The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about backpacking with kids, hunt plans, best week of September for archery mule deer, stalking tips, flying with a hunting rifle, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES NEW Outdoor Vitals Pre-Sale: https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/mp-line-presale Outdoor Vitals Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/530 NEW Airlock Industries Suppressor: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNJSuIDhz3s/ Airlock Industries (Coming Soon): https://airlockindustries.com/ NEW Chest Holster Mount: https://sandsarchery.com/products/guardian-chest-plate Deadfall Design: https://www.instagram.com/deadfall_design/ Ivory Holsters EMG: https://ivoryholsters.com/emg Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/products/aziak-backcountry-lite-tripod Wiser Precision Ridge Warden: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head How To Put On A Heavy Pack (5 L's): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-put-on-a-heavy-hunting-pack Why We Don

Most sheep hunt stories either include a guide or the hard-earned experience of a die-hard, do-it-yourself sheep nut. But for Erik and his buddy, Evan, there is no guide and no experience. As a resident of Alaska, Erik drew a limited-entry sheep tag for a trophy hunt. In today's podcast, you will hear how Erik and Evan are planning and preparing for this hunt. Later this fall, they will return to the show to share the story of the hunt, the lessons they learned, the gear that did/didn't work, and much more... The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about bow tuning, even if broadheads are hitting with field points, suggestions on base layers for hot-weather hunts, what to do first when you recover an animal, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES Backpack Hunting Basics — When You Shoot: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-shoot-an-animal Backpack Hunting Basics — When You Recover: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-recover-an-animal Mark's New Battery Bank: https://sandsarchery.com/products/nitecore-pocket-10k-power-bank-with-built-in-cable Compressed Wipes: https://amzn.to/47cPxdG Sitka Core Lightweight: https://www.sitkagear.com/collection/core-lightweight-collection Simms SolarFlex: https://amzn.to/46C6dv7 Outdoor Research Echo: https://amzn.to/4mscqyq Patagonia Capilene: https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-capilene-cool-daily-hoody/45310.html Anetik Sun Hoody: https://anetik.com/products/copy-of-mens-low-pro-tech-hoody-master-hoody Kuhl Hoody: https:

For four years straight, Rich Froning was considered "the fittest man on earth"  as he dominated the CrossFit Games competition. After retiring from individual competition, Rich has pursued many interests, but none rivaled his passion for elk hunting. We speak with Rich about the humility required to grow as an elk hunter, what he has learned from hunting with more experienced hunters, how CrossFit prepared him for the challenges of elk hunting, and much more. Mayhem Hunt: https://www.mayhemhunt.com/ Rich's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richfroning/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Trent Fisher from Born & Raised Outdoors joins us to discuss elk hunting, his experience getting his kids into hunting, and judging big black bears. Be sure to check out ELK WEEK specials from Born & Raised through August 3rd... Elk Week Specials: https://bornandraisedoutdoors.com/ Hunting Clothing Comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4RWlPgqZLg Previous Elk Episodes w/ Trent: Elk Week Podcasts The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about backcountry hygiene, the Swarovski ATC compact spotter, tire drags with the K4 Frame, gear tape, custom Crocs, their DIY backcountry bar recipes, Mark's garage workout, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES Lathrop & Sons Giveaway: http://lathropandsons.com/pages/giveaway Archery Elk Gear (Exo vs BRO): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/5-day-archery-elk-gear-list-comparison DIY Backcountry Bar Recipes: https://exomtngear.com/bars Mark's Garage Workout: https://the-experience-project.com/marks-garage-workout-for-mountain-hunting/ Swarovski ATC: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-atc-stc-compact-spotting-scope Kowa 55: https://sandsarchery.com/products/kowa-tsn-55-compact-spotting-scope Swarovski ATS 65: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-ats-25-50wx65-hd-spotting-scope Vet Wrap: https://amzn.to/4f6AnbW Camo Gear Tape: https://amzn.to/4lRXNVd & https://amzn.to/46uJy3R Colgate Wisps: https://amzn.to/40AMFn1 The Hunt Backco

Former archery engineer, competitive shooter, and accomplished hunter, Darin Cooper (@darin_cooper) comes back to The Hunt Backcountry Podcast. We discuss the details of his current bowhunting setup. But more than just a conversation about gear, this is a discussion that goes into the technical aspects of archery and bowhunting. Darin's Previous Podcasts... Critical Factors of Broadhead Flight Frank Church Sheep Success — Times Two! Building, Shooting, and Renting Rifles Expert Roundtable: The Final Moment Mindset Expert Roundtable: Unconventional Wisdom & Tactics Expert Roundtable: The Key to Consistency Expert Roundtable: Mistakes That Made Me Better Expert Roundtable: Game-Changing Gear The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about power banks vs solar panels, how to dry and care for water bladders, and things first-time backpack hunters should consider when looking to hunt in remote country with predators. We also discuss the first things to do when you shoot an animal, why we are grateful as F@#K, trusting the process, if Steve can manifest an elk with his mind, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES Podcast Giveaway + Exo Discount: https://exomtngear.com/podcast (Entry deadline is Midnight on July 25) First Steps When You Shoot: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-shoot-an-animal Mark's Pump for Drying Bladders & Cooling Barrels: https://amzn.to/44Z5L7N Elk 101 Bow Hook: https://store.elk101.com/products/elk101-bow-hook OBI Bow/Rifle Carry: https://oldballsinc.com/pages/obi-link-system Nitecore Power Bank: https://sandsarchery.com/products/nitecore-pocket-10k-power-bank-with-built-in-cable The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Ge

We launched the very first episode of The Hunt Backcountry podcast exactly 10 years ago, on July 16, 2015. To celebrate 10 years of the podcast, we are offering some great prizes and an exclusive Exo discount. To enter the giveaway and get access to the discount, sign up by email at: https://exomtngear.com/podcast. This promotion is only running for 10 days, from July 16-25th, 2025. THANK YOU for supporting the podcast over these past 10 years! ENTER NOW: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about how we sharpen our hunting knives, Mark's lessons from his mountain bike race, why S&S Archery removed their spotting scope comparison video from YouTube, where we carry our water bladders in a K4 Pack, what to avoid when storing a weighted pack for summer training, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES American-Made Gear Giveaway: https://swee.ps/KkZMPBCSH Backpacking Light Course: https://backpackinglight.com/backcountry-hunting-ultralight-gear-strategies/ Our Podcast with Ryan from Backpacking Light: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/462 Knife Sharpening: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backpack-hunting-basics-how-we-sharpen-knives Experience Project HUNT Films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxCisjM16JQUuY7xWQLdExN_rAHTxEsvv Our Water Filtration & Carry System: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backpack-hunting-basics-how-we-filter-carry-water Load Your Pack for a Day Hunt: https://youtu.be/xEwuuQSMiBo Load Your Pack f

A listener of the show, Nick, joins us to discuss his recent experience at an elk hunting bootcamp, how he is preparing for his first trip to Alaska for a Caribou hunt this September, how his previous experience as an outdoor guide has influenced his early days as a hunter, and much more. We will record a post-hunt podcast with Nick later this fall to hear all about his adventure in Alaska. The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about using base layer bottoms vs puffy pants, eating game meat from CWD areas, the broadhead they're shooting this year, and more... Links & Resources American Made Gear Giveaway: https://swee.ps/KkZMPBCSH Brynje Fishnets: https://www.brynjeusa.com/product-category/wool-thermo/ Steller Down Pants: https://www.stellarequipment.com/product/m-ultralight-down-pants2-blublack/ Western Mountaineering Flight Pants: https://www.blackovis.com/western-mountaineering-flight-pants Ketl Mtn Shorts: https://ketlmtn.com/products/virtue-hybrid-short-9-v-3 Sevr Ti 1.5 Hybrid: https://www.sevrbroadheads.com/product/hybrid15/ Podcast: What You Need To Know About CWD: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/156  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEA

For the past 2+ years, we have been working on some apparel pieces with the guys at Outdoor Vitals. After extensive testing and refinement of the designs, these clothing items are finally set to be released in the coming months. In this conversation with Brigham Crane, the Product Design Director at Outdoor Vitals, we discuss the background of this unique project, dive deep into the design details of each of the three pieces (puffy jacket, active mid-layer, and pants), and share the timeline for these new items to come to market. EPISODE SECTIONS (00:00:00) INTRO (00:04:00) PROJECT BACKGROUND (00:22:34) PUFFY JACKET (00:53:12) ACTIVE MID-LAYER (01:16:20) PANTS (01:36:14) WHAT'S NEXT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... Product Release Sign-Up: https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/alpine-line-optin-western-hunt-expo-2025  Rokslide Thread: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/new-developments-coming-this-summer.403389/  Experience Project Hunt Films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxCisjM16JQUuY7xWQLdExN_rAHTxEsvv 

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about taking follow-up shots when bowhunting, tips for carrying a rifle (stock or folding chassis) on a pack, a new K4 Bag from Shoot2Hunt, budget-friendly spotting scopes from Athlon Optics, using iPhone satellite messaging in place of an InReach, and more... Links & Resources... Exo Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter  Mike Lee's Announcement on Public Lands: https://x.com/SenMikeLee/status/1939132778605388207  Shoot2Hunt "Teratorn" K4 Bag: https://exomtngear.com/s2h AND https://shoot2hunt.com/teratorn/  Rifle Carry Tips & Technique: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-carry-chassis-hunting-rifle  Athlon Spotting Scope: https://sandsarchery.com/products/athlon-ares-g2-uhd-15-45x-65mm-spotting-scope  Rent Outdoor Gear: https://rentoutdoorgear.com/  Rex Creations UL Pad Pump: https://rex-creations.com/collections/frontpage  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NE

John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures joins us to discuss priorities for broadhead selection, what he has learned from independently testing and ranking dozens of broadheads, and answers your listener-submitted questions about broadhead selection, budget arrow and broadhead setups, differences in blade and ferrule materials, broadhead vs insert/outsert weight, and MUCH more! LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... Summary Video & Spreadsheet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPXWWwX3_iA  John's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LuskArcheryAdventures John's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luskarcheryadventures/  John's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luskarcheryadventures/  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about food for backpack hunts, bear meat recipes, tripod heads for shooting and glassing, boot care, quilts, and more... Links & Resources... Limited $10 Shirts for Women & Kids: https://exomtngear.com/logo (Order deadline is June 25) What we eat on backpack hunts (and how we pack it): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backpack-hunting-basics-the-food-we-eat Katabatic Quilts: https://katabaticgear.com/collections/quilts Ridge Warden Ball Tilt Head: https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head  Obenauf's LP: https://amzn.to/3HSxUWc  Granger Boot Care: https://amzn.to/46apCCV  Nikwax Waterproofing Wax: https://amzn.to/43ZE1Re  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https:

This is a great listener hunt story with Ryan, about his do-it-yourself black bear hunt in Alaska. We discuss how Ryan planned this hunt, the logistics involved, how the hunt went, what he learned from the adventure, and much more. The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions and discuss some timely topics. They cover another attempt to sell public lands, what's going on at Exo behind the scenes, new shirts for women and kids coming later this week, how we filter and carry water in the backcountry, if they practice with their bow on multi-day backpack hunts, why Mark was using a suppressor cover on their recent spring bear hunt, and choosing optics for a Frank Church elk hunt. Links & Resources... Our Water Filtration System: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backpack-hunting-basics-how-we-filter-carry-water  Backpack Hunting Basics: https://youtube.com/exomountaingear?sub_confirmation=1  Exo Open House & Garage Sale (RSVP!): https://exomtngear.com/pages/exo-garage-sale  Public Land Sale — Information & Action: https://www.howlforwildlife.org/keepitpublic Get Your Bow Ready for the Backcountry: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/get-your-bow-ready-for-the-backcountry LS Wild Suppressor Cover: https://www.l

Nate Simmons joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that includes a deep-dive into advanced archery, stalking strategies on mule deer, the key to his longevity and consistency, and several other listener-submitted questions. This is truly a conversation that you don't want to miss! The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about footwear for training vs hunting, the best way to load weight for rucking, what they carry in their first aid kits on backcountry hunts, and more... Links & Resources Exo Open House & Garage Sale (RSVP!): https://exomtngear.com/pages/exo-garage-sale  Outdoor Vitals Clothing & Discount: https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/alpine-line-optin-western-hunt-expo-2025  Video on Loading Weight for Training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-ol2hnEbXc  Free Training Plan: https://exomtngear.com/training  Mark's At-Home Garage Workout: https://the-experience-project.com/marks-garage-workout-for-mountain-hunting/  Backcountry First-Aid Article & Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backcountry-hunting-first-aid-kit  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/  EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speak