The Hunt Backcountry Podcast
Episodes
MM 136 | Solo Q&A with Mark
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark goes solo to answer frequent listener questions on topics and gear that he has personal experience with... - Why did you build a 7SAUM instead o...
340 | Custom Rifle Actions with Defiance Machine
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about rifle actions. We are joined by Mike Lee from Defiance Machine to understand how rifle actions are made, the differences bet...
MM 135 | Budget Clothing, Lighted Nocks, Navigation Pro Tip, and More...
25 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this Monday Minute episode, Steve & Mark answer listener questions on pack selection, budget hunting clothes, how to plan an out-of-state hunt,...
339 | Big Adventures Down South with Stephen West
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you hear about hunting in Texas, you may think of fenced private lands, feeders, and box blinds. But there are some big adventures to be had in t...
MM 134 | Draw vs OTC Elk, Bow Repair, No More Prana Pants?
18 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On today's Monday Minute episode, we answer your listener questions: - Are the new Prana Zion pants as good as the old ones? - What is the best do-it-...
338 | Post Hunt: I Killed My First Elk, Then Pushed SOS
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Success in filling a tag does not mean a successful hunt: A first time elk hunter's highs, lows, and valuable survival and hunting lessons." That wa...
MM 133 | Elk Arrow Weight, How to Ruin Your Pack, New Gear We’re Testing
11 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We announce a limited Exo sale launching this week and then answer your listener questions on arrow weight for elk hunting, how to clean your pack, th...
337 | How Rangefinders Work. And Why, Sometimes, They Don’t.
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you've looked at laser rangefinders recently, you've probably been overwhelmed by the options. And, perhaps, confused at the massive difference in ...
MM 132 | Creek-Crossing Strategy, High-Output Clothing for Cold-Weather, Packing Bear Hides
04 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We answer your listener questions on: The best way to cross creeks while hunting, the best layering strategies for high-output activities in cold weat...
336 | Exo Knife Giveaway and Q&A with Chris Reeve Knives
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We built a limited-edition knife with our neighbor and world-class knife make, Chris Reeve Knives. You cannot buy this knife, but you can win one at: ...
335 | Iowa Farm Boy to Alaskan Guide & Outfitter - Mark Rowenhorst
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Rowenhorst is the owner/operator of Limitless Alaska Guiding. Podcast host, Mark Huelsing, will be hunting mountain goats in Alaska with Limitles...
MM 131 | Camo vs Solids, DIY Breakfast, Taxidermy Pro Tip, First Sheep Hunt
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We answer your listener questions on camouflage versus solids for hunting, the use of SIG's BDX system for scopes and rangefinders, how to fly with an...
334 | Answering Your Bear Hunting Questions
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Douglas Boze is a passionate bear hunter and author of some great books on bear hunting. He joins us on this podcast to answer your questions about be...
MM 130 | Answering Your Calls
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We're answering your listener calls. Leave us your audio question or message for a future show at: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry. All audio me...
333 | Buying a Suppressor is Easier (and Faster) Than Ever
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been interested in a suppressor, but have been overwhelmed by the process involved to get one, there's good news. Not only has the process f...
MM 129 | Call Us! Plus, Budget Gear, Archery Tactics for Rifle Hunters, and More...
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer your questions about transitioning from rifle hunting to archery hunting, the necessity of gaiters, budget gear, puffy jackets...
332 | Misconceptions About Guides & Guided Hunts
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Colton Heward is both a do-it-yourself hunter and a professional hunting guide. He joins us on this episode to talk about the misconceptions that many...
MM 128 | Budget Rain Gear, Sharper Knives, Dry-Fire Practice
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark talk about the criteria you should consider when selecting rain gear. They also discuss new gear they've tried recently for knife sha...
331 | A Portrait of the American Mountain Goat
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"During three decades of field studies of North America's large mammals, the environmental and logistical challenges of none — not deer, elk, moose,...
MM 127 | Exo Pro Staff, My First Time _____, Your Gear Questions
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark recap show season, discuss Exo Mtn Gear's Pro Staff, talk about a new "I remember my first time..." series coming to the podcast, sha...
330 | Shane Wise of Wiser Precision
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Shooter, hunter, entrepreneur, and all-around good dude, Shane Wise, joins us to talk about how he started hunting (it is pretty hilarious), as well a...
MM 126 | Listener Q&A from Steve’s Truck
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve and Mark answer listener questions as they drive between the Hunt Expo and the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show. Topics include the film of th...
329 | Better Basecamp, Better Hunting
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We are hunters that love to backpack deep into the backcountry, but there are times that a basecamp is an invaluable aspect of our hunts. Most backco...
MM 125 | Jake Roasts Us, Women’s Packs, Bivy Sacks, Softshells, and More…
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark are joined by the show's co-co-host, Jakey-poo. They discuss women's pack systems, bivy sacks, softshells, show season, and plenty of...
328 | Skills, Mindset & Gear to Survive in the Wild
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As modern hunters, we have access to all kinds of technology and gear that are beneficial. But what about the knowledge and skills needed to survive a...
MM 124 | Death Hike, Assessing Hunting Pressure, and More...
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark think through the listener question: "How much pressure is too much hunting pressure?" They also answer a listener question about do-...
327 | Post Hunt: Solo Moose Adventure in Alaska
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dropped-off alone, deep in the remote Alaskan wilderness. A listener of the podcast, Jake, joins us today to share an amazing moose hunting adventure ...
MM 123 | Solo in Grizzly Country, Choosing Between Hunts, Early Rifle Elk
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While on COVID quarantine, Mark chats with Tyler Boschma to answer listener questions about hunting solo in Grizzly country, how to spend your time wi...
326 | New Hunting Regulations & Draw Changes for 2022
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jerrod Lile of the Huntin Fool joins us to outline what’s new for 2022 when it comes to hunting regulations, tag opportunities, and the draw process...
325 | Post Hunt: A Father-Daughter Sheep Adventure
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This story has it all... Challenge & Adventure, the Exploration of Personal Limits, Dealing with the Unexpected, Making Memories with Family &...
MM 122 | Why Exo Doesn’t ________.
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Will Exo ever make hunting clothing? How come Exo doesn't offer a bino harness? Does Exo have plans to make a pack rain cover? Can you make a hipbelt-...
324 | Post Hunt: One Man, One Bow, One Bull (A Listener Story)
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jared set out from Missouri, by himself, to arrow a bull elk in Colorado. He accomplished that mission, and today we discuss how he made it happen, wh...
MM 121 | The ONE Thing in 2022
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Happy New Year! Join Steve & Mark on this Monday Minute episode as they discuss the "one thing" in 2022 that you should consider (and share!). The...
323 | Rethinking Firearm Storage & Security
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do you store and secure your hunting rifles? Is the "safe" that you're using actually providing the protection that you think it is? Having person...
322 | Will Work to Hunt (A Listener Story...)
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A listener of the podcast, Matthew, joins us to share the story of how he turned free work into a free elk hunt. Matthew volunteered his time and ener...
MM 120 | Are We Sponsored? How to Handle the End of Hunting Season?
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer listener questions, including: Are our gear reviews sponsored? What is the best rain gear for Kodiak? What do they do at the e...
321 | The Best Gear We Used in 2021
08 Dec 2021
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...
320 | Our Kodiak Blacktail Hunt, Pt 2 (Q&A)
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We answer YOUR questions about our recent Sitka Blacktail hunt on Kodiak Island. In this episode, Steve, Mark, and Jake chat through a wide variety of...
319 | Tracking Big Woods Bucks with Hal Blood
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is all about tracking deer. Our guest, Hal Blood, is an expert tracker from the "Big Woods" of Maine. If you're not familiar with the hun...
318 | Our Kodiak Blacktail Hunt, Pt 1 (15% OFF EXO)
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Starting NOW (11/22/21), and for a limited-time while supplies last, you can save 15% OFF site-wide on all Exo Mtn Gear products for our once-a-year s...
317 | Elk Hunting as Top Priority
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin & Garret of Top Priority Hunting join us to talk about their elk hunt from this fall, the lessons they've learned as archery elk hunters th...
MM 119 | Q&A on Rifles, Suppressors, and Related Topics
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mark answers a bunch of listener questions that have come in on rifles, cartridges, suppressors, and related topics. Topics include: rifle shooting po...
316 | American Gear Guide, The Value of Hunting, A Non-Typical Bull
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Mullins joins the podcast to talk about the American Gear Guide, his diverse experience in the outdoors and how that relates to hunting, and to s...
MM 118 | Heading to Kodiak
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve, Mark & Jake are heading to Kodiak, Alaska. In advance of that hunt, they answer some of your questions about hunting Blacktail in Kodiak, d...
315 | Post Hunt: A Big Goat in BIG Country
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mountain Goats are fascinating animals that live in wildly big and adventurous country. The pursuit of a goat will often take you to places you've nev...
314 | Post Hunt: JvB’s Unforgettable Bighorn Experience
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Joseph von Benedikt joins us to talk about an unforgettable sheep hunt that he experienced this past summer. This was a truly unique hunt, and you'll ...
313 | We Doubled On Elk...Again (The Story & Your Questions)
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark just wrapped-up their rifle elk hunt and share the story on today's podcast. They also answer your questions about this hunt, includi...
312 | Bow vs Rifle for Elk Hunting (Plus, Dream Hunts, and much more...)
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The guys from Born & Raised Outdoors interview Steve and Mark about their experience hunting elk with bow vs rifles. They discuss the differences,...
MM 117 | Opening Day Success, Rifle Scopes, Cold-Weather Gloves
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with a Monday Minute episode to answer your questions and hear a recent hunting story. We cover glove options for cold-weather hunts, what ...
311 | Post Hunt: Steve’s Sheep from the Frank Church Wilderness
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve is back from the Frank Church Wilderness after a successful Bighorn Sheep hunt. On that hunt, Steve was joined by his good friend Tyler Boschma,...
310 | A Warm Winter Hunt for Javelina & Deer
22 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Expand your hunting opportunity and head south this winter to hunt javelina (and deer!). If you are looking to expand your hunting horizons, a winter ...
309 | Post Hunt: Wife, Mother, & Archery Elk Hunter
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
She's a wife, mother, and archery elk hunter. Kimber and her husband, Richard, join us to talk about their recent archery elk hunt in Idaho. In additi...
308 | Post Hunt: High Country Archery Mule Deer with Josh Kirchner
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mark has an unscripted conversation with Josh Kirchner (@dialedinhunter) about Josh's recent weeklong high country archery mule deer hunt in Utah. You...
MM 116 | Splitting & Cooking Meals, Steve’s Sheep Report, Late-Season Shelters
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We answer your questions about cooking dehydrated and freeze-dried meals in the backcountry. We hear about Steve's first trip into the Frank for his B...
307 | ”Perseverance” — A Listener’s Elk Hunting Story
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A listener of the podcast, Matt, joins us to share the story of his 2020 elk hunt. Despite many challenges leading up to, and throughout the hunt, Mat...
MM 115 | The Exo Experience (A contest, and more...)
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For all of us at Exo, the experience is the most important part of the hunt. The experience may be the thrill of an elk bugling, the stalking of an u...
306 | Rob Gearing of Spartan Precision
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We thoroughly enjoyed Rob's previous appearance on the podcast and had to get him back for more. In his first episode with us (https://exomtngear.com/...
MM 114 | How To Get Under A Heavy Pack, How Heavy Is Too Heavy?, and More...
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on how to best use and load your pack for upcoming hunts. We talk about techniques to get under a heavy ...
305 | The Elk Nut — Paul Medel talks Age, Calling, Pressure, and More...
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One of our favorite guests, Paul the "Elk Nut" Medel, returns to talk about hunting at his age (66), how he trains to hunt elk at his age, how elk hun...
MM 113 | Pack Training Stinks, Elk Week Giveaway, UL Pan Head
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jake joins Mark & Steve to answer listener questions about pre-season pack training with your hunting pack, some weight-saving options for tripod ...
304 | ELK WEEK: Everything Elk Q&A
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We wrap-up ELK WEEK 2021 with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors, as we answer your questions for an "Everything Elk" Q&A session. Th...
303 | ELK WEEK: How to use thermals, cover country, and use your limited time...
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the fourth of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from ...
302 | ELK WEEK: How to deal with hunting pressure and still fill your elk tag...
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the third of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from B...
301 | ELK WEEK: How to hunt elk with a partner, or in a group...
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the second of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from ...
300 | ELK WEEK: How to know if you’re on the right track...
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the first of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from B...
299 | Expert Roundtable: Game-Changing Gear
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What gear truly matters to you and makes the biggest difference in your hunting? If you had a limited budget and were starting all over as a hunter, w...
298 | Expert Roundtable: Mistakes That Made Me Better
05 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We ask our panel of guests, What lessons have you learned the hard way? Is there a specific story where you made a mistake that you commonly refer bac...
297 | Expert Roundtable: The Key to Consistency
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is the key to consistency in hunting? For hunters that continue to find success on more hunts than not, what do they attribute that success to? I...
296 | Expert Roundtable: Unconventional Wisdom & Tactics
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What are some hunting tactics or strategies that you use, which may seem counterintuitive, go against conventional wisdom, or be undervalued in common...
295 | Expert Roundtable: The Final Moment Mindset
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When the hunt really becomes a hunt and you're in the final moments before a shot opportunity, what is your "Final Moment Mindset"? We answer this que...
MM 112 | Live with Born & Raised Outdoors
30 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors. The BRO crew shares their secrets to consistency in the elk woods, what l...
294 | Seven Years of Struggle — A Listener Story
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You've invested plenty of time, energy, and money into elk hunting, but what do you have to show for it? If you're a struggling elk hunter, you're not...
MM 111 | Creedmoor vs PRC, Bow Temperature, Backcountry Power, and More...
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer listener questions, including... Why did they chose 6.5 Creedmoor over 6.5 PRC? What affects will extreme temperatures have on...
293 | All About Glassing — Optics Gear, Strategies, and Skills
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we are joined by our buddy, JD Ponciano. As a hunter, guide, and experienced professional in the optics industry, JD has a wealth of ...
292 | Our Complete Gear List for Backcountry Hunting (6 Years Later...)
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Six years ago, on Episode 004, Steve and Mark went line-by-line through their gear lists and discussed what they packed for backpack hunts. In this ep...
MM 110 | Gear You Don’t Need, Hunting Burnout, Bow Care in the Backcountry
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We answer your listener questions on bow storage and care in the backcountry, dealing with burn-out or stress as hunting season approaches, and what g...
291 | Shelter Design & Selection for Backpack Hunting
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As a backcountry hunter, it is critical to select a shelter that meets your needs, accommodates your preferences, and is built to withstand what natur...
MM 109 | Gear List Spreadsheet, Custom Nalgene Lid, To Upgrade or Not?
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer listener questions on this Monday Minute show. Questions on topics covered include a new Nalgene lid option that allows you to...
290 | What I Wish I Knew When I Started Backcountry Hunting
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Many experienced and knowledgeable hunters often forget what it is like to be a beginner. A lesson they learned through experience in years past is no...
MM 108 | Elk Packers, Pulleys, Rifle Slings, Playing the Wind
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this Monday Minute episode, Mark & Steve answer listener questions that include... - How far away can elk "wind" you? - How to find and hire a...
289 | Backcountry Drinking Water — Risks & Treatment
23 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As backcountry hunters, we rely upon natural water sources for life-giving hydration on multi-day expeditions into remote locations. We all know we "s...
MM 107 | Archery vs Rifle Elk, Side Sleeping, Droughts & Fires
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mark & Steve help a listener think through choosing between an archery vs rifle elk hunt for this fall. They then answer questions on how to get a...
288 | Hunt Elk By Yourself — Here’s How...
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Considering a solo elk hunt? Whether you enjoy hunting all on your own, or you just can't find a hunting partner, it is possible to be a successful so...
MM 106 | Reloading, Suppressors, CrossFit, and More...
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mark goes solo and answers listener questions on reloading, suppress, CrossFit training, and more. He covers chronographs for shooting and reloading, ...
287 | Scouting for Success with Justin Crossley
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Crossley joins us to talk about his scouting strategy for out-of-state hunts. We talk about e-scouting, how to plan a scouting trip to a new ar...
MM 105 | Summer Events, Shooting with Your Pack On, Fixing Hot Feet
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve and Mark talk about events happening this summer that you don't want to miss. Why you may miss the bullseye when shooting your bow with a pack o...
286 | Staying Comfortable is Dangerous with Michael Easter
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Backcountry hunting is a pursuit that goes against our "progressively sheltered, sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, underchallenged, and safety...
MM 104 | NEW Podcast Archive (Plus, Bears & Binos)
28 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
New Podcast Archive! Easily find previous episodes of the show by visiting https://ExoMtnGear.com/podcast and browsing shows by category or searching ...
285 | Unscripted with Brad Brooks of Argali Outdoors
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brad Brooks of Argali Outdoors joins us to chat about a 6-week Alaskan adventure he has planned for this coming fall, what's new from Argali Outdoors ...
284 | A Scientific Study of Backcountry Hunting
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does the science say about the physical demands of backcountry hunting? Dr. Robert Coker has studied, analyzed, and published his findings on thi...
MM 103 | Sheep Surpise, Spring Bear, Solo Elk & More...
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve and Mark share some good news — both about future hunts, as well as the future (and history) of the podcast. They also chat trough some listen...
283 | Looking Back and Moving Forward with Matt Starley
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As hunters move forward with new equipment, technologies, opportunities, and challenges, it is helpful to look back. As we think about our hunting tod...
MM 102 | The Minivan of Hunting Apparel, How to Find Primers, and Bow Sight Follow-up
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions about the role of softshell jackets (the "minivan of hunting apparel"), how to find primers and o...
282 | Nick Sabo on Stalking Mule Deer, Shooting in the Wind, and Lessons from Old-Timers
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Sabo (https://www.instagram.com/nsabo380/) is a veteran, firefighter, and well-rounded hunter and shooter. We speak with Nick about a variety of ...
MM 101 | Jake is Fired, Tent Stoves, Long-Distance Bow Sight Setup
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We're back with a Monday Minute episode, including a bonus behind-the-scenes segment with Jake. We then dive into listener questions about tent stoves...
281 | Failure Before Success
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From hunting turkeys in the South, to hunting big muleys in the Dakotas, to hunting the vast wilderness of Alaska, our guest on the latest Hunt Backco...
280 | 2021 Death Hike Recap, Part 2
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we continue the recap of our "Death Hike" adventure in Idaho's Frank Church Wilderness. We interview six participants from the hike t...
279 | 2021 Death Hike Recap, Part 1
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We are back from our "Death Hike" adventure in Idaho's Frank Church Wilderness. In this episode, Steve and Mark recap the trip — telling some storie...
278 | Newly Updated — Free Backcountry Hunting Training Plan
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Updated for 2021, we have v2 our free Backcountry Hunting Training Plan, put together by our friends at Atomic Athlete. Jake from Atomic joins Mark on...
MM 100 | Death Hike Farewell, 2-on-1 Guided Hunts, Spring Bear Intel
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the final Monday Minute before the 2021 Death Hike, Steve and Mark cover some final preparation for the hike, as well as answer listener questions ...