The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

586 | The Science of Hydration, Electrolytes, and Altitude with Dr. Robert

What actually happens to our bodies when we sweat? Why do we cramp? And why do you feel hungover at the start of a backcountry hunt at altitude?
In this episode, we dive deep into a scientific look at hydration and electrolytes. Driven by a listener question from Max—a Midwest hunter who struggles with the transition to high-altitude mountain hunts—we bring on Dr. Robert, a leading expert in biomedical and nutritional sciences with decades of experience studying environmental medicine for the U.S. Army. Robert isn't just a lab coat; he’s an avid mountaineer, ice climber, and trail runner who has put this science to the test in the field.
We break down the foundational physiology of how fluid shifts in the body, the truth behind popular electrolyte marketing, and how to build a practical hydration strategy that works for you.
What We Discuss:
The Biology of Sweat: Where your body actually pulls water from when you sweat (hint: it's your bloodstream) and how it affects your cardiovascular system.
The Marketing vs. Science of Electrolytes: Are high-sodium trend drinks a waste of money? We discuss the role of glucose as a carrier and how the World Health Organization (WHO) oral rehydration formula compares to commercial supplements.
Cold & Altitude Hydration: Why you pee more in freezing temperatures (Cold-Induced Diuresis) and how ascending above 8,000 feet actively forces your kidneys to dump fluid.
The Truth About Cramping: Why there is no definitive scientific evidence linking electrolyte deficiencies to muscle cramps—and what is actually happening instead.
Real-World Fueling: The underrated power of salty snacks and freeze-dried meals for fluid retention on multi-day efforts.
Links & Resources:
$10 Podcast Shirts: The Hunt Backcountry Podcast shirts are back! Grab yours for just $10: https://exomtngear.com/logo
Connect with the Show: Have a question, guest suggestion, or topic idea? Email us at podcast@exomtngear.com
Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please pause, leave us a rating or review in your favorite podcast app, and hit subscribe so you never miss an episode.
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

585 | Overcoming Fear and Fails-to-Fire on a DIY Alaska Sheep Hunt

A listener of the show, Andrew, joins us to share the story about his unguided Dall Sheep hunt in Alaska. Navigating the mountains as a non-resident via the next-of-kin rule, Andrew underwent a massive mental and physical transformation to prepare for one of the most rugged hunts you can imagine.
What we discuss:
The Prep: Cutting pack weight down and testing the bounds of mental toughness.
The Crisis: Dealing with back-to-back rifle misfires/primer strikes with a legal ram in his crosshairs.
The Reward: Taking a phenomenal 40-inch, green-scoring Boone & Crockett ram.
The Packout: Navigating endless alders, a 7-hour bushwhack, and getting weathered-in at a remote cabin.
Andrew's Gear List: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16qNP8mOJwaxeGeIJrLxJD-ZJV6KHl_TAvOzqjA9ZAuE/view
Housekeeping: Did the last episode (Blueprint 07) sound glitchy or have an echo? We caught a hosting file error early on and fixed it, but some podcast apps did not import the new version. To get the correct version, play the episode at https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/bbp-7.
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

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 7) — Mastery in the Moment of Truth

How can you make the most of every shot opportunity on a backcountry hunt?
In episode seven of our Backcountry Blueprint series, we dive deep into survey data collected from over 1,500 backcountry hunters to discuss how you can prepare to "master the moment" and capitalize on your chances.
Steve and Mark break down the data and share their personal hunting experiences across seven ways to prepare before the hunt:
Making Practice More Realistic
Solidifying a Consistent Shot Process
Shooting in Challenging Terrain & Conditions
Utilizing Competition to Increase Stress
Eliminating Weaknesses in the Weapon System
Increasing Accuracy at Extended Ranges
Improving Decision-Making at the "Moment of Truth"
To access the resources mentioned in this discussion, along with all other episodes in this series, visit...
The Backcountry Blueprint: https://exomtngear.com/blueprint
Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.comEmail Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletterPodcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

584 | Olympic Biathlete Paul Schommer on Shooting, Stress, Mindset, & More...

What can a two-time Olympic biathlete teach you about becoming a better backcountry hunter?
A lot more than you think. In this episode, we sit down with elite Team USA biathlete and lifelong hunter Paul Schommer to explore the fascinating intersection of high-level endurance sports and the mental grit required in the field.
Paul breaks down how competing on the world stage—balancing maximum physical output on cross-country skis with the absolute stillness required for precision shooting—perfectly translates to the physiological and psychological stress hunters face when an animal walks into range.
We dive deep into:
The Physiology of Stress: How Paul manages a racing heart rate through a strict breathing cadence and an automated shot sequence.
The Pillars of a Perfect Shot: Why shifting almost all of your active focus to your trigger squeeze and follow-through changes everything.
The Power of Visualization: Replicating high-stress scenarios in your mind so you are emotionally prepared when the big moment finally arrives.
Trusting Your "Normal": Why striving to do something "special" in the field often leads to mistakes, and how to embrace the Norwegian sports philosophy that your baseline preparation is already good enough.
The Cross-Crossover to Archery: How Paul sold off his Team USA Olympic gear to fund a new bow, drew a once-in-a-lifetime North Dakota moose tag, and used archery principles to improve his biathlon career.
Whether you are looking to fine-tune your rifle mechanics, manage "buck fever" under pressure, or structure your physical conditioning for the upcoming season, Paul's process-oriented mindset offers a masterclass in execution.
Connect with Paul:
http://clean-pursuit.com
https://www.instagram.com/cleanpursuit_
https://www.instagram.com/paultschommer
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

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 6) — Essential Skills of a Mountain Hunter

What does it take to find consistent success in the backcountry? In episode six of our Backcountry Blueprint series, we dive deep into survey data collected from over 1,500 backcountry hunters to pinpoint the exact skills and knowledge gaps hunters want to improve.
Steve and Mark break down the data and share their tactics and personal hunting experiences across six critical categories:
Glassing & Locating Animals: Training your mind's eye, building patience, and utilizing field-of-view and stability over high magnification.
Calling Proficiency: Mastering the timing, technique, and confidence needed for real-world archery elk encounters.
Animal Behavior & Patterns: Understanding local habitat, environmental factors, and navigating hunter pressure.
Stalking & Closing the Distance: Knowing when to move fast, when to slow down to a crawl, and how to execute the "red zone" approach.
Wind & Thermal Management: Predicting morning and evening air currents, managing swirling winds, and avoiding thermal paralysis.
Preparation & Planning: Advanced e-scouting with apps like OnX and calculating the logistics of moving from Plan A to Plan B.
Whether you are a seasoned mountain hunter or preparing for your very first Western tag, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you eliminate variables and elevate your experience in the field. 
To access the resources mentioned in this discussion, along with all other episodes in this series, visit...
The Backcountry Blueprint: https://exomtngear.com/blueprint
Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com
Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter
Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

583 | "Beyond the Label" with Wilderness Athlete

In this episode, we are joined by Chris and Kevin from Wilderness Athlete. Family-owned and operated for over 15 years, WA operates differently from many modern supplement companies, which are fueled by massive venture capital and rely on "white-labeling" pre-made formulas. Chris and Kevin explain why they have always prioritized proprietary, peer-reviewed science and rigorous product testing.
Key Topics & Takeaways:
The White-Labeling Reality: Discover how the largely unregulated supplement industry operates, where many brands simply slap their own label on generic formulas instead of doing actual research.
High Performance Demands Foundational Health: Why Wilderness Athlete’s top-selling products focus on everyday foundational health—like multivitamins, fish oil, and gut health—rather than just "high-octane" in-the-field formulas.
Modern Food vs. Nutritional Deficiency: How modern agricultural practices grow food faster but leave fruits, vegetables, and even meats nutritionally deficient compared to decades ago, making smart supplementation more relevant.
The Creatine Boom: A deep dive into the massive wave of recent creatine research. Learn about its surprising cognitive benefits, insights on timing and loading phases, and how adding HMB can help prevent muscle wasting.
Sleep, Recovery, and Aging: Practical tips for the "middle-aged athlete" trying to optimize testosterone production, manage inflammation, and fix sleep issues both at home and in the backcountry.
What’s Next for Wilderness Athlete: Sneak peeks into new product developments, including their rigorous process for creating bioavailable creatine gummies and a true, nutrient-dense backcountry meal replacement shake.
Take Agency for Your Own Health: There is no magic pill or one-size-fits-all approach. Chris and Kevin urge listeners to look past internet hype, test things for themselves, use blood work to find real deficiencies, and become their own primary health researchers.
Connect with Wilderness Athlete...
Website: https://wildernessathlete.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqWSE8LCxa6ZMGZOXnSFDQg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilderness_athlete/
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

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 5) — The Physical Foundation for Backcountry Hunting

In part five of The Backcountry Blueprint series, host Mark from Exo Mtn Gear dives into the essential physical foundation required for backcountry hunting. Drawing from a comprehensive survey of roughly 1,500 hunters, this episode distills real-world experiences, physical shortcomings, and past hunt failures into the five core physical pillars every mountain athlete needs to master.
To access the resources mentioned in this discussion, along with all other episodes in this series, visit...
The Backcountry Blueprint: https://exomtngear.com/blueprint
Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com
Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter
Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

582 | Form Returns — Tripod Shooting, Hunting Accuracy, The Best Creedmoor, Ultralight Rifles, & More

"Form" returns to the podcast to answer your questions on a variety of topics, including optimal rifle weight, 22 vs 25 vs 6mm Creedmoor, the best support for various field shooting positions, the downsides of shooting from a tripod, recommendations for "building" a budget-conscious hunting rifle, answers for small caliber skeptics, and much more.
Additional Podcasts & Resources:
The Original Small Caliber Podcast Series...
https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-1/
https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-2/
https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-qa/
Previous Q&A with Form: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-239
"Form" Discusses How Far YOU Should Be Shooting at Big Game: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/498
"The 223 Thread" on Rokslide: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/223-for-bear-mountain-goat-deer-elk-and-moose.130488/
"The 6mm Thread" on Rosklide: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/6mm-243-hunting-success-on-big-game.284525/
Ballistic Comparisons: https://the-experience-project.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ballistic-Gelatin-Comparisons.pdf
ELD Standardized Gel Tests: https://the-experience-project.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hornady-ELD-Match-147-Gel-Barrier-Testing.pdf
ELD Whitepaper: https://the-experience-project.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ELD-X_ELD-Match_Technical_Details.pdf
Rifle Kraft on Sniper's Hide: https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/kraft-data-driven-training-try-this.7046408/
WEZ Impact Probability Calculator: https://appliedballisticsllc.com/weapon-employment-zone-wez/
How To Shoot With Your Pack & Trekking Poles: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/rifle-shooting-with-hunting-pack
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

581 | Hunting for Mental Health with Dr. John Delony

Dr. John Deloney is a mental health expert, bestselling author, comedian — and, yes, passionate backcountry hunter. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of mental health and hunting. This conversation is unlike any other we have had over the 10+ years of The Hunt Backcountry Podcast. We explore...
Escaping vs. Reconnecting: The fine line between using hunting to avoid real-life responsibilities and using it as an intentional tool to find beauty, slow down, and return home as a better husband and father.
Bonds Formed In The Backcountry: How modern culture has left us digitally "connected" without authentic human connections, and why hunting serves as a rare forge for authentic adult friendships.
Dangers of a Hunting Identity: How easily men can get trapped in living for a "dance monkey dance" lifestyle of achievements, and how to tether your identity to something bigger than a trophy scorecard or an Instagram photo.
Connect with John...
Website: https://johndelony.com/
Podcast: The Dr. John Deloney Show
Instagram: @johndelony
Books: https://amzn.to/4wFig5a
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

The Backcountry Blueprint (Part 4) — Building A Gear System You Can Trust

In this fourth installment of the Backcountry Blueprint series, we dive into data from over 1,500 hunters to identify the true gear failures that end hunts early. We aren't just talking about gear that hunters "didn't like," but the specific equipment issues that negatively changed the outcome of a hunt. Steve and Mark break down the five most common failure points reported by hunters and share how you can prevent these issues before you ever hit the trailhead.
The Backcountry Blueprint: https://exomtngear.com/blueprint
Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com
Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter
Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast