The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

Jay Nichol of Mindful Hunter joins us to answer your listener-submitted questions. This is a very wide-ranging conversation, as we discuss everything from boxers for the backcountry, how much you should tip a hunting guide, issues with hunting influencers, budget gear recommendations, the best do-it-all spotting scope size, and MUCH more. The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Resources & Reviews from Jay... Forged Backcountry Boxers MindfulHunter.com Mindful Hunter Youtube @mindful_munter on Instagram Jay's Independent Pack Review: Part 1 | Part 2 Jay's Backcountry Breakfast Cereal... Combine and Vacuum Seal... 2-scoops Vanilla Whey Isolate 1oz Craisins 2oz Oat Crunch Cheerios 665 Calories 5g Fat 97g Carbs 58g Protein Exo Insider K4 Pack Giveaway: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Welcome to The First Monday. In these episodes, Steve & Mark talk through what's going on for them that month in the categories of The Gear, The Hunt, and the Hunter, as well as what's going on with Exo Mtn Gear. If you want an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what we are doing, researching, and learning, or just what we are excited about, this is it. Links and resources mentioned in this episode... Submit your Exo Mtn Gear tagline: podcast@exomtngear.com Exo Email Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter  Huntin' Fool Draw Deadlines: https://www.huntinfool.com/resources/draw-deadlines  Grand Canyon Death Hike (Last year's recap: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/2024-death-hike)  Determining your effective range with a rifle: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/498  ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

If you are new to backpack hunting, you are probably overwhelmed with what you need, where you can go, and how to get started. In this podcast, we are joined by Josh Kirchner from Dialed-In Hunter to discuss the first steps that beginning backpack hunters need to take to get started backpack hunting. Free gear lists, training plan, nutrition guide, and more: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backpack-hunting-for-beginners 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 questions and share some news and updates on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss... A limited-run of K4 3600s in Multicam Why Exo switched from Titanium to Carbon Fiber Using dirt bikes for hunting and packing out meat Hunting Alaska solo Using a poncho as rain gear, a tarp, and a groundsheet Altitude sickness prevention and treatment Links for this episode... Multicam K4: https://exomtngear.com/multicam  Steve's Dirt Bike Elk Hunt Story: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/406  Altitude Sickness Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/140  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://exomtngear.com/podcast

Jeremy Dugger (@muleymojo) is the owner of Xpert Archery. After hearing story after story about bowhunters' experiences with broadhead performance on animals, he decided to start formally collecting data on the type of broadhead used, the distance of the shot, the arrow weight, the bow's draw weight, and the lethality or lack of recovery of the animal. Now, with over 500 responses in his data collection, he joins us to share some of the statistics and the takeaways that we, as bowhunters, should consider. 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 questions and share some news and updates on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss... The new "Tallboy" K4 Nalgene Holder Exo on Joe Rogan Mark's Midnight "Death Hike" Follow-up Bivy Questions Gear Confirmation Bias  Using Pack Space Efficiently Links for this episode... Pre-Order the "Tallboy" K4 Nalgene Holder: https://exomtngear.com/tallboy Exo Email & Pack Giveaway: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter  Exo on Joe Rogan: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHJ3_64Sf2g/ Steve's 10-Day Sheep Pack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhGoT3QqmkM  DCF Loop Kit: https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/dcf-loop-superkit/ or https://zpacks.com/products/stick-on-loop-clear-white DIY Sil Attachment Points: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8zhiup2pVY Moose Hunt Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxCisjM16JQUuY7xWQLdExN_rAHTxEsvv  EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.co

We have been using a bivy sack on backpack hunts for about a decade now. Often, we'll use our bivy under the stars. At times, we'll add a tarp or minimal shelter. And in extreme cases, we use a bivy sack inside the shell of a Hilleberg tent. On this podcast (and in the article below), you can learn how, why, and when we use bivy sacks. We also answer 10+ listener-submitted questions about the use of a bivy for backpack hunting. BIVY HUNTING ARTICLE — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/bivy-sacks-for-backpack-hunting  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 questions and share some news and updates on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss... Steve's adjustable box for step-up workouts Flight characteristics and ethical aspects of mechanical vs fixed broadheads (with more to come!) Better cell service in the backcountry Overuse of technology Adding extra down fill to a quilt (or sleeping bag) Links for this episode... Exo Email & Pack Giveaway: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter  Steve's Step-Up Box: https://amzn.to/4i04MJJ Starlink Cell Beta: https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-starlink-beta-open-for-all-carriers ScreenZen App: https://www.screenzen.co/ Katabatic Alsek Quilt: https://katabaticgear.com/products/alsek-ultralight-quilt  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://exomtngear.com/podcast

While we have spoken with numerous wildlife agencies and employees on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast over the years, those conversations have generally focused on game management, policy and regulations, and hunter opportunity. In this episode, we discuss wildlife law enforcement with Matt — an Exo customer and an employee of Arizona Game & Fish. Matt shares his insights on mistakes that hunters make, the rules they break, how enforcement officers operate in the field, 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

Welcome to The First Monday. In these episodes, Steve & Mark talk through what's going on for them that month in the categories of The Gear, The Hunt, and the Hunter, as well as what's going on with Exo Mtn Gear. If you want an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what we are doing, researching, and learning, or just what we are excited about, this is it. Links for this episode... Exo Email Notifications: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter  Pre-Fit Barrel Questions (and/or general Podcast Qs): podcast@exomtngear.com  The NW Hunt Expo: https://nwhuntexpo.com/  Tenacious Tape (Clear Repair Tape): https://amzn.to/43eOUyu or https://amzn.to/41DbijE  Aziak Equipment Ridgeline Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/products/aziak-ridgeline-tripod  Idaho Bear Identification: https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/bear-identification  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:

Cody joins us to share the story of the Mule Deer hunt that he shared with his brother and father this past fall. They hunted Montana for the first time and were able to go 3-for-3 on filling their tags. We discuss how they planned this hunt, how they scouted for this out-of-state hunt, how they battled the cold conditions, and how the hunt success happened. 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 questions and share some news and updates on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss... Takeaways from Hunt Expo and the PNW Sportsmen's Show Future plans for The Experience Project  Big discounts on Hanwag Boots The 5 most-downloaded podcast episodes in 2024 What hunting podcasts and shows Steve & Mark follow  What they look for in game bags and how they keep blood out of their packs Links mentioned in this episode... The Idaho Sportsman Show, Feb 27 - Mar 2: https://www.idahosportsmanshow.com/ NW Hunt Expo, Mar 7-9: https://nwhuntexpo.com/ Hanwag Boot Sale: https://www.hanwag.com/us/en-us/outlet/ Best of 2024, #1 — Why Smaller Calibers May Be Better For Big Game Hunting (Part 1): https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-1/  Best of 2024, #2 — Why Smaller Calibers May Be Better For Big Game Hunting (Part 2): https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-2/  Best of 2024, #3 — Smaller Caliber Listene

Sierra Jepsen is a Meat Scientist and owner of Butcher Solutions, LLC. She joins us to discuss how big game hunters can effectively care for and prepare wild game meat. Sierra shares advice for processing big game in the field, caring for big game meat until it is frozen, and preparing big game meat for the best meals possible. Additional Information and Resources... Sierra's Website — https://butchersolutionsllc.com/ Sierra's Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/butcher_solutions_llc/  Video: "Everything You Need Know About Processing Wild Game" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLjN9CoHzI Video: "In-Depth Butchering Tips From A Meat Scientist" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVkI46l4g4w  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

Colt and his 10-year-old daughter, Cedar, join us to share the story of their backpack mule deer hunt from this past fall. This was Cedar's first backpack hunt and it was a joy to hear her share her experience, what she enjoyed about the hunt, what she learned, and more. After the hunt story, Colt shares some of what he has learned about getting Cedar comfortable shooting and how they prepared for her first backpack hunt. Connect with Colt: https://triplecprecision.com/  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

Before hitting the road for Hunt Expo, Steve & Mark answer your listener questions (and go on a couple of rants) on this Monday Minute episode. A warning to the sensitive ears... Yes, there are a few F-words dropped in this one! They answer... Where can you see Exo at events? (This week AND next month!) What does the "K" in K4 stand for? Compared to a traditional pack frame, how does the K4 frame handle moose quarters? Why have Mark & Steve contradicted themselves by using all-copper Hammer bullets and cup-and-core ELD bullets? Why jump on and off the "bandwagon"? What are differences between crampon and microspikes? When do you use each one? And what are some specific models to consider? Links mentioned in this episode... Hunt Expo in SLC, Feb 13-16: https://huntexpo.com/ Pacific NW Sportsmen's Show, Feb 12-16: https://www.thesportshows.com/shows/pacific-northwest/show-information/ The Idaho Sportsman Show, Feb 27 - Mar 2: https://www.idahosportsmanshow.com/ NW Hunt Expo, Mar 7-9: https://nwhuntex

Any elk hunter would love to spend dozens of days on the mountain throughout the fall. In this episode, a new elk hunter, Luke, tells us what he learned as he spent 20+ days pursuing elk in the mountains just outside his home. We discuss what he observed before the season, how elk behavior changed during the season, what he noticed about elk vocalization throughout September, and how his experience hunting elk in later rifle seasons compared to archery season. 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

Welcome to The First Monday. In these episodes, Steve & Mark talk through what's going on for them that month in the categories of The Gear, The Hunt, and the Hunter, as well as what's going on with Exo Mtn Gear. If you want an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what we are doing, researching, and learning, or just what we are excited about, this is it. In addition to that, we also answer listener questions about a new pack from Exo in 2025, how to choose a temperature rating for your sleep system, and what gaiters we recommend. Links for this episode... The Experience Project HUNT Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxCisjM16JQUuY7xWQLdExN_rAHTxEsvv Subscribe to Exo Mtn Gear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExoMountainGear?sub_confirmation=1 K3 Re-Stock: https://exomtngear.com/k3 Hunt Expo: https://huntexpo.com/ Pacific NW Sportsmen's Show: https://www.thesportshows.com/shows/pacific-northwest/ Kahtoola Gaiters: https://kahtoola.com/shop/gaiters/ PEAX Gaiters: https://www.peaxequipmen

Scott Gillespie of Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery joins us to discuss the use of tracking dogs to help hunters recover big game animals in the Rocky Mountain West. Although tracking dogs have a long history in some areas of the country, they have not been used significantly in the Mountain West. With recent changes in legislation and growing interest among trackers and hunters, Scott helps us understand how tracking dogs are now a viable option to help hunters recover big game animals in the mountains. We discuss how hunters can locate and contact a tracking team. When hunters should call for assistance. What it costs to have a tracking team help with recovery. When it doesn't make sense to use a tracking team. And much more. Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery: https://www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/344223976211356/ Find A Tracker: https://www.unitedbloodtrackers.org/find-a-tracker/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https:/

Steve & Mark are back from SHOT Show. In this episode, they discuss the most exciting products they saw at SHOT and answer your questions about suppressors, rifle scopes, knives, and other products from the show. They also announce a limited run of Exo Pack Holsters and the latest Experience Project HUNT film. Links for this episode... Experience Project Moose Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrRHmkO1ybQ Exo Pack Holster by Ivory Holsters: https://ivoryholsters.com/product/limited-edition-exo-emg-pack-holster/ Coast USB-C Batteries: https://www.coastzx.com/ Seekins Element Hunter Rifle: https://seekinsprecision.com/rifles-new/havak-bolt-rifles/element-hunter.html MDT (MTN Gear) Bipods: https://mdttac.com/blog/shot-2025-mdt-launches-mountain-and-backcountry-bipods/ Manners Folding Stock: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFNq6f-PlPG/ DFND (Made in the USA Apparel): https://dfndusa.com/ Hogue Extrak Fixed-Blade Knife: https://www.hogueinc.com/extrak-fixed-blade-3-3-clip-point-blade-stone-tumbled-solid-orang

This is NOT a normal episode. While we normally keep the amount of BS and banter in our podcasts to a minimum, this particular episode is full of both. Without much of a plan, Steve, Mark, Jake & Justin hit record and chatted from their Vegas hotel room after they wrapped up Sheep Show and started their time at SHOT Show. Amidst the jokes and laughs, there are some good insights as they discuss... Golfing 1.3 million dollar tags at Sheep Show Meeting podcast fans at the urinal The Experience Project Films Improving Exo’s customer service Justin’s lessons from 30+ days in Alaska last fall Performing at the edge of your limits How Steve found and developed a group of guys that can do such adventurous hunts, Death Hikes, work with Exo, etc EMAIL NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast