The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

569 | ER Visits, Expo Season, & The Experience Challenge

"Live" from the road, Steve takes over to host the podcast with Mark and Justin along. You'll hear about Steve's surprise emergency room visit (last night), their plans for the Mountain Hunting Expo in BC this weekend, what's to come with The Experience Challenge, and more.
https://exomtngear.com/challenge
CHAPTERS...
00:00 — Introduction03:00 — Emergency Room Experience05:59 — Kidney Stone Insights08:56 — Planning for the Mountain Hunting Expo12:00 — Experience Challenge Overview14:59 — Shooting and Hunting Preparation17:57 — Alaska Hunting Plans20:56 — Reflections on Past Hunts24:02 — Community and Engagement27:00 — Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
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

568 | Unscripted with Travis Bader of Silvercore Outdoors

Travis from Silvercore Outdoors joins us for a wide-ranging conversation that covers hunting, firearms training, entrepreneurship, and the importance of disconnecting from technology. We explore the relationship between mindset, instincts, and the art of hunting; the importance of community and collaboration in the hunting world; the value of sharing experiences, and more.
Silvercore Outdoors: http://silvercore.ca/
Silvercore Podcast: https://www.silvercore.ca/podcast
Silvercore Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors/
Travis' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav/
CHAPTERS...
00:02:09 — The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Mindset00:08:36 — Understanding Firearm Safety and Training in Canada00:14:01 — The Passion for Hunting and Connection with Nature00:18:48 — Experiences at SHOT Show and the Firearm Industry00:22:30 — Disconnecting from Technology and Finding Balance00:37:11 — Shifts in Training Demographics and Motivations00:40:03 — The Impact of Media on Perception and Fear00:45:11 — Reading Human and Animal Behavior00:46:50 — Heuristics in Reading Animals and People00:49:46 — Trusting Your Instincts in Hunting00:50:51 — The Two-Way Process of Reading00:53:23 — Mindset and Energy in Hunting00:55:32 — The Podcast Journey and Conversations01:01:01 — Success and Mindset in Hunting01:09:32 — Community and Collaboration in Hunting01:12:11 — Navigating Information Overload01:14:09 — Reflections on Hunting Seasons01:20:06 — Sharing Experiences in Hunting01:22:55 — Defining Success Beyond Material Gains
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 299 | This AND That

Steve & Mark discuss upcoming Exo in-person events, the soon-coming Experience Challenge, and answer listener questions about training strength vs endurance, shooting from a tripod vs trekking poles, and more.
Chapters...
00:00 — Introduction to the Monday Minute02:53 — Details of Upcoming Challenges06:50 — Strength Training vs. Endurance Training11:29 — Shooting Techniques: Tripod vs. Quick Sticks23:00 — Creative Shooting Support Techniques
Links for this episode...
The Experience Challenge Waitlist: https://exomtngear.com/challenge
Wild Sheep Society of BC's Mountain Hunting Expo: https://www.wildsheepsociety.com/mhe
Northwest Hunt Expo in OR: https://nwhuntexpo.com/
Dry-Fire Drills at Home: https://exomtngear.com/dryfire
Shoot from Pack & Trekking Poles: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/rifle-shooting-with-hunting-pack
Wiser Precision Quick-StiX: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-quick-stix
Wiser Precision Ridge Warden Ball/Tilt Head: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head
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

567 | Calling, Hunting, & Eating Mountain Lions

In this episode, a listener of the show, Jim, shares his experience and insights on hunting mountain lions in the Pacific Northwest. He discusses the best times and locations to hunt, calling strategies and hunting techniques, the importance of patience and woodsmanship, and the unique experience of eating mountain lion meat. If you want a better understanding of the challenges and excitement that come with hunting these elusive predators, you will enjoy this episode.
"It's high energy and high adrenaline."
Jim's Instagram: @pnw_mountain_lion
CHAPTERS...
00:02:02 — Jim's Background and Experience00:05:37 — Historical Figures in Hunting00:08:14 — Understanding Mountain Lion Hunting Seasons00:11:19 — Oregon's Mountain Lion Quotas and Regulations00:15:25 — The Experience of Eating Mountain Lion00:17:23 — Aging and Sizing Mountain Lions00:19:49 — Targeting Areas for Mountain Lion Hunting00:24:47 — Calling Techniques and Setups00:29:01 — Placement and Visibility in Calling00:33:16 — Stealth and Approach of Mountain Lions00:36:38 — Equipment and Safety in Mountain Lion Hunting00:40:29 — Close Calls and Recovery Experiences00:42:54 — Vocalizations and Calling Strategies00:44:41 — Patience and Woodsmanship in Hunting00:46:29 — State Regulations and Costs for Mountain Lion Hunting00:50:24 — Overlooked Hunting Adventures
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 298 | Hunt Expo Recap, Military Packs, New Bows, and More...

Steve & Mark are back from Hunt Expo and share some thoughts from the show, and also answer listener-submitted questions about the best K4 Pack Accessory, what is different on the packs that Exo sells to the Military, if they will be shooting a new flagship bow for 2026, and more...
Links for this episode...
The Experience Challenge Waitlist: https://exomtngear.com/challenge
Roughridge Stove: https://roughridgestove.com/
K4 Nalgene Holder: https://exomtngear.com/nalgene
K4 Pack Materials: https://exomtngear.com/usa
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

566 | 10-Day Solo Sheep Hunt in Alaska

In this episode, a listener of the show, Caleb, shares his journey into sheep hunting in Alaska, detailing his first successful solo hunt. He discusses the challenges he faced, including planning, logistics, and the importance of hydration and nutrition. Caleb reflects on the emotional aspects of the hunt, the thrill of spotting and taking a legal ram, and the physical demands of packing out.
"I was ready to get out."
Caleb's Self-Filmed Hunt Video — https://youtu.be/-pZ3PxHc7iA
The Experience Challenge — https://exomtngear.com/challenge
CHAPTERS...
00:02:19 — Caleb's Background and Move to Alaska00:07:26 — First Sheep Hunt Experience00:10:30 — Planning the Successful Sheep Hunt00:18:40 — The Hunt Begins: Setting Up Camp00:24:06 — Challenges of Solo Hunting and Water Management00:32:06 — The Opener: Anticipation and Illness00:37:51 — Spotting the Legal Ram00:45:47 — The Moment of Truth: Taking the Shot00:50:10 — Reflections on the Accomplishment01:02:21 — Packing Out: The Reality of the Journey01:08:55 — Final Thoughts and Takeaways
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 297 | Questions about The Experience Challenge, Show Season, & More...

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

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