The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

The difference between notching your tag or going home empty-handed from a hunt is usually determined by a few decisions or important moments. It is often only with hindsight that the outcome of the hunt can be understood by analyzing the decisive moments that led to the outcome — for good, or for bad. Every episode in this Reverse-Engineering Hunting Success podcast series will feature a conversation with an experienced hunter and dissect a successful hunt, looking back to understand or "reverse engineer" the key decisions or other decisive moments that led to their success. On this episode of our Reverse-Engineering Success series we speak with Brian ("BMack") McElrea about a Wyoming archery elk hunt. As you will hear, this story is filled with ups, downs, and unexpected turns. WATCH THE HUNT: - https://youtu.be/Uj_IAVbKaQg - https://youtu.be/zM4huXyWJbg CONNECT WITH HUSH - https://gethushin.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/gethushin - https://www.instagram.com/gethushin/ LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpi

Mark is joined by Kody Kellom of Born & Raised Outdoors to answer your listener questions on all things elk hunting. They discuss optics for archery elk hunting, helping new elk hunters catch "the elk bug", what is and isn't a "raghorn" bull, cross-over tactics for midwestern guys that want to learn to hunt elk, making the most of the mid-day on slow elk hunts, and the best advice for new or first-time elk hunters. ELK WEEK from Born & Raised Outdoors: https://bit.ly/ELK_WEEK LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR THE SHOW: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

The difference between notching your tag or going home empty-handed from a hunt is usually determined by a few decisions or important moments. It is often only with hindsight that the outcome of the hunt can be understood by analyzing the decisive moments that led to the outcome — for good, or for bad. Every episode in this Reverse-Engineering Hunting Success podcast series will feature a conversation with an experienced hunter and dissect a successful hunt, looking back to understand or "reverse engineer" the key decisions or other decisive moments that led to their success. On the latest episode of our Reverse-Engineering Success series we speak with Garth Jenson about a multi-year quest with a specific buck in Garth's home state of Utah. This story features lessons on bouncing-back from setbacks, balancing patience and aggressiveness, tracking and stalking mule deer, executing good shots with archery equipment, and more... LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com

The difference between notching your tag or going home empty-handed from a hunt is usually determined by a few decisions or important moments. It is often only with hindsight that the outcome of the hunt can be understood by analyzing the decisive moments that led to the outcome — for good, or for bad. Reverse-Engineering Hunting Success is a new series on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast for the month of July. Each week we will speak with an experienced hunter and dissect a particular successful hunt, looking back to understand or "reverse engineer" the key decisions or other decisive moments that led to their success. On this week's episode, we speak with Jeff Bloomquist about a solo elk hunt where Jeff killed a 327" bull with his bow during an epic rut fest. But as you will hear, the hunt wasn't without mistakes or challenges. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions from their recent Death Hike, talk about using Exo Packs for weighted pack training, and announce an upcoming podcast series on Reverse-Engineering Success. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back from the 2022 Exo Death Hike — the first-ever Death Hike in Alaska. In this episode, Steve & Mark recap the hike, including what went well and what didn't. And it doesn't take long for things to NOT go according to the plan! MARK'S DEATH HIKE GEAR LIST & LESSONS LEARNED: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/life-changing-lessons-from-the-exo-death-hike **NEW** HUNT BACKCOUNTRY HAT: https://exomtngear.com/collections/logo-gear/products/hunt-backcountry-hat-1 LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 with a lion that had a deer in its jaws, to harvesting a black bear with a trad bow, this hunt was certainly one to remember. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 hunting unit and when is it worth it to bring an ATV? What is the best range to zero your hunting rifle? Should I hunt deer and elk at the same time, or just focus on one or the other? LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode: - June Giveaway for Exo Insiders: https://exomtngear.com/june-gear - Frame Extensions: https://bit.ly/K3Extn - USFS MVUM: https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 objective opinions about the gear we use. Our goal is to always share information on gear that is based on experience, not influenced by other motives. Our guest in this episode, Jay from the Mindful Hunter, spent $5,000 of his own money to purchase, test, and compare high-end hunting packs. Before his pack review, we weren't familiar with Jay or his work through Mindful Hunter. But after seeing Jay's pack review, and all of the effort he put into the careful analysis of the packs, we wanted to learn more. Jay joins us to talk about the pack review, tribalism in the hunting industry, his plans for future gear review projects, and much more... Resources mentioned in this episode... - Pack Review, Part 1: https://youtu.be/FdkN_rAeSx0 - Pack Review, Part 2: https://youtu.be/ZuTKzIr8kS0 - Mindful Hunter Website: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ - Mindful Hunter Ins

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. Miles of hiking, steep climbs, wild weather, and being pinned down by sheep. After passing 18 sub-legal rams, I found mine and was able to sneak into 50 yds and harvest him in his bed. My Dad did not let me show him up and took a cranker of a caribou. The best part of the entire trip was that I was able to experience it with my Dad — the one who introduced me to hunting, and has been my main hunting partner since I tagged along with him at 6 years old. He actually won this sheep hunt and gave it to me! What an example of a loving father who wants his children and grandchildren to experience some of the things he has." Today, we get to hear the whole story from a listener of the podcast, Brian. As you listen to Brian recap the adventure, we know you will be inspired to pursue that adventure you have been dreaming of, and/or take the next step in sharing a memor

