The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

"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: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

"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: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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. http://silvercore.ca/https://www.silvercore.ca/podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors/ 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: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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... https://exomtngear.com/challengehttps://www.wildsheepsociety.com/mhehttps://nwhuntexpo.com/https://exomtngear.com/dryfirehttps://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/rifle-shooting-with-hunting-packhttps://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-quick-stixhttps://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 — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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... https://exomtngear.com/challengehttps://roughridgestove.com/https://exomtngear.com/nalgenehttps://exomtngear.com/usahttps://www.wildsheepsociety.com/mhehttps://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 — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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... https://exomtngear.com/challengehttps://exomtngear.com/sheep-gearhttps://katmaiguideservice.com/dall-sheep-gear-and-equipment/https://huntexpo.com/https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/mhehttps://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 — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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... https://exomtngear.com/challengehttps://katmaiguideservice.com/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: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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 — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

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... https://www.instagram.com/bjorndihle/https://amzn.to/4a2Z5rshttps://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: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Jasen, a listener of the show, joins us to share lessons from his elk hunting journey. Over many years of hunting, Jasen has had plenty of success, along with many years of struggle. He discusses the importance of constantly assessing and adjusting your approach to hunting, the lessons he has learned from solo hunting, how family dynamics factor into his hunting journey, and much more. CHAPTERS... 00:02:49 — Jasen's Hunting Origins 00:06:20 — Family Dynamics and Hunting 00:14:50 — Consistency, Not Complacency 00:22:08 — Success to Struggle 00:37:32 — Knowledge Through Experience 00:49:15 — Close Encounters with Elk 01:10:54 — A New Approach to Hunting 01:19:09 — Solo Hunting & Sharing Support The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

"Live" from the road, we recap the best new gear we saw at SHOT Show, answer listener-submitted questions, and provide updates on K4x and The Experience Project. Links for items mentioned in this episode... https://www.mtngear.nz/products/expeditionchassishttp://schnees.com/torre-ultralight-0g-men-s/https://www.longshotcameras.com/https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1029249031https://www.nightforceoptics.com/riflescopes/products/nx6/nx6-2-12x42mm-f1/https://sandsarchery.com/products/garmin-xero-l60i-laser-rangefinderhttps://sandsarchery.com/products/spot-hogg-roti-modular-sight-systemhttps://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-at-st-balancehttps://onglassadapter.com/https://sheepfeetoutdoors.com/products/stealth-bombers-stalking-camp-shoehttps://argalioutdoors.com/collections/technical-hunting-clothing 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 — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

In this episode, Rob shares his journey from being a customer of S&S Archery to becoming a key player in the company. He discusses his transition from corporate IT to the outdoor industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working in a field he is passionate about. Rob also opens up about his recent battle with throat cancer, detailing the physical and emotional challenges he faced during treatment and how it shaped his perspective on life and hunting. His story is one of resilience, support from friends and family, and the joy of returning to the outdoors after overcoming adversity. LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... https://sandsarchery.com/pages/newsletterhttps://youtu.be/_qwgsA37G8shttps://exomtngear.com/kodiak-gearhttps://sandsarchery.com/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

In this episode, we catch up with Nick as he recounts his transformative caribou hunt in Alaska. We discuss his preparation, including physical training and mentorship, and the mental challenges faced in the Alaskan tundra. Nick shares the excitement of spotting caribou bulls and the emotions surrounding his successful first shot. We also explore the instinctive process of harvesting the animal and the camaraderie built throughout the adventure, highlighting the deeper meanings of hunting and connection with nature. Nick's Before-the-Hunt Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/531 The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast CHAPTERS... 1:29 — Catching Up with Nick 1:47 — Pre-Hunt Preparations 5:20 — Alaska Drop Camp Overview 7:33 — Arrival in Alaska 11:55 — Traveling to the Hunting Grounds 18:27 — First Impressions of the Tundra 21:10 — Setting Up Camp 22:28 — Navigating the Tundra 29:24 — The First Few Days 31:48 — Learning to Identify Caribou 37:38 — Mental Toughness in the Hunt 39:26 — Passing the Time in the Tent 39:38 — Weather Changes 43:30 — The First Bull Sighting 51:18 — The Moment of Truth 53:30 — Post-Shot Reflections 1:02:53 — Breaking Down the Caribou 1:12:01 — The Joy of Packing Out 1:16:27 — Final Days and Packing Up 1:20:59 — Logistics of Returning Home 1:27:15 — Reflection and Conclusion

Last month, we selected the winner of the "Best Moment" category from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Shane, and his brother, Alec, join us today to share their do-it-yourself Mountain Goat hunt in Montana. "Pursuing mountain goats in the backcountry is a tough endeavour! After 8 days in the mountains, covering more than 85 miles and gaining over 25,000' of elevation, we were finally able to locate a lone billy in a remote area of the unit. After all the effort we put into finding, shooting, and retrieving the billy, we cherished an incredible night under the stars at camp." —Shane Shane's Winning Photo — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/exo-experience-best-pack-and-best-moment-photos Previous Podcasts with Shane — Episode 371 & Episode 372 The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Last month, we selected the winner of the Best Pack Photo from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Ryan, joins us today to share the full story of his hunt. "I have been trying to harvest a mature Billy on the south coast of British Columbia for several years now. Although this region offers an over-the-counter opportunity to hunt goats, success rates are incredibly low, with only 1 or 2 goats typically being harvested each year. The area is widely considered some of the toughest, most unforgiving terrain in the province. This type of adventure pushes you past your perceived limits and proves how important it is to have the right partners. Killing this Billy was 100% a team effort. (PS: This was my first packout with the K4, since purchasing it in November of 2024. I am kicking myself for not getting an Exo pack sooner!)" —Ryan In this episode, Ryan and his friend Regan share their experiences and tell the story of their adventurous do-it-yourself mountain goat hunt. Ryan's Winning Photo — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/exo-experience-best-pack-and-best-moment-photos The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Last month, we selected the winner of the Best Photo Story from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Kenny, joins us today to share the full story of his hunt. When we selected Kenny's winning photo story, we had no idea just how unique the hunt was. Kenny, a resident of North Carolina, drew a limited Dall Sheep tag in Alaska. With Alaska's opportunity for non-residents to hunt Dall Sheep without a guide — if the hunter is accompanied by an Alaska resident who is a second-degree relative — Kenny, his brother-in-law from Alaska, and two others embarked upon a do-it-yourself sheep hunt unlike any other. This hunt included highs, lows, and unexpected challenges — as any good sheep hunt should. In this episode, Kenny and his friend Zach share their experience as first-time, do-it-yourself sheep hunters. LINKS & RESOURCES: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/exo-experience-photo-story-winnerhttps://exomtngear.com/experiencehttps://exomtngear.com/sheep-gear The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss your questions about how they utilize the meat they bring home from hunts, the differences in rifle calibers they have used, why Exo doesn't make a fanny pack, and more... 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 — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast