The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

As backcountry hunters, we depend on hiking to move us into, through, and out of the backcountry. We do this movement with a load on our backs — whether that’s the light load of a day’s essentials, a moderate load of gear for a multiday hunt, or the heavy load of success on our backs. The terrain, the distance, the pace, and the weight vary. So shouldn’t our training hikes mimic these various demands? Our guest in this episode, Mike Prevost, has studied the science and research of hiking heavy. Mike helps us understand how to best prepare for the various loads and distances required of us as backcountry hunters. Tune in to this episode, load up your Exo pack, and then get to work. More resources from Mike Prevost... -https://www.otpbooks.com/mike-prevost-ruck-training-programs/ -https://www.otpbooks.com/mike-prevost-ruck-training-part-2/ -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZnW7A_rdoY Have questions for us? Send an email to... podcast@exomtngear.com

What tips do you have for shooting in the wind? What are the benefits of using a dovetail mount on a bow sight? What stabilizer setup do you recommend? How do you motivate your buddy to get out of the sleeping bag in the morning and start hunting? We tackle these questions on today's Monday Minute podcast. Have a question for a future show? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com

The new Cross rifle from Sig Sauer is a hunting rifle like you haven't seen before. It is a combination of a bolt-action rifle with AR-styling and a chasis-style stock that is both foldable and incredibly adjustable. But there's more to the Cross than just modern looks. Along with the Cross rifle, Sig also launched a completely new cartridge called the 277 Fury. This new cartridge with a hybrid steel and brass case design allows for the short 16" barrel to send a 140g bullet at speeds just shy of 3,000fps. Patrick Hanley from Sig Sauer joins us to discuss the story behind the Cross rifle, the new 277 Fury cartridge, and more. Learn more about the Cross at https://sigsauer.com/cross https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this final episode of the four-part series, they discuss navigation, communication, clothing, personal care, safety items, and more. - Learn more & subscribe at: exomtngear.com/podcast - Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com

We are joined with a special guest, and discuss ballistics (including how barrel length affects velocity), beverages (including beers and backcountry coffee), and get the full story of the adventure that was Steve's recent bear hunt. Have a question for a future show? Send it to: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve Davis of Hammer Bullets joins us to discuss the history, development, and use of Hammer Bullets for hunting. Hammer is a small bullet manufacturer out of Montana. Brian and Steve started Hammer Bullets when they, as hunters, couldn't find the bullet they were looking for on their market. You'll hear how they started building bullets in their garage, the struggles they went through in testing, and how they ultimately found a unique design that had numerous benefits for hunters and hand-loaders. Hammer makes all-copper, monolithic bullets. In addition to discussing Hammer bullets specifically, we also talk about the benefit of monolithic bullets and why hunters should consider using them — even if they hunt in states where traditional lead bullets are able to be used. Learn more about Hammer Bullets at https://HammerBullets.com/. You can also reach out to Hammer directly via info@hammerbullets.com or 406-261-0010. https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this third episode of the four-part series, we discuss the hunt-specific gear that should be in your pack. We cover everything from the knives and game bags we use, to how we carry our binos, and what weapon-maintenance items we bring into the backcountry. - Learn more & subscribe at: https://exomtngear.com/podcast - Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve filled a bear tag this weekend...and tore up a pair of boots on their maiden voyage. We chat about that, then dive into listener questions on water filters, sandbags and pack weight, packing wood stoves, and more... Share your questions via email: podcast@exomtngear.com

How does a bullet kill? There are different theories, different opinions, and different bullet designs. Today we're speaking with Garett Stoddard from Berger Bullets to understand how Berger bullets are designed and constructed to perform on game. Garett is an engineer that has spent a lot of time studying bullet design and terminal performance, and as a hunter himself, also puts his research to the test in the field. This discussion on Terminal Ballistics (a bullet's performance on game) is a great follow-up to our recent conversation with Bryan Litz in Episode 223, which was all about External Ballistics (a bullet's performance in flight). Check out helpful resources and product offerings from Berger Bullets at https://BergerBullets.com Learn more about this podcast at https://ExoMtnGear.com/podcast or contact us directly via email to podcast@exomtngear.com

