The Hunt Backcountry 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

580 | Nutrition Without The Noise: Forget Trends & Find Results

Kyle Kamp — Registered Dietitian, mountain athlete, owner of Valley-to-Peak Nutrition, and friend of Exo — returns to the podcast to discuss nutrition strategies for your pre-season goals. Whether you are looking to shed some weight, put on some size, or improve your performance for your training and hunting goals, Kyle discusses straightforward, science-based nutrition strategies to help you meet your goal. We dive into...
Realistic Fat Loss: Why losing 1–2 pounds per week is the "sweet spot" for maintaining muscle mass and training performance.
The Power of the Audit: Using tracking not as a restriction, but as a data-driven tool to understand what you are actually putting in your body.
Fueling for Intensity: Understanding why "Team Versatility"—a mix of carbohydrates and fats—outperforms rigid dietary philosophies when the mountain gets steep.
Protein Realities: How to calculate your protein needs based on your desired weight rather than your current weight.
The Supplement Myth: Kyle shares why he personally takes zero daily supplements and how he prioritizes whole foods instead.
Backcountry Preparation: How to adjust your intake as you transition from the training phase to the actual hunt to avoid going into the mountains depleted.
Whether you are looking to drop weight before a September elk hunt or want to ensure you have the energy to stay strong on day seven of a backcountry trip, this episode is packed with free, actionable advice.
More resources from V2P Nutrition:
Website: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/
Podcast: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/podcast
Articles: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/blog
Backcountry Meat Care: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/backcountry-meat-care
Do-It-Yourself Dehydrating Guide: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/dehydration-guide
Backcountry Meal Planner: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/product-page/backcountry-pack-planner
Backcountry Nutrition Course: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/program-list
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

579 | Our Spring Bear Hunt Story, Tactics, & Gear

In this "on-the-road" episode, Steve, Mark, and Justin recap a successful backpack spring bear hunt. The crew discusses the hunt strategy and story, the tactics that helped them find success, how the 22 Creedmoor performed, and other hunt takeaways.
For photos, gear notes, and other resources from this hunt, visit: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/spring-bear-tactics-and-gear
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