The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

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]

Steve and Mark answer listener questions about off-season gear care and storage, how they feel about hunting with a bow vs a rifle, tips they have for packaging meat while at camp, and more... Share your question for a future show: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Why you should consider hunting with a muzzleloader...and how to get started. In the episode with John McAdams from the Big Game Hunting Blog, we talk about the knowledge and gear needed to get started hunting with a muzzleloader. If you are like us and want to expand your opportunities to hunt, regardless of what weapon is in your hands, hunting with a muzzleloader can extend your season, open up new opportunities, and you also might find that you simply enjoy the challenge of hunting with a new weapon system. Read — Why You Should Start Hunting With A Muzzleloader: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/start-hunting-with-a-muzzleloader Read — How To Start Hunting With A Muzzleloader: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-start-hunting-with-a-muzzleloader John's Big Game Hunting Blog: https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/ Connect with us: [email protected]

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on the SIG KILO3000 Binoculars, addressing their range-finding and ballistic solving abilities (https://www.sigsauer.com/products/electro-optics/rangefinders/kilo3000/). They also discuss which bivy they use, and answer a listener question about using bivy vs a hammock setup. Finally, they discuss the tools they use to get accurate weather forecasts for backcountry locations, including the "pinpoint" feature at forecast.weather.gov (Example: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=43.6076&lon=-116.1934). Share your question or topic for a future show: [email protected]

We are in a time of year where many hunting seasons are wrapping-up soon and we head into the holidays, cold and dark winters, days, and often, a time where we let things slip. But it doesn't have to be that way. You don't have to wait for a "new year" or next hunting season to commit yourself. A commitment to challenging yourself — be that physically, mentally, or in some other way. In today's show, we hear from a listener, Curt, and how he challenged himself this year. Hear what he did, what he learned, and what advice he has for you. https://exomtngear.com/podcast

As a follow-up to our recent podcast about our rifle elk hunt, we take the opportunity to answer listener questions about that hunt... - How did the elk behavior change after a few days of pressure from rifle hunters? - Are there any regrets on filling tags early in the hunt? - What boots did we wear? And how did Mark's feet hold up after packing the elk out with soaking-wet boots? - How did Mark get the meat home? Did he fly with it? Share your question for a future show: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark recap their recent rifle elk hunt in Idaho. They detail the play-by-play of how they were able to fill both of their tags by mid-day on the second day of the hunt. Have a question?... [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark are joined by their good friends, Lenny & Tyler, to retell some amazing stories from September. Lenny and Tyler backpack-hunted with their 10-year-old sons for the first time, shot some big bulls, and made some lifetime memories. https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark chat through gear, strategy, and tactics for their upcoming rifle elk hunt in Idaho. Being primarily archery elk hunters, they chat through how they are preparing for and planning this rifle hunt. Share your question for the show: [email protected]

Elk hunting is difficult. Especially when you are solo, hunting with a bow, have an over-the-counter tag, are on pressured public land, and live more than a 24-hour drive from your hunting area. But none of the things kept our guest on this episode, Jesse, from doing everything he could to try and fill his first elk tag. And on the opening morning of this past archery season, Jesse did just that. Tune in to hear how this 2nd-year elk hunter found success this year and what he learned from his prior, unsuccessful, elk hunt last year. https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on pack weight, budget bow setups, "do it all" bullets, and boot comparisons. Share your question for the show: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/

At 60-years-young our guest on this episode, Dave, is a solo mountain hunter in Alaska. Dave has experience as a Marine, pilot, mountain climber, mountain hunter, and much more. As someone who is still hunting hard in the mountains at his age, Steve and Mark wanted to learn from Dave. With an engineer's mindset and a desire to always learn, Dave has gained a lot of experience and wisdom over the years — and we are excited to have him share some of that information with us today. Have a question for us or a story to share with us?... Email [email protected]

Steve and Mark chat through their September elk hunts in Colorado and Idaho. There was plenty of struggle and success involved. How's your season going so far? Let us know... [email protected]

How can the Modern Day Rifleman Virtual Summit help you as a hunter? Even if you aren't a "sniper" or competitive shooter, what can you, as a hunter, learn from the field of 25 experts in the precision shooting industry that will be speaking at the free virtual summit? We answer these questions with summit founders, Caylen Wojcik and Phillip Velayo. FREE Summit Registration: https://moderndayrifleman.com/register Connect with us: [email protected]

We are joined by our buddy, Tyler Boschma, who recently hunted Dall Sheep in the Alaska Range with Steve. We hear the story of the hunt, including the highs and lows, the lessons learned, and more. This hunt was a true adventure and an entertaining story to tune-in to. https://exomtngear.com/podcast Connect with us: [email protected]

We're answering your questions on Labor Day. Hopefully, though, you're not hearing this as it is released, and instead you are out hunting. In this show we answer questions on deer and the full moon, hunting elk solo, hammocks for the backcountry, pack fit for petite women, post-rut elk tactics, and more... Send in your questions for the show... [email protected]

In this show we are joined by podcast listeners, who happen to be both buddies and brothers-in-law. They tell the story of a fun hunt in Montana where they filled elk and deer tags in a single day. But it isn't all about success; they also share the lessons they learned from mistakes they made previously. Connect with us: [email protected]

Steve returns from his Sheep hunt in Alaska. We are saving the full hunt story for a later show, once our buddy Tyler can join. In this episode we focus on gear choices, lessons learned, and more. Have a question for the show? Email [email protected]

The backcountry is big, beautiful...and unforgiving. We shouldn't pursue the backcountry in fear, but we should be prepared for the possibility of difficult, or even dangerous conditions. If you find yourself in that moment where you or someone you are with needs rescue, what do you do? Hopefully, you have a means of requesting rescue assistance. But what does that really mean? What happens when you request assistance, and how can you best prepare — both now and in the moment — for a backcountry rescue? We answer those questions with air rescue pilot, Jason Fawson. Jason is not only a backcountry first responder, he has been forced to call for rescue in the backcountry while on a trip. If you truly "hunt backcountry", you need to tune-in to this episode and learn from Jason's experience. [email protected]

Mark is joined by John Hakes from Mesa Precision Arms. Together they address a wide variety of rifle-related questions from the audience. They talk about Mark's upgraded Tikka build (https://exomtngear.com/tikka), upgrades for other factory rifles, fully custom rifle builds, optics selection, and much more. Visit Mesa Precision Arms and contact John at: https://mesaprecisionarms.com/ Have a question for the show?... [email protected]

Did you know that the Hunt Backcountry Podcast is now more than 5 years old? To celebrate, Steve & Mark have picked 5 of their favorite episodes from the past 5 years and are replaying them this week. Additionally, we are offering 5 prize packs for you — the listeners. ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06d5759c28/ Today's show is a re-cast of Episode #216 with Chadd Wright. Chadd shares how the lessons he has learned as a SEAL and Ultrarunner can help YOU as a backcountry hunter... "True adventure is when you embark on a journey where the most likely outcome is failure. If you want to experience true adventure in your life, you have to let go of the fear of failure — because failure will happen. If you fear failure, you will remain stagnant for the rest of your life." —Chadd Wright CONNECT WITH CHADD: https://3of7project.com/ CONNECT WITH US: [email protected]

Did you know that the Hunt Backcountry Podcast is now more than 5 years old? To celebrate, Steve & Mark have picked 5 of their favorite episodes from the past 5 years and are replaying them this week. Additionally, we are offering 5 prize packs for you — the listeners. ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06d5759c28/ Today's show is a re-cast of Episode #180 with Mike Graves. Mike is an Exo customer that we connected with before the show and became inspired by. At the time of the original recording, Mike was nearly 70-years-old and still hunting hard in the backcountry. Not only is Mike hunting in an inspiring way today, but he has decades of past experiences and stories to share. You will not only be inspired by this conversation, you will be entertained by some of Mike's stories. CONNECT WITH US: [email protected]

Did you know that the Hunt Backcountry Podcast is now more than 5 years old? To celebrate, Steve & Mark have picked 5 of their favorite episodes from the past 5 years and are replaying them this week. Additionally, we are offering 5 prize packs for you — the listeners. ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06d5759c28/ Today's show is a re-cast of Episodes #162 and #163 with "the Modern Day Mountain Man", Billy Molls. Billy has spent 20+ seasons guiding in Alaska for a variety of species. We speak with Billy about Caribou hunting in Alaska, and why it is the ideal first hunt for those new to Alaska. We also talk about why adventure is so important for us to experience, and why remote places, such as Alaska, are truly special. Connect with Billy at https://BillyMollsAdventures.com/ CONNECT WITH US: [email protected]

Did you know that the Hunt Backcountry Podcast is now more than 5 years old? To celebrate, Steve & Mark have picked 5 of their favorite episodes from the past 5 years and are replaying them this week. Additionally, we are offering 5 prize packs for you — the listeners. ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06d5759c28/ Today's show is a re-cast of Episode #138 with Paul "the Elk Nut" Medel. Paul has been on the show several times, and to be honest, every single time we both enjoy the conversation AND learn a TON. Paul has an unmatched blend of enthusiasm and knowledge, and it is a treat to soak in the knowledge and experience that he has to share about elk behavior, elk vocalizations, and elk hunting. Learn more from Paul by checking out the Elk Nut app: http://www.elknut.com/elknut-app.html CONNECT WITH US: [email protected]

Did you know that the Hunt Backcountry Podcast is now more than 5 years old? To celebrate, Steve & Mark have picked 5 of their favorite episodes from the past 5 years and are replaying them this week. Additionally, we are offering 5 prize packs for you — the listeners. ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/06d5759c28/ Today's show is a re-cast of Episode #16 with Russ Meyer. Steve describes Russ as, "the most successful hunter I know." In this conversation with Russ we find out what has helped Russ have so much success over the years, why he feels sharing hunting is so important, why the only way to learn how to kill is to kill, and much more. If you want to hear more from Russ, and other guys that Steve and Mark have learned from, check out the Expert Roundtable Series, which are podcast episodes 181-185. CONNECT WITH RUSS: http://instagram.com/rmeyerarchery CONNECT WITH US: [email protected]

As Steve and Mark prepare to hunt sheep and elk with a rifle for the first time this fall, they seek the wisdom of former hunting guide, previous podcast guest, and full-time gun writer, Joseph von Benedikt. Joseph answers their questions on bullet selection, shot placement, field support and shooting positions, and much more. Connect with Joseph: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryhuntingpodcast/ Have a question for a future show?... [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We, as hunters, spend a lot of time, effort, energy, and money to put ourselves into positions where we have an opportunity to shoot the animal we are pursuing. When that moment comes together, can you hold it together and make a good shot? Whether you have a bow or rifle in your hands, how do you ensure that you make the most of that opportunity you have worked so hard to create? Our guest, Joel Turner, shares what he has learned — through experience AND research — about how to shoot effectively when it matters most. ShotIQ: https://www.shotiq.com/ Exo Pack Systems: https://exomtngear.com/k3 Podcast Contact: [email protected]

Steve & Mark discuss training for hunting, shooting supports for rifles, how to hike heavy, their favorite backcountry bourbon choice, and much more. Have a question for the show?... [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/podcast

What does it take to kill an elk TODAY? What about elk hunting has changed in the past 5-10 years? Those are just a couple of the many questions we ask Corey Jacobsen on this episode. Other questions address e-scouting, dealing with hunting pressure, hunting post-run bulls, and much, much more. Use "EXO20" to SAVE $20 on the University of Elk Hunting Online Course at https://Elk101.com/onlinecourse/ Watch the Destination Elk video series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrIueboMHMn2PV1vWDEfZuDsdtsHqqLVL Exo Mtn Gear Pack Systems: https://exomtngear.com/k3 Share your question or topic for future podcasts: [email protected]

Steve surprises Mark with a hunt announcement, and then they discuss listener questions on pack comfort issues, keeping a clean camp, where to look for deer, and more... Share your question for the show: [email protected] Links for gear mentioned in this episode: - Arcade Belt: https://amzn.to/2P23qlT - Reloading Mounts: https://inlinefabrication.com/ - Scent-Free Bags: https://loksak.myshopify.com/collections/opsak/

Our guest on this episode, Baxter, filled 3 elk tags in his first 4 years elk hunting. Part of the reason for his success is some of his outside-the-box thinking, which you'll hear about in this episode. If you're looking to fill an elk tag this fall, this conversation will help you think through some tactics and strategies to consider for your hunt. Visit Baxter's website at: https://www.baxterbowman.com/ Learn more about the podcast: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact us: [email protected]

We announce a soon-coming giveaway and answer listener questions about breaking-down elk, how to best load head and horns on your pack, discuss follow-up questions on Mark's experience with his new suppressor, and talk through what gear changes for 1-3 day hunts vs 5-7 day hunts. Share your question for the next show: [email protected] Exo Videos: https://youtube.com/ExoMountainGear Exo Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

Josh Kirchner joins us to talk about his journey becoming a mule deer hunter, and the Struggles & Success he has encountered along the way. From desert bucks in Arizona to high-country mule deer in the Rockies, Josh has some enjoyable stories and helpful lessons to share with you today. Connect with Josh… - Book: https://amzn.to/2B565rw - Website: https://dialedinhunter.com - Videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ItIjVnltPYvPWohOPk0dQ - Instagram: https://instagram.com/dialedinhunter Have a question for the show? Email [email protected]

Bob & Jeff from PNWild join us to talk about hunting mule deer in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. Connect with PNWild... - https://pnwild.com/ - https://www.youtube.com/pnwild - https://instagram.com/pnwild_ Have a question for the show? Email [email protected]

We conclude the How to Hunt Mule Deer podcast series with this in-depth episode on alternate tactics for mule deer hunting. Our guest, Robby Denning, is an extremely dedicated mule deer hunter, with decades of experience. Robby is the author of "Hunting Big Mule Deer" and joins us to discuss still-hunting, tracking, ambush hunting, and other tactics to hunt mule deer "beyond spot-and-stalk". Robby's Book: https://amzn.to/30esQBM Robby's Blog: https://www.rokslide.com/author/robby-denning/ Contact Us: [email protected]

We quickly recap this past weekend's Death Hike (more to come on that), talk about Mark's experience shooting with his new suppressor, and answer listener questions on budget packs, hunting with mountain bikes, and more... Share your question for the next show: [email protected]

We continue the How to Hunt Mule Deer podcast series with this in-depth episode on SHOOTING and archery setups for mule deer. Our guest, Tim Gillingham, is a world-class competitive archer, a passionate and accomplished hunter, and a well-respected part of the archery industry as a whole. We are excited to chat with Tim about the technical and practical aspects of hunting mule deer with archery equipment. This is a deep-dive episode that challenged some of the things we thought we know as bowhunters. There is a lot to take in and learn from in this discussion. https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on how to pack gear in your pack, what "mountain supplements" they use in the backcountry, what Steve found in his test of numerous down jackets, and how breathing techniques can be an effective tool for hunters. Submit your question for the show: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We continue our How to Hunt Mule Deer series with this in-depth episode on STALKING mule deer. Our guest, South Cox, is a very experienced mule deer hunter that specializes in chasing high country deer with stick-and-string. South has spent years hunting mule deer with spot-and-stalk tactics. In this episode, we learn South's methods for executing stalks in the high country. Resources mentioned in this show... - South's DVDs: https://stalkerstickbows.com/stalker-shop/ - South's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4eaDR6o-UP1FVW6yJh4Yg - Larry D Jones DVD, How to Hunt Mule Deer in Open Country: https://www.pointblankcalls.com/product/how-to-hunt-mule-deer-in-open-country/ - Hunting Open-Country Mule Deer by Dwight Schuh: https://amzn.to/3gchW5Z Be sure to hit the Subscribe button to receive future episodes. If you have any questions for us, please email [email protected]

Steve & Mark answer your questions on archery shot routines, custom ballistic reticles, quality of roads for elk hunting, and more. You'll also hear about "impressively stupid" questions from hunters. We also discuss some listener tips about using Google Earth and other resources for satellite imagery. As mentioned in the show, check out Google Earth Engine (https://explorer.earthengine.google.com/) and use the "Add data" function to explore data overlays. Suggested data layers include "Landsat 8 Collection 1 Tier 1 8-Day TOA Reflectance Composite" available under "8-day mosaics". Once you load that into your workspace you can scroll through dates and change the opacity (among other things). Another imagery solution to explore is NASA's Worldview at https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov Have a question for the show? Let us know... [email protected]

We continue our How to Hunt Mule Deer series with this in-depth episode on LOCATING mule deer. Our guest, Dioni Amuchastegui, is a friend and dedicated mule deer hunter in Idaho. Dioni has spent a lot of time studying, observing, and hunting mule deer. In this episode, we learn Dioni's methods for finding mule deer — and specifically finding mature bucks — which has allowed him to have many years of successfully punching his deer tag, filling his Exo pack, and putting some great antlers on the wall. Be sure to hit the Subscribe button to receive future episodes. If you have any questions for us, please email [email protected]

We continue our How to Hunt Mule Deer series with this in-depth episode on SCOUTING for mule deer. Our guest, Jason Wright, is a friend and muley addict. Jason has a knack for finding good deer country and has spent countless hours scouting for mule deer — using both e-scouting tools (Google Earth, onX Maps, etc) as well as significant time behind glass in deer country. In this episode, we learn Jason's methods for identifying good deer country. Be sure to hit the Subscribe button to receive future episodes. If you have any questions for us, please email [email protected]

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on hunting elk vs deer, what they look for in broadheads, how to handle hunting with a handheld release, and what hunters should know about altitude sickness. Submit your question for the show: [email protected] https://exomtngear.com/podcast