The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

In this episode, we hear from Levi Barkas and his 15-year-old son, Wyatt, alongside Wyoming hunter Zimmy. What started as a chance encounter at a trailhead during an elk hunt turned into an incredible story of backcountry camaraderie, a sudden medical emergency, a rescue operation, and key takeaways for hunting public land safely.
Key Topics & Takeaways...
Backcountry Connections: Levi, Wyatt, and Zimmy share how a random meeting at a Wyoming trailhead led to a joint hunt and a lasting friendship.
Elk Hunting Tactics: Why heavy cow calling can be the "golden ticket" over bugling in thick country or late-season scenarios; managing satellite bulls vs. herd bulls in dense cover; and lessons learned on midday moves, spot-and-stalk tactics, and letting the herd settle down before pushing in.
The Medical Emergency: While hanging out at midday, Levi suddenly lost all function on his left side and fell to the ground with stroke-like symptoms.
Garmin InReach & Rescue Response: The critical role of satellite communicators even when cell service seems available, a step-by-step account of the short-haul helicopter extraction and Wyatt’s ride out in the "screamer suit", a breakdown of Search & Rescue operations and associated costs.
Culture on the Mountain: The willingness of fellow hunters to step up and help in times of need.
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 "Monday Minute" episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, host Mark runs solo while Steve is out, answering gear-focused listener questions. Mark breaks down some of his gear choices and strategy for a recent 10-day interior Alaska packraft hunt, discussing down vs. synthetic insulation, merino base layers, wet-weather moisture management, replacement options for discontinued boots, sharpening knives with angle guides, and his current everyday phone case setup.
PRODUCTS & RESOURCES MENTIONED...
Sleep System: Katabatic Alsek
Apparel: Sitka Kelvin LT, Outdoor Vitals Vantage Alpine Down Jacket, Argali Clothing (Merino Hoodie not yet released), Orange Gripper Nitrile Gloves
Boots & Accessories: Meindl Air Revolution Alpine Light Hiker, Metatarsal Pad Insoles, Grakksaw Boot Dryers, Mountain Hunter Outdoors Boot Dryers
Knives & Sharpening: Mark's Sharpening Technique (Video), DMT (Non-Guided) Folding Sharpener, Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener, Alaska Blade Works Wrangell Knife
Digiscoping & Accessories: Rokform Phone Case, Mountain Mag Digiscoping System
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, Mark sits down once again with Brian, the winner of The Experience Project sheep hunt, to recount the complete story of his Alaska adventure. Returning after his pre-hunt conversation on Episode 592, Brian details the wild logistics, unexpected challenges, and incredible success of his trip to the Brooks Range.
Key Topics & Takeaways...
Travel & Tag Logistics: Facing lost locking tags right before departure, flight delays, and a high-stakes airport sprint, Brian highlights how a generous podcast listener in Fairbanks stepped up to save the trip.
The "Hurry Up and Wait" Reality: Weather delays in Coldfoot and the mindset required to navigate classic Alaska travel logistics. 
Gear & Mental Adjustments: Shifting from a DIY mindset to trusting experienced guides (Joey and Sam), making quick gear decisions, and learning to stay present in the moment.
Day-One Success: Spotting a band of nine rams, executing a careful stalk across steep shale terrain, and taking a successful 470-yard shot on his target Dall sheep.
Life in Camp After the Hunt: Weathering incoming Arctic snowstorms in the tent, enjoying fresh ram heart and backstrap fajitas, and packing meat and horns back out.
Reflections on The Experience Project: How months of consistent effort and preparation paid off, the connections made with fellow hunters along the way, and practical tips for flying home with meat and horns.
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 Monday Minute, Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on a variety of topics, including...
Hunting Burnout: What to do when you don't enjoy the hunt any longer?
Short Rifles: Do we have any regrets using 16" barrels on our big game hunting rifles?
Tall Packs: How does frame height influence pack comfort and performance for tall people?
Bad Water: What to do if your water tastes like a tire when you drink from your water bladder?
RESOURCES...
Nick Peters Memorial Fund: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-nick-peters-memorial-fund
Short Barrel Speeds & Effective Range for Hunting: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/short-barrel-speeds-and-range-for-hunting
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 Memory of Nicholas "Nick" Peters
June 19th, 1992 - September 15th, 2026
Nick was wholeheartedly devoted to his wife and three children. He loved his family and dedicated his life to mastering skills as a bush pilot, welder, and outdoorsman to selflessly provide for them. He had an admirable work ethic, a wild sense of humor, and an unwavering ability to authentically connect with people. He will be missed across Alaska and beyond.
Support Nick's Family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-to-nick-peters-memorial-fund
Additionally, donations can be made to Nick's family via check or card by contacting Stoddard's Aircraft Parts at 907-272-2327, or via Venmo to @nickpetersfund.
Our podcast with Nick: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/472

In this Monday Minute, Steve and Mark catch up on what they've been up to over the past few weeks. Before they dive into listener questions, they share the unfortunate news about the death of a friend, former podcast guest, and beloved member of the hunting and flying community in Alaska, Nick Peters.
LISTENER QUESTIONS...
22 Creedmoor: Our experience with it so far. And how we'd compare it to the 6mm Creed?
Ranging Elk: Is the "risk" of ranging worth it for archery encounters?
Boned-Out Meat: Can bone-out when evidence of sex is required?
Gear for Going Solo: What gear changes (additions or subtractions to the pack) on a solo hunt compared to a shared hunt?
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 hear from former Olympic-level rifle athlete and coach Dan Jordan. After a rock climbing accident left him paralyzed at age 19, Dan adapted his mindset and physical approach to continue hunting remote backcountry wilderness, and even hunting solo from his wheelchair. In this inspiring and practical conversation, Dan shares his perspective on overcoming physical barriers, mastering shot execution, and cultivating the mental discipline required for backcountry success.
Key Topics & Takeaways
The Mindset of "Radical Acceptance": Rather than dwelling on limitations, Dan emphasizes identifying reality as it is, eliminating excuses, and immediately focusing on the next actionable step.
Saying "I Can't" is a Choice: How hunters often limit themselves with mental barriers—whether regarding difficult pack-outs or staying present during long sits—and how changing your framing unlocks new opportunities.
Translating Olympic Precision to Big Game: Lessons from high-level competitive shooting, including shot process mechanics, narrowing focus into a "funnel," and managing target panic or "buck fever".
Mastering Recoil & Follow-Through: Why follow-through is critical for spotting impacts, calling shots, and staying focused through the break, alongside the value of using trainer rifles to build proper habits.
Solo Wilderness Hunts from a Wheelchair: Incredible stories of grit, from engineering custom three-wheeled rigs for solo turkey hunts to harvesting bulls deep in non-motorized wilderness areas.
Patience as Mental Toughness: Why sitting motionless in a hot blind or enduring hours in the snow requires the same level of mental endurance as a grueling backcountry pack-out
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 Monday Minute, Steve and Mark unpack the realities of water resistance in hunting packs, break down why no modern pack is truly 100% waterproof, and explain how seams, zippers, and DWR breakdown impact performance. They also dive into satellite messaging distractions, the critical trade-offs between pack weight and backcountry performance, and why traditional rain covers do more harm than good.
TOPICS COVERED...
Satellite Messaging & Focus: Managing off-grid connectivity and keeping your mind on the hunt.
System Trade-offs: Balancing pack weight, comfort, rifle accuracy, and backcountry endurance.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: The truth about technical fabrics, seam failure, DWR degradation, and zipper leaks.
Rain Covers vs. Dry Bags: Why rain covers fall short and how an internal dry bag liner keeps critical gear safe. 
RESOURCES MENTIONED...
Sleep Better in the Backcountry: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/sleep-better-on-backpack-hunts
onX SOS: https://www.onxmaps.com/sos
Roundtable Podcast Series: https://exomtngear.com/roundtable
Exo Dry Bag Liners: https://exomtngear.com/drybag
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 of The Hunt Backcountry Podcast, we hear from Chad—a full-time Vermont ski patroller and long-time podcast listener who got a late start to hunting in his 30s. Chad shares his journey of transitioning from Eastern woods to Western big game, including the extreme logistics of driving 40 hours cross-country to hunt elk on public land solo.
Chad is also joined by his 10-year-old son, Eli, to share the story of a memorable, multi-generational family road trip out West that ended in an unforgettable evening elk harvest surrounded by bugling bulls in the sagebrush.
Key Talking Points & Takeaways
Late-Start Advantage: How starting hunting in his mid-30s shaped Chad’s perspective and growth as an archer and Western hunter.
Cross-Country Logistics: Practical strategies for executing solo, long-distance hunts, including managing drive times, gear setups, chest freezers, and local meat processing.
Sticking to an Area: The long-term benefits of learning a single unit year after year, understanding pressure patterns, and adapting tactics accordingly.
Family Western Trips: How to balance solo hunting passions with family travel, seamlessly blending family vacations with scouting and hunting.
Eli’s First Elk Encounter: A firsthand account of an incredible close-quarters hunt, complete with heavy pack-outs, field lessons, and favorite hunting gear and books for young outdoorsmen.
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

On this Monday Minute, Mark and Steve answer listener questions to help you prepare for upcoming fall hunts:
Game Bag Selection for Mixed Species & Applications: Trey asks for game bag recommendations as he prepares to hunt black bear, elk, and deer in Idaho. Mark and Steve discuss how game bag shape, size, fabric weave, and bone-in vs. boned-out strategies impact how you pack and carry meat—along with tips on fly protection, paracord rigging, and buying individual bags vs. sets.
Mindset & Expectations for a First-Time Elk Hunter: Nick is heading out for his very first archery elk hunt and wrestles with balancing high expectations vs. a low success rate. Steve and Mark break down process-oriented goals, managing pressure, and how to maintain "kill mode" without quitting early or burning out.
10mm vs. 9mm Handguns for Backcountry Defense: Justin asks for handgun recommendations between popular 10mm options and whether to run red dots. Mark and Steve share their personal perspectives on recoil, shootability, capacity, optics, and practical safety precautions in grizzly country.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE...
K4 Pack Systems: https://exomtngear.com/packs
40+ Elk Hunting Podcasts: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/must-listen-elk-hunting-podcasts
Argali Game Bags: https://argalioutdoors.com/collections/argali-ultralight-game-bags
Grizzly Bear Defense Podcast: http://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/121
Exo Mtn Gear YouTube: https://youtube.com/ExoMountainGear
Exo Insider Email Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter
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