The Hunt Backcountry 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... The Experience Challenge: https://exomtngear.com/challenge Mark's Sheep Gear List (and video): https://exomtngear.com/sheep-gear Joey's Sheep Gear List: https://katmaiguideservice.com/dall-sheep-gear-and-equipment/ Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in SLC: https://huntexpo.com/ Wild Sheep Society of BC's Mountain Hunting Expo: https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/mhe Northwest Hunt Expo in OR: https://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... The Experience Challenge: https://exomtngear.com/challenge Joey's Website: https://katmaiguideservice.com/ Joey's Instagram: 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... Bjorn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjorndihle/ Bjorn's Books: https://amzn.to/4a2Z5rs https://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... MTN Gear Chassis: https://www.mtngear.nz/products/expeditionchassis Schnee Torre Ultralight: http://schnees.com/torre-ultralight-0g-men-s/ Longshot Target Camera System: https://www.longshotcameras.com/ Coast WPH20R Headlamp: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1029249031 Nightforce NX6: https://www.nightforceoptics.com/riflescopes/products/nx6/nx6-2-12x42mm-f1/ Garmin Zero L60i Rangefinder: https://sandsarchery.com/products/garmin-xero-l60i-laser-rangefinder Spot Hogg ROTI Modular Sight: https://sandsarchery.com/products/spot-hogg-roti-modular-sight-system Swarovski Balance Spotting Scopes: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-at-st-balance On Glass Digiscoping Adapter: https://onglassadapter.com/ Sheep Feet Stalking Shoe: https://sheepfeetoutdoors.com/products/stealth-bombers-stalking-camp-shoe Argali Outdoor Apparel: https://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... S&S Archery $500 Giveaway: https://sandsarchery.com/pages/newsletter (Winner chosen on February 1, 2026) Rob's Kodiak Hunt Film: https://youtu.be/_qwgsA37G8s Mark's Kodiak Gear Lessons: https://exomtngear.com/kodiak-gear Shop @ S&S Archery: https://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: Kenny's Photo Story: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/exo-experience-photo-story-winner Exo Experience Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience Example Sheep Hunt Gear List: https://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

Steve & Mark have a candid conversation about the Hunt Backcountry Podcast and Exo Mtn Gear, discussing their vision, plans, products, and more... 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 training for hiking speed, the purpose of carrying a bipod AND a tripod when rifle hunting, what non-hunting items should be on your Christmas list (a toothbrush?), choosing between Creedmoors, and more... Links for this episode... How to Hike Heavy (Podcast): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/132 Steve's Toothbrush: https://amzn.to/4jbsUKS Photo Story Winner: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/exo-experience-photo-story-winner 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

Petra Hilleberg joins us to discuss the history and future of Hilleberg, what sets Hilleberg tents apart, and to answer your listener-submitted questions about using Hilleberg tents for backcountry and mountain hunting. LINKS & RESOURCES: https://hilleberg.com/eng/discover/choosing-the-right-tent https://www.youtube.com/@HillebergTentmaker/videos https://www.instagram.com/hilleberg_hunting/ 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

A listener of the show, Blake, joins us to share the story of his first elk hunt. Blake spent 12 days in the mountains — learning lessons, gaining experience, and ultimately arrowing a great bull. We discuss how Blake prepared for this hunt, how he immersed himself in elk hunting knowledge while also preventing "information overload", and the chance encounter he had in the elk woods with a previous podcast guest, Ryan (Episode 546). 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 image-stabilized spotting scopes and question their purpose and benefit. And speaking of gear with questionable value, they answer a question about suppressor covers. They also discuss recommendations for people who struggle with knee pain on downhill hikes, the results of the Exo Experience Photo Story contest, what is going on this month, 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

Like most backcountry hunters, we are passionate about the gear we use. At the end of each year, we like to highlight some of the favorite gear we have used for hunts throughout that year and discuss why those particular items made a difference for us personally. In this episode, Mark & Steve discuss their "gear of the year" selections for 2025... GEAR LINKS & LISTS — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/best-hunting-gear-of-2025 TIMESTAMPS... 00:00:00 — Intro 00:01:56 — "Gear of the Year" History 00:07:05 — Revisiting 2024 Selections 00:22:35 — Steve's Tripod Setup for Glassing & Shooting 00:34:42 — Airlock Industries Zero Gravity Suppressor 00:44:31 — InReach Messenger Plus 00:50:56 — Nitecore Pocket 10000 USB-C Power Bank 00:53:20 — Thermarest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad 00:58:17 — Outdoor Vitals Pursuit Hybrid Fleece 01:00:32 — Deadfall Design Chest Plate + Ivory Holster Shell (and "The Bino Bra" ;-) 01:11:03 — Defiance anTi-X Action, Pre-Fit 6mm Creedmoor, & Factory Ammunition 01:18:26 — onX HUNT App 01:22:18 — Mark's Honorable Mentions 01:28:58 — Exo K4x Pack System 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 are joined by Tara & Alex from Idaho Fish & Game to discuss the all-new draw process for non-resident general elk and deer tags for Idaho's 2026 big game hunting season. We hear why the process that had been in place needed to change, the alternative solutions considered, how this new draw came to be, what non-residents need to apply for the draw, how they can apply in a group or party, if there are any changes to non-resident tag allocations, and more. LINKS & RESOURCES... What's New Overview — https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/see-whats-available-nonresident-tag-drawing-general-season-deerelk-tags-2026-and-how-apply FAQ — https://idfg.idaho.gov/licenses/tag/quotas/nonresident Big Game Seasons & Rules — https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game Refund Information — https://idfg.idaho.gov/licenses/forms/nonresident-refund Email Contact — licensing@idfg.idaho.gov 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