The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

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 ...

277 | Hunting Trophy Experiences with Brad Carter

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Brad Carter of Altitude Outdoors joins us to tell the story of his sheep hunt, how things didn't work out as planned, and what he learned along the wa...

MM 99 | Pranks with Jake, Archery Practice, Skull Care

29 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jake is back and joins Steve & Mark to answer listener questions. But first, we discuss the "big smelly surprise" that Jake recently received for ...

276 | Unscripted with Kyle Kamp

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kyle Kamp joins Mark for an unscripted discussion. Being that Kyle is a nutritionist, Mark couldn't help but ask some nutrition and backcountry food-r...

MM 98 | Antlers First or Last? One-Trip or Not? Custom Scope Turret or RF Binos?

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark answer several listener questions about processing and packing-out elk. They discuss packing the antlers first or last, when to use a b...

275 | Your True Accuracy and Shooting Standards with Chris Way

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Way is a well-rounded adventurer, explorer, climber, shooter, and much more. Recently, Chris developed a specific target and shooting drill to a...

MM 97 | Humbled by Hunts, Dehydrating Meals, Ultralight Optics Support,

15 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on ultralight optics support (tripods and monopods), follow-up feedback from last week's budget spotting sc...

274 | Essential Reloading Gear for the Precision Rifle Hunter

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been curious about getting into reloading for your hunting rifle, but been too confused or overwhelmed to get started? We've been there! Tun...

MM 96 | Pack Hacks, Budget Spotter Issues, Binos for Rifle Hunting

08 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about "pack hacks", recommendations for budget spotting scopes, comparisons on NL Pure and EL Range TA bino...

273 | Behind the Scenes at Exo — Q&A

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jake takes over as host of the podcast and interviews Steve & Mark with your questions about Exo Mtn Gear. Aside from talking about the company, t...

272 | Behind the Scenes at Exo with Jake Havlicek

02 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We continue our Behind the Scenes at Exo Mtn Gear podcast series with Jake Havlicek. As a teenager, Jake started building packs part-time in the summe...

271 | Behind the Scenes at Exo with Patrick Kelly

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Patrick and his wife sold everything they owned, left the Northeast, and headed West without a specific place or plan in mind. Months later, they sett...

270 | Alaskan Guide & Pilot, Dwayne Magnusson

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest in this episode, Dwayne Magnusson, is an outfitter, guide, and pilot in Alaska. As owner and operator of Magnusson Alaskan Outfitters, Dwayn...

MM 95 | Hunting Socialism. Issues with Fixed-Blades. What you don’t know.

22 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about broadhead flight, the issue of "not knowing what you don't know", and why Steve said that socialism i...

269 | Tag Draws, Preference Points, and Hunting Opportunity

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It is the time of year where many of us are starting to apply for tags in various states. Some of us have a tried-and-true strategy that include sprea...

MM 94 | Archery Q&A and Cold-Weather Hiking

15 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer several listener questions on archery and bowhunting-related topics that cover bow-sight pin size and selection, arrow selecti...

268 | Hunting Lessons from a Marine Fighter Pilot and Mountaineer

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

These lessons from a Marine fighter pilot, mountaineer, and backcountry hunter will change how you hunt. Our guest, Dave, shares lessons and specific ...

MM 93 | Hiking in the Dark, Death Hike Prep, Boots, Quilts, and More…

08 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about hiking in the dark, their Death Hike prep, and gear. There are also some funny stories along the way....

267 | Hunting Lethality — How Do Animals Die?

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

As hunters, we should know how to quickly and cleanly kill the animals we pursue. Not just how to choose a bullet or broadhead. Or how to place a proj...

MM 92 | Three Years and No Elk..Help! Plus, 6.5 PRC vs Creedmoor

01 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer an email from a listener that has been hunting elk for 3 years, but has never seen an elk and has only heard bugling on one da...

266 | A Vegan’s Elk Hunting Journey (And Yoga with Rifles)

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guest on this episode, Randy, is a vegan turned elk hunter. We hear about Randy's transition into hunting. What it was like to kill his first elk....

MM 91 | Our Best Day Hunting, Bow Sight Comparison, What are Thermals?

26 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

On this late Monday (Tuesday) Minute episode, Steve surprises Mark and asks him to tell the story of his favorite hunt. They also discuss a listener q...

265 | A Green Beret’s Lessons on Hunting, Adventure, and Challenge

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we are joined by backcountry hunter and former Green Beret, Stephen Ourada (@northrangehunter). In our conversation with Stephen we d...

MM 90 | Budget Puffy Pants, Free Flights to Alasksa, Bow Stabilizers

18 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We answer listener questions on budget clothing, the advantages of the Alaska Airlines credit card, when to drop your pack while stalking, and how to ...

264 | Hunting Mountain Goats in Teton National Park

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Photographer and hunter, Beaumon Day, joins us to talk about his pursuit of wildlife — with both weapons and cameras. We talk about what Beau has le...

MM 89 | Hammer Bullet Performance on Game — Our Experience

11 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mark is joined by Tyler Boschma to discuss their experiences using Hammer Bullets on hunts this fall. The original podcast episode about Hammer Bulle...

263 | Unscripted with Emory Wanger

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Hunt Backcountry Podcast in 2021! We are starting the new year with a new show format as we go "Unscripted" with Emory Wanger. Mark and...

MM 88 | Why Backcountry Hunting?

04 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Need a kick in the butt to get in shape, or stay in shape for the New Year? Check out our free training plan... https://exomtngear.com/train In this ...

Merry Christmas from Exo Mtn Gear (Gifts & Giveaways)

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As a small company building our products in the USA, this year presented many challenges. But thanks to the support of our customers, we are finishing...

MM 87 | Budget Gear, Kid-Carrying Pack, Lightweight Boots

14 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As the off-season arrives and hunters turn to shoppers, we answer your latest gear questions on this Monday Minute. Share your question for a future ...

262 | Bighorns, Backcountry, and Business with Paul Lewis of FHF Gear

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Lewis of FHF Gear joins us to talk about a special Bighorn Sheep tag he drew in Montana. We get the full story on how the hunt went down and what...

261 | Lessons from 150 Days Across the West

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Evans (@__steve__evans__) just started hunting big game a couple of years ago, but he has already spent more than 150 days in the field across m...

MM 86 | New Bows, Alaska for First-Timers, and... Poopy Diapers

01 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark answer your listener questions about new-for-2021 bows, the pros and cons of long and short axle-length bows, how to shoot your bow eff...

MM 85 | Is Ultralight Overrated?, Indoor Bow Practice, Flying Meat

23 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Save 15% on all Exo Mtn Gear items this Friday (11/27). Sign-up to get notified: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Is ultralight gear overrated? What...

260 | DIY Kodiak Adventure — A Listener Story

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Full-time job, wife, kids, no experience, and a worldwide pandemic. Those excuses didn't stop Jared and Eric from a DIY adventure for Sitka Blacktail ...

MM 84 | Exo Black Friday Sale?, Dyneema vs Sil-Nylon, Changing Sleep Systems

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Will Exo be having a Black Friday sale? YES! And to make sure you don't miss the best pricing of the year, be sure you receive our emails: https://exo...

259 | Our Favorite ”Gear of the Year”

11 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark discuss their favorite gear of the year in 2020. They also revisit their prior favorite gear from 2018 and 2019, and discuss how that...

MM 83 | Gear Care & Storage, Bow vs Rifle Divide, Meat Care in the Field

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark answer listener questions about off-season gear care and storage, how they feel about hunting with a bow vs a rifle, tips they have for...

258 | Hunting with Muzzlerloaders — How and Why to Get Started

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Why you should consider hunting with a muzzleloader...and how to get started. In the episode with John McAdams from the Big Game Hunting Blog, we talk...

MM 82 | Binos with Ballistics, Predicting Mountian Weather, Bivy vs Hammock

02 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on the SIG KILO3000 Binoculars, addressing their range-finding and ballistic solving abilities (https://www...

257 | One Listener’s Challenge (What will you do?)

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We are in a time of year where many hunting seasons are wrapping-up soon and we head into the holidays, cold and dark winters, days, and often, a time...

MM 81 | Your Questions About Our Rifle Elk Hunt

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As a follow-up to our recent podcast about our rifle elk hunt, we take the opportunity to answer listener questions about that hunt... - How did the ...

256 | Recapping our Rifle Elk Hunt

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark recap their recent rifle elk hunt in Idaho. They detail the play-by-play of how they were able to fill both of their tags by mid-day ...

255 | Little Boys and Big Bulls

14 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark are joined by their good friends, Lenny & Tyler, to retell some amazing stories from September. Lenny and Tyler backpack-hunted w...

MM 80 | Planning Our Rifle Elk Hunt

12 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark chat through gear, strategy, and tactics for their upcoming rifle elk hunt in Idaho. Being primarily archery elk hunters, they chat t...

254 | First Morning, First Elk — A Listener Story

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Elk hunting is difficult. Especially when you are solo, hunting with a bow, have an over-the-counter tag, are on pressured public land, and live more ...

MM 79 | Listener Qs on Pack Weight, Bows, Bullets, Boots and more...

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on pack weight, budget bow setups, "do it all" bullets, and boot comparisons. Share your question for the s...

253 | Altitude, Attitude, Athleticism, and Age

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

At 60-years-young our guest on this episode, Dave, is a solo mountain hunter in Alaska. Dave has experience as a Marine, pilot, mountain climber, moun...

252 | Mid-Season Update — Struggles & Success

23 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve and Mark chat through their September elk hunts in Colorado and Idaho. There was plenty of struggle and success involved. How's your season goin...

MM 78 | Modern Day Rifleman Virtual Summit

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

How can the Modern Day Rifleman Virtual Summit help you as a hunter? Even if you aren't a "sniper" or competitive shooter, what can you, as a hunter, ...

251 | Dall Sheep Hunt Story with Steve & Tyler

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We are joined by our buddy, Tyler Boschma, who recently hunted Dall Sheep in the Alaska Range with Steve. We hear the story of the hunt, including the...

MM 77 | Q&A on Labor Day

07 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We're answering your questions on Labor Day. Hopefully, though, you're not hearing this as it is released, and instead you are out hunting. In this sh...

250 | Montana Double — Elk & Deer Down in 1 Day

02 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this show we are joined by podcast listeners, who happen to be both buddies and brothers-in-law. They tell the story of a fun hunt in Montana where...

MM 76 | Steve’s Sheep Hunt

31 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Steve returns from his Sheep hunt in Alaska. We are saving the full hunt story for a later show, once our buddy Tyler can join. In this episode we foc...

249 | Backcountry Rescue — What happens when you hit SOS?

26 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The backcountry is big, beautiful...and unforgiving. We shouldn't pursue the backcountry in fear, but we should be prepared for the possibility of dif...

MM 75 | Your Rifle Upgrade & Build Questions Answered

24 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Mark is joined by John Hakes from Mesa Precision Arms. Together they address a wide variety of rifle-related questions from the audience. They talk ab...