Backcountry Hunting Podcast

Cape Kudu are slightly smaller, more colorful, and "better dressed" than their Southern Greater cousins—and are enchanting and addictive to hunt. This episode, we sit down by a midnight acacia-wood fire in the Eastern Cape area of South Africa with PH Ed Everton of Rosedale Safaris, to share hunting stories and discuss the incredible Cape Kudu. We talk through Cape Kudu characteristics, hunting methods, habits and habitat, and proper tools (rifle, cartridge, & bullet) for hunting them. This is an awesome episode, recorded in the field and published raw and unedited. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Is your rifle fully set up and ready for hunting season? That's a question all too many hunters don't ask until it's nearly go-time. This episide addresses rifle choice and scope selection, how to mount your scope for best performance, crucial accessories like an anti-cant scope level, rifle sling, and bipod, and how to set the complete system up properly. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

What causes some cold-bore shots to go astray? And can a good rifleman eliminate them? This episode discusses bore condition, barrel quality, clean-bore shots, and the human element, debunking myths and providing practical solutions to overcome unexplained first-shot misses. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com www.leupold.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.browning.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Folks, I've fielded a lot of questions about this rifle—so here's a 15-minute bonus rifle review for you. This is the build project I did last year to create my ultimate .280 Ackley Improved custom mountain rifle. It was built by my old friend Steve Pratt of Elk Meadow Performance, using the following components: Defiance Anti-X action Proof Research 22" 1:8-twist Sendero profile carbon-fiber barrel Timney Elite Hunter trigger Hawkins Precision "Hunter" bottom metal Proof Mountain Hunter stock Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44 scope It turned out wonderfully... Weighs right around 7.5 pounds ready to go up the moutain!

Recorded raw in the field off coastal Alaska, this episode takes place hunting from the Venturess, a fishing/hunting boat operated by Alaska Premier Sportfishing. Even though we experienced constant rain, wind, and cold, our group of 7 hunters managed to take 4 great bears, plus our limit of halibut, rockfish, king salmon, and several yelloweye. My daughter Sophie turned 12 on the boat, right after taking the biggest bear anyone in our family has ever shot! She dropped it with a perfect 251-yard shot after stalking up the Alaska coastline. Color me proud. This is a long episode full of great stories and details of planning, gear selection, hunt methods, unexpected challenges, and of course rifle, cartridge, bullet, and optic selections. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

How do you pick the right hunting mentor? And how do you distil what gear you really down to a practical setup? This episode is all about being a practical hunter with solid (but not expensive) gear, and about learning from real-deal hunters rather than popular, trendy influencers. Guest is Tate Bradfield, owner of Process Based Hunter. He's a young but savvy hunter with a world of experience. ENJOY! Sign up for the 3-day Elk Hunting Boot Camp, co-hosted by Joseph von Benedikt on-site in southeastern Idaho. FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com

RIFLE REVIEW! For the first time ever, Weatherby's excellent new Model 307 action is available with a carbon-fiber stock and a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel. It's called the Alpine CT, and is a wonderful lightweight hunting rifle. I took one chambered in 7mm PRC to New Zealand this spring, and was real impressed. It's reliable, accurate, ergonomic, and has all the features I like in a backcountry hunting rifle. And for what you get (custom-level action & trigger; high-end carbon-fiber stock; carbon-wrapped barrel) it just might be the best value on the market. ENJOY!

How good are modern monometal hunting bullets? All-copper and copper-alloy designs have undergone a lot of evolution in the past couple decades, and are becoming more and more popular. This episode takes a deep dive into the primary performance characteristics of the type, focusing on: Killing effectiveness Accuracy potential Different expansion mechanisms Long-range capability Barrel fouling and how to manage it How to choose the right bullet for your specific hunts We talk through the specific performance features of bullets by Barnes, Hornady, Hammer, Nosler, Federal and others, and detail what each is particularly good for. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.leupold.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com www.onxmaps.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.silencercentral.com https://javelinbipod.com

Are the .308 and .30-06 similar in performance? Or are they actually quite different? This episode takes a deep dive into the performance and characteristics of each cartridge, in an effort to determine which is the better hunting cartridge. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.timneytriggers.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://javelinbipod.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.leupold.com www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.siembidacustomknives.com

Browning's new X-Bolt 2 Speed SR may be the best hunting rifle on the market in it's price bracket. This video takes a deep dive into just why that is. Showcased is a 6.8 Western version, along with the factory ammo it shoots best. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute to help keep the podcast living!

This episode covers the gear we take for spring bear hunting on Alaska's rugged coastlines, and details exactly why each specific item is chosen. From game bags to rifles, we cover it all! We filmed as we discussed each item in the pile of gear, so if you want to put eyeballs on them, head on over to our new Backcountry Hunting Podcast YouTube channel and give us a like and subscribe! ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Recorded LIVE with our loyal listeners on Patreon! This Q&A is full of great info... Rifle setup, cartridge selection, pre-hunt shooting practice, how to build a stable field position, best bullets for elk, NRL Hunter competitions as a training tool, thermal scopes and how to use them, and a whole bunch more! ENJOY! Join the next Live Q&A by becoming a member on www.patreon.com/backcountry

Here's the second half of our recent adventure in New Zealand... DIY on public land, in pursuit of chamois in the Southern Alps. Steep country, incessant rain, and low visiblity all were against us but hard hunting paid off and we each brought home a great chamois buck. Recorded on a small portable mic, hunkered in or beside a tent in alpine country, this episode is about as raw and real as they come... We tell our hunt stories, talk about what gear did and didn't work, and about the backcountry hunting skills and techniques learned hunting public land in America's West that helped us succeed. Plus, of course, our Weatherby cartridges, bullets, tents, boots, raingear and optics of choice. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Leupold's new RX-5000 rangefinder ranges to FIVE THOUSAND yards (or even a tad more!) and has the ability to project waypoints to onX Maps! This interview with Leupold's Eric Overstreet details the features and characteristics of this awesome new optic. ENJOY! For those of you that would like to see the new rangefinder in hand, check out the video of this episode on YouTube. Here's a link: https://youtu.be/1QWYeVQCqfg Please subscribe on YouTube!

Kiwi Country! This episode we're in the field in New Zealand, hunting with Adam and Brenda Weatherby and their cameraman Koby Owens. Outfitter is Same Caley, who specializes in authentic, free-range hunts. Halfway through our hunt we paused to dry out, do laundry, and record a podcast about the two bull Tahr and Fallow deer we'd taken so far. Plus, our group experienced a mountain-hunting accident that should have resulted in death or at least catestrophic injury. We relate that story in this episode, and you can still hear the shock in the voices of those involved. We wrap up with a discussion of logistics: How to plan travel, rifle importation, physical training, and so forth for a free-range hunt in beautiful New Zealand. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Ever wonder how to put together a great hunt for aoudad, aka the "poor man's Desert Bighorn" aka Barbary Sheep? This episode has awesome intel, planning, and hunt strategy from seasoned guide Colton Heward and from onX Hunt top gun Dylan Dowson. We cover everything from logistics to rifles and cartridges to pre-hunt practicing—all generously supported with great hunting stories. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Here's the story of how Mark Wheeler survived a catestrophic bush plane crash in the Northwest, as well as the unique way he met and backed the most interesting man in the world--Rob Gearing--in building the Spartan brand. This was a terrific fireside conversation, recorded in the field. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Could the .280 Ackley Improved be the most versatile western hunting cartridge? Long-time .280 Ackley man Ron Spomer joins this episode to explore it's history and capability. This discussion is full of great stories and anecdotes and lots of information on what is certainly one of the greatist hunting cartridges available. Plus, of course, we share details of our favorite .280 Ackley rifles and loads. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Are our hunting rights and traditions in danger? If you consider England and Scotland as precursors of what could happen in America, then the answer is yes, potentially. In this episode, we talk about what is happening in various hunting communities around the world, and discuss what we can do to protect and preserve our hunting heritage—wherever we live. We take a deep dive into conservation, wildlife management, being good stewards, and the benefits of hunting as a family and eating clean, wild meat we've brought home ourselves. This one is important, folks. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Ever wonder how to pick just the right bullet to hunt with? This episode's for you. We take a deep dive into bullet construction and sectional density, and detail the performance of four different fundamental bullet types: Bullets for deer-size game Bullets for elk- to moose-size game Bullets for dangerous game Bullets for pachyderms and for tracking wounded dangerous game Plus we explain: Sectional density How bullets mushroom (the mechanics) Temporary vs. permanent wound channels Energy as applied to terminal performance How bullets kill: Loss of blood Loss of nervous-system function Compromised vital organs Before concluding, we suggest several different favorite bullet types, and wrap all the technical "bullet nerd" info into a simple, useful formula for picking the right hunting bullet for your task. ENJOY! BIG NEWS! We've just launched a YouTube channel. Our boy William (the ever-popular host of the Backcountry Apprentice segment) will be editing and publishing videos of our episodes. Please jump over to YouTube and give him a quick subscribe! Here's a link to make it easy: https://www.youtube.com/@BackcountryHuntingPodcast ALSO: We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com https://javelinbipod.com www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com

