The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

We continue the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. Today, we are speaking Erik and Jason — two friends that are headed to New Zealand. They will be hunting numerous species in New Zealand, as well as spending some time exploring the country with the families. In this conversation we learn about their planning and preparation for the trip, what they are expecting out of the experience, and much more. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about camping styles for elk hunting, if they have found a backpacking stove better than Jetboil, how to backpack and adjust your pack if you have a bad back, and more. Resources mentioned in this episode: - "BASE, SPIKE, OR BIVY?" Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/217 - MTN Gear Bipods: https://www.mtngear.us/product/bipod - Spartan ARCA Adapter: https://javelinbipod.com/products/classic-arca-adapter Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast K4 PACK SYSTEMS — exomtngear.com/K4

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 hunting opportunity and experience. The hunt story is not only entertaining, there are also lessons to be learned from Curt's experience. Curt's Previous Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/257 ASK US A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 been up to this past month and chat about the recent trip Jake made out to hang out Mark and his family, Hushin's "Brush for Bucks" event, Jake's rifle build, hunting plans for this 2023 season, future plans for the Final Friday Podcast, and more! Resources mentioned in this episode: - Brush For Bucks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBmqi__0RIU - Savage 110 Ultralight 6.5 PRC: https://www.savagearms.com/content?p=firearms&a=product_summary&s=57577 - Berger 140 gr. Elite Hunter: https://bergerbullets.com/product/6-5-mm-140-grain-elite-hunter/ - Patriot Valley Arms Jet Blast: https://patriotvalleyarms.com/jet-blast-muzzle-brake/ - XLR Element 4.0 Magnesium Chassis: https://xlrindustries.com/products/element_4-0_magnesium_chassis - Huntin' Fool: https://www.huntinfool.com/ - Mtn Gear Bipod: https://www.mtngear.us/product/bipod - Podcast of Steve and Mark's

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 elk in Montana. His experience involved a lot of ups and downs, lessons learned, and ultimately some luck that led to his success on his first elk hunt. ASK US A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We continue the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. Today, we are speaking with Caleb about his upcoming spring bear hunt in Idaho. As a regular guy from Texas, Caleb got some exposure to western hunting, then made some big life changes to allow him to start hunting the mountains. We discuss that background and then chat about the plan for his first western hunt, the upcoming spring bear adventure in Idaho. Answering Caleb's previous questions on a Monday Minute episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-171 LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 whitetail hunting with a saddle or treestand, if a bivy is worth using inside of a tent, and their comparison of the NXS vs NX8 rifle scopes from Nightforce. Resources mentioned in this episode... - Meat Care Podcasts: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/046, https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/341, https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-09 - Saddle Hunting Pack Setup: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/packs-for-saddle-hunting - Podcast with Nightforce: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/375 - Nightforce NXS Compact: https://www.nightforceoptics.com/riflescopes/nxs/nxs-25-10x42-compact/ Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast K4 PACK SYSTEMS — https://exomtngear.com/K4

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, Nick knew a bit about what he was up against for this unique hunting opportunity. It wasn't going to be easy, but it was guaranteed to be an adventure. Nick joins us to share the story of the hunt. And as you listen to Nick's experience, you can certainly learn some things to apply to your future adventures in the mountains. Nick's Outfitting Operation: https://www.mistyriveroutfitters.com/ ASK US A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about puffy jackets and durability, solid clothing colors and hunting safety, gaining more storage space in your pack by using the meat shelf for food or gear, and more... Resources mentioned in this episode... - Canis Alps Down Jacket: https://www.canisathlete.com/products/alps-hooded-down-jacket - K4 Nalgene Holder: https://exomtngear.com/nalgene Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast K4 PACK SYSTEMS — https://exomtngear.com/K4

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 clothing (no matter the brand) for backcountry pursuits. We also discuss how to use different types of clothing layers effectively, how to combine layers efficiently, and some of the mistakes to avoid in the field. If you want to take a deep-dive on the technology and application of apparel for hunting (again, regardless of brand), this is a conversation that you will certainly enjoy and learn from. Resources mentioned in this episode... - John's Newsletter: https://knowledgefromstorms.com/ - John's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbarklow/ - The new Sitka Mountain Evo Jacket: https://www.sitkagear.com/collection/mountain-evo - The Best (and Budget!) Clothes for Backpack Hunting: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/best-budget-hunting-clothes Mark's 3 Favorite Sitka Pieces - Ascent Pant: https://www.sitkagear.com/products/ascent-pant/pyrite - Core Ligh

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 shooting rifles with kids and preparing them to hunt, and why all K4 packs don't include a horseshoe zipper and a bladder tube holder. Resources mentioned in this episode... - Rokslide Thread on K4 Packs: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/exo-mountain-k4.279017/ - Bladder Tube Clips: https://amzn.to/3zsTyIV - Rokslide Thread on .223 for Hunting: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/223-for-bear-deer-elk-and-moose.130488/ K4 PACK SYSTEMS — https://exomtngear.com/K4 Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We have officially launched our all-new K4 Packs & Accessories: https://exomtngear.com/k4 Thank you to everyone that has followed this journey and shared so many good questions about K4 over the past couple of months. After chatting about the K4 launch, Steve and Mark dive in to some questions/topics about hunting in the Spring, including: rain gear, puffy jackets, ticks, tripods, scouting, and Steve's 70's Disco thermals. Resources mentioned in this episode: - https://exomtngear.com/K4 - Disco Tights: https://www.brynjeusa.com/product/unisex-longs-inlay/ - Tickless Ultrasonic Tick Repeller: https://amzn.to/42L7kUL - Wiser Precision 3rd Leg: https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/third-leg - Wiser Precision Nighthawk: https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/nighthawk Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

There is a dizzying amount of information online about rifles, bullets, and ballistics. And while you can find an answer for nearly every question, that doesn't mean we have all of the real and definitive answers. Even a trained, experienced, professional ballistician — such as Hornady's Jayden Quinlan — has questions that keep him up night. Today, we speak with Jayden about those mysteries, and also dive into some practical examples of the things that do and don't matter for your shooting and reloading. Jayden's Previous Episode: Hunting Lethality — How Do Animals Die? https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/267 Hornady's Podcast: https://www.hornady.com/podcast LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions — discussing how to select the right shelter for your hunt, how to narrow-down areas to hunt, and how to select proper sizing for K4 Pack Systems. K4 Size Selection: https://exomtngear.com/sizing K4 Updates & Giveaway: exomtngear.com/K4 Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 something too dead", right? But where is the point of diminishing returns? If you find what is "enough", then what are the downsides of chasing more than that? Recoil and shootability? Cost of ammunition, components, and barrel life? What else? Mark & Steve are joined by Seth Swerczek from Hornady to discuss these topics, and more. As you will hear, sometimes the best way to think about ballistics (and caliber/cartridge choice) is to "think backwards". Hornady's Podcast: https://www.hornady.com/podcast LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions — discussing snow pack and spring bear hunting, using a rifle scope to spot or check animals, pack frame height and head clearance, and "What's in my pack?" videos. Resources mentioned in this episode... - K4 Packs "Behind the Design" —https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/k4-pack-systems-behind-the-design - Bear Hunting Podcasts — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/334, https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/115 - e-Scouting for Spring Bear — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt38bciCE2s - Exo Mtn Gear YouTube — https://youtube.com/exomountaingear - Steve's Sheep Packing Video — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhGoT3QqmkM Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com K4 Updates & Giveaway: https://exomtngear.com/K4 View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 story from his muzzleloader elk hunt this past fall. We discuss... - Why he continues to hunt elk solo - How he trains to be able to hunt the backcountry in his 60s - How he stays motivated to hunt when the conditions are tough - Simple ways he tracks and patterns elk when they are tough to find - What led to him making a big mistake with a knife and how he cared for the injury - Why he didn't seek immediate medical attention after a pretty serious wound - How his home and family life contribute to his hunting - And much more! Resources mentioned in this episode... - Error Precursors PDF: https://training.lbl.gov/ehs/training/assets/docs/Error-Precursors.pdf - Mike Prevost Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/230 LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions — discussing the best place to carry your InReach (and why it matters), what body type works best in the K4 Frame, what we are working on for K5, and how material choices affect breathability, sweat, and chafing. Share your question: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com K4 Updates & Giveaway: https://exomtngear.com/K4 View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 Poo, aka Jake Havlicek. This series will give a look at what's going on behind the scenes at Exo, with the goal of keeping the conversation informal and not having a set goal to accomplish — just a few Exo employees talking into a microphone. In this first episode, Jake and Mark discuss a variety of topics, including: - Show-Season Shenanigans - Fitness challenge among (most of) the Exo employees - Behind the Scenes of the latest K4 updates - The 2023 Death Hike - Continuous growth in all areas of life Share Your Feedback & Questions: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 hunter that wants to use a tripod for both glassing and shooting. Although this episode is packed with helpful information, it only scratches the surface of this topic. As you listen to this conversation, think about the questions you have and let us know what you want to hear more about. Michael has graciously agreed to do a follow-up episode with us to answer your questions about tripod selection, tripod setup, tripod techniques, and more... LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com RRS SOAR: https://rrssoar.com/ Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast