The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

Backcountry hunting is a pursuit that goes against our "progressively sheltered, sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, underchallenged, and safety-netted lives." Tune in to hear about the dangers of comfort, how hunting can be the antithesis to constant comfort, and what science says is wrong with our modern, comfortable, first-world lives. Our guest is Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis. Purchase The Comfort Crisis: https://amzn.to/3i67Mbd Connect with Michael: https://eastermichael.com/ More Podcasts: https://ExoMtnGear.com/podcast Contact Us: [email protected]

New Podcast Archive! Easily find previous episodes of the show by visiting https://ExoMtnGear.com/podcast and browsing shows by category or searching by keyword. We also announce the winners of the May giveaway, discuss the recent Exo Bear Camp, geek-out on optics, and much more... Gear mentioned on this episode: - https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-10x42-el-range-ta-binocular - https://www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/us/hunting/binoculars/victory-rf/victory-rf-10x42.html - https://www.sigsauer.com/zulu9-15x56-mm-hdx.html - https://www.sigsauer.com/zulu6-16x42-mm.html - https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Cinch-LR-Polymer-Molded - https://www.firstlite.com/products/corrugate-foundry-pant Contact us: [email protected]

Brad Brooks of Argali Outdoors joins us to chat about a 6-week Alaskan adventure he has planned for this coming fall, what's new from Argali Outdoors in 2021, and much more. Brad's upcoming hunt in Alaska will include Sitka Blacktail, Caribou, and Moose — all with his bow. Learn why he put this trip together, the logistical challenges he's facing, and much more. Argali Outdoors: https://argalioutdoors.com/ Brad's Previous Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/058 All Podcast Episodes: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: [email protected]

What does the science say about the physical demands of backcountry hunting? Dr. Robert Coker has studied, analyzed, and published his findings on this question and related topics. Join this conversation with Dr. Coker to learn more about the research and how his findings can help you as a hunter. "The Energy Requirements and Metabolic Benefits of Wilderness Hunting in Alaska" — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6236107/ More of Dr. Coker's Published Research — https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dksqDwIAAAAJ MAY 2021 GIVEAWAY... Enter by leaving a podcast review, sharing the show on Instagram and tagging @HuntBackcountry, or emailing us with your hunting question or topic suggestion to [email protected]. Any and all of those actions will earn you a chance to win a $250 gift card from Exo Mtn Gear... https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve and Mark share some good news — both about future hunts, as well as the future (and history) of the podcast. They also chat trough some listener questions about solo elk hunting, packing-out elk, camp strategies for backcountry hunts, and more. MAY 2021 GIVEAWAY... Enter by leaving a podcast review, sharing the show on Instagram and tagging @HuntBackcountry, or emailing us with your hunting question or topic suggestion to [email protected]. Any and all of those actions will earn you a chance to win a $250 gift card from Exo Mtn Gear... exomtngear.com/ Resources Mentioned: - Episode 176 | Solo Elk Hunting Success - Episode 217 | Elk Hunting Camp Styles — Base, Spike, or Bivy - https://www.rocketcitychiropractic.com/10-piriformis-stretches-to-get-rid-of-sciatica-hip-and-lower-back-pain https://exomtngear.com/

As hunters move forward with new equipment, technologies, opportunities, and challenges, it is helpful to look back. As we think about our hunting today, it is helpful to think about the hunting opportunities of tomorrow, and for the next generation. These ideas are just some of the underlying current to our conversation with our guest on this episode, Matt Starley of Rogue Wild Productions (https://www.instagram.com/roguewild/). We talk about having 3-generations on the same hunt, the value of documenting hunts, Matt's transition to traditional archery, some of the challenges and changes in hunting opportunities, and much more. Rogue Wild Film: https://youtu.be/r4YkTAlDrdI MAY 2021 GIVEAWAY... Enter by leaving a podcast review, sharing the show on Instagram and tagging @HuntBackcountry, or emailing us with your hunting question or topic suggestion to [email protected]. Any and all of those actions will earn you a chance to win a $250 gift card from Exo Mtn Gear... https://exomtngear.com/

Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions about the role of softshell jackets (the "minivan of hunting apparel"), how to find primers and other reloading components or ammunition in the current market, and also discuss a few follow-up questions about bow sights after last week's Monday Minute episode on the topic. The Reloading Discord: https://discord.com/invite/reloading (More info/instructions: https://www.rokslide.com/forums/threads/natchez-huge-primer-dump.200208/page-2) MAY 2021 GIVEAWAY... Enter by leaving a podcast review, sharing the show on Instagram and tagging @HuntBackcountry, or emailing us with your hunting question or topic suggestion to [email protected]. Any and all of those actions will earn you a chance to win a $250 gift card from Exo Mtn Gear... exomtngear.com/

Nick Sabo (https://www.instagram.com/nsabo380/) is a veteran, firefighter, and well-rounded hunter and shooter. We speak with Nick about a variety of topics, including what he learned from an old-time hunter in Alaska, how he hunts big Mule Deer bucks in the Dakotas, how he shoots effectively in the wind, and much more. MAY 2021 GIVEAWAY... Enter by leaving a podcast review, sharing the show on Instagram and tagging @HuntBackcountry, or emailing us with your hunting question or topic suggestion to [email protected]. Any and all of those actions will earn you a chance to win a $250 gift card from Exo Mtn Gear... https://exomtngear.com/

We're back with a Monday Minute episode, including a bonus behind-the-scenes segment with Jake. We then dive into listener questions about tent stoves, shelter choices, bow sight setup, and more. Share your question: [email protected] Heather Kelly's Founder Speaker Series: https://founderspeakerseries.mykajabi.com/sales-page https://exomtngear.com/

From hunting turkeys in the South, to hunting big muleys in the Dakotas, to hunting the vast wilderness of Alaska, our guest on the latest Hunt Backcountry Podcast, David (https://www.instagram.com/mustache_memoirs/), has some stories and lessons to share. We love learning from everyday, hard-working hunters that have a variety of experiences to share. If you feel the same way, you'll love this episode! In addition to some great hunting stories and gear chat, we talk about how failure is an important and necessary step towards true success. And much more! MAY 2021 GIVEAWAY... Enter by leaving a podcast review, sharing the show on Instagram and tagging @HuntBackcountry, or emailing us with your hunting question or topic suggestion to [email protected]. Any and all of those actions will earn you a chance to win a $250 gift card from Exo Mtn Gear... https://exomtngear.com/

In this episode, we continue the recap of our "Death Hike" adventure in Idaho's Frank Church Wilderness. We interview six participants from the hike to hear more about their unique experience on the trip, what they learned, how the tripped helped them as hunters, as more. - BRYAN (https://www.instagram.com/comtnhunter/) - DIONI (https://www.instagram.com/wild_idaho/) - AJ (https://www.instagram.com/208archery/) - JAKE (https://www.instagram.com/jake.havlicek/) - ANTHONY (https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoberti/) - JUSTIN (https://www.instagram.com/jdk4387/) Have a question?... [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/

We are back from our "Death Hike" adventure in Idaho's Frank Church Wilderness. In this episode, Steve and Mark recap the trip — telling some stories, sharing lessons-learned, and much more. Have a question?... [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/

Updated for 2021, we have v2 our free Backcountry Hunting Training Plan, put together by our friends at Atomic Athlete. Jake from Atomic joins Mark on this brief podcast to discuss how the training plan has been received over the past several years, and what changes are made for the updated v2 plan. New to the plan?... Get it for free: https://exomtngear.com/train Received the plan previously?... We will be sending you the new plan directly via email. https://exomtngear.com/ https://atomic-athlete.com

In the final Monday Minute before the 2021 Death Hike, Steve and Mark cover some final preparation for the hike, as well as answer listener questions on hunting 2-on-1 with a guide, and using spring bear hunts to scout for elk. Connect with us: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/

Brad Carter of Altitude Outdoors joins us to tell the story of his sheep hunt, how things didn't work out as planned, and what he learned along the way. Whether you hunt sheep or not, there are many things you can learn from the story of this hunt and we are excited to share it with you. Connect with Brad... - https://altitudeoutdoors.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/bcarter307/ Connect with us... - [email protected] - https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Jake is back and joins Steve & Mark to answer listener questions. But first, we discuss the "big smelly surprise" that Jake recently received for his 21st birthday. Share your question for the show: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/

Kyle Kamp joins Mark for an unscripted discussion. Being that Kyle is a nutritionist, Mark couldn't help but ask some nutrition and backcountry food-related questions, but they also talk more deeply about habits and discipline in general. They also discuss Kyle's journey as a new big game hunter, the best way to learn from experienced hunters, how to ask simple questions, and much more... Free Backcountry Fuel Guide: https://exomtngear.com/nutrition Connect with Kyle: https://v2pnutrition.com/ Contact us: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/ Simple Overnight Oats... - Mix equal parts Old Fashion Oats and Milk of your choice. (Mark uses 3/4c oats and 3/4 unsweetened almond milk) - Add scoop of protein powder (Mark uses https://amzn.to/3chna1d) - Shake oats, powder, and milk together - Refrigerate overnight - In the morning, just before eating, add toppings or mix-ins of your choice. (Mark add a small amount protein granola and peanut butter, but other good options are fruit, nuts/seeds, etc) - Mix and enjoy

Steve and Mark answer several listener questions about processing and packing-out elk. They discuss packing the antlers first or last, when to use a bone saw, how to remove the inner tenderloins when using the gutless method, and how to develop a pack-out plan. They also answer another question about scope choices and custom turrets vs range-finding binoculars. Share your question: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/

Chris Way is a well-rounded adventurer, explorer, climber, shooter, and much more. Recently, Chris developed a specific target and shooting drill to assess his true accuracy capabilities with a rifle and also track his shooting performance and improvement over time. While he developed this protocol for his needs as a precision rifle competitor, the protocol is extremely relevant to us, as hunters. Tune in to hear more about how you can shoot this drill, assess your true accuracy, and track your performance leading up to your next hunt. Best of all, this protocol is accessible to everyone and only requires a 100-yard range and a simple paper target you can print at home. Learn more: https://riflekraft.com/ Connect with Chris: http://instagram.com/gunaroundthesun/ Contact us: [email protected] https://ExoMtnGear.com/

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on ultralight optics support (tripods and monopods), follow-up feedback from last week's budget spotting scope topic, and share some stories from hunts that humbled them. They also briefly chat about DIY Dehydrated meals, which was covered in-depth on Episode 129. Connect with us: [email protected] Ultralight Optics Support... - https://tricerusa.com - https://kestrelglassingsystems.com/ - https://www.wiserprecision.com/

Have you been curious about getting into reloading for your hunting rifle, but been too confused or overwhelmed to get started? We've been there! Tune-in as Mark chats with aspiring reloader, Kyle, and shares advice on how to get setup with reloading gear on a modest budget. Mark and Kyle share the same goal of keeping their reloading process simple, while still achieving great precision. Want more info on the ideas and gear discussed in this show, check out this article: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/reloading-gear-for-precision-hunting Contact us: [email protected]

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about "pack hacks", recommendations for budget spotting scopes, comparisons on NL Pure and EL Range TA binos from Swarovski, other range-finding binocular options for rifle hunting, and hauling moose quarters. Share your question for the show: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/

Jake takes over as host of the podcast and interviews Steve & Mark with your questions about Exo Mtn Gear. Aside from talking about the company, they also answer some fun questions that were submitted, such as their worse backcountry poop experience, who is "the big spoon" when they share a tent, and more. They ran out of time, so Jake will be back on a future Monday Minute to ask more of the fun questions you guys submitted. PS — There is a BIG surprise at the end! https://exomtngear.com/

We continue our Behind the Scenes at Exo Mtn Gear podcast series with Jake Havlicek. As a teenager, Jake started building packs part-time in the summer. Now, several years later, Jake is a full-time employee and an integral part of the Exo team. We discuss Jake's journey working at Exo, his growth as a hunter, and much more. In tomorrow's episode (#273), Jake takes over as host of the podcast, so tune back in to hear him interview Steve and Mark. https://exomtngear.com

Patrick and his wife sold everything they owned, left the Northeast, and headed West without a specific place or plan in mind. Months later, they settled in Boise, Idaho. Patrick walked into Exo HQ and began building packs part-time. Here we are, a few years later, and Patrick is an integral part of the Exo Mtn Gear family. Tune in to hear more about Patrick's story traveling the US, his work at Exo Mtn Gear, and his recent mountain goat hunt. https://exomtngear.com/

Our guest in this episode, Dwayne Magnusson, is an outfitter, guide, and pilot in Alaska. As owner and operator of Magnusson Alaskan Outfitters, Dwayne has vast experience hunting and flying in Alaska for a multitude of species. This past fall, Steve hunted with Dwayne on his sheep hunt. We speak with Dwayne about his experience, the lessons he has learned, what he sees hunters get right (and wrong!) when it comes to hunting in the mountains, and much more. Contact Dwayne: https://huntmao.com/ Connect with us: [email protected]

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about broadhead flight, the issue of "not knowing what you don't know", and why Steve said that socialism is now a part of hunting. As always, these informal episodes are meant to answer your questions, so send us your ideas and feedback to [email protected]

It is the time of year where many of us are starting to apply for tags in various states. Some of us have a tried-and-true strategy that include spreadsheets of our points for each state and species, while others of us are still scratching our heads and trying to figure out how to make our way through each state's confusing maze of rules for tag applications, points, deadlines, and fine-print. Whether you are a seasoned player in the game of points and draws or a first-time hunter just looking for a place to start, there's something for you in this podcast episode with Jerrod Lile of Huntin Fool. We can't answer every question on every species and every state in this podcast, but we do discuss a TON of helpful information about different states, their application and point systems, and how to develop an application strategy for YOUR unique hunting goals. Draw Deadlines: https://www.huntinfool.com/resources/draw-deadlines Draw Cost Calculator: https://www.huntinfool.com/license-application-service/cost-calculator Connect with us: [email protected]

Steve & Mark answer several listener questions on archery and bowhunting-related topics that cover bow-sight pin size and selection, arrow selection and setup, and broadhead performance on game. They also chat a bit about their cold-weather hiking from the weekend. SHARE YOUR QUESTION: [email protected] Learn More and Shop Logo Gear: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

These lessons from a Marine fighter pilot, mountaineer, and backcountry hunter will change how you hunt. Our guest, Dave, shares lessons and specific "sayings" that came from decades of experience and unending curiosity. If you apply these sayings to your hunts, it will no doubt make you a more effective hunter. Read Mark's takeaway's from this podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/5-sayings-that-will-change-how-you-hunt Podcast Logo Gear: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: [email protected]

Steve & Mark answer listener questions about hiking in the dark, their Death Hike prep, and gear. There are also some funny stories along the way. Share your question or feedback: [email protected] Exo Blog: https://exomtngear.com/blog Gear Lists: https://exomtngear.com/inmypack Podcast Logo Gear: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

As hunters, we should know how to quickly and cleanly kill the animals we pursue. Not just how to choose a bullet or broadhead. Or how to place a projectile "in the vitals". We should understand the animal's physiological systems and how to affect those systems to cause death. In this episode, we speak with Hornady's Lead Ballistician, Jayden Quinlan, to understand how, exactly, animals die. We eventually work our way into talking about the performance of projectiles — such as expansion and penetration — but the primary purpose of this episode is to provide a foundational understanding of physiological systems and how to affect those systems to cause death. Whether you hunt with bullets, broadheads, or both — you will find great value in the information shared in this episode. Share your questions with us: [email protected] Podcast Logo Gear: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer an email from a listener that has been hunting elk for 3 years, but has never seen an elk and has only heard bugling on one day. They also end up chatting about 6.5 PRC vs 6.5 Creedmoor. Mark will post his article on why he chose the 6.5 Creedmoor over the 6.5 PRC... Get the article in your Inbox on Wednesday (02/03/21): https://exomtngear.com/newsletter. Or check the blog after Wednesday: https://exomtngear.com/blog Have a question for us?... [email protected]

Our guest on this episode, Randy, is a vegan turned elk hunter. We hear about Randy's transition into hunting. What it was like to kill his first elk. How he uses yoga to shoot his rifle (kidding...kind of). And much more! Are you interested in the elk hunting course we discussed in this show? Use the code "EXO20" to save $20 on the University of Elk Hunting online course at https://elk101.com/onlinecourse. As a member of the course, you will also get access to a discount on all Exo Mtn Gear purchases. Contact us: [email protected]

On this late Monday (Tuesday) Minute episode, Steve surprises Mark and asks him to tell the story of his favorite hunt. They also discuss a listener question on bow sights. And then explain the concept of thermals and how thermals affect hunters. Share your question/feedback for the show: [email protected] Shop Bow Sights: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/bow-sights

In this episode, we are joined by backcountry hunter and former Green Beret, Stephen Ourada (@northrangehunter). In our conversation with Stephen we discuss how hunting helped him as a Green Beret, how he recovered from a mental and physical low-point after being medically retired, why hiked more 2,000 miles in 2020, and much more. Connect with us: [email protected] and https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We answer listener questions on budget clothing, the advantages of the Alaska Airlines credit card, when to drop your pack while stalking, and how to select a stabilizer for your bow. Budget Puffy Pants: https://amzn.to/39idele or search the web for "ECWCS Level 7 Pants" Alaska Airlines Card: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/credit-card/visa-signature Bow Stabilizers: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/stabilizers Contact us: [email protected]

Photographer and hunter, Beaumon Day, joins us to talk about his pursuit of wildlife — with both weapons and cameras. We talk about what Beau has learned from wildlife photography that also informs his hunting. We then discuss a very unique hunt that Beau got to participate in this past fall, as he hunted Mountain Goats within Teton National Park. Beau's 2021 Wildlife Calendar: https://beaudayphotography.com/products/2021-wildlife-calendar Follow Beau on IG at https://www.instagram.com/beaudayphotography/ Connect with us: [email protected] or https://exomtngear.com/

Mark is joined by Tyler Boschma to discuss their experiences using Hammer Bullets on hunts this fall. The original podcast episode about Hammer Bullets is Episode 227: Hunting with Hammers - Learn more about Hammer Bullets at https://HammerBullets.com - Connect with Tyler: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_boschma/ - Podcast Questions & Feedback: [email protected]

Welcome to the Hunt Backcountry Podcast in 2021! We are starting the new year with a new show format as we go "Unscripted" with Emory Wanger. Mark and Emory hop on a call with no agenda, hit record, and this podcast is the result. They discuss a wide-variety of topics on hunting, backpacking, gear, family, and more... 03:35 — Gear choice with no budget limitations 05:25 — Perspective on the meaning of new gear 10:58 — Is hunting conservation? 17:34 — Animals vs wildlife 27:20 — The importance of conversation and "thinking out loud" 32:53 — Cold-weather clothing and sleep systems 43:33 — Lessons learned by experience and "aha moments" 50:08 — Perspective on adventure, family, hunting, and priorities 01:05:47 — Backpack hunting group 01:11:00 — "Learn How to Backpack" course Get more from Emory, including his podcasts, blogs, and backpacking course at https://byland.co/ or @emory_by_land Connect with us: [email protected]

Need a kick in the butt to get in shape, or stay in shape for the New Year? Check out our free training plan... https://exomtngear.com/train In this episode, Steve & Mark answer a listener question about why they choose backcountry hunting as their main hobby. And also what other hobbies they enjoy. Steve & Mark also discuss their "off season" and favorite winter activities. Share your question for the next episode: [email protected] Exo Packs Available Now: https://exomtngear.com/packs Exo's Origins & Ethos: https://soundcloud.com/huntbackcountry/219-exos-origins-ethos

As a small company building our products in the USA, this year presented many challenges. But thanks to the support of our customers, we are finishing this year with immense gratitude for the opportunity we have to continue building high-quality, American-made products for our fellow hunters. As a tangible way to thank you for your support, we want to send a free custom decal to everyone that purchased from Exo Mtn Gear in 2020, and also give you an opportunity to win some of the gear that we personally use in the backcountry. ENTER TODAY: https://exomtngear.com/christmas2020

As the off-season arrives and hunters turn to shoppers, we answer your latest gear questions on this Monday Minute. Share your question for a future episode by sending us an email to [email protected]

Paul Lewis of FHF Gear joins us to talk about a special Bighorn Sheep tag he drew in Montana. We get the full story on how the hunt went down and what he learned along the way. Before we dive into the hunt details, we also get the backstory on FHF Gear. You'll hear how FHF was born from Paul's side-gig in his garage, doing custom work for mostly law enforcement and military needs, and then how it almost unintentionally became the FHF Gear we know of today. This is an entertaining conversation on Bighorns, the Backcountry, and Business! https://fhfgear.com/ https://exomtngear.com/

Steve Evans (@__steve__evans__) just started hunting big game a couple of years ago, but he has already spent more than 150 days in the field across multiple western states hunting deer, elk, and other species. In this wide-ranging conversation, Mark speaks with Steve about the unique experience he has, being both relatively new to big game hunting, while at the same time having the opportunity to spend so much time hunting and learning in just a couple of years. https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve and Mark answer your listener questions about new-for-2021 bows, the pros and cons of long and short axle-length bows, how to shoot your bow effectively with a pack on, whether or not moose is a good species to hunt for a first trip to Alaska, and more. Oh, and they get interrupted with a poopy diaper. #dadlife Share your question for the show: [email protected]

Save 15% on all Exo Mtn Gear items this Friday (11/27). Sign-up to get notified: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Is ultralight gear overrated? What's the best way to practice with your bow when you can only shoot at a few yards indoors? How was Mark's experience flying the meat home from his recent elk hunt? Share your listener question for the next episode: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Full-time job, wife, kids, no experience, and a worldwide pandemic. Those excuses didn't stop Jared and Eric from a DIY adventure for Sitka Blacktail Deer on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Tune-in to hear how they planned this hunt, what it was like to hunt Alaska on their own, and more. Whether you are looking for specific tips on planning a trip, just wanting to hear a good hunting story, or are open to being challenged about planning your "dream" adventure...there's something in this show for you. https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Will Exo be having a Black Friday sale? YES! And to make sure you don't miss the best pricing of the year, be sure you receive our emails: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Steve and Mark also discuss the pros and cons of Sil-Nylon vs Dyneema/Cuben Fiber for shelters, what they do with their extra gear they're no longer testing/using, and how they make changes to their sleep systems for variable weather conditions. Share your question for the show: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark discuss their favorite gear of the year in 2020. They also revisit their prior favorite gear from 2018 and 2019, and discuss how that gear is still performing for them today. No matter your budget, there's something in here for you... See the whole list at: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/2020-gear-of-the-year Contact us: [email protected]