Is the .375 H&H still the most versatile cartridge in the world? Or is the .375 Ruger now a better choice? On the premise of picking just one cartridge to hunt everything from whitetail deer to elephant, we've chosen the two most likely candidates and pitted them against each other in this cartridge shootout-type episode. We consider: Ballistic performance Inherent accuracy Available factory ammo Potential handloadability Available rifles/options/cost Rifle capacity & cartridge feeding charactistics Worldwide availability Conclusion? You'll have to listen to find out! ENJOY! Also, BIG NEWS! We've just launched a YouTube channel. Our boy William (the ever-popular host of the Backcountry Apprentice segment) will be editing and publishing videos of our episodes. Please jump over to YouTube and give him a quick subscribe! Here's a link to make it easy: https://www.youtube.com/@BackcountryHuntingPodcast ALSO: We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com https://javelinbipod.com www.onxmaps.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com

Survival gear? Elk cartridges? Shooting techniques? Long-range ethics? This episode has it all, thanks to our great reader's questions and comments. Also, BIG NEWS! We're launching a YouTube channel. Our boy William (the ever-popular host of the Backcountry Apprentice segment) will be editing and publishing videos of our episodes. Please jump over to YouTube and give him a quick subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/@BackcountryHuntingPodcast FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

These two new-fangled cartridges are arguably the best all-purpose hunting rounds introduced in the past 20 years. Which is best, 6.8 Western or 7 PRC? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the advantages of each cartridge, including: Best effectiveness on a broad spectrum of non-dangerous game Adaptability for different types of terrain and hunting Which makes for the best mountain rifle Which is most efficient in short barrels for use with a suppressor Which has the least recoil for the performance provided How available factory rifles and ammo are for each How available brass and component bullets are for each In the end, we draw some conclusions and give real-world scenarios showcasing situations in which each comes out superior. This one was fun, folks... ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.silencercentral.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.onxmaps.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com https://javelinbipod.com

Ever struggle to get a sharp edge on your hunting knife? This 20-minute tuturial walks step-by-step through the process of making your blade razor sharp. Plus, we discuss best benchtop sharpening stones and field stones. ENJOY! To watch the video of this episode, please join us on www.patreon.com/backcountry , where you'll get access to all our bonus content.

Recorded at the recent Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City, this episode digs into titanium as a suppressor material, as well as the cutting-edge new technology enabling manufacturers to make 3-D printed suppressors. Brandon Maddox of Silencer Central also gives us an inside look at the status of the E-Form system, and talks about a new conservation-driven bill that would direct funds from the $200 tax stamp required with every suppressor to benefit conservation. There's some terrific information here, folks. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.silencercentral.com https://javelinbipod.com www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com

What emergency and survival gear should you have at base camp? Whether your base is a truck at the trailhead, or a big horse camp deep in wilderness country, you should have crucial backup gear and food there. This episode was inspired by a listener, and contains a list of what we consider important, from extra ammo or arrows to medical supplies—along with discussion of why and plenty of real-world stories of challenging experiences. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.onxmaps.com www.browning.com www.silencercentral.com www.gunwerks.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

This episode looks at three of the best replaceable-blade, ultralight folding hunting knives on the market: Havalon, Outdoor Edge, and Browning. We believe every serious hunter should have a good traditional fixed-blade hunting knife and be good at sharpening it. However, there is a place for replaceable-blade knives. This discussion addresses what to pick and why. Plus, we share a couple of cautionary true stories—one that could have ended in death—of accidents with scalpel-sharp replaceable-blade knives. ENJOY! To see the knives showcased in the video of this episode, join us on www.patreon.com/backcountry. The $10 tier will get you access to all our member-exclusive videos and bonus content. And a HUGE thanks to those of you allready on board supporting the podcast—we can't thank you enough!

What sort of scope (or sights) will help you shoot most effectively when hunting big timber or brush country? This episode explores the characteristics of an optic that's ideal for fast, effective shooting inside 200 yards, and details several different scope, red dot, and iron sight models that work particularly well. ENJOY! FRIENDS: We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.onxmaps.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

This episode showcases three terrific lever-action big game rifles. All are classic historic designs that were carried by frontiersmen; all are also still being produced! These three are big-bore versions suitable for hunting anything from deer to grizzlies. We'll follow up soon with an episode on top-notch .30-30 models ideal for deer and hog hunting. In order of appearance, here are links to the specific rifle models showcased here: Winchester Model 1886 Short Rifle in .45-90 Win. Marlin Model 1895 SBL in .45-70 Gov't. Winchester Model 95 in .405 Win. If you'd like to see the rifles, join us on www.patreon.com/backcountry, where you can see the film of this episode plus all our other bonus content. ENJOY!

What makes a capable rifle/cartridge/bullet setup for close-range hunting? This episode takes a deep dive into the best of the type, including lever-actions, pump-actions, bolt-actions, semiautos, and even single shots, along with ideal cartridges and top-performing bullet types. We address whether brush-busting bullets are actually a thing, and the visible on-impact effect of blunt-nose bullets up close versus pointed bullets. From shot angles to blood trails to fast follow-up shots, this episode has it all... ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com https://javelinbipod.com www.leupold.com www.browning.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com

After four decades of U.S. sniper history Leupold's legendary Mark 4 scope has been completely overhauled. The new Mark 4HD has state-of-the-art glass and cutting-edge features, and is undoubtedly the best crossover precision/tactical/hunting scope now on the market. Weight is reasonable, as is cost: $999 to $1,599. This episode takes a deep dive into the new Mark 4HD line with optical experts John Snodgrass and Shawn Skipper. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

This episode I sat down with Ron Spomer and Colton Heward and swapped stories and opinions on the flood of innovative new shooting and hunting products introduced at SHOT Show 2024. We talk about awesome new rifle designs, from Winchester's new $400 .22 rimfire lever gun to Beretta's startling new straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle. New riflescopes and rangefinding binoculars and premium optics of every sort abound. New cartridge introductions are few but new loads for trendy cartridges are everywhere—there are no less than seven new 7mm PRC loads from Federal, Remington, and Fusion alone. We're also planning a meet-and-greet at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City on Friday, February 16th at around 2pm. Hope to see you there! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Is there a predator-hunting cartridge that outperforms all others? There is, and it's called the 22 Creedmoor. It's designed for maximum performance with modern, high-BC .22-caliber centerfire bullets, and as a result is much more effective than classic favorites such as the .22-250. Skeptical? I admit I sure was. Research showed me that the 22 Creedmoor doesn't just outperform the .22-250 and other popular predator rounds, it eclipses them. Want some numbers? The 22 Creedmoor is more effective at 800 yards than the .22-250 is at 500 yards. It has less than half the wind drift. It impacts with more than double the energy and a whole lot more velocity downrange. Wildcatted and promoted by serious coyote competition callers in Texas, the 22 Creedmoor has just been legitimized by Hornady and is now a proper factory-loaded cartridge. Horizon Firearms has exclusive marketing priveledges for Hornady ammo, and makes the finest 22 Creedmoor factory-ready rifles I've seen anywhere—for half the cost you'd expect. This was a unique project with a result that really surprised me. Candidly, I had no idea just how good the 22 Creedmoor would prove to be. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com www.siembidacustomknives.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com https://javelinbipod.com

This episode takes us to Old Mexico in pursuit of coues deer, the Gray Ghost of the Southwest. These tiny desert mountain-dwellering whitetails are incredibly challenging—and fun—to hunt. Guides and hunters with 40 years of experience talk us through how, where and when to hunt coues deer. We take a deep dive into rifles, cartridges, and bullets for coues deer, and discuss the vital importance of a good binocular and high-powered, tripod-mounted binocular. The second half of the podcast is story time. Fellow writer Jeff Johnston tells the tale of his near-Boone & Crockett buck, and I share the story of my massive-antlered, battle-scarred old buck. This was a fun one, folks, recorded in the field hunkered around a cast-iron wood stove on a historic ranch once frequented by Pancho Villa. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need your support to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Custom scope dials are the fastest, simplest way to make precise shots inside 600 yards. Just range, dial, hold center and shoot. However, ordering a dial with the correct parameters and setting it up on your rifle can feel intimidating. It shouldn't be. The process is a detailed one, but isn't hard. This episode outlines several steps on how to get it right, and then how to use your custom dial most effectively. Common questions and misconceptions about custom dials are answered and mythbusted, too. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Few great hunting films exist... But the great ones are really spectacular. This brief episode details three of the best ever made. ENJOY!

In this episode we pit the legendary .300 Win. Mag. against the trendy 7mm PRC. One is the magnum by which all others are measured; the other is the fastest-growing magnum in the industry. Which one is best? ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com www.timneytriggers.com www.onxmaps.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

When you need a new hunting rifle, should you first pick a cartridge, and then find a rifle you like that's chambered for it? Or should you first choose a rifle type and model, and then shop for one chambered for a cartridge that suits your needs? This brief bonus episode explores a couple of examples showcasing the advantages of each approach... ENJOY!

Shopping for a serious backpack for backcountry hunting? This rapid-fire 5-minute bonus episode details three top picks. These packs are versitile, capable, comfortable, and of premium quality. Compressed, they'll serve as a daypack ready to morph into a meat-hauling machine. Weight ratings are all north of 150 pounds, and capacity is plenty for expedition-level hunts. ENJOY!

Effective scouting, mapping, and navigating backcountry areas is crucial to hunting success. The onX Hunt app is an incredible tool and resource for doing so—so much so that it's become indespensible. This episode, onX's Dylan Dowson joins us to walk listeners through several of the newest, coolest features included with the onX app, and shares the story of his giant 2023 public-land, solo DIY archery bull elk. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.browning.com www.silencercentral.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com https://javelinbipod.com

Folks, I think we often miss the mark when we talk about guns for defense against trouble bears. It's crucial to keep in mind that although a handgun or a deer rifle is far better than nothing and is sometimes the only option, they're still a distant second-best to powerful big-bore guns. This 5-minute episode details three top choices for actually STOPPING a charging bear. Not just killing it, but preventing it from killing you. We're filming these brief bonus episodes, so if you'd like to put eyes on the rifles showcased in this episode, please join us on www.patreon.com/backcountry . ENJOY!

In the world of light, zippy cartridges that serve double duty on deer and varmints, what's best? Two of our most popular crossover cartridges are the classic .243 Winchester, and the cutting-edge6mm Creedmoor. This episode takes a deep dive into the pros and cons of each, pitting the two against each other in terminal performance, inherrent accuracy, ballistics, barrel life, practical versatility, and more. Take a listen to hear which emerges the winner. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com https://javelinbipod.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com

"Do you think the 6.8 Western is here to stay?" We field a lot of this type of question. Survival rate of modern cartridges is a valid concern, especially for hunters that don't handload. So we've featured three really new cutting-edge rifle cartridges that we're pretty sure are here for the long haul. My criteria was that each had to be from a different designer, each had to be introduced very recently, and each had to be a capable, versatile cartridge for western big game. This is one of a new weekly podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques. We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like to put eyes on the products and methods showcased, please sign up at www.patreon.com/backcountry for a membership! Also soon to come: Boots, packs, knives, elk calls, multitools, tents, bear guns, movies, and more! These "Top 3 In 5" minute episodes will drop as frequently as we have time during this busy hunting season, and by Christmas will be a weekly Tuesday-morning addition to the podcast's regular schedule. ENJOY!

