The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

We ask our panel of guests, What lessons have you learned the hard way? Is there a specific story where you made a mistake that you commonly refer back to, or have learned from in a way that changes how you have hunted ever since? This is Part 4 of the 5-part Expert Roundtable series. Be sure to tune in to the previous episodes, and also look for the next and final episode to complete this series. Roundtable Guests: Jeff Bloomquist, Darin Cooper (https://rentoutdoorgear.com/), Billy Molls (https://billymollsadventures.com/), Charlie Perry, and Steve Speck (https://exomtngear.com) Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

What is the key to consistency in hunting? For hunters that continue to find success on more hunts than not, what do they attribute that success to? If they were to boil it all down, does their consistency come from their pre-season planning and scouting, their knowledge of animal behavior and hunting techniques, their hunting instincts, or something else? Those are the questions we ask our expert roundtable in today's episode. This is Part 3 of the 5-part Expert Roundtable series. Be sure to tune in to the previous episodes on The Final Moment Mindset and Unconventional Wisdom, and also Subscribe to receive the rest of the episodes in this series. Roundtable Guests: Jeff Bloomquist, Darin Cooper (https://rentoutdoorgear.com/), Billy Molls (https://billymollsadventures.com/), Charlie Perry, and Steve Speck (https://exomtngear.com) Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

What are some hunting tactics or strategies that you use, which may seem counterintuitive, go against conventional wisdom, or be undervalued in common hunting advice? Or, what are some animal patterns and behaviors that you observe which seem to go against common thought patterns that hunters have? What do you do, or how do you hunt, differently than hunters may expect? Those are the questions we ask our expert roundtable in today's episode. This is Part 2 of the 5-part Expert Roundtable series. If you haven't yet, be sure to listen to Part 1 (Episode 295) and then join us in the next Episode (297) as we talk about Keys to Consistency. Roundtable Guests: Jeff Bloomquist, Darin Cooper (https://rentoutdoorgear.com/), Billy Molls (https://billymollsadventures.com/), Charlie Perry, and Steve Speck (https://exomtngear.com) Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

When the hunt really becomes a hunt and you're in the final moments before a shot opportunity, what is your "Final Moment Mindset"? We answer this question with 5 expert hunters to understand how they effectively perform in the final, and most important, moments of a hunt. This episode is the first of five episodes in our Expert Roundtable series. In the next episode (296), we will ask our roundtable guests about any unconventional wisdom or tactics that they practice in the field. Roundtable Guests: Jeff Bloomquist, Darin Cooper (https://rentoutdoorgear.com/), Billy Molls (https://billymollsadventures.com/), Charlie Perry, and Steve Speck (https://exomtngear.com). Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors. The BRO crew shares their secrets to consistency in the elk woods, what lessons they've learned the hard way, and much more. We also share some exciting news about new podcasts, videos, and giveaways to be released in the coming weeks before opening day. Born & Raised Outdoors: https://bornandraisedoutdoors.com/ Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

You've invested plenty of time, energy, and money into elk hunting, but what do you have to show for it? If you're a struggling elk hunter, you're not alone. On this episode, we're joined by a listener of the podcast that shares his multi-year journey of elk hunting. We discuss what he's learned along the way and what keeps him going in the midst of the struggle and setbacks. There is a lot to learn and take away from this conversation, including practical tips, a helpful mindset, and some advice for what you should and shouldn't do on your next elk hunt. Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve & Mark answer listener questions, including... Why did they chose 6.5 Creedmoor over 6.5 PRC? What affects will extreme temperatures have on your bow? How much power is needed to recharge electronics in the backcountry? Do they ever use ice axes instead of trekking poles? And how long could they survive in the wilderness on their own? Mark's Article on 6.5 Creedmoor vs 6.5 PRC: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/creedmoor-vs-prc Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

In this episode, we are joined by our buddy, JD Ponciano. As a hunter, guide, and experienced professional in the optics industry, JD has a wealth of knowledge on optics. He has both intimate knowledge of glassing gear, as well as extensive first-hand knowledge of putting optics to use in the field. We speak with JD about everything from optics selection, to glassing strategies, to optics support and accessories. Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Six years ago, on Episode 004, Steve and Mark went line-by-line through their gear lists and discussed what they packed for backpack hunts. In this episode, they revisit their gear list and compare it to what they packed back then. They not only discuss the gear that's changed, but also how their mindset has changed in certain ways. FREE Backpack Hunting Gear List Template (Spreadsheet) — If you want a resource to help you plan easier and pack smarter, get our gear list template... https://ExoMtnGear.com/GearList Search the Podcast Archive: exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

We answer your listener questions on bow storage and care in the backcountry, dealing with burn-out or stress as hunting season approaches, and what gear shouldn't be in your pack. What gear did you used to pack that you no longer bring? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

As a backcountry hunter, it is critical to select a shelter that meets your needs, accommodates your preferences, and is built to withstand what nature may throw at you. In this episode, we are joined by Henry Shires of TarpTent to discuss shelter design and selection for backpack hunting. We not only cover some of the unique design elements of TarpTent shelters, but we also speak about shelter design and selection in general. The questions we answer on this episode include... - What are the differences between a general backpacking tent, and a tent that is suited specifically for backcountry hunting? - What are the differences between shelter materials, such as the pros and cons of choosing between Sil-Nylon and Dyneema shelters? - Why does condensation happen? How can you prevent it? And how should you deal with condensation when it does occur? - How should hunters choose between freestanding and non-freestanding shelters? - How can you find a shelter that maximizes usable space while also keeping the ove

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on this Monday Minute show. Questions on topics covered include a new Nalgene lid option that allows you to run a drinking tube from the bottle, how to be a useful member of a new hunting camp, using a spreadsheet template to manage your gear list, when to upgrade your bow or other gear, and if flagging tape is worth packing. Resources mentioned in this episode... - Nalgene Lid: https://www.hardsidehydration.com/ - Lighter Pack: https://lighterpack.com/ - Exo Insider Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Many experienced and knowledgeable hunters often forget what it is like to be a beginner. A lesson they learned through experience in years past is now something they do by instinct, rather than forethought. Given that their knowledge is now ingrained into their subconscious, they can easily overlook the pieces of wisdom that would benefit newer hunters. While newer hunters “don’t know what they don’t know”, experienced hunters often know more than they may be able to communicate effectively. This gap between the experienced and the beginner is something we encouraged listeners of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast to reflect on, and then share their “What I wish I knew when I started” lessons with us. Today, we share those lessons from you, the listeners... Search the Podcast Archive: exomtngear.com/podcast Become an Exo Insider: exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

On this Monday Minute episode, Mark & Steve answer listener questions that include... - How far away can elk "wind" you? - How to find and hire a packer to get your meat out of the backcountry? - What is a good pulley system to use for processing and hanging meat on solo hunts? - Should you use a rifle sling, and if so, how do you select the best one? - Do we have any experience with Intermittent Fasting, and do we feel it is a benefit to hunting? Resources mentioned in this show... - Exo Insider: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter - The First Shot Counts (Bowhunting Practice Done Right): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/the-first-shot-counts - Pack-a-Pull Backcountry Pulley System: https://packapull.com/ - DIY Block and Tackle Setup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSCNfts3wkE - Figure 9 Carabiners: https://amzn.to/3d7ecUj - Rifle Sling: https://amzn.to/3zDGqjj - Podcast with Nick Sabo: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/282 - Rifle Elk Hunt Recap Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/256 - Ze

As backcountry hunters, we rely upon natural water sources for life-giving hydration on multi-day expeditions into remote locations. We all know we "should" filter these water sources, but sometimes we may drink straight from the source. This brings up some questions... How does water become contaminated in remote locations? What are the risks of drinking untreated water in wilderness locations? What are the different types of water treatment methods (filtration, chemicals, UV, etc), and are they all equally effective? We answer these questions, and MANY more, in this podcast episode with Dr. Vincent Hill. Vince is the Chief of the Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch for the CDC. In addition to this fantastic conversation, be sure to check out these resources from Dr. Hill... - https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/preparing-international-travelers/water-disinfection - https://www.wemjournal.org/article/S1080-6032(19)30116-4/fulltext Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Become

Mark & Steve help a listener think through choosing between an archery vs rifle elk hunt for this fall. They then answer questions on how to get and stay comfortable while sleeping on a backpack hunt, specifically for side-sleepers. They also discuss how to monitor wildfires for upcoming hunts, as well as how to adapt elk hunting strategies based on fires, and for very dry conditions in general. Wildfire Tracking: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Considering a solo elk hunt? Whether you enjoy hunting all on your own, or you just can't find a hunting partner, it is possible to be a successful solo elk hunter. It takes work. And a lot of it. In this episode, we are joined by two experienced solo elk hunters, Tyler Boschma and Nathan Jones. We discuss answers to YOUR questions about solo elk hunting, including... How to get started if you have limited hunting experience? How do you manage the fear or other mental challenges of being solo? What safety precautions should the solo hunter take? What elk hunting strategies should the solo hunter use? How should you set up and call elk when you're by yourself? What is the best way to break down an elk when you're all alone? How many trips does it take to pack out an elk by yourself? And much more... Nathan Jones joined us previously for our Expert Roundtable Series, which are episodes 181-185. Tyler Boschma has joined us on several previous episodes, including Episode 146 about hunting elk in wolf country.

Mark goes solo and answers listener questions on reloading, suppress, CrossFit training, and more. He covers chronographs for shooting and reloading, including the MagnetoSpeed and LabRadar. He outlines the simple process of load development for Hammer Bullets. He shares his experience with suppressor covers and if they are necessary. Then he talks about his experience with CrossFit and if he feels it is good training for hunting. Finally, he shares some of his story with elk hunting, writing, and Sole Adventure. Resources mentioned in this show: - LabRadar: https://mylabradar.com/ - Magneto Speed Mount from Wiser Precision https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/chrono-mount - Hammer Bullets Podcasts: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/227 and https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-89 - Rauch Precision Suppressor Cover: https://www.rauchprecision.com/suppressor-wraps - Free Training Plan: https://exomtngear.com/train Browse & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcas

Justin Crossley joins us to talk about his scouting strategy for out-of-state hunts. We talk about e-scouting, how to plan a scouting trip to a new area, how to make the best use of time, glassing strategies, and much more. No matter what species you're hunting, and if you are scouting digitally or with boots on the ground, you will certainly learn something from this episode. Connect with Justin... - https://www.rokslide.com/author/justin/ - https://www.instagram.com/crossley0102/ View and Search all Episodes: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve and Mark talk about events happening this summer that you don't want to miss. Why you may miss the bullseye when shooting your bow with a pack on. How to properly load your pack for pre-season summer training. The pros and cons of using the pack's meat shelf for extra gear and food storage on backpack hunts. And a potential cure for sweaty feet and blisters. Resources shared in this show: - NW Mtn Challenge: https://nwmountainchallenge.com/ - Full Draw Film Tour: https://www.fulldrawfilmtour.com/ - Foot Antiperspirant: https://amzn.to/3pSvOXx Share your question for a future Monday Minute show: podcast@exomtngear.com Search or browse all podcast episodes: https://exomtngear.com/podcast