The Hunt Backcountry Podcast
Backcountry hunters talking backcountry hunting. No advertisers or sponsors, no fluff, no BS. We discuss tactics, strategies, gear, hunt stories, and more — featuring a wide variety of guests, from industry experts to everyday listeners of the show. Your hosts, Steve & Mark, have decades of experience hunting the mountains for elk, deer, bear, antelope, sheep, mountain goats, moose, caribou, and more. While this podcast is 100% independent and free from advertising or sponsorship, it is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear, which we own and operate. Exo’s mission is to build the best backcountry hunting pack systems available, provide the best service possible, and do it all right here in the USA. Learn more at: https://exomtngear.com/ Contact us at any time with your questions or feedback by emailing us: podcast@exomtngear.com. Or visit the searchable archive of all podcast episodes we have published over the past decade at: https://exomtngear.com/podcast. Thanks for listening! —Steve & Mark
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Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
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
6 days ago
6 days ago
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
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
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
Monday Feb 09, 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
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
Friday Feb 06, 2026
Friday Feb 06, 2026
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
Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
Wednesday Feb 04, 2026
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
Monday Feb 02, 2026
Monday Feb 02, 2026
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
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Friday Jan 30, 2026
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
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
Wednesday Jan 28, 2026
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
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Monday Jan 26, 2026
"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