The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

A listener of the show, Jim, joins us to share the story of his Dall Sheep hunt in the Northwest Territories. We discuss Jim's experience with travel and logistics, the hunt story itself, how Jim felt about the investment in this experience, the lessons he learned, and much more... Jim's Photos & Story: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/my-august-2024-dall-dream-hunt.371570/ Jim's Gear List: https://lighterpack.com/r/iaoz9l Jim's Instagram: http://instagram.com/chefinthehunt The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Exo Experience Photo Story Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience 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 is back from his Idaho Moose hunt and joins Mark to discuss takeaways from the hunt. They also dive into listener questions about their use of the Garmin InReach, mapping and hunt planning apps, protecting a rifle on wet hunts, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES... $5,000 Photo Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience Exo Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Exo YouTube: https://exomtngear.com/youtube Exo Dry Bag Liner: https://exomtngear.com/drybag Scoped Action Cover: https://www.lswild.com/store/p30/Hunter_Scoped_Action_Armor.html The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ 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

A listener of the show, Jim, joins us to discuss his Dall Sheep hunt in the Northwest Territories. As you will hear, today's conversation was recorded before the hunt, as Jim was planning and preparing for the adventure. In the next episode, Jim joins us after his hunt to share the story, what he learned from the experience, and more... The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Exo Experience Photo Story Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience 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 goes solo to answer your listener-submitted questions about why time "slows down" during backpack hunts, if he would trade his Swarovski ATS spotter for something smaller, advice for flying with meat and antlers, what headlamp he would recommend, if a lighter puffy jacket is worth it, and how he dealt with the emotions of losing an elk... LINKS & RESOURCES... $5,000 Photo Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience Swarovski ATS: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-ats-25-50wx65-hd-spotting-scope Swarovski ATC / STC: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-atc-stc-compact-spotting-scope Alaska Air Cargo: https://www.alaskacargo.com/ Headlamps for Backpack Hunting: https://the-experience-project.com/headlamps-for-backpack-hunting/ Fenix HM50R v2: https://amzn.to/4gUsM0Z Biolite Range Headlamps: https://www.bioliteenergy.com/pages/meet-the-range-series KUIU SuperDown: https://www.kuiu.com/collections/super-down Outdoor Vitals Puffy Jacket: https://outdoorvitals.com/products/vantage-alpine-d

"I just got home from my second year in a row of successful backpack solo elk hunting with the bow — last year with a cow, and this year with my first bull. I know that several of my deliberate decisions during the hunt (which are things I learned from listening to your podcast) led to my success. So thank you!" —Ryan We received that email from today's guest, Ryan. But that email is only part of the story. Ryan spent many years hunting elk before becoming successful over the past couple of hunts. In today's podcast with Ryan, we discuss the highs and lows of do-it-yourself solo elk hunting, what Ryan learned over the years, how he changed his hunt strategy, and how his persistence paid off. 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-submitted questions about Exo Mtn Gear discounts, how to pack a head and antlers, training in the gym, how to keep motivation after years of unsuccessful hunts, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES... $5,000 Photo Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience Made in the USA: https://exomtngear.com/usa InReach Mini Holder: https://exomtngear.com/inreach Packout Strap Set: https://exomtngear.com/packout-straps Swarovski ATS: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-ats-25-50wx65-hd-spotting-scope Kowa 66: https://sandsarchery.com/products/kowa-tsn-66-25-60x-spotting-scope Wiser Ridge Warden: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head How to Hike Heavy: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/132 Hunting & Human Performance: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/454 Training Methods for Mountain Hunting: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/475 The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO

A listener of the show, Roman, discovered that he had drawn a Bighorn Ram tag in his home state of Colorado. As a relatively new hunter and someone who had not been putting in the sheep draws for long, Roman was beyond surprised to find out that he had drawn the tag, and he was excited to spend months planning, preparing, and scouting before opening day. We discuss how Roman spent those pre-season months, then dive into the story of the hunt itself. We conclude the conversation discussing gear takeaways, lessons learned from the hunt experience, and 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

Steve & Mark go Unscripted and answer your listener-submitted questions. Topics covered include lightning safety, air mattresses and inflators (yes, again), treating Exo packs with Nikwax DWR, the best water filters for backpacking, non-lead bullet recommendations, dealing with wet boots, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES... $5,000 Photo Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience $10 Exo Logo Gear: https://exomtngear.com/logo Flextail Zero Pump: https://amzn.to/46PWwso Our Water Filter Recommendations: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backpack-hunting-basics-how-we-filter-carry-water Nikwax Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/544 Bullet & Ballistics Podcasts with "Form": Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ 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: http

As serious backcountry hunters, we invest hundreds of dollars... Scratch that. Who are we kidding? Most of us have invested thousands of dollars in our gear. From shelters and sleep systems, to footwear, to technical apparel, there are ways to make this gear last longer and perform better over its lifetime. But far too often, we are guilty of using our gear hard, putting it away dirty, and expecting nothing to degrade. In today's podcast, we speak with Heidi from Nikwax. We hear the backstory of Nikwax, learn about their gear care products, dive into the changing regulations with DWR chemicals, and ultimately discuss a variety of topics that will help us, as backcountry hunters, get the most from our gear. As always, we have not been incentivized by Nikwax and are not endorsing their products. We simply wanted to have them on the podcast to learn about gear care in general, and also understand the differences in their product offerings and how they may benefit us. The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to yo

Steve & Mark discuss their recent elk hunt and answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. Topics covered included tracking elk, strategies for hunting elk in archery vs rifle seasons, how to carry your bow on archery hunts, tips for preventing shelter condensation, and more... $5,000 Photo Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ 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

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They also announced a new Exo Experience Photo Contest, with over $5,000 in cash and prizes being given away. Topics and questions covered include the best way to pinpoint the location of a bugling bull, advice for breaking down animals in difficult conditions, making DIY meals and snacks for backcountry hunts, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES $5,000 Photo Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience DIY Dehdrating Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/126 Kyle's Dehydrating Guide: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/dehydration-guide Excalibur Dehydrators: https://amzn.to/3I2aLRw Cosori Dehydrators: https://amzn.to/3UZW4kX Dehydrator Tray Liners: https://amzn.to/46ndxtL DIY Backcountry Breakfast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/diy-breakfast-recipe-for-backpacking DIY Backcountry Bars: https://exomtngear.com/bars The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO IN

Chris Denham is a long-overdue guest to join us on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast. We speak with Chris about his history and longevity in the hunting industry, what has changed with Western Hunter recently, the shifts he has witnessed in hunters over the years, how he continues to live adventurously as he ages, and much more... Subscribe to Western Hunter: https://westernhunter.net/subscribe Wilderness Athlete: https://wildernessathlete.com/ Outdoorsmans: https://outdoorsmans.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

Dr. Andy Galpin returns to the Hunt Backcountry Podcast to discuss joint health, sleep, resilience, and other elements that intersect the worlds of hunting and human performance. We dive into the benefits and downsides of fitness trackers and data from wearable devices, Steve's knee issues, why consistency is important but rigidity is a weakness, advice for managing changes in sleep schedules, travel, and more... Hunting & Human Performance: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/454 Andy's Website: https://www.andygalpin.com/ Andy's Podcast: https://performpodcast.com/ Andy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin/ Vitality Blueprint: https://www.vitalityblueprint.com/ Absolute Rest: https://www.absoluterest.com/ Knees Over Toes Guy: https://www.atgonlinecoaching.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 Po

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They also announce all-new, at-cost logo gear, including a Hunt Backcountry Podcast hat. Listener-submitted questions and topics include: how much time should a solo elk packout take, how to use binos (and which binos to use) for archery elk hunts, which magnification is best for EL Range finos, the best model of SIG Zulu6 image-stabilizing binos, if chairs or stools are worth using when glassing, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES $10 Shirts & Hats: https://exomtngear.com/logo Hunt Backcountry Hat: https://exomtngear.com/collections/logo-gear/products/shadow-series-hunt-backcountry-hat Backpack Hunting Basics: https://exomtngear.com/basics Crazy Creek Chair for Glassing: https://amzn.to/3JwK4VA SIG Zulu6: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/sig-sauer-binoculars Swarovski EL Range T/A: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-10x42-el-range-ta-binocular 40+ Elk Podcasts: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/articl

The term "custom rifle" is grossly overused. Just because a rifle is purchased from a gun builder and not off the shelf at your local store, doesn't mean it is a "custom" rifle. And that isn't a bad thing. There are a ton of good rifle builders who build fantastic non-custom rifles. Semantics aside, this all matters because you — as a customer who may spend thousands of your hard-earned dollars — need to understand the differences and nuances in how rifles are built. We discuss these topics, and more, in today's podcast with Andrew from Tenacity Arms. Tenacity Arms: https://tenacityarms.com/ Tenacity Arms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenacity_firearms/ Mark's Pre-Fit Rifle Build: https://exomtngear.com/prefit 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

To accurately field judge an animal, you need a solid understanding of the species' characteristics and known reference points, as well as a lot of experience judging and verifying other animals of the same species. A new app, HornScore, can help you learn how to field judge animals and make assessments of animals you may be hunting. Using your photos and videos, the HornScore app will help you field judge deer, elk, sheep, moose, and more. The app is full of educational content, as well as community content from other users of the HornScore app. In today's podcast with the app's creators, Jay Scott and Blake Cannon, we learn about the origins of the app, how it works, what the future holds, and why the app is helpful even if you aren't an inch-counting trophy hunter. HornScore App — https://hornscore.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

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions and chat on some notes from their recent hunts. They discuss optics, tripods and heads, battery-saving tips, using a knife to remove a head from big game, how to use vacation days to hunt elk in September, and much more... LINKS & RESOURCES Wiser Precision Ridge Warden: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries: https://amzn.to/47cHEoT Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe: https://www.themeateater.com/cook/recipes/mississippi-pot-roast Video: Using A Knife to Remove an Elk Head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXjyzOPSGqs Airlock Industries Suppressor: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNJSuIDhz3s/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ 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.

Mark recently returned from a fall bear hunt, and in this episode, he shares his notes on lessons learned, new gear tested, items that need to be replaced, and more. LINKS, DETAILS, & PHOTOS — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/post-hunt-notes-marks-fall-bear 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

Sierra Jepsen is a Meat Scientist and owner of Butcher Solutions, LLC. She returns to the show to take a deeper dive into meat science and also answer your listener-submitted questions that came through after our first episode with Sierra. Additional Information and Resources... Part 1 with Sierra: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/508 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

This episode features a listener of the show, Jordan, who killed an elk with his bow for 8 years straight. We discuss what Jordan has learned over years of do-it-yourself elk hunting, the mistakes he has made (and sees others make), and some of the tactics he learned from guests of our podcast, which helped contribute to his success and consistency. 40+ ELK HUNTING EPISODES: https://exomtngear.com/elk-episodes 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