The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

Form joins us to answer listener questions that were submitted in response to Episodes 469 & 470 on the topic of Why Smaller Calibers May Be Better for Big Game Hunting. To find the links mentioned in this Q&A, or to hear the previous two-part podcast on this topic, visit: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-qa/ To jump to specific questions and topics addressed in this conversation, refer to the timestamps below. Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:22) The most reliable trigger Remington 700 style actions (00:05:38) Is Extreme Spread is entirely meaningless? (00:15:47) Is near-max, high-velocity load development worth it? (00:16:40) Should you carry a pistol with a round in the chamber? (00:18:46) What is "drop safe" in pistols and rifles? (00:21:57) Does velocity or energy matter more for terminal performance? (00:33:10) The psychology and physiology of animals that don't die quickly. (00:41:11) Why do manufacturers still make traditional, controlled-expansion hunting bullets? (00:50:24) Why do manufacturers state that bullets are not suitable for hunting, when Form says those same bullets are ideal for terminal effectiveness? (01:00:41) How do you find verified data and trusted research on terminal ballistics? (01:03:35) Should smaller calibers be avoided because they have more wind drift? (01:10:04) The benefits of MIL over MOA and understanding your gun's "wind number". (01:17:52) What is better? The 6mm Creedmoor or the 22 Creedmoor? (01:18:51) Should you shoot the fastest cartridge with the most recoil that you can handle accurately? (01:22:12) Performing terminal ballistics research on live animals. (01:26:28) What is the most terminally effective non-lead, copper bullet? (01:32:25) How do all-copper, monolithic bullets expand at different impact velocities? (01:36:02) What is a good short-barrel rifle setup for someone shooting non-lead bullets? (01:42:19) What is Form's understanding of the dangers posed by eating game shot with lead bullets? (02:01:58) Puppies, Rainbows, & Additional Resources

Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss choosing bivy camp locations while elk hunting, what they do with their food when hunting in bear country (specifically in Alaska), how to prevent vehicle break-ins at the trailhead, and more. SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Join Steve, Tyler, and Dan as they have a planning call for their upcoming Moose Hunt in Alaska. This is an unscripted, "behind the scenes" look at how they are planning their hunt, determining a hunting strategy, selecting gear, and more. Additional Information & Resources: https://the-experience-project.com/listen-planning-our-moose-hunt/ Subscribe by Email to receive future podcasts, videos, articles, and more: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss the best way to carry and access a bugle tube on K3 and K4 packs, how to configure your pack when carrying trekking poles, a rifle, a tripod, and a spotting scope, and then discuss whether investing time and money into do-it-yourself bow tuning is worth it. Resources mentioned in this episode... - Small Caliber Discussions with Form: https://the-experience-project.com/?s=smaller+calibers - K3 Bugle Tube Trick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drwWRte2qcs - Jon Dudley Bow Setup Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKFf1gMGIT4pscxgVuVB98s49ribeqNLX SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Ben Reynolds returns to the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, joining Steve & Mark to discuss the topic of thriving (not just surviving) on difficult hunts. This is an open-ended conversation on the topic of thriving, which includes practical advice, personal experience, and even some philosophical perspective. MORE INFO & RESOURCES: https://the-experience-project.com/thrive-on-difficult-hunts/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

Jon Pynch (@jonpynch) is one of the top precision rifle competitors in the country, and a very accomplished mountain hunter. He joins us on the podcast to discuss how we all, as hunters, can become more proficient rifle shooters in a mountain environment. This is a wide-ranging conversation that will cover everything from techniques and practice drills, to the reason hunters should be extremely cautious about "long range hunting". MORE INFO & RESOURCES: https://the-experience-project.com/mountain-rifle-shooting-tips Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

Mark is joined by Scott Johnston, author of Training for the Uphill Athlete, owner of Evoke Endurance, and a dedicated outdoorsman and athlete with decades of experience. They discuss the physical demands of backcountry or mountain hunting, what hunters can learn from other outdoor athletes, and the best way to train for extended hunts in difficult terrain. Whether you are coming off the couch and starting a fitness journey, or you are an experienced athlete who already trains seriously, this conversation will help equip you with the knowledge and tools to physically prepare for adventurous hunts in the mountains. MORE INFO & RESOURCES: https://the-experience-project.com/proven-training-for-mountain-hunting Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve & Mark discuss how to effectively use time in the final weeks leading up to a big hunt. They share what they are personally doing, as they find themselves 5 weeks out from their Alaskan Caribou Hunt, and they also provide general guidance for making the best use of the limited time available before any big hunt. If you want advice on finding time, making time, and effectively using time to prepare for any hunt, you will enjoy this episode. MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/final-hunt-preparation Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute episode. The answer to why Exo will not be starting a boot company, if they plan to try barefoot-style boots, their thoughts on Schnee boots, how to select the best length for a rifle barrel, how much ammo to pack on a backcountry hunt, and much more... Resources mentioned in this episode... - Our Footwear Video & Podcast: https://the-experience-project.com/the-best-hunting-boot-is-wrong/ - Schnee Timberline: https://schnees.com/timberline-v2-0g-mens/ - Hanwag Alverstone: https://www.hanwag.com/us/en-us/men/trekking/alverstone-ii-wide-gtx/ - Vivo Barefoot Boots: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/tracker-forest-esc-mens-aw22 - Small Caliber Discussions with Form: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-1/ - Form Discusses Barefoot Boots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7osIjciPdE SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Join Steve and Mark as they speak with Thor Tingey of Alpack Raft and talk about using Alpacka Packrafts for their upcoming Alaskan Caribou hunt. They discuss how to select a pack raft for hunting, what to know about using a packraft, the additional gear needed with a raft, how to stay safe on the water, and much more... MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/how-to-use-a-packraft-for-hunting/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

Join Steve and Mark as they speak with their pilot, Nick from Nick's Air Service, for their upcoming Caribou Hunt in Alaska. They discuss how to plan a fly-in hunt, how to find a pilot, how to pack for the hunt, what to know about weight limits, and much more... MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/plan-a-fly-in-alaska-hunt/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

Do you need the best binoculars on the market, or can you hunt effectively with a budget-friendly bino? Is a 10x42 really the best "do it all" binocular size? What about range-finding or image-stabilizing binoculars for hunting? What is the best way to connect binos to a tripod? What are some common mistakes that hunters make when setting up binoculars for their eyes? We answer these questions, and more, in this episode. VIDEO & MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/how-to-select-the-best-hunting-binocular/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

This is the second half of a conversation that explores how bullets kill and why smaller calibers may be better for big game hunting. Be sure to listen to Part 1 of this conversation (Episode 469) before listening to this 2nd-half of the discussion. In this episode we compare how different types of bullets create different types of wound channels, discuss the relationship between impact velocity and bullet expansion/upset, compare the terminal capabilities of Steve's 6mm Creedmoor and Mark's 7mm SAUM, and more. MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-2/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

This podcast will challenge decades of "common knowledge" about what type of rifle and bullet should be used for big game hunting. In fact, if you can't have an open mind about things you "know" to be true, you probably shouldn't listen to this. We don't say that to be dramatic, but because being willing to accept information that challenges widely-held assumptions is critical to processing this information... When you listen to this conversation you will hear that killing big game animals quickly, cleanly, and consistently doesn't typically require a big caliber and a tough bullet. And why the bigger, heavy-hitting rifles are mostly counter-productive. MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-1/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

After footwear, which is the most important gear item for the backcountry hunter, the next most important thing to have is a comfortable, strong, and durable pack system. We have spent well over a decade obsessing about pack systems for backcountry hunting. But right now we are not talking specifically about our Exo Mtn Gear pack systems; we want to talk about the essential things to consider when looking at any pack for backcountry or mountain hunting... VIDEO & MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/a-backcountry-hunting-pack-must-do-this/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

Join Steve, Mark, and Jeff as they have a planning call for their upcoming Caribou Hunt in Alaska. This is an unscripted, "behind the scenes" look at how they are planning their hunt, determining a hunting strategy, selecting gear, and more. More Information: https://the-experience-project.com/planning-our-caribou-hunt/ Subscribe by Email to receive future podcasts, videos, articles, and more: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Ask A Question: experience@exomtngear.com

Having the right footwear is the most important gear decision you can make as a backcountry hunter. And it is also one of the most difficult pieces of gear to get right. In this in-depth conversation, Steve & Mark discuss what they have learned over the past decade+, as they have hiked and hunted in dozens of footwear brands, models, and styles, over thousands of miles, in many states, and through all seasons and conditions. What they have learned is that much of the common wisdom about ‘the best boot for hunting’ is dead wrong... VIDEO & MORE INFO: https://the-experience-project.com/the-best-hunting-boot-is-wrong/ Subscribe via Email: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Questions / Feedback for The Experience Project: experience@exomtngear.com Questions / Feedback for the podcast in general: podcast@exomtngear.com

Welcome to The Experience Project. In this episode, Steve & Mark explain the vision for The Experience Project and how it will change the podcast over the next several months. The Hunt Backcountry Podcast isn't changing permanently, and we will continue to include listener stories, industry guests, and more types of episodes in the future, but The Experience Project will take over the podcast as a focused series for the next few months. In addition to the podcast, The Experience Project will include a new website, new video content, new hunt films, and more. Stay tuned for the full launch of The Experience Project. If you want to make sure you don't miss it, sign up at https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Have questions, feedback, or ideas? Send them to: podcast@exomtngear.com Search or browse the podcast archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Join Steve and Mark for an unscripted discussion about the Experience of Backpack Hunting. Why they do it. What it means to them. And why it is such a valuable pursuit. Although this conversation isn't filled with tangible takeaways, we hope it inspires you to get out and experience an adventure unlike any other. EMAIL YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

As a trained engineer and experienced outdoorsman, Rydell Reinbold often modified the gear he used for hunting. Then he started designing and producing his own gear, for his own needs. And, eventually, he founded Aziak Equipment to share his work with other hunters. Today, Rydell is the owner, designer, and sole operator at Aziak. We speak with Rydell about the Aziak backstory, his current products, and the future of Aziak. We discuss his current ultralight tripod and head, the limitations of ultralight tripods, the balance of weight vs features, and much more. Connect with Aziak: - https://www.aziakequipment.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/aziakequipment/ - https://www.facebook.com/aziakequipment Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast