The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

As serious backcountry hunters, we invest hundreds of dollars... Scratch that. Who are we kidding? Most of us have invested thousands of dollars in our gear. From shelters and sleep systems, to footwear, to technical apparel, there are ways to make this gear last longer and perform better over its lifetime. But far too often, we are guilty of using our gear hard, putting it away dirty, and expecting nothing to degrade. In today's podcast, we speak with Heidi from Nikwax. We hear the backstory of Nikwax, learn about their gear care products, dive into the changing regulations with DWR chemicals, and ultimately discuss a variety of topics that will help us, as backcountry hunters, get the most from our gear. As always, we have not been incentivized by Nikwax and are not endorsing their products. We simply wanted to have them on the podcast to learn about gear care in general, and also understand the differences in their product offerings and how they may benefit us. 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 their recent elk hunt and answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. Topics covered included tracking elk, strategies for hunting elk in archery vs rifle seasons, how to carry your bow on archery hunts, tips for preventing shelter condensation, and more... $5,000 Photo Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience 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 answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They also announced a new Exo Experience Photo Contest, with over $5,000 in cash and prizes being given away. Topics and questions covered include the best way to pinpoint the location of a bugling bull, advice for breaking down animals in difficult conditions, making DIY meals and snacks for backcountry hunts, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES $5,000 Photo Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience DIY Dehdrating Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/126 Kyle's Dehydrating Guide: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/dehydration-guide Excalibur Dehydrators: https://amzn.to/3I2aLRw Cosori Dehydrators: https://amzn.to/3UZW4kX Dehydrator Tray Liners: https://amzn.to/46ndxtL DIY Backcountry Breakfast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/diy-breakfast-recipe-for-backpacking DIY Backcountry Bars: https://exomtngear.com/bars 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

Chris Denham is a long-overdue guest to join us on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast. We speak with Chris about his history and longevity in the hunting industry, what has changed with Western Hunter recently, the shifts he has witnessed in hunters over the years, how he continues to live adventurously as he ages, and much more... Subscribe to Western Hunter: https://westernhunter.net/subscribe Wilderness Athlete: https://wildernessathlete.com/ Outdoorsmans: https://outdoorsmans.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

Dr. Andy Galpin returns to the Hunt Backcountry Podcast to discuss joint health, sleep, resilience, and other elements that intersect the worlds of hunting and human performance. We dive into the benefits and downsides of fitness trackers and data from wearable devices, Steve's knee issues, why consistency is important but rigidity is a weakness, advice for managing changes in sleep schedules, travel, and more... Hunting & Human Performance: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/454 Andy's Website: https://www.andygalpin.com/ Andy's Podcast: https://performpodcast.com/ Andy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin/ Vitality Blueprint: https://www.vitalityblueprint.com/ Absolute Rest: https://www.absoluterest.com/ Knees Over Toes Guy: https://www.atgonlinecoaching.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

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They also announce all-new, at-cost logo gear, including a Hunt Backcountry Podcast hat. Listener-submitted questions and topics include: how much time should a solo elk packout take, how to use binos (and which binos to use) for archery elk hunts, which magnification is best for EL Range finos, the best model of SIG Zulu6 image-stabilizing binos, if chairs or stools are worth using when glassing, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES $10 Shirts & Hats: https://exomtngear.com/logo Hunt Backcountry Hat: https://exomtngear.com/collections/logo-gear/products/shadow-series-hunt-backcountry-hat Backpack Hunting Basics: https://exomtngear.com/basics Crazy Creek Chair for Glassing: https://amzn.to/3JwK4VA SIG Zulu6: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/sig-sauer-binoculars Swarovski EL Range T/A: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-10x42-el-range-ta-binocular 40+ Elk Podcasts: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/must-listen-elk-hunting-podcasts 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

The term "custom rifle" is grossly overused. Just because a rifle is purchased from a gun builder and not off the shelf at your local store, doesn't mean it is a "custom" rifle. And that isn't a bad thing. There are a ton of good rifle builders who build fantastic non-custom rifles. Semantics aside, this all matters because you — as a customer who may spend thousands of your hard-earned dollars — need to understand the differences and nuances in how rifles are built. We discuss these topics, and more, in today's podcast with Andrew from Tenacity Arms. Tenacity Arms: https://tenacityarms.com/ Tenacity Arms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tenacity_firearms/ Mark's Pre-Fit Rifle Build: https://exomtngear.com/prefit 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

To accurately field judge an animal, you need a solid understanding of the species' characteristics and known reference points, as well as a lot of experience judging and verifying other animals of the same species. A new app, HornScore, can help you learn how to field judge animals and make assessments of animals you may be hunting. Using your photos and videos, the HornScore app will help you field judge deer, elk, sheep, moose, and more. The app is full of educational content, as well as community content from other users of the HornScore app. In today's podcast with the app's creators, Jay Scott and Blake Cannon, we learn about the origins of the app, how it works, what the future holds, and why the app is helpful even if you aren't an inch-counting trophy hunter. HornScore App — https://hornscore.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

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions and chat on some notes from their recent hunts. They discuss optics, tripods and heads, battery-saving tips, using a knife to remove a head from big game, how to use vacation days to hunt elk in September, and much more... LINKS & RESOURCES Wiser Precision Ridge Warden: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries: https://amzn.to/47cHEoT Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe: https://www.themeateater.com/cook/recipes/mississippi-pot-roast Video: Using A Knife to Remove an Elk Head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXjyzOPSGqs Airlock Industries Suppressor: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNJSuIDhz3s/ 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

Mark recently returned from a fall bear hunt, and in this episode, he shares his notes on lessons learned, new gear tested, items that need to be replaced, and more. LINKS, DETAILS, & PHOTOS — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/post-hunt-notes-marks-fall-bear 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

Sierra Jepsen is a Meat Scientist and owner of Butcher Solutions, LLC. She returns to the show to take a deeper dive into meat science and also answer your listener-submitted questions that came through after our first episode with Sierra. Additional Information and Resources... Part 1 with Sierra: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/508 Sierra's Website — https://butchersolutionsllc.com/ Sierra's Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/butcher_solutions_llc/  Video: "Everything You Need Know About Processing Wild Game" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLjN9CoHzI Video: "In-Depth Butchering Tips From A Meat Scientist" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVkI46l4g4w  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

This episode features a listener of the show, Jordan, who killed an elk with his bow for 8 years straight. We discuss what Jordan has learned over years of do-it-yourself elk hunting, the mistakes he has made (and sees others make), and some of the tactics he learned from guests of our podcast, which helped contribute to his success and consistency. 40+ ELK HUNTING EPISODES: https://exomtngear.com/elk-episodes 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 listener-submitted questions about backpacking with kids, hunt plans, best week of September for archery mule deer, stalking tips, flying with a hunting rifle, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES NEW Outdoor Vitals Pre-Sale: https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/mp-line-presale Outdoor Vitals Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/530 NEW Airlock Industries Suppressor: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNJSuIDhz3s/ Airlock Industries (Coming Soon): https://airlockindustries.com/ NEW Chest Holster Mount: https://sandsarchery.com/products/guardian-chest-plate Deadfall Design: https://www.instagram.com/deadfall_design/ Ivory Holsters EMG: https://ivoryholsters.com/emg Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/products/aziak-backcountry-lite-tripod Wiser Precision Ridge Warden: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head How To Put On A Heavy Pack (5 L's): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-put-on-a-heavy-hunting-pack Why We Don't Recommend the K4 7200: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/why-do-we-make-the-k4-7200 How To Hunt Mule Deer (Podcast Series): https://exomtngear.com/search?q=how+to+mule+deer How To Fly With A Hunting Rifle: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-fly-with-a-hunting-rifle 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

Most sheep hunt stories either include a guide or the hard-earned experience of a die-hard, do-it-yourself sheep nut. But for Erik and his buddy, Evan, there is no guide and no experience. As a resident of Alaska, Erik drew a limited-entry sheep tag for a trophy hunt. In today's podcast, you will hear how Erik and Evan are planning and preparing for this hunt. Later this fall, they will return to the show to share the story of the hunt, the lessons they learned, the gear that did/didn't work, and much more... 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 listener-submitted questions about bow tuning, even if broadheads are hitting with field points, suggestions on base layers for hot-weather hunts, what to do first when you recover an animal, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES Backpack Hunting Basics — When You Shoot: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-shoot-an-animal Backpack Hunting Basics — When You Recover: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-recover-an-animal Mark's New Battery Bank: https://sandsarchery.com/products/nitecore-pocket-10k-power-bank-with-built-in-cable Compressed Wipes: https://amzn.to/47cPxdG Sitka Core Lightweight: https://www.sitkagear.com/collection/core-lightweight-collection Simms SolarFlex: https://amzn.to/46C6dv7 Outdoor Research Echo: https://amzn.to/4mscqyq Patagonia Capilene: https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-capilene-cool-daily-hoody/45310.html Anetik Sun Hoody: https://anetik.com/products/copy-of-mens-low-pro-tech-hoody-master-hoody Kuhl Hoody: https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/long-sleeve/kuhl-engineered-hoody/  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

For four years straight, Rich Froning was considered "the fittest man on earth"  as he dominated the CrossFit Games competition. After retiring from individual competition, Rich has pursued many interests, but none rivaled his passion for elk hunting. We speak with Rich about the humility required to grow as an elk hunter, what he has learned from hunting with more experienced hunters, how CrossFit prepared him for the challenges of elk hunting, and much more. Mayhem Hunt: https://www.mayhemhunt.com/ Rich's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richfroning/ 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

Trent Fisher from Born & Raised Outdoors joins us to discuss elk hunting, his experience getting his kids into hunting, and judging big black bears. Be sure to check out ELK WEEK specials from Born & Raised through August 3rd... Elk Week Specials: https://bornandraisedoutdoors.com/ Hunting Clothing Comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4RWlPgqZLg Previous Elk Episodes w/ Trent: Elk Week Podcasts 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 listener-submitted questions about backcountry hygiene, the Swarovski ATC compact spotter, tire drags with the K4 Frame, gear tape, custom Crocs, their DIY backcountry bar recipes, Mark's garage workout, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES Lathrop & Sons Giveaway: http://lathropandsons.com/pages/giveaway Archery Elk Gear (Exo vs BRO): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/5-day-archery-elk-gear-list-comparison DIY Backcountry Bar Recipes: https://exomtngear.com/bars Mark's Garage Workout: https://the-experience-project.com/marks-garage-workout-for-mountain-hunting/ Swarovski ATC: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-atc-stc-compact-spotting-scope Kowa 55: https://sandsarchery.com/products/kowa-tsn-55-compact-spotting-scope Swarovski ATS 65: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-ats-25-50wx65-hd-spotting-scope Vet Wrap: https://amzn.to/4f6AnbW Camo Gear Tape: https://amzn.to/4lRXNVd & https://amzn.to/46uJy3R Colgate Wisps: https://amzn.to/40AMFn1 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

Former archery engineer, competitive shooter, and accomplished hunter, Darin Cooper (@darin_cooper) comes back to The Hunt Backcountry Podcast. We discuss the details of his current bowhunting setup. But more than just a conversation about gear, this is a discussion that goes into the technical aspects of archery and bowhunting. Darin's Previous Podcasts... Critical Factors of Broadhead Flight Frank Church Sheep Success — Times Two! Building, Shooting, and Renting Rifles Expert Roundtable: The Final Moment Mindset Expert Roundtable: Unconventional Wisdom & Tactics Expert Roundtable: The Key to Consistency Expert Roundtable: Mistakes That Made Me Better Expert Roundtable: Game-Changing 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 & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about power banks vs solar panels, how to dry and care for water bladders, and things first-time backpack hunters should consider when looking to hunt in remote country with predators. We also discuss the first things to do when you shoot an animal, why we are grateful as F@#K, trusting the process, if Steve can manifest an elk with his mind, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES Podcast Giveaway + Exo Discount: https://exomtngear.com/podcast (Entry deadline is Midnight on July 25) First Steps When You Shoot: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-shoot-an-animal Mark's Pump for Drying Bladders & Cooling Barrels: https://amzn.to/44Z5L7N Elk 101 Bow Hook: https://store.elk101.com/products/elk101-bow-hook OBI Bow/Rifle Carry: https://oldballsinc.com/pages/obi-link-system Nitecore Power Bank: https://sandsarchery.com/products/nitecore-pocket-10k-power-bank-with-built-in-cable 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