The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

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...

350 | Lions, and Trad Bows, and Bears — Oh My!

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A new hunter and listener of the show, Patrick, embarks upon a solo backcountry adventure and encounters more than he imagined. From a close encounter...

MM 142 | Road Access, Two Tags at Once, Frame Extensions

20 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions, including: When do you use the frame extensions on Exo packs? How do you know if roads are open in your hu...

349 | He Spent $5,000 to Review Hunting Packs?

17 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

At Exo Mtn Gear, we are advocates for objectivity and transparency. One of the reasons we don't have podcast advertisers is so that we can share our o...

348 | Post Hunt: Father-Son Adventure in Alaska

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As soon as we got this email, we knew we had to hear the whole story... "My father and I hunted the Brooks Range and had an unforgettable experience....

MM 141 | Wind Switched, Now What? Plus, Pack Fit Assessment and Essential Clothing

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions, including: What should you do when you are setup on an elk and the wind switches? How do you properly test...

347 | Eat Smarter, Hunt Better. Understanding Food as Fuel.

10 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Your truck won't run with an empty tank. And it also won't run well, or for long, or the wrong type of fuel. The same is true of you. To perform your...

346 | Successful Elk Hunters Do This, Not That...

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With decades of experience as a hunter, guide, and outfitter, Cliff Gray has hunted more elk than many of us could ever experience in a lifetime. His ...

MM 140 | Handling Our Fame, Hunter Ethics, Books for Elk Hunters

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about the K3 Crib Load Panel, what their family thinks of their podcasting popularity, the ethics of encoun...

345 | How Rain Gear Works. And Why, Sometimes, It Doesn’t.

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Rain gear. You may not need it, or it may save your hunt. You can spend fifty bucks or hundreds of dollars. Some pieces weigh a few ounces, while othe...

344 | Play Your Part (with Howl For Wildlife)

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you care about the future of hunting and wildlife, you should care about this podcast episode. We are joined by Charlie from Howl for Wildlife to t...

MM 139 | Q&A About Our Bear Hunt

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your questions about their recent bear hunt. Topics include the ticks they encountered, the optics they used, the shot placeme...

343 | ONE DAY DOUBLE — Recapping Our Spring Bear Hunt

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark recently filled both of their bear tags on the first evening of what was meant to be a 4-day backpack hunt. In this episode, they dis...

342 | Unscripted This-vs-That Gear Chat

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark and Emory have an unscripted, informal conversation and chat through a variety of topics. They talk about Emory's position that quilts are the mo...

MM 138 | Trekking Pole Technique, Listener Pro-Tip, Traveling with Suppressors

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on a variety of topics. We discuss the use of trekking poles for training, the use of poles while hunt...

341 | Meat Care & Preparation, Hunting Alaska, Rifles, and More...

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gun writer and podcaster, Joseph von Benedikt, makes his fourth appearance on the podcast to talk about a variety of topics. We discuss Joseph's wet-a...

MM 137 | Weighted Pack Training, Spring Ticks, Spotting Bears

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions on weighted pack training, dealing with ticks on spring hunts, how to spot m...