The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

Colton Heward is both a do-it-yourself hunter and a professional hunting guide. He joins us on this episode to talk about the misconceptions that many hunters have about guided hunts, what life is like as a hunting guide, what makes a good hunter/client on a guided hunt, and much more... Read Mark's article: "Going Guided — How To Select A Hunting Outfitter": https://exomtngear.com/guided Connect with Colton Heward: https://www.instagram.com/muleycrazy89/ Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact us to share your question or topic suggestion for the podcast: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve & Mark talk about the criteria you should consider when selecting rain gear. They also discuss new gear they've tried recently for knife sharpening and dry-fire shooting practice. Rain Gear Selection Criteria... - Expected Exposure - Required Durability - Budget - Activity Level - Discretion — Noise & Color - Packability — Weight & Bulk Resources mentioned in this episode... - Knive Giveaway: https://www.instagram.com/p/CanPez3PM2Q/ - WorkSharp Precision Adjust Elite: https://amzn.to/37ecxfL - DFAT by DST Precision: http://www.dstprecision.net/ - Marmot Precip: https://amzn.to/3MyIyiO - Outdoor Research Helium: https://amzn.to/3Mx9rDJ Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

"During three decades of field studies of North America's large mammals, the environmental and logistical challenges of none — not deer, elk, moose, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, or bears — compared with those I encountered learning about the mountain goat. The chasms and ramparts, the remoteness and weather are both physically and mentally taxing. Other field biologists have discovered the same, some under the harshest of conditions or across expanses of time." This quote comes from the book, "Life on the Rocks: A Portrait of the American Mountain Goat," written by today's podcast guest, Bruce L. Smith. Bruce has spent countless hours, days, weeks, and months studying mountain goats over his decades-long career. In today's episode, we speak with Bruce about the majestic mountain goat, to learn more about their history, habitat, behavior, and future conservation. Read Mark's latest SEAK Adventure article: "On Hunting, Mountain Goats, Comfort & Complacency": https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/on-hunting-mountain-goats-comfort-complacency "Life on the Rocks" Book: https://amzn.to/3FVczpe Bruce's Other Books: https://amzn.to/3hqFRkW Bruce's Website: http://brucesmithwildlife.com/ Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact us to share your question or topic suggestion for the podcast: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve & Mark recap show season, discuss Exo Mtn Gear's Pro Staff, talk about a new "I remember my first time..." series coming to the podcast, share a listener-submitted tip about water filtration, and answer listener gear questions about tents for Alaska, the best budget tripod head, and more... Resources mentioned in this episode: - Kodiak Video, Part 1: https://youtu.be/PyKOWpAEX3g - Kodiak Video, Part 2: https://youtu.be/ZkFJWVGTdbo (Releasing evening of 02/28/22) - XLR Chassis: https://xlrindustries.com/products/element_4-0_magnesium_chassis - Range Meal Bar: https://rangemealbar.com/ - Katadyn Backpacking Filter: https://amzn.to/35bCPyz - Katadyn Basecamp Filter: https://amzn.to/3M9HNfx - Sirui VA-5 Video Head: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/lightweight-tripods/products/sirui-va-5-video-head - Wiser Precision Nighthawk Pan Head: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/lightweight-tripods/products/wiser-precision-ph-170-nighthawk-ultralight-pan-head - Slik 624 Carbon Fiber Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/lightweight-tripods/products/slik-624-pro-cf-professional-carbon-fiber-tripod Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Shooter, hunter, entrepreneur, and all-around good dude, Shane Wise, joins us to talk about how he started hunting (it is pretty hilarious), as well as how he started his business, Wiser Precision (https://www.WiserPrecision.com/). Although we have been using Wiser Precision's Quick-StiX system for a couple of years now, we didn't know the man behind the product. In this conversation, we learn more about Shane's background and business. We discuss hunting, shooting, glassing, entrepreneurship, and more... Search the Podcast Archive: exomtngear.com/podcast Contact us to share your question or topic suggestion for the podcast: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve and Mark answer listener questions as they drive between the Hunt Expo and the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show. Topics include the film of their recent Kodiak hunt, must-have rifle accessories, water filtration for basecamp hunts, holster options for brown bear country, and new insulation jackets that they have tested this past fall. Resources mentioned in this show: - K3 Cartridge Insert: https://exomtngear.com/products/k3-hipbelt-pouch-cartridge-insert - Mark's Shooting Position Video: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/rifle-shooting-with-hunting-pack - Short-Action Precision Two Round Holder: https://www.shortactionprecision.com/products/sap-two-round-holder - Wiser Precision Quick-StiX: wiserprecision.com/collections/quick-stix-system - Ivory Pack Holster: https://exomtngear.com/holster - Razco Gear Holster: https://www.razcogear.com/online-store-1/Bino-Harness-Holster-Gen-2-p303565375 - Platypus GravityWorks: https://amzn.to/36aHG2V - Katadyn Gravity BeFree: https://amzn.to/3JA5ZWB - Outdoor Vitals NovaUL and Ventus: https://outdoorvitals.com/collections/new-jackets Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are hunters that love to backpack deep into the backcountry, but there are times that a basecamp is an invaluable aspect of our hunts. Most backcountry hunters invest a lot of time and effort to carefully plan every item that goes into their pack for backcountry hunts, but it isn’t as common for hunters to think critically about how they put together their basecamp. This podcast will help you consider how to plan and execute an effective basecamp for your next hunting adventure. Our friend Josh Kuntz joins us to share the best basecamp lessons he has learned in many years of hunting and thoughtful analysis. Basecamp Blog Article: https://exomtngear.com/basecamps Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve & Mark are joined by the show's co-co-host, Jakey-poo. They discuss women's pack systems, bivy sacks, softshells, show season, and plenty of reasons that Mark & Steve are getting old. Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

As modern hunters, we have access to all kinds of technology and gear that are beneficial. But what about the knowledge and skills needed to survive and thrive in the backcountry? What skills did our ancestors have that we lack? We explore some of these topics with our guest, Joel van der Loon. Joel is a survival expert that has been featured on History Channel's series, Alone. He also teaches survival, hunting, and outdoor skills courses, which you can learn more about at: https://bushsurvivaltraining.com/ We also talk about the importance of mindset while solo in the wilderness. The best tools and strategies for starting fires in difficult conditions. And much more. Share your question for Joel's follow-up interview with us by emailing: podcast@exomtngear.com Joel's Review of the K3 4800 Pack System: https://youtu.be/dNsKGZdyDx8 Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark think through the listener question: "How much pressure is too much hunting pressure?" They also answer a listener question about do-it-all shelters, and choosing between the K3 3200 and K3 4800 pack systems. In addition to listener questions, they reveal the plans for the 2022 Death Hike in Alaska and where you can visit them and see Exo Mtn Gear this month. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Podcast with Dave: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/268 - Hunt Expo: https://huntexpo.com/ - PNW Sportsmen's Show: https://www.thesportshows.com/shows/pacific-northwest/ Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Dropped-off alone, deep in the remote Alaskan wilderness. A listener of the podcast, Jake, joins us today to share an amazing moose hunting adventure story. We hear about the unexpected way this hunt unfolded, the challenges of killing and caring for a moose while solo, and much more. Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

While on COVID quarantine, Mark chats with Tyler Boschma to answer listener questions about hunting solo in Grizzly country, how to spend your time wisely when you have two different hunting opportunities that occur at the same time, and if September rifle elk hunts are potentially too good to be true. Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Jerrod Lile of the Huntin Fool joins us to outline what’s new for 2022 when it comes to hunting regulations, tag opportunities, and the draw process for western states. We discuss changes in non-resident tag allocations, trail camera bans, and much more. Our previous episode with Jerrod, “Tag Draws, Preference Points, and Hunting Opportunity” can be found here: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/269 Free Resources from the Huntin Fool… - Draw Deadlines: https://www.huntinfool.com/resources/draw-deadlines - Draw Cost Calculator: https://www.huntinfool.com/license-application-service/cost-calculator Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

This story has it all... Challenge & Adventure, the Exploration of Personal Limits, Dealing with the Unexpected, Making Memories with Family & Friends, as well as both Inspirational & Practical Wisdom. Tune in to hear about the Father-Daughter sheep adventure that Steve & Jessica got to share this past fall. Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Exo Mtn Gear Instagram: https://instagram.com/huntbackcountry

Will Exo ever make hunting clothing? How come Exo doesn't offer a bino harness? Does Exo have plans to make a pack rain cover? Can you make a hipbelt-mounted Nalgene holder for my Exo pack? Will Exo make a pack for whitetail hunting in the future? These are common questions. And we love that people want to see more from Exo Mtn Gear. That said, the answer to many of these questions is, "no." That answer often surprises people. After all... Shouldn't Exo want to sell more products? In this episode, Steve & Mark talk about Exo's business model, why they're focused on staying small, and what products you can expect from them in the future. Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Jared set out from Missouri, by himself, to arrow a bull elk in Colorado. He accomplished that mission, and today we discuss how he made it happen, what challenges he faced along the way, and what lessons you can learn from his experience. Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Happy New Year! Join Steve & Mark on this Monday Minute episode as they discuss the "one thing" in 2022 that you should consider (and share!). They also talk about their hunting plans for 2022, where they (Exo Mtn Gear) will be in person soon, how they choose boots for cold weather, and more. Mentioned in this episode... - Share your ONE THING: podcast@exomtngear.com - Get updates from Mark's new article series: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter - Hunt Expo: https://huntexpo.com/ - PNW Sportsmen's Show: https://www.thesportshows.com/shows/pacific-northwest/ Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

How do you store and secure your hunting rifles? Is the "safe" that you're using actually providing the protection that you think it is? Having personally wrestled with these questions, we were interested to explore some ideas and products that offered alternative solutions, and honestly, an entirely different way of thinking about firearm storage and security. We are joined by Tom Kubinec of SecureIt Gun Storage to learn more about the firearm storage industry, common misconceptions about gun safes, and why SecureIt takes a different approach than most companies when it comes to offering solutions for storage and security. Learn more about SecureIt: https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/ Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

A listener of the podcast, Matthew, joins us to share the story of how he turned free work into a free elk hunt. Matthew volunteered his time and energy to an Outfitter in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness, and when he earned the right to hunt the Wilderness for himself, he killed his first elk. Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve & Mark answer listener questions, including: Are our gear reviews sponsored? What is the best rain gear for Kodiak? What do they do at the end of hunting season? What was their best memory and most important lesson learned this past year? And more... Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com 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 the year and discuss why those particular items made a difference for us personally. In this episode, Steve & Mark share the best gear they used in 2021... Gear of the Year: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/2021-gear-of-the-year Exo Experience Giveaway: https://exomtngear.com/experience Share your question or suggestion for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We answer YOUR questions about our recent Sitka Blacktail hunt on Kodiak Island. In this episode, Steve, Mark, and Jake chat through a wide variety of questions that were submitted, including: - What time of year to hunt Kodiak. - Going DIY vs Guide. - Hunting with a rifle or a bow. - The best dates to hunt the rut. And many, many more... Listent to Part 1: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/318 Foxtail Lodge: www.kodiakalaskafishinglodge.com/ Share your question or suggestion for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: exomtngear.com/podcast

This episode is all about tracking deer. Our guest, Hal Blood, is an expert tracker from the "Big Woods" of Maine. If you're not familiar with the hunting culture of Maine's Big Woods, we discuss that, and learn tracking tips from Hal that will help you — no matter what species you are hunting, or where you may be attempting to track them. Most of the tracking discussion is focused on late-season hunts when snow is on the ground, but even if that specific context doesn't apply to your hunts, you will still learn a lot about tracking techniques and animal behavior. Resources from Hal Blood... - Book — Hunting Big Woods Bucks: Secrets of Tracking and Stalking Whitetails — https://amzn.to/3o4otXg - Website — https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/ - Podcast — https://www.bigwoodsbucks.com/podcast - YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/user/bigwoodsbucks1 EXO EXPERIENCE GIVEAWAY: https://exomtngear.com/experience Share your question or suggestion for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Starting NOW (11/22/21), and for a limited-time while supplies last, you can save 15% OFF site-wide on all Exo Mtn Gear products for our once-a-year sale: https://ExoMtnGear.com We're back from Kodiak! In this show, Steve, Mark, and Jake recap their recent Sitka Blacktail deer hunt. They share some of the many stories from the trip. All-in-all, 8 guys were on the hunt, 14 bucks were killed, and time was also spent fishing and duck hunting. Foxtail Lodge: https://www.kodiakalaskafishinglodge.com/ Share your question or suggestion for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Justin & Garret of Top Priority Hunting join us to talk about their elk hunt from this fall, the lessons they've learned as archery elk hunters that started pursuing elk with a rifle, the differences and similarities of hunting elk in September vs October, and much more. Whether you hunt elk with a bow, rifle, or both, you'll enjoy this episode. NOTE! — The "Guess the Score" Giveaway mentioned in this episode has been put on hold, due to a last-minute change of plans. We will follow-up with a new giveaway opportunity on the Top Priority Instagram as soon as possible, so please still check out their profile below... Top Priority Instagram: https://instagram.com/toppriorityhunting Top Priority YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TopPriorityHunting EXO EXPERIENCE GIVEAWAY: https://exomtngear.com/experience Share your question or suggestion for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mark answers a bunch of listener questions that have come in on rifles, cartridges, suppressors, and related topics. Topics include: rifle shooting positions, scope selection and comparisons, why he changed from the 30-06, why he built a 7 SAUM, what suppressor length is best, and much more. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Shooting Position Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV4Z-R7NNXs - Mark's 6.5 Creedmoor: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/creedmoor-vs-prc - Mark's Tikka Build: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/diy-custom-tikka-rifle, https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/suppressed-tikka-update - What to know about suppressors for hunting: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/hunting-with-a-suppressor-lessons-learned Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Matt Mullins joins the podcast to talk about the American Gear Guide, his diverse experience in the outdoors and how that relates to hunting, and to share the story of his recent elk hunt where he killed his first archery bull — a non-typical giant in Utah. Whether you want to learn more about supporting American Made gear, some thoughts on the deeper meaning of hunting and connecting with non-hunters, or just hear a great elk hunting story — you'll enjoy this episode. American Gear Guide - https://americangearguide.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/americangearguide/ SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience Share your question or suggestion for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve, Mark & Jake are heading to Kodiak, Alaska. In advance of that hunt, they answer some of your questions about hunting Blacktail in Kodiak, dealing with bears, rifle vs bowhunting, optics, and more. We'll recap this hunt in a follow-up podcast, so be sure to let us know if you have questions about this hunt: podcast@exomtngear.com EXO EXPERIENCE CONTEST: https://exomtngear.com/experience Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mountain Goats are fascinating animals that live in wildly big and adventurous country. The pursuit of a goat will often take you to places you've never been; maybe places you've seen from afar, but never stepped foot in, or found hand-holds in. Lee Ricks joins us to talk about his Mountain Goat hunt from this past fall in Montana. We discuss the story, the uniqueness of the hunt, the lessons learned, and more. We also chat with Lee about his passion for the blued-steel and walnut stocks of rifles from decades past. Learn more about Less, see his goat, and check out his rifle restorations: https://www.instagram.com/mt.stockmaker/ SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience Share your question or suggestion for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Joseph von Benedikt joins us to talk about an unforgettable sheep hunt that he experienced this past summer. This was a truly unique hunt, and you'll hear how the opportunity came about, how Joseph prepared on very short notice, how the hunt went down, and much more. If you're familiar with Joseph, you know he is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about rifles, so we had to we had to ask him some rifle-related questions while we were chatting as well. SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience Connect with Joseph on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/josephvonbenedikt/) or via Email (joseph@backcountrypodcast.com) Share your question or suggestion for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark just wrapped-up their rifle elk hunt and share the story on today's podcast. They also answer your questions about this hunt, including rifle setups, bullet performance, new packs and gear they tested, and much more. SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience Have a question about this hunt? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

The guys from Born & Raised Outdoors interview Steve and Mark about their experience hunting elk with bow vs rifles. They discuss the differences, what they've learned chasing elk with both weapons, how both styles of hunting complement one another, and much more. SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience Born & Raised Audio Experience Podcast: https://bornandraisedoutdoors.com/pages/podcast Have a question about this hunt? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We're back with a Monday Minute episode to answer your questions and hear a recent hunting story. We cover glove options for cold-weather hunts, what rifle scopes we're running these days, and much more... EXO EXPERIENCE CONTEST: https://ExoMtnGear.com/Experience Items mentioned in this episode... - Katabatic Quilt: https://katabaticgear.com/collections/quilts - Ragg Wool Gloves: https://amzn.to/3veEbRL - SIG KILO8K-ABS Rangefinder: https://www.sigsauer.com/kilo8k-abs.html - WeatherFlow Meter: https://weatherflow.com/weather-meter-for-shooting/ - Quick-StiX Shooting Sticks: https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/quick-stix Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve is back from the Frank Church Wilderness after a successful Bighorn Sheep hunt. On that hunt, Steve was joined by his good friend Tyler Boschma, and together they notched Steve's once-in-a-lifetime Idaho Bighorn tag, then proceeded to complete the 21-mile packout to an airstrip, allowing them to get flown out of the wilderness. Steve and Tyler (now known together as "Aerosmith") share the ups-and-downs of the hunt, discuss the challenges of hunting in "The Frank", provide the play-by-play leading up to the shot opportunity, and much more. Have a question about this hunt? Let us know... podcast@exomtngear.com SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Expand your hunting opportunity and head south this winter to hunt javelina (and deer!). If you are looking to expand your hunting horizons, a winter trip to the Southwest could be just what you're looking for. In this conversation we hear about the hunting opportunities for Javelina, how to acquire tags and plan your trip, how to e-scout, and what tactics you should use when hunting Javelina. SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience. This month, in September of 2021, the Exo Experience prizes are from Spartan Precision: javelinbipod.com Connect with John McAdams at https://thebiggamehuntingblog.com/ Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

She's a wife, mother, and archery elk hunter. Kimber and her husband, Richard, join us to talk about their recent archery elk hunt in Idaho. In addition to hearing the hunting story and what they learned from this hunt, we also speak with Kimber about her perspective as a female that hunts the backcountry. SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience. This month, in September of 2021, the Exo Experience prizes are from Spartan Precision: https://javelinbipod.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Mark has an unscripted conversation with Josh Kirchner (@dialedinhunter) about Josh's recent weeklong high country archery mule deer hunt in Utah. You'll hear the highs and lows of the story, the lessons learned, the perspective of bringing along someone that is new to high country mule deer hunting, and much more... SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience. This month, in September of 2021, the Exo Experience prizes are from Spartan Precision: https://javelinbipod.com Josh's Book, "Becoming A Backpack Hunter": https://amzn.to/2ZIlN5s Josh's Website: http://dialedinhunter.com/ Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

We answer your questions about cooking dehydrated and freeze-dried meals in the backcountry. We hear about Steve's first trip into the Frank for his Bighorn Sheep hunt. And we discuss shelter choices for late-season hunts, including some of the pros/cons of a stove tent. EXO EXPERIENCE CONTEST: https://ExoMtnGear.com/Experience Resourced mentioned in this show: - Ziploc freezer bags: https://amzn.to/3920DTT - Resealable foil pouch food bags: https://amzn.to/3zWZLvq Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

A listener of the podcast, Matt, joins us to share the story of his 2020 elk hunt. Despite many challenges leading up to, and throughout the hunt, Matt persevered on a tough solo hunt and found success. We break down the pre-hunt planning, how Matt adapted through challenges, what the actual hunt taught him, and what he learned after filling his elk tag while solo hunting. SHARE YOUR EXO EXPERIENCE: https://exomtngear.com/experience This month, in September of 2021, the Exo Experience prizes are from Spartan Precision: https://javelinbipod.com Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

For all of us at Exo, the experience is the most important part of the hunt. The experience may be the thrill of an elk bugling, the stalking of an unknowing mule deer, an epic sunrise from a mountain vista, the challenge of pushing through difficult conditions and testing your limits, a heavy pack-out at the end of a successful hunt, and even all of the pre-planning that happens leading up to a backcountry adventure. Join us in the Exo Experience contest by sharing the favorite moments of your hunt... https://ExoMtnGear.com/Experience - - - - - On this episode, Steve & Mark also talk about Steve's upcoming Bighorn Sheep hunt, and answer your listener questions on... - Getting over failure and setbacks. - Dealing with the mental struggle and guilt of leaving family for hunts. - If it's too late to start bowhunting at mid-life. - - - - - Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We thoroughly enjoyed Rob's previous appearance on the podcast and had to get him back for more. In his first episode with us (https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/177), Rob discussed his history as a mountaineer and how he confronted risk, fear, and discomfort. In this conversation, we learn more about Rob's background as a mountaineer, how that background influenced his product design philosophy, the unique benefits of Spartan's product offerings, and some practical tips for shooting in the mountains. *** EXO EXPERIENCE GIVEAWAY *** Visit https://ExoMtnGear.com/Experience for your chance to win some gear from Spartan Precision in the month of September 2021. Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Steve and Mark answer your listener questions on how to best use and load your pack for upcoming hunts. We talk about techniques to get under a heavy pack and get on your feet, the importance of how you load and organize your pack with gear, and how heavy is too heavy for a multi-day hunt. Resources mentioned in this show: - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-load-your-hunting-pack - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/free-hunting-gear-list-spreadsheet Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

One of our favorite guests, Paul the "Elk Nut" Medel, returns to talk about hunting at his age (66), how he trains to hunt elk at his age, how elk hunters should deal with hunting pressure, what elk hunters get wrong on calling, and much more. If you want to hear more from Paul, check out these previous episodes: - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/036 - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/037 - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/093 - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/138 Get the ElkNut Mobile App: - Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/elknut/id1231479425?mt=8 - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appforceus.elknut&hl=en Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Jake joins Mark & Steve to answer listener questions about pre-season pack training with your hunting pack, some weight-saving options for tripod pan heads, traveling with meat, and more. ELK WEEK Giveaway launches tonight (08/16) on the Born & Raised YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/BROYouTube Resources mentioned in this episode... - https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/nighthawk - https://sandsarchery.com/collections/lightweight-tripods - https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/254 Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We wrap-up ELK WEEK 2021 with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors, as we answer your questions for an "Everything Elk" Q&A session. The ELK WEEK Video & Giveaway launches Monday, August 16, on the Born & Raised Outdoors YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/BROYouTube Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the fourth of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors to tackle the most important and most common elk hunting questions that we have received from you all. In this episode, we talk about how to use thermals, cover country, and make the best use of your limited time in the elk woods. We talk about how to plan your day while elk hunting. If you should select your calling locations based on the conditions. How to work smarter, not just harder, while covering country. And much more. To enter the ELK WEEK giveaway and see the Born & Raised ELK WEEK video (launching 08/16/2021), sign-up to become an Exo Insider... https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Born & Raised Outdoors YouTube: https://bit.ly/BROYouTube Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the third of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors to tackle the most important and most common elk hunting questions that we have received from you all. In this third episode, we talk about how to deal with hunting pressure while elk hunting. We answer your questions about hunting pressure, including... Do you change calling tactics with pressured elk? How much hunting pressure is too much? Can you use hunting pressure to your advantage? To enter the ELK WEEK giveaway and see the Born & Raised ELK WEEK video (launching 08/16/2021), sign-up to become an Exo Insider... https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Born & Raised Outdoors YouTube: https://bit.ly/BROYouTube Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the second of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors to tackle the most important and most common elk hunting questions that we have received from you all. In this second episode, we talk about how to hunt elk effectively with a partner or in a group. This conversation will give you tips for caller-and-shooter setups, how to communicate with your hunting partner in the presence of elk, when to split larger groups of hunters into separate groups, and much more. To enter the ELK WEEK giveaway and see the Born & Raised ELK WEEK video (launching 08/16/2021), sign-up to become an Exo Insider... https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Born & Raised Outdoors YouTube: https://bit.ly/BROYouTube Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

Welcome to ELK WEEK! This is the first of five episodes where we answer your elk hunting questions. Steve and Mark sit down with Kody and Trent from Born & Raised Outdoors to tackle the most important and most common elk hunting questions that we have received from you all. In this first episode, we talk about how to know if you're on the right track as an elk hunter. If you are a struggling elk hunter with limited, inconsistent, or non-existent success in the elk woods, this episode is for you. To enter the ELK WEEK giveaway and see the Born & Raised ELK WEEK video (launching 08/16/2021), sign-up to become an Exo Insider... https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Born & Raised Outdoors: https://bornandraisedoutdoors.com/ Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

What gear truly matters to you and makes the biggest difference in your hunting? If you had a limited budget and were starting all over as a hunter, where would you focus your spending? We answer these questions in the final installment of our 5-part Expert Roundtable 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