The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

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

Our guest for this episode, Brian, started going out west to hunt elk in 2012. In the years since then, he and some friends have continued to make trips to chase elk in the Rockies. As Brain shared, "We are not experts by any means, but we do have a 37% success rate over the years. And we are 100% when it comes to bringing back life-long memories and stories to exaggerate for years to come." Since Brian has many years of do-it-yourself elk hunting experience as a non-resident, and also has a group success rate that is higher than the average, we wanted to speak with him and cover lessons learned, mistakes made, and successes achieved in his elk hunting journey over the years. The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo MtnGear: 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 listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss the future of Exo and selling the company, podcast sponsorships and endorsements, how they stash extra gear in trees, and choosing between 8x32 or 8x42 binoculars. Links for this episode... Wiser Precision Pynch Pulley: https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/pynch-pulley NL Pure Binoculars: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/swarovski-slc-binoculars 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

Is there a real danger in eating meat from game that was killed with lead ammunition? And is there a real threat to species that scavenge on the carcasses of big game that were killed with lead bullets? Depending on who you ask, the answers to those questions will vary greatly. In this episode, we speak with Jim Heffelfinger, to help separate fact, fiction, and fairy tales, about the dangers of using lead-based bullets for big game hunting. Jim helps us realize that the conversation on lead-based bullets is much broader than hunters realize and that there are both real dangers, as well as unfounded fears on this topic. A disclaimer that shouldn't be necessary: None of the information presented today is medical advice. And this conversation has not presented all aspects of this topic. Please do careful research for yourself and make your own conclusions. Additional resources and links mentioned in this episode... Is eating game harvested with lead a human health issue? (Article): https://www.boone-crockett.or

Introducing The First Monday. This new segment of the podcast is an experiment, where Steve & Mark will 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. We plan to continue this format on the First Monday of each month, and then continue to use all other Monday Minute episodes to answer your listener-submitted questions (send those here: podcast@exomtngear.com). Links for this episode... - $10 SHIRT PRE-ORDER: https://exomtngear.com/collections/10-year-logo-gear - Matthews Lift-X: https://mathewsinc.com/pages/lift-x - Northwest Mountain Challenge: https://nwmountainchallenge.com/ - Mark's Garage Workout: https://the-experience-project.com/marks-garage-workout-for-mountain-hunting/ - Hunt Application Deadlines by State: https://www.huntinfool.com/resources/dr

Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss Steve's experience with the "fad" of ice baths, the pros and cons of attaching your bino harness to your backpack, the 4 Rules of Gun Safety and when they are broken while hunting, and more... Links for this episode... - Podcast Feedback Form (& Givewaway): forms.gle/nHE5o1tkN4agZC4P7 - FHF Gear Pack Suspension Kit: https://www.fhfgear.com/products/FHHS2CBOS.html - Marsupial Gear Pack Strap Kit: https://www.marsupialgear.com/products/pack-strap-kit - 4 Rules of Gun Safety: https://www.nssf.org/articles/4-primary-rules-of-firearm-safety/ 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

Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss their experience using snowshoes, if digiscoping through binos can be a viable alternative to a spotting scope, and what's coming in the new year... Links for this episode... - Podcast Feedback Form (& Givewaway): https://forms.gle/nHE5o1tkN4agZC4P7 - MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes: https://amzn.to/405gCvE - 2021 Snowshoe Death Hike: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/2021-death-hike-in-the-frank-church - Sig Zulu 6 Image-Stabilized Binos: https://sandsarchery.com/products/sig-sauer-zulu6-hdx-stabilized-binoculars - PhoneSkope Bino Adapter: https://phoneskope.com/product/c3-optic-adapter-c3-034-i/ 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

We want to make this show as valuable to YOU, our listeners, as possible. So we just launched a quick survey to gather feedback on what you like, don't like, and want to hear about in 2025 FEEDBACK FORM — https://forms.gle/nHE5o1tkN4agZC4P7 We will pick 3 random responses on January 1, 2025, and those participants will be able to choose a $100 Gift Card from Exo Mtn Gear or S&S Archery. Thank you for your feedback and support! 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

Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss their off-season activity and if they honestly "train" to hunt year-round. Next, they dive into a rebuttal about their prior podcasts on the topic of using small rifle calibers for big game hunting, and what's to come on that topic... Links for this episode: - Alaska Caribou, Episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw8_qlQAru4 - Alaska Caribou, Episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfPTderAnT4 - Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/exomountaingear?sub_confirmation=1 - Small Caliber Podcast, Part 1: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-1/ - Small Caliber Podcast, Part 2: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-2/ - Small Caliber Podcast, Part 3 (Q&A): https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-qa/ EMAIL NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngea

Trevor Thompson joins us to share his experience getting into hunting and traditional archery, his journey of becoming an assistant guide in Alaska, and how his prior experiences as a SEAL, skydiver, base jumper, and backcountry skier relate to his hunting pursuits. We also discuss why Trevor shares Thanksgiving with vegans. And how each of us, as individual hunters, can be a positive influence on the future of hunting. Connect with Trevor: https://www.instagram.com/trevor.p.thompson/ Protekt Products: https://protekt.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

Sneaking in on two bull elk that are fighting, then arrowing one of those bulls on your first-ever bowhunt? That sounds too good to be true, but that is exactly how Stephen Follett's first archery hunt concluded this fall. Stephen joins us to share that story and what he learned about starting as a bowhunter after having extensive experience with precision rifles and long-range shooting. He also shares why, and how, he started making shooting and optics accessories through his company, LSWild. Learn more at: - LSWild Website: https://lswild.com/ - LSWild Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lswildhuntinggear/ - Scoped Action Cover (Standard): https://www.lswild.com/store/p30/Hunter_Scoped_Action_Armor.html - Scoped Action Cover (Ultralight): https://www.lswild.com/store/p123/Ultralight_Scoped_Action_Armor.html Email Sign-up: exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: exomtngear.com/podcast

