
Backcountry Hunting Podcast
Sports & Recreation Podcasts
Backcountry Hunting Podcast focuses on inspiring and teaching about deep-country hunting, with emphasis on DIY techniques, gear, prep and how-to. Lifelong wilderness hunter Joseph von Benedikt shares stories and tips for success.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Sports & Recreation Podcasts
Description:
Backcountry Hunting Podcast focuses on inspiring and teaching about deep-country hunting, with emphasis on DIY techniques, gear, prep and how-to. Lifelong wilderness hunter Joseph von Benedikt shares stories and tips for success.
Language:
English
Episodes
THIS IS AFRICA, with Andy Buchanan
7/11/2025
This awesome episode gets below the veneer that is luxurious Africa... Deep into the gritty stories that expose the warm, friendly, but sometimes violent heart of the Dark Continent. We talk favorite areas and species to hunt in Africa, best tools for the task (rifles, cartridges, and bullets), and how to bring an attitude geared for success on safari. Plus, Andy shares his story of an incredible charge by a wounded leopard, which he killed literally as it sprung on him. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry, where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you wish—can contribute a few dollars to help us keep the podcast rolling.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:46:07
Best Western Hunting Rifles: Recommendations from a Professional Guide
7/4/2025
Can the rifle you choose for western hunting make or break your hunting success? In this episode, we sit down for a fire-side chat with professional outfitter Tate Bradfield to get his take on top choices for western hunting rifles. We talk through several price tiers, including the $600 to $1,200 range; the $1,200 to $1,800 range; the $1,800 to $2,400 range, and finally, top-tier rifles without cost restraints.
As a bonus, we get Tate's opinion on best bows for archery hunting the West, along with his favorite broadhead models. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're publishing short bonus episodes multiple times weekly now on Patreon. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you like—can contribute a few dollars.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:28:18
Boat-Based DIY Bear Hunting in Alaska
6/27/2025
This episode was recorded live and raw in Alaska, DIY hunting big black bears in southeast Alaska off the good boat Venturess. Long days, tons of fishing, and tracking wounded bears into thick, treacherous terrain made for an unforgettable adventure! ENJOY!
We're publishing brief Q&A audio episodes twice weekly on www.patreon.com/backcountry now! Join to get access, and if you'd be so kind, please contribute a few dollars to help the podcast stay alive and thrive. Much appreciated! —JvB
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:07:51
Gear List for DIY Elk Hunting
6/20/2025
This episode takes a deep dive into the crucial gear you should have on a DIY elk hunt. Host Joseph and guest (outfitter Tate Bradfield) detail why each item is important, along with how to pick the right brand and model for your specific needs.
This was recorded outside by an early morning campfire, so the audio isn't as good as our usually studio sound, and there are occasional wind noises. We apologize for that... but hopefully the quality of the discussion makes up for it. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material, and if you wish and can contribute a few dollars. Thanks to all those already on board!
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:02:00:29
How To Set Up A Rifle For Western Hunting
6/13/2025
From scope to scabbard, here's how to set up a rifle that's ideal for western hunting. This episode takes a deep dive into vital accessories and parts including:
doesn't Not only do we discuss what accessories a good western hunting rifle should have, we talk through why. Naturally, we wander off into hunting stories that support the points we're making. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you like—can contribute a few dollars.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
https://javelinbipod.com
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.siembidacustomknives.com
Duration:00:56:32
Picking the Ultimate Hunting Rifle
6/6/2025
This episode takes a deep dive into how to select just the right hunting rifle. A tool that is ideal for your type of hunting, and is reliable, accurate, durable, and ergonomic. We talk through various action types, barrel types, stock types, and the crucial characteristics of each. And last but not least, we discuss the importance of finding a rifle that is trustworthy... one you can become ultimately confident with. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you feel inspired to—can contribute a few dollars.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:08:59
Greatest Cartridges of All Time
5/30/2025
These five cartridges are proven around the world. They're known and used everywhere hunters gather. Several of them have taken every big game species on earth. Each is historically significant yet currently relevant. And all five are available in a wide selection of rifles and ammunition.
In this episode, my son William—AKA the "Backcountry Apprentice" —and I sat down and shared perspectives on several cartridges that we believe deserve legendary status. ENJOY!
Duration:01:46:37
Grateful For Fathers
5/23/2025
Friends, I buried my father today. He passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning. Today as the morning light he loved fell across the desert, we laid him to rest. Forgive me for not having a full episode for you this week... I just didn't have it in me to create one. We'll have a good one ready to go next Friday!
— Joseph
Duration:00:08:23
Top 5 Elk Cartridges: Choices of a Professional Guide
5/16/2025
Ever wondered what the best elk cartridge is? This episode we're joined by Colton Heward, long-time professional elk guide and now Managing Editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine. Colton shares the characteristics he considers crucial in an elk cartridge, and details the three cartridges he considers most capable and practical for hunting elk. Plus, Colton tells us about his three personal favorite cartridges for hunting elk—regardless of whether they're "practical" or not. Just one cartridge from each category crossed over, and it just might be the all-time best elk cartridge ever designed. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! If you'd like more content... please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry .
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:01:26
Ruined Hunts & Horrible Triggers
5/9/2025
Ever had equipment failure ruin a hunt? These folks have. This episode, we share the gnarliest stories submitted by listeners for our Timney Trigger giveaway. William (the Backcountry Apprentice) and host Joseph read and address each story, and there's a lot of great inspiration within and lessons to be learned as well. This one was a ton of fun, folks. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material, and if you like, can contribute a few dollars.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:00:59:05
.35 Whelen vs 9.3x62: Best "Little Big Gun," with John McAdams
5/2/2025
Mid-bore cartridges kill nearly as profoundly as true big-bores, but recoil little more than common magnums. Of the mild big-bores, the .35 Whelen and 9.3x62 Mauser dominate. But which is best? In this episode John McAdams, host of the Big Game Hunting Podcast and a lifelong fan of the 9x3x62, joins me to discuss and debate the merits of the two. We dig deep into tech specs, tell personal buffalo and elephant hunting stories, debate best bullets for each cartridge, and generaly have a ton of fun. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join our Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material, and if you wish can contribute a few dollars.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:20:39
.25 CREEDMOOR: Best Quarter-Bore Cartridge of Them All?
4/25/2025
Big news, folks! Hornady just officially launched the .25 Creedmoor cartridge. And there's a good chance that the Quarter-Bore Creedmoor is the best Creedmoor of them all.
This episode takes a deep dive into the tech specs of the .25 Creedmoor and how the cartridge was designed, and details new factory loads on the market. We discuss what long-range bullets are best in it, and what rifles makers are already spun up and making .25 Creedmoor guns.
We compare the .25 Creedmoor to the 6.5 Creedmoor, discuss what attributes may make the .25 Creedmoor superior, and draw ballistic comparisons between the .25 and the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges.
Then, to contrast what the .25 Creedmoor is really capable of, we compare it to the .25-06. The ballistic differences may shock you—and to our surprise profoundly favor one over the other. You'll have to listen to find out which.
ENJOY!
FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry, where you'll get access to all our bonus material and—if you like—can contribute a few dollars.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:00:33
Can You Skin A Bear, Pilgrim?
4/18/2025
Blood-trailing wounded bears, follow-up shots on bears, stopping charging bears, skinning bears properly, and eating bears... this awesome episode with Alaska Arms' veteran solo bear hunter Morris Melani covers it all! What a cool conversation we had... ENJOY!
FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and fresh discount codes for Timney Triggers!
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:00:56
Planning a DIY Hunt to New Zealand, with Rob Gearing
4/11/2025
Ever wanted to hunt New Zealand? Better yet, hunt New Zealand DIY, on public land? It's an easy and affordable hunt to do. If Kiwi country calls to you, it's time to plan and make that hunt happen!
This episode, we sit down with Spartan's Rob Gearing, one of the most experienced worldwide adventurers I know. Rob is extremely experienced at hunting New Zealand, and has some invaluable advice and some great, inspiring stories. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can—if you like—contribute a few dollars.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:13:48
Solo Bear Hunting, Application Strategies, and DIY Caribou Hunting, with Dylan Dowson
4/4/2025
This episode we sit down with Dylan Dowson, western specialist with onX Hunt, and talk application strategies, solo black bear hunting, and DIY caribou adventures in Alaska. This one was a ton of fun to record and has some wonderful insights and information. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars if you like.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:00:57:09
6.8 Western vs. 7mm PRC: Which Is Best?
3/28/2025
This episode digs deep into a comparison between the 6.8 Western and the 7mm PRC, focusing on three fundamental performance metrics:
We've used both cartridges, we love both, we own and will always own both... but if you had to pick just one... Which would it be?
Hopefully this episode can help answer that. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and communicate with the hosts, as well as contribute a few dollars to help us keep the show rolling!
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:00:50:32
Preparing for a Cape Buffalo Hunt
3/21/2025
Hunting Africa's Cape Buffalo—known by hunters as "Black Death"—is one of the last great adventures readily available to hunters. Buffalo being legitimate dangerous game, it's crucial to have good gear, well sorted out, and to be prepared mentally and physically.
This episode, we sit down with Mark Haldane of Zambeze Delta Safaris and ask questions about an upcoming dangerous-game safari we'll be taking with Mark later this year. We talk rifles, cartridges, appropriate bullets, best type of scopes, what to expect during a typical day of hunting, malaria prevention, how to plan best travel arrangements, and so forth. This conversation was raw and real and incredibly helpful. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to our bonus material, and can contribute a few dollars if you like.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:10:09
Best Varmint & Predator Cartridges
3/14/2025
What's your favorite predator and varmint cartridge? Do you use one for both? Or specialize with a favorite predator rifle and a different one for varmints?
In this episode, I sit down with two professional guides to discuss great predator and varminting cartridges. We talk through the differences between the two, and address the various challenges and demands placed on cartridges, such as those ideal for minimal fur damage; those for maximum authority for competition calling, and those cartridges required to cover all tasks including crossing over into deer hunting.
Becuase we can't help it, this episode is filled with funny stories, tangents on parallel topics such as wolf depredation, hunting raccoons at night with thermal optics, and so on. ENJOY!
Check out our upcoming Elk Hunting Boot Camp here.
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material, and if you like, can contribute a few dollars.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:12:09
Lever-Action Hunting Stories & Trigger Work with Chris Ellis
3/7/2025
Ever wanted a great trigger in your lever-action rifle? This episode we're joined by Chris Ellis, who has hunted from the mountains of West Virginia to the plains of South Africa with a lever-action rifle. Chris is a trigger man, and we talk through the crucial advantage that a crisp, reasonably light trigger provides in the field, along with the blessing that Timney's new lever-gun triggers are to hunters. We swap cape buffalo and American buffalo-hunting lever-action stories, and share favorite models and cartridges and bullets.
Plus we discuss the new drop-in trigger models Timney recently introduced for Browning X-Bolts and Ruger American Gen II rifles, along with installation ease and processes. This episode was a ton of fun, folks, just yarning and sharing opinions and useful hacks with a good old boy from West Virginia. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material, and if you like, can contribute a few dollars. Thank you!
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.timneytriggers.com
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:00:56:11
USE ENOUGH GUN, with Kiwi Terminal Ballistics Specialist Nathan Foster
2/28/2025
What does "Use Enough Gun" mean? Especially when hunting elk, moose, and bison or tough game such as Tahr or feral cattle in New Zealand and Sambar Stag in Australia?
A phrase originally quoined by legendary author and hunter Robert Ruark, "Use Enough Gun" means what it says. This episode, we're joined by terminal ballistics specialist Nathan Foster, who has dedicated his life to the study of how bullets kill and what cartridges and bullets are most effective for various tasks. We examine the "small-bore for big-game" trend, and Foster explains where it began and why it's so misleading, and addresses the grim reality behind using inadequate caliber and bullet weight.
Foster's company Terminal Ballistics Research specializes in hunting applications and the cartridges and bullets best suited, but has often been tasked with performing the forensics and analysis that lead to informed decisions by special military and law enforcement branches in multiple nations. You might say he knows his stuff, and has the decades worth of research and data readily available to back up the wisdom he imparts.
FRIENDS! Please join our Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to our bonus material, and can contribute a few dollars if you wish.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
www.timneytriggers.com
www.onxmaps.com
www.silencercentral.com
https://www.portersfirearms.com/
www.browning.com
www.leupold.com
www.siembidacustomknives.com
https://javelinbipod.com
Duration:01:29:10