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this second episode of the four-part series, we discuss the topics of Water, Food, and Cooking. We cover everything from how we filter water, to selecting the best stove for the backcountry, to our favorite meals and snacks for extended adventures. - Backcountry Food Plan: https://exomtngear.com/nutrition - Stove Review & Comparison: Episode 190 - DIY Dehydrated Meals: Episode 126 - Learn more & subscribe at: exomtngear.com/podcast - Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve and Mark answer a listener question about supporting "non-hunting" companies, cold weather gear, and more. Share your question with us: podcast@exomtngear.com Learn more & subscribe for future episodes: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It doesn't take a degree in rocket science to understand bullet performance. Or does it? Bryan Litz is a scientist, shooter, and ballistician. He quite literally "wrote the book" on external ballistics and informed what we know about the flight and performance of bullets. Bryan joins us in this episode to breakdown the concept of BC (Ballistic Coefficient) and what this number on your box of bullets or ammunition means for you as a hunter and shooter. We discuss what BC is, how it is measured, when and why it matters for hunters, and more... To dive even deeper into this topic, visit https://NoBSBC.com. You can also check out Bryan's books and other resources at https://AppliedBallisticsLLC.com/ If you have questions about this topic or anything else you want to hear about on future podcasts, let us know by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this first episode of the four-part series, we discuss the topics of Shelters & Sleep Systems. If you've been wondering about floorless shelters vs double-wall tents, sleeping bags vs quilts, or other related topics, this discussion is for you. - Budget Gear List: https://exomtngear.com/budgetgear - Learn more & subscribe at: https://exomtngear.com/podcast - Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com

If you have a limited budget and are looking to extend the effective range of your rifle, should you consider upgrading or replacing your rifle scope? We answer that listener question with the help of Brenton from Leupold Optics. Do you have a question or topic suggestion for a future episode? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com

The TSS episodes are coming to an end, but keep your questions coming and we will answer them on upcoming Monday Minute episodes... podcast@exomtngear.com

Brass cases are a critical component of a loaded rifle cartridge, and understanding how to properly work with brass cases is a critical aspect of being a safe and successful reloader. In this episode, we discuss what every reloader should know about brass. We answer the questions... - "What is the difference between loading with new brass and previously-fired brass?" - "Is it better to full-length size or 'neck size' brass before loading?" - "When should I trim, chamfer, and deburr brass cases for loading?" - "What is the best way to clean brass?" - And more... Did you miss Part 1 of our reloading series? Check out Episode 213. Learn more about how to get started hand loading from RCBS at www.rcbs.com/handloading-basics.html. Have questions for future episodes? Please send them to podcast@exomtngear.com

How do you find reliable water sources using maps or Google Earth? How do you make your own dehydrated meals for backpacking at home? How do I balance arrow speed, total arrow weight, and FOC (front-of-center) for my arrows? Will Exo offer more color or camo options on packs in the future? Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

How do you balance hunting for meat (filling tags) vs hunting for adventure, even if adventure means you have a lower chance at filling your tag? We talk about that question, and answer more gear questions in today's episode... Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

We discuss Mark's rifle build, which is detailed in a recent article here: https://exomtngear.com/tikka SAVE $100 on the Altitude Stock from Mesa Precision with the code "MESA100" at MesaPrecisionArms.com We also chat about finding a hunting partner, hunting solo, and Exo bag design details. Hunting Solo?... https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/solo-hunting-in-the-backcountry Finding a partner?... https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-choose-a-hunting-partner Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on securely storing gear at the trailhead, what socks we use and recommend, what to look for or consider in tent stakes, and more... Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.