Few things are worse than an equipment failure when you're about to take a shot at a buck, bull, ram, or boar of a lifetime. One of the least suspected but frequent culprits of shots going astray in the field are inconsistent riflestocks. This episode with accuracy nut Austin Brown digs deep on how to maximize the accuracy potential and consistency of your rifle's stock—and is generously supported with hunting stories to make our points. Ok, ok: This episode is mostly hunting stories with a few good pointers. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

What handgun cartridge should you carry in bear country? That depends on the local species and your personal shooting ability. Spotlighted here are three of the most practical options available. This is the eighth of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques. We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like to put eyes on the products and methods showcased, please sign up at www.patreon.com/backcountry for a membership! Also soon to come: Boots, packs, knives, elk calls, multitools, tents, bear guns, movies, and more! These "Top 3 In 5" minute episodes will drop as frequently as we have time during this busy hunting season, and by Christmas will be a weekly Tuesday-morning addition to the podcast's regular schedule. ENJOY!

Want a quick-handling, hard-hitting lever-action hunting rifle? Here's an in-depth look at the three primary types, with notes on cartridges and configurations. Traditional lever actions: Winchester and Marlin models for vintage cartridges Cartridges: .44 Magnum, .30-30, .45-70, and so forth Characteristics: Classic, historic, best at close range Advanced traditional lever actions: Savage 99, Winchester 95 Cartridges: .300 Savage, .30-06, .405 Win, and so forth Characteristics: More powerful, still historic, best at close to medium range Modern lever actions: Browning BLR, Henry Long Ranger Cartridges: .243, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308, .30-06, .300 Win Mag and more Characteristics: Most powerful, most effective at extended range Here's a look at the historic developement of each type, the uses each is best suited for, and how to pick one that fits a shooters desire for his or her individual desire for lever-action performance combined with historic lever-gun panache. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

What fire starting aids should you carry in dangerous country? Spotlighted here are three of the best: Products proven to work in harsh conditions. This is the seventh of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques. We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like to put eyes on the products and methods showcased, please sign up at www.patreon.com/backcountry for a membership! Also soon to come: Boots, packs, knives, elk calls, multitools, tents, bear guns, movies, and more! These "Top 3 In 5" minute episodes will drop as frequently as we have time during this busy hunting season, and by Christmas will be a weekly Tuesday-morning addition to the podcast's regular schedule. ENJOY!

Back to the Dark Continent... This episode is raw and unedited, just as we recorded it beside a campfire along the Okavango river late one night, with lions roaring and elephants trumpeting in the background. On the second half of our fall 2023 safari with Kowas Adventure Safaris in Namibia, my daughter Audrey shot a wonderful old kudu bull and a gnarly-horned impala. Then Austin Brown and I broke out the big-bore dangerous game rifles to hunt cape buffalo. We tracked old bachelor bull groups through the days in heat up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, in ankle-deep sand, and shot three massive old bulls. This episode is all about the stories, folks! The episode wraps up with a discussion of African conservation challenges and the future, including a hard, honest look at the cow elephant herds moving into the historic Caprivi Strip region and decimating the habitat. Experiences like this only happen once in a lifetime, and we hope you enjoy the stories... If you're interested in following in our tracks and going on safari with a truely exceptional operator in Namibia—family owned, operated, and oriented—check out Kowas Adventure Safaris. FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

What cartridge should you take on an African plains game safari? Spotlighted here are three outstanding, versatile cartridges, recommended by our guest Jacques Strauss, my favorite African PH. This is the sixth of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques. We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like to put eyes on the products and methods showcased, please sign up at www.patreon.com/backcountry for a membership! Also soon to come: Boots, packs, knives, elk calls, multitools, tents, bear guns, movies, and more! These "Top 3 In 5" minute episodes will drop as frequently as we have time during this busy hunting season, and by Christmas will be a weekly Tuesday-morning addition to the podcast's regular schedule. ENJOY!