The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

Steve filled a bear tag this weekend...and tore up a pair of boots on their maiden voyage. We chat about that, then dive into listener questions on water filters, sandbags and pack weight, packing wood stoves, and more... Share your questions via email: podcast@exomtngear.com

How does a bullet kill? There are different theories, different opinions, and different bullet designs. Today we're speaking with Garett Stoddard from Berger Bullets to understand how Berger bullets are designed and constructed to perform on game. Garett is an engineer that has spent a lot of time studying bullet design and terminal performance, and as a hunter himself, also puts his research to the test in the field. This discussion on Terminal Ballistics (a bullet's performance on game) is a great follow-up to our recent conversation with Bryan Litz in Episode 223, which was all about External Ballistics (a bullet's performance in flight). Check out helpful resources and product offerings from Berger Bullets at https://BergerBullets.com Learn more about this podcast at https://ExoMtnGear.com/podcast or contact us directly via email to podcast@exomtngear.com

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this second episode of the four-part series, we discuss the topics of Water, Food, and Cooking. We cover everything from how we filter water, to selecting the best stove for the backcountry, to our favorite meals and snacks for extended adventures. - Backcountry Food Plan: https://exomtngear.com/nutrition - Stove Review & Comparison: Episode 190 - DIY Dehydrated Meals: Episode 126 - Learn more & subscribe at: exomtngear.com/podcast - Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve and Mark answer a listener question about supporting "non-hunting" companies, cold weather gear, and more. Share your question with us: podcast@exomtngear.com Learn more & subscribe for future episodes: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It doesn't take a degree in rocket science to understand bullet performance. Or does it? Bryan Litz is a scientist, shooter, and ballistician. He quite literally "wrote the book" on external ballistics and informed what we know about the flight and performance of bullets. Bryan joins us in this episode to breakdown the concept of BC (Ballistic Coefficient) and what this number on your box of bullets or ammunition means for you as a hunter and shooter. We discuss what BC is, how it is measured, when and why it matters for hunters, and more... To dive even deeper into this topic, visit https://NoBSBC.com. You can also check out Bryan's books and other resources at https://AppliedBallisticsLLC.com/ If you have questions about this topic or anything else you want to hear about on future podcasts, let us know by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It is easy to get overwhelmed with gear choices. In this new "Pack Essentials" series, Steve & Mark discuss the essential gear for backcountry, backpack-style hunting, and how to select the right gear for your needs and budget. In this first episode of the four-part series, we discuss the topics of Shelters & Sleep Systems. If you've been wondering about floorless shelters vs double-wall tents, sleeping bags vs quilts, or other related topics, this discussion is for you. - Budget Gear List: https://exomtngear.com/budgetgear - Learn more & subscribe at: https://exomtngear.com/podcast - Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com

If you have a limited budget and are looking to extend the effective range of your rifle, should you consider upgrading or replacing your rifle scope? We answer that listener question with the help of Brenton from Leupold Optics. Do you have a question or topic suggestion for a future episode? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com

The TSS episodes are coming to an end, but keep your questions coming and we will answer them on upcoming Monday Minute episodes... podcast@exomtngear.com

Brass cases are a critical component of a loaded rifle cartridge, and understanding how to properly work with brass cases is a critical aspect of being a safe and successful reloader. In this episode, we discuss what every reloader should know about brass. We answer the questions... - "What is the difference between loading with new brass and previously-fired brass?" - "Is it better to full-length size or 'neck size' brass before loading?" - "When should I trim, chamfer, and deburr brass cases for loading?" - "What is the best way to clean brass?" - And more... Did you miss Part 1 of our reloading series? Check out Episode 213. Learn more about how to get started hand loading from RCBS at www.rcbs.com/handloading-basics.html. Have questions for future episodes? Please send them to podcast@exomtngear.com

How do you find reliable water sources using maps or Google Earth? How do you make your own dehydrated meals for backpacking at home? How do I balance arrow speed, total arrow weight, and FOC (front-of-center) for my arrows? Will Exo offer more color or camo options on packs in the future? Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

How do you balance hunting for meat (filling tags) vs hunting for adventure, even if adventure means you have a lower chance at filling your tag? We talk about that question, and answer more gear questions in today's episode... Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

We discuss Mark's rifle build, which is detailed in a recent article here: https://exomtngear.com/tikka SAVE $100 on the Altitude Stock from Mesa Precision with the code "MESA100" at MesaPrecisionArms.com We also chat about finding a hunting partner, hunting solo, and Exo bag design details. Hunting Solo?... https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/solo-hunting-in-the-backcountry Finding a partner?... https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-choose-a-hunting-partner Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on securely storing gear at the trailhead, what socks we use and recommend, what to look for or consider in tent stakes, and more... Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

We met our guest, Rafe, on Kodiak Island this past fall. Rafe has extensive experience hunting, guiding, and fishing in Alaska for species that include Sitka Blacktail Deer, Kodiak brown bears, mountain goats, and sheep. In this show, we chat with Rafe about his experience as a guide and what lessons he has learned in the field that can help us as hunters. We cover everything from mindset, to shooting, to gear, and much more. With a tremendous amount of time in the field, Rafe has a lot to share. And he'll also tell you some things he has done that you should never do — such as stealing deer meat away from a brown bear. If you're interested in our experience hunting and fishing on Kodiak Island, check out episodes 201 and 202 of this podcast. And contact Foxtail Lodge about future opportunities: http://FoxtailLodge.com

Steve & Mark answer two important listener questions from new elk hunters... How do I get a tag? And how do I pick a spot and find elk? Elk Tag Strategy — https://exomtngear.com/elktags Online Elk Course (Use "EXO20" to save $20) — https://elk101.com/onlinecourse Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

Steve & Mark answer listener questions on gear and also discuss why gear isn't everything. Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

Steve and Mark answer your questions on their preferred method of bow tuning (paper tuning, french tuning, broadhead tuning, etc), what are the pros/cons of hunting with a handheld release compared to a wrist strap release, how to make the most of limited hunting time, and more... Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

Steve & Mark cover budget backpacking gear recommendations. Answer questions about having fires in the backcountry while bowhunting. And discuss how they track and analyze their hiking performance data. Budget Gear List & Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/budget-backpacking-gear-for-your-next-hunt Live Q&A TONIGHT (4/16/20 @ 7p Mtn) on the Born & Raised YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCubQp7PzYsUKV5K4J-f9mig/ Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.

Origins: the point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived. Ethos: the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. Exo Mtn Gear Co-Founder, Lenny Nelson, joins Steve & Mark to discuss Exo's origins and ethos. At your request, we are diving into the backstory of Exo Mtn Gear and sharing the reason Exo exist today. “For us, it has always been... take care of the product, take care of the customer, and everything else will take care of itself.” —Steve Speck https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your questions on camping with your family, when to use trail cameras, hammocks for the backcountry, tips on using quilts, and more... Connect with us and let us know what you want to discuss on future TSS episodes by emailing podcast@exomtngear.com. What does "TSS" stand for? The Supplemental Show? The Shutdown Show? The Stopgap Show? We're not sure, but we will be using the TSS episode name for future episodes are NOT our "normal" episodes that focus 100% on backcountry hunting.