Each year, going back to 2018, Steve and Mark have made a list of their "gear of the year" for that year. The goal is to select items that made a difference for them on their hunts that year. In this episode, they share their selections for 2024 and discuss why each item made the list. FULL LIST & LINKS: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/best-hunting-gear-of-2024 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

Mark is solo today to answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. He answers questions about his archery shot sequence, insulated down booties, reducing rifle recoil to spot impacts, a budget chassis rifle, and tips for packraft hunts. EXO SALE NOTIFICATION — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Items and resources mentioned in this episode: - Outdoor Vitals Down Booties: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/lt-hybrid-booties - Enlightened Equipment Torrid Booties: https://enlightenedequipment.com/torrid-booties/ - Exped Down Sock: https://www.expedusa.com/products/down-sock - Exped Bivy Booty: https://www.expedusa.com/products/bivy-booty - Exped Camp Booty: https://www.expedusa.com/products/camp-booty - Recoil Q&A with Form: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-239 - SIG Cross Trax: https://www.sigsauer.com/cross-trax.html - SIG Cross: https://www.sigsauer.com/sig-cross-rifle.html - Bergara MgLite: https://www.bergara.online/us/rifles/premier/mglite-rifle/ - Savage 110

Owner and founder of Outdoor Vitals, Tayson Whittaker, joins us on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast to discuss his 100-mile solo hike in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. We discuss what he learned from dealing with injuries, the mistakes he made on this trip and how he overcame them, stories from Tayson's backpack hunts this fall, what sacrifices he makes to be "ultralight" with his gear, what you need to know about changes in the outdoor apparel industry, and much more. This wide-ranging discussion truly has something for everyone. Links mentioned in this episode: - Tayson's 100-Mile Hike Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aepNiXyNzV8 - Outdoor Vitals: https://outdoorvitals.com/ - Tayson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taysonwhittaker/ - ExpeDRY Down from Allied Feather: https://alliedfeather.com/info-room/products-innovations/expedry Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss using covers on spotting scopes, their experience with the Mtn Hntr Tripod, what knives they used on the Moose hunt this fall, and additional topics related to those listener questions. Items mentioned in this episode: - Vet Wrap: https://amzn.to/3CkqCHL - Kapture Gear Digiscoping: https://kapturegear.com/ - Mtn Hntr Tripod: https://mtnhntr.com/ - Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/products/aziak-backcountry-lite-tripod - DMT Dia-Folder Sharpener (In The Field): https://amzn.to/40BkPb4 - Work Sharp Precision Elite Sharpener (At Home): https://amzn.to/48MMUOt - Eagle Hawk Knife: https://eaglehawkknives.com/collections/frontpage/products/handle-hunter - Argali Sawtooth Knife: https://argalioutdoors.com/products/argali-sawtooth-knife EMAIL NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

How far should you be shooting at big game with your hunting rifle? In this conversation with Form, we discuss the answer to that question — not from an ethical perspective, or from a technical perspective of terminal ballistics, but from a practical perspective of what YOU are capable of behind your rifle. Form shares some considerations to think through, and also some specific drills that you can use to assess your capabilities at distance, in variable conditions, and under stress. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Carl Ross Drill (Video & Target): https://shoot2hunt.com/product/s2hu-100-yd-hunting-rifle-drill/ - Form's MOA Target: https://shoot2hunt.com/product/form-moa-target/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mark is joined by "Form" to answer your listener-submitted questions on rifles and ballistics. These questions were submitted in response to our previous conversations with Form. If you have not listened to those episodes (linked below), we highly recommend listening to them first. In today's Q&A, we discuss... - What to do if you cannot spot your impacts, even if you aren't shooting a heavy-recoiling magnum rifle? - What cartridge (and bullet) would Form take on a coastal Brown Bear hunt in Alaska? - What pistol cartridge and bullet would Form recommend for a sidearm carried for self-defense when hunting in Grizzly Bear country? - Why (and how) does grain weight matter in a given rifle cartridge; specifically in the context of using a 6.5 Creedmoor to hunt elk? - Is the wind drift of lighter bullets in smaller calibers not a reason to consider shooting bigger cartridges and heavier bullets? - Why do bullet and ammunition manufacturers continue to make and market more traditional, controlled-expansion a

Jared and Cody join us to share the story of their experience planning, preparing for, and then going on a drop-camp Caribou hunt in the Brooks Range of Alaska. They discuss how the hunt came together, how they dealt with setbacks before the hunt, how they found success in going 4-for-4 on filling their tags, and what lessons they took away from the adventure. Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss tips for comfort in cold-weather hunts, choosing down vs synthetic for a sleeping bag or quilt, how the new iOS satellite messaging features compares to messaging through a Garmin InReach device, why Steve chose the 6mm Creedmoor over other 6mm rifle cartridges, and more... Links mentioned in this episode: - Mountain Goat Hunt Recap: https://the-experience-project.com/alaska-mountain-goat-hunt-breakdown/ - Synthetic Quilt from Enlightened Equipment: https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-apex/ - Steve's 6mm Creedmoor Rifle: https://the-experience-project.com/small-rifles-for-big-game/ - New Garmin Messanger Plus: https://sandsarchery.com/products/garmin-inreach-messenger-plus ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast