The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

565 | DIY Elk in CO with Llamas (A Listener Story)

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 Background00:09:03 — The Unique Experience of Hunting with Llamas00:15:00 — Scouting and Preparing for the Hunt00:26:49 — The First Days of Hunting: Successes and Challenges00:39:46 — Lessons Learned from the Hunt00:56:00 — 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

564 | Mountain Hunting with Master Guide, Joey Klutsch

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 Journey00:11:01 — The Challenges of Mountain Hunting00:21:50 — Mental Toughness in Hunting00:25:22 — The Importance of Preparation00:31:39 — Understanding Special Use Permits00:37:15 — Gear Essentials for Successful Hunts00:44:19 — The Art of Guiding: Client Relationships00:52:11 — Population Dynamics and Hunting Regulations00:56:17 — Booking Hunts: Strategies and Considerations01:09:21 — 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

MM 296 | Dall Sheep Hunt Giveaway — Announcing The Experience Challenge

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

563 | Finding & Protecting Alaska with Bjorn Dihle

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 Alaska00:02:11— Meet Bjorn: A Lifelong Alaskan Adventurer00:10:17— The Dynamics of Bear Viewing and Conservation00:15:00— The Ambler Road Project: Controversies and Implications00:26:17— Southeast Alaska: A Hunter's Paradise00:32:21 — The Unique Challenges of Hunting Blacktails00:54:52 — Understanding Bear Behavior and Safety01:12:32 — 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

562 | The Power of Constant Adjustment in Elk Hunting

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

MM 295 | Q&A from SHOT Show & Sheep Show

"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

561 | From Cancer to Kodiak: Rob's Inspiring Journey

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

560 | A New Hunter Goes to Alaska for Caribou (A Listener Story)

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 Nick1:47 — Pre-Hunt Preparations5:20 — Alaska Drop Camp Overview7:33 — Arrival in Alaska11:55 — Traveling to the Hunting Grounds18:27 — First Impressions of the Tundra21:10 — Setting Up Camp22:28 — Navigating the Tundra29:24 — The First Few Days31:48 — Learning to Identify Caribou37:38 — Mental Toughness in the Hunt39:26 — Passing the Time in the Tent39:38 — Weather Changes43:30 — The First Bull Sighting51:18 — The Moment of Truth53:30 — Post-Shot Reflections1:02:53 — Breaking Down the Caribou1:12:01 — The Joy of Packing Out1:16:27 — Final Days and Packing Up1:20:59 — Logistics of Returning Home1:27:15 — Reflection and Conclusion

559 | DIY Mountain Goat Hunt in Montana

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

558 | DIY Mountain Goat Hunt in Coastal British Columbia

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