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The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

655 episodes — Page 1 of 14

593 | Long Drives, Lessons Learned, and Packing Elk with the Family

Aug 19, 20261h 7m

MM 307 | Elk Hunting Mindset, Game Bags, 10mm vs 9mm for Bear Defense, & More...

Aug 17, 202644 min

592 | The Experience Challenge Sheep Hunt Winner (Before the Hunt)

Aug 13, 20261h 19m

591 | Completing the Mission (Expert Roundtable)

Aug 5, 20261h 20m

MM 306 | We're Back (The "Monday Minute" Returns)

Aug 3, 202633 min

590 | Capitalizing on Shot Opportunities (Expert Roundtable)

Jul 29, 202658 min

589 | Adapting To Adversity & Shifting Hunt Strategy (Expert Roundtable)

Jul 22, 202654 min

588 | Overcoming Obstacles on Difficult Hunts (Expert Roundtable)

Jul 15, 202654 min

587 | Preparing for the Unknown (Expert Roundtable)

Jul 8, 20261h 37m

586 | The Science of Hydration, Electrolytes, and Altitude with Dr. Robert

Jul 3, 20261h 14m

585 | Overcoming Fear and Fails-to-Fire on a DIY Alaska Sheep Hunt

Jun 24, 20261h 28m

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 7) — Mastery in the Moment of Truth

Jun 15, 202653 min

584 | Olympic Biathlete Paul Schommer on Shooting, Stress, Mindset, & More...

Jun 10, 20261h 5m

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 6) — Essential Skills of a Mountain Hunter

Jun 7, 20261h 25m

583 | "Beyond the Label" with Wilderness Athlete

Jun 3, 20261h 8m

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 5) — The Physical Foundation for Backcountry Hunting

May 31, 202636 min

582 | Form Returns — Tripod Shooting, Hunting Accuracy, The Best Creedmoor, Ultralight Rifles, & More

May 27, 20262h 8m

581 | Hunting for Mental Health with Dr. John Delony

May 20, 20261h 5m

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 4) — Building A Gear System You Can Trust

May 17, 20261h 19m

580 | Nutrition Without The Noise: Forget Trends & Find Results

May 13, 20261h 19m

579 | Our Spring Bear Hunt Story, Tactics, & Gear

May 11, 202647 min

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 3) — Easy & Efficient Mountain Living

May 3, 20261h 15m

578 | Hunting Mountain Goats on Kodiak Island

Apr 29, 202655 min

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 2) — Reasons Your Hunt Might Fail

Apr 26, 202654 min

577 | Training Q&A with Evoke Endurance

Apr 24, 20261h 31m

576 | Backcountry Insights from the Best Ranger

Apr 22, 20261h 20m

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 1) — 7 Attributes of a Successful Backcountry Hunt

Apr 19, 202650 min

MM 305 | New Schedule, Plus more on Safety, Shooting, & Scopes

Apr 13, 202642 min

575 | Mental Skills to Master the Mountains

Apr 8, 20261h 23m

MM 304 | Scouting vs Hunting, Rifle Trends, and Backcountry Rescue

Apr 6, 202636 min

Ep 574574 | Building the Mountain Hunter: Physiology, Foundations, and the 20-Week Training Plan

John Frieh from Evoke Endurance joins us to discuss a new 20-week training plan, developed in collaboration with Scott Johnston, specifically designed for the unique demands of backcountry hunting. The conversation explores the physiological foundations of endurance, the importance of structured programming, and how hunters can transition from being "strong" to being "aerobically fit" for the mountains. Why Fitness is a Specific Task Definition: Fitness is defined as the specific ability to perform a chosen task; being fit for one activity often means being "unfit" for another if the training is too specialized. Safety: In mountain hunting, fitness acts as a safety buffer that determines your ability to handle multi-day efforts and return home safely. The Hunting Demand: Unlike many mountain sports where loads decrease over time, hunting is unique because the physical demand often peaks at the end when packing out an animal. The Power of the Aerobic "Gas Tank" Mitochondria: Endurance is powered by mitochondria, the "powerhouses" of the cells that produce energy (ATP) from fat. Efficiency: Proper aerobic training increases mitochondrial density, which John compares to upgrading a truck's fuel economy—allowing you to go longer and faster without running out of "gas." The Deficiency: Most hunters are already strong but "aerobically deficient," meaning they lack the efficiency to move all day without getting "cranky" or hitting a wall. Structured Training Phases A successful program follows a linear progression to give the body clear, "un-muddled" messages for adaptation: Aerobic Base: The foundation of the program involves low-intensity work (Zone 2) to build mitochondria. This phase often feels "boring" or "slow" but is mandatory for long-term success. Max Strength: This phase focuses on the "motor." It uses high weights and low repetitions to improve the neurological connection between the brain and muscles without adding unnecessary bulk. Muscular Endurance: The final phase pulls the "tank" and "motor" together using sport-specific training, such as hiking with heavy packs (starting around 40 lbs), to prepare for the actual hunt. Training Logistics and Common Mistakes Avoid the "Shortcut": There is no 6-week shortcut to elite endurance; aerobic systems can take up to seven years to fully maximize. Heart Rate Discipline: Monitoring heart rate is the only way to ensure you are training the correct energy system. If you cannot breathe through your nose or hold a conversation, you are likely going too hard and missing the aerobic benefit. Strength Bias: Many athletes fall into the trap of only training what they are already good at (usually strength for hunters), rather than performing a "ruthless self-assessment" to find their weak links. Equipment: While a full gym is helpful, the absolute minimum requirements for this type of training are a heart rate strap and a backpack with weight. THE TRAINING PLANS... Use code EXO before 04/30/26 to save on the training plans... 20 Week Training Plan: https://evokeendurance.com/training-plans/backcountry-hunting-20-week-training-plan/ 28 Week Training Plan: https://evokeendurance.com/training-plans/backcountry-hunting-training-plan/ LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... Episode 475 | "Proven Training Methods for the Mountain Hunter": https://the-experience-project.com/proven-training-for-mountain-hunting/ Scott's Books: https://amzn.to/3zAQH42 Evoke Endurance: https://evokeendurance.com/ Your Heart Rate Zones: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/setting-your-hear-rate-zones/ Understanding Muscular Endurance: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/muscular-endurance-all-you-need-to-know/ Additional Free Resources from Evoke: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Apr 1, 20261h 28m

Ep 300MM 303 | Health, Hot Tents, & Tripod Choices

Steve & Mark discuss some of their takeaways from the recent, must-listen episode with Andy Galpin. They also answer listener questions about using hot tents and stoves for backpack hunting, what tripod and head they would buy with a $300 budget (for each item), and more... The Experience Challenge — https://exomtngear.com/challenge Andy Galpin Episode — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/573 Kyle Kamp / V2P Nutrition — https://v2pnutrition.com/ Tripod & Heads from S&S Archery — https://sandsarchery.com/collections/lightweight-tripods 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 — [email protected] LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mar 30, 202639 min

Ep 573573 | Everyday Habits for Hunting Performance with Dr. Andy Galpin

Andy Galpin returns to the show to discuss everyday habits that can help or hinder your performance as a hunter. Topics covered include physical training and injury prevention, the power of sleep, what does and doesn't matter in nutrition, mental skills for high performance, and more... Physical Preparation & Injury Prevention Identify Your "Performance Anchors": Prioritize training based on your specific weaknesses—whether it is ankle stability, back strength, or nutritional deficiencies—that are most likely to cause failure during a long hunt. Develop Tissue Tolerance: The goal is to prepare your body (specifically low back, knees, and ankles) to handle the repetitive stress of a multi-day hunt so you don't "break" on day three. Use Your Actual Gear: Do not wait until the hunt to wear your boots or pack. Wear them during daily activities or training to let your body adapt to the specific stress loads of that equipment. The Power of Sleep The Number One Risk Factor: Poor sleep is a primary driver of injury risk and negatively impacts everything from cognitive focus to food cravings. Consistency Over Duration: It is better to sleep the same six hours every night than to fluctuate between four and nine hours. Your body optimizes sleep better when it recognizes a consistent pattern. Perception Matters: A person's perception of how they slept often dictates their performance more than the actual hours of sleep they received. Nutrition & "Major in the Majors" Focus on Quality: Avoid getting lost in "minor" details like seed oils if you are still eating inconsistent meals or highly processed gas station food. The Micronutrient Factor: While calories and macros determine body composition, micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, fiber) determine how you actually feel and perform. Protein Intentionality: Many people eat less protein than they realize. Reaching high targets (e.g., 1g per pound of body weight) requires specific planning rather than just "eating meat". Mental Performance Skills Talk to Yourself, Don't Listen: To build grit, use your own name (or a nickname) when encouraging yourself. This creates a psychological detachment that allows you to view a problem as a "coach" rather than being embedded in the suffering. Physical Grounding: Use a "reset button," such as touching a specific wristband or looking at a meaningful acronym, to regain focus when you feel overwhelmed or lost. LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... The Experience Challenge: https://exomtngear.com/challenge Vitality Blueprint: https://www.vitalityblueprint.com/exo — Save 10% with code EXO10 through 04/30/26 Andy's Website: https://www.andygalpin.com/ Andy's Podcast: https://performpodcast.com/ Andy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin/ Episode 454 | Hunting & Human Performance: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/454 Episode 542 | Resilience, Joint Health, & Sleep: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/542 The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mar 25, 20261h 12m

Ep 302MM 302 | Bears, Bivvies, Practice Questions & More...

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about hunting spring bear after a mild winter, nuances of selecting a type of bivy, determining how much shooting practice is enough (or too much), and more... The Experience Challenge — https://exomtngear.com/challenge Backpack Hunting With A Bivy Sack — https://exomtngear.com/bivy How to Hunt Mule Deer Podcast Series — https://exomtngear.com/search?q=how+to+hunt+mule+deer 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 — [email protected] LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mar 23, 202635 min

Ep 572572 | Hunting Dall Sheep in Alaska's Brooks Range

In this episode, we talk about hunting Dall Sheep in the Brooks Range of Alaska. Our guest, Joey Klutsch, is an Alaska Master Guide and Owner of Katmai/Aniakchak Guide Service. He will be taking the winner of The Experience Challenge on a Dall Sheep hunt this August. We discuss the logistics of the hunt, what makes clients quit on difficult hunts, why mindset is more important than good gear and fitness, what gear is and isn't required, and much more. LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... The Experience Challenge: https://exomtngear.com/challenge Joey's Website: https://katmaiguideservice.com/ Joey's Instagram: https://instagram.com/aniakchakguideservice Alaska Wildlife Notebook on Dall Sheep: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/education/wns/dall_sheep.pdf Alaska Guide to Judging Dall Sheep: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/hunting/dallsheephunting/pdfs/dall_sheep_guide_to_judging_sheep_horns_under_full_curl_regulation.pdf The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mar 18, 20261h 5m

Ep 301MM 301 | Elk Advice, Optics in the USA, Hunting Bans, and More...

Marks goes solo to answer listener questions about hunting elk off-trail and making noise, why we haven't recommended spotting scopes from Leupold, what we should do about a proposed hunting ban in Oregon, and more. Links mentioned in this episode... The Experience Challenge — https://exomtngear.com/challenge Exo Newsletter — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter "Roosevelt vs Rocky Mountain Elk, And How to Hunt Both" — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/142 "Changes & Challenges to Hunting & Wildlife with John Stallone" — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/491 "Finding & Protecting Alaska with Bjorn Dihle" — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/563 Howl for Wildlife — https://www.howlforwildlife.org/ Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership — https://trcp.org 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 — [email protected] LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mar 16, 202630 min

Ep 571571 | New Hip, Late AZ Elk, & More with Josh Kuntz

Return guest, Josh Kuntz, joins us to discuss his recent hip replacement and his late-season elk hunting in Arizona. We explore the mindset needed to push through setbacks, the value of an active lifestyle, elk hunting in Arizona, and more. "Better Basecamp, Better Hunting" — http://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/329 "Shared Success on Backcountry Bulls" — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/390 Josh's Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/josh.kuntz/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mar 11, 20261h 17m

Ep 300MM 300 | Register for The Experience Challenge

Steve & Mark discuss the purpose of The Experience Challenge, and how you can join this week. Registration is only open through this Sunday (March 15th)... https://exomtngear.com/challenge 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 — [email protected] LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mar 9, 202620 min

