373 | Mark’s Mountain Goat Adventure in Alaska
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Having just returned from a challenging but successful Mountain Goat hunt in Southeast Alaska, Mark joins Steve to tell the entire story on this podca...
MM 150 | Answering Your Questions About Mark’s Rifle
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark answers listener questions about his custom rifle build, which he initially discussed in Episode 370, and also documented in this article: https:...
372 | Lone Goat, Part 2 with Shane Vander Giessen
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 2...
371 | Lone Goat, Part 1 with Shane Vander Giessen
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shane Vander Giessen has been fascinated with Mountain Goats from a young age. After decades of dreaming for an opportunity, he finally, and fortunate...
370 | My Custom Rifle — What I Built, What I Learned...
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 wha...
369 | Preserving Memories with Monarch Taxidermy, Part 2
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Taxidermy shouldn't be an afterthought in your hunting plans. In this second episode of our two-part conversation with Stuart Farnsworth of Monarch Ta...
MM 149 | Fix Your Feet, Keeping the Family Happy, Too Much Hunting Advice
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark are back to answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss how they balance a happy family life and exten...
368 | Preserving Memories with Monarch Taxidermy, Part 1
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Taxidermy shouldn't be an afterthought in your hunting plans. This podcast with Monarch Taxidermy will help you understand how to work with a taxiderm...
MM 148 | Elk Strategy, Pack Positioning, Pain Prevention, Headlamp Use
12 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark are back to answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss pack dry bags, elk hunting strategies, the use...
367 | Backpacking for Whitetails with Nathan Killen
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An episode about Eastern Whitetails on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast?...Yes! Our guest, Nathan Killen, is an extremely successful whitetail hunter, sp...
366 | Before the Hunt — Zoe’s Very First Hunt
05 Sep 2022
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...
365 | Before the Hunt — Rookies Hunting Fall Bear in NM
02 Sep 2022
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...
364 | Before the Hunt — Dall Sheep in the Brooks Range
29 Aug 2022
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...
363 | Q&A from Steve’s Dall Sheep Hunt
29 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler Boschma joins us to follow-up on Steve's recent Dall Sheep hunt. We hear about Tyler's perspective on the hunt, as the guide, and also chat thro...
362 | Before the Hunt — Elk Season...Is This THE Year?
26 Aug 2022
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...
361 | Before the Hunt — Adak Island Alaskan Adventure
24 Aug 2022
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...
360 | Post Hunt: Steve’s 13-Year-Old Dall Sheep from Alaska
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve is back from Alaska after a tough, but successful hunt for Dall Sheep. Steve hunted with his good friend, and guide, Tyler Boschma. They dealt w...
359 | Before the Hunt — Early Rifle Mule Deer in Colorado
19 Aug 2022
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...
358 | Before the Hunt — Solo Elk & Bear in Idaho
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are kicking-off a brand new series of "Before & After the Hunt" episodes with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Over the course...
MM 147 | Jakey Returns. Bow Setups. Flying with Rifles. #InMyExo Giveaway, and more...
15 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's Monday Minute Q&A episode Mark is joined by Exo's favorite little brother, Jakey. They discuss Jake's bow setup for 2022, what the ...
357 | An Unbiased Review of Rangefinding Binoculars
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After spending thousands of dollars to purchase and test binoculars, a listener of the show joins us to share his findings. Our guest, Will, specifica...
MM 146 | Just Before a 10 Day Sheep Hunt in Alaska
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Just before they leave for Alaska, Steve and Tyler chat with Mark about their Dall Sheep hunt that is happening this week. They discuss their previous...
356 | Reverse-Engineering Success with Anthony Oberti
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between notching your tag or going home empty-handed from a hunt is usually determined by a few decisions or important moments. It is o...
MM 145 | Sheep Hunt Comparison, Exo Production Process, Best Place for InReach
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve and Mark answer your listener questions. Being just one week out from Steve's Dall Sheep hunt in Alaska, they answer a listener question compari...
355 | Reverse-Engineering Success with Adam Janke
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between notching your tag or going home empty-handed from a hunt is usually determined by a few decisions or important moments. It is o...
354 | Reverse-Engineering Success with Brian (”BMack”) McElrea
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between notching your tag or going home empty-handed from a hunt is usually determined by a few decisions or important moments. It is o...
MM 144 | Your Elk Hunting Questions, Answered by Kody Kellom
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark is joined by Kody Kellom of Born & Raised Outdoors to answer your listener questions on all things elk hunting. They discuss optics for arche...
353 | Reverse-Engineering Success with Garth Jenson
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between notching your tag or going home empty-handed from a hunt is usually determined by a few decisions or important moments. It is o...
352 | Reverse-Engineering Success with Jeff Bloomquist
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between notching your tag or going home empty-handed from a hunt is usually determined by a few decisions or important moments. It is o...
MM 143 | Pack Training, Death Hike Q&A, Understanding Success
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your listener questions from their recent Death Hike, talk about using Exo Packs for weighted pack training, and announce an u...
351 | 2022 Death Hike Recap
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are back from the 2022 Exo Death Hike — the first-ever Death Hike in Alaska. In this episode, Steve & Mark recap the hike, including what wen...