The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

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...

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, ...