Ep 570570 | Sheep Hunt Challenge, Show Recap, & Your Questions

"Live" from the road, again, Steve kinda-sorta hosts this podcast. We discuss the pre-Challenge for everyone who wants to win the Sheep hunt as part of The Experience Challenge, we recap our time in BC for the Mountain Hunting Expo, and we dive into listener-submitted questions about hunting elk in fresh burns, archery gear upgrades, and more. https://exomtngear.com/challenge CHAPTERS... 00:00 — Road Trip Reflections 02:59 — Insights from the Wild Sheep Society Expo 06:13 — The Importance of Mental Toughness 08:52 — Preparing for the Experience Challenge 11:57 — Time Commitment for Hunting Challenges 14:55 — Hunting After Wildfires 18:00 — Safety in Burned Areas 21:05 — Archery Gear Recommendations 23:57 — Building Confidence in Archery 26:55 — Experiencing the Thrill of the Hunt 30:01 — Closing Thoughts and Future Plans The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mar 2, 202646 min

Ep 569569 | ER Visits, Expo Season, & The Experience Challenge

"Live" from the road, Steve takes over to host the podcast with Mark and Justin along. You'll hear about Steve's surprise emergency room visit (last night), their plans for the Mountain Hunting Expo in BC this weekend, what's to come with The Experience Challenge, and more. https://exomtngear.com/challenge CHAPTERS... 00:00 — Introduction 03:00 — Emergency Room Experience 05:59 — Kidney Stone Insights 08:56 — Planning for the Mountain Hunting Expo 12:00 — Experience Challenge Overview 14:59 — Shooting and Hunting Preparation 17:57 — Alaska Hunting Plans 20:56 — Reflections on Past Hunts 24:02 — Community and Engagement 27:00 — Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 26, 202647 min

Ep 568568 | Unscripted with Travis Bader of Silvercore Outdoors

Travis from Silvercore Outdoors joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that covers hunting, firearms training, entrepreneurship, and the importance of disconnecting from technology. We explore the relationship between mindset, instincts, and the art of hunting; the importance of community and collaboration in the hunting world; the value of sharing experiences, and more. Silvercore Outdoors: http://silvercore.ca/ Silvercore Podcast: https://www.silvercore.ca/podcast Silvercore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors/ Travis' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav/ CHAPTERS... 00:02:09 — The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Mindset 00:08:36 — Understanding Firearm Safety and Training in Canada 00:14:01 — The Passion for Hunting and Connection with Nature 00:18:48 — Experiences at SHOT Show and the Firearm Industry 00:22:30 — Disconnecting from Technology and Finding Balance 00:37:11 — Shifts in Training Demographics and Motivations 00:40:03 — The Impact of Media on Perception and Fear 00:45:11 — Reading Human and Animal Behavior 00:46:50 — Heuristics in Reading Animals and People 00:49:46 — Trusting Your Instincts in Hunting 00:50:51 — The Two-Way Process of Reading 00:53:23 — Mindset and Energy in Hunting 00:55:32 — The Podcast Journey and Conversations 01:01:01 — Success and Mindset in Hunting 01:09:32 — Community and Collaboration in Hunting 01:12:11 — Navigating Information Overload 01:14:09 — Reflections on Hunting Seasons 01:20:06 — Sharing Experiences in Hunting 01:22:55 — Defining Success Beyond Material Gains The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 25, 20261h 34m

Ep 299MM 299 | This AND That

Steve & Mark discuss upcoming Exo in-person events, the soon-coming Experience Challenge, and answer listener questions about training strength vs endurance, shooting from a tripod vs trekking poles, and more. Chapters... 00:00 — Introduction to the Monday Minute 02:53 — Details of Upcoming Challenges 06:50 — Strength Training vs. Endurance Training 11:29 — Shooting Techniques: Tripod vs. Quick Sticks 23:00 — Creative Shooting Support Techniques Links for this episode... The Experience Challenge Waitlist: https://exomtngear.com/challenge Wild Sheep Society of BC's Mountain Hunting Expo: https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/mhe Northwest Hunt Expo in OR: https://nwhuntexpo.com/ Dry-Fire Drills at Home: https://exomtngear.com/dryfire Shoot from Pack & Trekking Poles: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/rifle-shooting-with-hunting-pack Wiser Precision Quick-StiX: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-quick-stix Wiser Precision Ridge Warden Ball/Tilt Head: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head 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 — [email protected] LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 23, 202624 min

Ep 565567 | Calling, Hunting, & Eating Mountain Lions

In this episode, a listener of the show, Jim, shares his experience and insights on hunting mountain lions in the Pacific Northwest. He discusses the best times and locations to hunt, calling strategies and hunting techniques, the importance of patience and woodsmanship, and the unique experience of eating mountain lion meat. If you want a better understanding of the challenges and excitement that come with hunting these elusive predators, you will enjoy this episode. "It's high energy and high adrenaline." Jim's Instagram: @pnw_mountain_lion CHAPTERS... 00:02:02 — Jim's Background and Experience 00:05:37 — Historical Figures in Hunting 00:08:14 — Understanding Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons 00:11:19 — Oregon's Mountain Lion Quotas and Regulations 00:15:25 — The Experience of Eating Mountain Lion 00:17:23 — Aging and Sizing Mountain Lions 00:19:49 — Targeting Areas for Mountain Lion Hunting 00:24:47 — Calling Techniques and Setups 00:29:01 — Placement and Visibility in Calling 00:33:16 — Stealth and Approach of Mountain Lions 00:36:38 — Equipment and Safety in Mountain Lion Hunting 00:40:29 — Close Calls and Recovery Experiences 00:42:54 — Vocalizations and Calling Strategies 00:44:41 — Patience and Woodsmanship in Hunting 00:46:29 — State Regulations and Costs for Mountain Lion Hunting 00:50:24 — Overlooked Hunting Adventures The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 18, 202655 min

Ep 298MM 298 | Hunt Expo Recap, Military Packs, New Bows, and More...

Steve & Mark are back from Hunt Expo and share some thoughts from the show, and also answer listener-submitted questions about the best K4 Pack Accessory, what is different on the packs that Exo sells to the Military, if they will be shooting a new flagship bow for 2026, and more... Links for this episode... The Experience Challenge Waitlist: https://exomtngear.com/challenge Roughridge Stove: https://roughridgestove.com/ K4 Nalgene Holder: https://exomtngear.com/nalgene K4 Pack Materials: https://exomtngear.com/usa Wild Sheep Society of BC's Mountain Hunting Expo: https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/mhe Northwest Hunt Expo in OR: https://nwhuntexpo.com/ 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 — [email protected] LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 16, 202623 min

Ep 566566 | 10-Day Solo Sheep Hunt in Alaska

In this episode, a listener of the show, Caleb, shares his journey into sheep hunting in Alaska, detailing his first successful solo hunt. He discusses the challenges he faced, including planning, logistics, and the importance of hydration and nutrition. Caleb reflects on the emotional aspects of the hunt, the thrill of spotting and taking a legal ram, and the physical demands of packing out. "I was ready to get out." Caleb's Self-Filmed Hunt Video — https://youtu.be/-pZ3PxHc7iA The Experience Challenge — https://exomtngear.com/challenge CHAPTERS... 00:02:19 — Caleb's Background and Move to Alaska 00:07:26 — First Sheep Hunt Experience 00:10:30 — Planning the Successful Sheep Hunt 00:18:40 — The Hunt Begins: Setting Up Camp 00:24:06 — Challenges of Solo Hunting and Water Management 00:32:06 — The Opener: Anticipation and Illness 00:37:51 — Spotting the Legal Ram 00:45:47 — The Moment of Truth: Taking the Shot 00:50:10 — Reflections on the Accomplishment 01:02:21 — Packing Out: The Reality of the Journey 01:08:55 — Final Thoughts and Takeaways The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 11, 20261h 17m

Ep 297MM 297 | Questions about The Experience Challenge, Show Season, & More...

Steve & Mark answer your questions about The Experience Challenge — discussing the official launch date, participant eligibility, challenge details, required gear, the purpose behind the challenge, and more... Join the Challenge waitlist: https://exomtngear.com/challenge Links for this episode... The Experience Challenge: https://exomtngear.com/challenge Mark's Sheep Gear List (and video): https://exomtngear.com/sheep-gear Joey's Sheep Gear List: https://katmaiguideservice.com/dall-sheep-gear-and-equipment/ Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in SLC: https://huntexpo.com/ Wild Sheep Society of BC's Mountain Hunting Expo: https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/mhe Northwest Hunt Expo in OR: https://nwhuntexpo.com/ 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 — [email protected] LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 9, 202630 min

Ep 565565 | DIY Elk in CO with Llamas (A Listener Story)

A listener of the show, Russell, joins us to share the story of a do-it-yourself elk and mule deer in Colorado, which he went on with his Dad, brother, and a couple of llamas. As non-residents, we hear how they planned and prepared for this hunt, what Russell learned from pre-season scouting, how the hunt unfolded, what they experienced hunting with llamas for the first time, and much more. "I just want to go hunt." CHAPTERS... 00:04:06 — Choosing Colorado: The Hunt's Background 00:09:03 — The Unique Experience of Hunting with Llamas 00:15:00 — Scouting and Preparing for the Hunt 00:26:49 — The First Days of Hunting: Successes and Challenges 00:39:46 — Lessons Learned from the Hunt 00:56:00 — Reflections on the Experience and Future Plans The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 6, 20261h 2m

Ep 564564 | Mountain Hunting with Master Guide, Joey Klutsch

In this episode, we learn from Alaska Master Guide and Owner of Katmai/Aniakchak Guide Service, Joey Klutsch. We discuss the challenges of mountain hunting, the importance of physical and mental preparation, and the realities of guiding clients through demanding hunts. Joey shares insights on gear that matters for mountain hunting, the dynamics of client relationships, and the impact of population changes on hunting regulations, and a whole lot more. "You have to want it to succeed." LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... The Experience Challenge: https://exomtngear.com/challenge Joey's Website: https://katmaiguideservice.com/ Joey's Instagram: https://instagram.com/aniakchakguideservice CHAPTERS... 00:03:01 — Meet Joey Clutch: A Guide's Journey 00:11:01 — The Challenges of Mountain Hunting 00:21:50 — Mental Toughness in Hunting 00:25:22 — The Importance of Preparation 00:31:39 — Understanding Special Use Permits 00:37:15 — Gear Essentials for Successful Hunts 00:44:19 — The Art of Guiding: Client Relationships 00:52:11 — Population Dynamics and Hunting Regulations 00:56:17 — Booking Hunts: Strategies and Considerations 01:09:21 — Tipping Your Guide: Best Practices The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 4, 20261h 12m

Ep 296MM 296 | Dall Sheep Hunt Giveaway — Announcing The Experience Challenge

Announcing The Experience Challenge. A challenge where you could win a Dall Sheep or Mountain Goat hunt in Alaska. This is not a raffle. This is not a contest. This is a challenge. You vs you. Do the work, and you're in. In this episode, Steve & Mark explain the vision behind the Challenge and begin to share some details for how all of this will work. If you are interested... no, not just interested... If you are committed, then sign up to learn more and get the first chance at joining the Challenge: https://exomtngear.com/challenge 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 — [email protected] LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Feb 2, 202628 min

Ep 563563 | Finding & Protecting Alaska with Bjorn Dihle

In this episode, we dive deep into the vast wilderness of Alaska with Bjorn Dihle, a lifelong Alaska resident and outdoorsman. From the intricacies of bear viewing and the challenges of hunting blacktail deer to the controversial Ambler Road project, Bjorn shares his unique experience and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged with conservation efforts, the unique beauty and challenges of Southeast Alaska, and much more. "This is your land; it matters to you." LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... Bjorn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjorndihle/ Bjorn's Books: https://amzn.to/4a2Z5rs https://huntfishbrooksrange.com/ https://www.northernjournal.com/ https://www.trcp.org/ https://salmonstate.org/salmonstate-campaigns/#southeast CHAPTERS... 00:00:00— Exploring the Wilds of Alaska 00:02:11— Meet Bjorn: A Lifelong Alaskan Adventurer 00:10:17— The Dynamics of Bear Viewing and Conservation 00:15:00— The Ambler Road Project: Controversies and Implications 00:26:17— Southeast Alaska: A Hunter's Paradise 00:32:21 — The Unique Challenges of Hunting Blacktails 00:54:52 — Understanding Bear Behavior and Safety 01:12:32 — Bjorn's Insights on Conservation and Future of Alaska The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: [email protected] Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Jan 30, 20261h 15m