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 and assess pack fit before you commit? What one clothing piece should a new hunter invest in? LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode: - June Giveaway for Exo Insiders: https://exomtngear.com/june-gear - Fix Your Pack Fit: https://exomtngear.com/fitfix - Budget Grid Fleece: https://amzn.to/3xqhCLl Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 best, you need to fuel properly. But what does that mean? With an overwhelming amount of nutrition information on the internet and countless "performance" products being marketed to us, how do you cut through the fluff and get solid nutrition information and recommendations on what really matters? Kyle Kamp with Valley to Peak Nutrition is the guy we go to for all things nutrition. For years, Kyle has helped us prepare for our annual Death Hikes, our extended backcountry hunts, and even for day-to-day life. In this episode, Kyle and Mark discuss what's changed in the past several years since they began working together, what changes they have made to the updated (and FREE!) Backcountry Fuel Guide, and more... FREE Backcountry Fuel Guide: https://exomtngear.com/nutrition More resources from Kyle and V2P: - Website: https://v2pnutrition.com - Podcast: https:/

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 time as a guide and outfitter has allowed him to see the common mistakes that elk hunters make, and how the consistently-successful hunters make success happen. In this conversation, Cliff shares some of the ways that struggling elk hunters can find more consistent success on public land elk hunts. Connect with Cliff... - Website: https://pursuitwithcliff.com/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CliffGray - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Cliffgry/ LEAVE US A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about the K3 Crib Load Panel, what their family thinks of their podcasting popularity, the ethics of encountering other hunters in the backcountry, and the best resources to learn more about elk hunting. LEAVE US A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode: - June Giveaway for Exo Insiders: https://exomtngear.com/june-gear - Gear That Never Leaves My Pack: https://exomtngear.com/alwayscarry - SuperFeet Trailblazer: https://www.superfeet.com/en-us/trailblazer-comfort - K3 Crib Load Panel: https://exomtngear.com/k3crib - Video: Load Quarters & Boned-Out Meat: https://exomtngear.com/pages/how-to#gallery-6 - Robby Denning's Book on Mule Deer: https://amzn.to/3Ngh6WK SAVE $20 on the University of Elk Hunting Online course with discount code “EXO20” at https://www.elk101.com/onlinecourse Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: exomtngear.com/podcast

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 other pieces weigh a couple of pounds. Company X has proprietary technology with miraculous claims, while Company Y claims its membrane is better. So what do you do? How do you select rain gear? Well, it begins with understanding how rain gear works — and why, sometimes, it doesn't. To help us dig deeper than the marketing messages we, as consumers, see about rain gear, we turned to a technical textile expert, Marcel Geser of Development Never Stops. Marcel's work with DNS has won over 25 coveted ISPO awards, which are given to the most innovative products in the sports and outdoor space. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world, including recent work with hunting apparel company Canis (https://canisathlete.com/). LEAVE US A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtn

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 talk about why individual action (by YOU!) is so important. And how your action (and our collective unity as hunters) can make positive changes and provide lasting protections for the good of wild animals, wild places, and the rights of sportsmen. Connect with Howl for Wildlife: - https://www.howlforwildlife.org/ - https://www.instagram.com/howl_org/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your questions about their recent bear hunt. Topics include the ticks they encountered, the optics they used, the shot placement on their bears, and more. They also answer why they use Cordura on Exo Mtn Gear packs and not something waterproof. LISTENER HUNT SERIES (Before & After): Contact podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode... - Exo Dry Bag Liner: https://exomtngear.com/k3drybag - 6.5 Creedmoor vs 6.5 PRC: https://exomtngear.com/6point5 View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 discuss the hunt story, lessons learned along the way, and more. ASK YOUR QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: exomtngear.com/podcast

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 most over-rated piece of backpacking gear, and Mark talks about why he LOVES his quilt. They also debate fleece vs merino for mid-layers, down vs synthetic for insulation, and more. Most importantly, they discuss the "traps" of gear, the importance of figuring out what works for YOU, and the sunk-cost fallacy of continuing to use gear that doesn't actually work, and why getting to a place where you're not focused on gear is the best place to be. LEAVE US A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Emory's Course, "Learn How to Backpack" — https://www.learnhowtobackpack.com/ Connect with Emory... - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emory_by_land/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EmoryByLand/videos - Podcast: https://wavve.link/By-Land-Podcast - Website: https://byland.co/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngea

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 hunting, how to manage trekking poles and weapon access, what is required to legally travel and hunt with a suppressor, the benefits and use of Exo's frame-height extensions on the K3 Frame, and some last-minute advice for a new backpack hunter. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Resources mentioned in this episode... - Frame Extension Video: https://bit.ly/K3Extn - How to use Trekking Poles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXXRp-yvLeM - Quick-Access with Exo Rifle Carrier: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGfqwvkgP5s - Traveling with a Suppressor: https://www.silencercentral.com/blog/traveling-with-a-suppressor-silencer-central/ - Podcasts on Suppressors: https://exomtngear.com/search?q=suppressor Email Us: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast