The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

MM 107 | Archery vs Rifle Elk, Side Sleeping, Droughts & Fires

Mark & Steve help a listener think through choosing between an archery vs rifle elk hunt for this fall. They then answer questions on how to get and stay comfortable while sleeping on a backpack hunt, specifically for side-sleepers. They also discuss how to monitor wildfires for upcoming hunts, as well as how to adapt elk hunting strategies based on fires, and for very dry conditions in general.
Wildfire Tracking: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Share your question for the show: podcast@exomtngear.com
View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

288 | Hunt Elk By Yourself — Here’s How...

Considering a solo elk hunt? Whether you enjoy hunting all on your own, or you just can't find a hunting partner, it is possible to be a successful solo elk hunter. It takes work. And a lot of it.
In this episode, we are joined by two experienced solo elk hunters, Tyler Boschma and Nathan Jones. We discuss answers to YOUR questions about solo elk hunting, including...
How to get started if you have limited hunting experience? How do you manage the fear or other mental challenges of being solo? What safety precautions should the solo hunter take? What elk hunting strategies should the solo hunter use? How should you set up and call elk when you're by yourself? What is the best way to break down an elk when you're all alone? How many trips does it take to pack out an elk by yourself? And much more...
Nathan Jones joined us previously for our Expert Roundtable Series, which are episodes 181-185. Tyler Boschma has joined us on several previous episodes, including Episode 146 about hunting elk in wolf country.
Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
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Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

MM 106 | Reloading, Suppressors, CrossFit, and More...

Mark goes solo and answers listener questions on reloading, suppress, CrossFit training, and more. He covers chronographs for shooting and reloading, including the MagnetoSpeed and LabRadar. He outlines the simple process of load development for Hammer Bullets. He shares his experience with suppressor covers and if they are necessary. Then he talks about his experience with CrossFit and if he feels it is good training for hunting. Finally, he shares some of his story with elk hunting, writing, and Sole Adventure.
Resources mentioned in this show:
- LabRadar: https://mylabradar.com/
- Magneto Speed Mount from Wiser Precision https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/chrono-mount
- Hammer Bullets Podcasts: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/227 and https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-89
- Rauch Precision Suppressor Cover: https://www.rauchprecision.com/suppressor-wraps
- Free Training Plan: https://exomtngear.com/train
Browse & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

287 | Scouting for Success with Justin Crossley

Justin Crossley joins us to talk about his scouting strategy for out-of-state hunts. We talk about e-scouting, how to plan a scouting trip to a new area, how to make the best use of time, glassing strategies, and much more. No matter what species you're hunting, and if you are scouting digitally or with boots on the ground, you will certainly learn something from this episode.
Connect with Justin...
- https://www.rokslide.com/author/justin/
- https://www.instagram.com/crossley0102/
View and Search all Episodes: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

MM 105 | Summer Events, Shooting with Your Pack On, Fixing Hot Feet

Steve and Mark talk about events happening this summer that you don't want to miss. Why you may miss the bullseye when shooting your bow with a pack on. How to properly load your pack for pre-season summer training. The pros and cons of using the pack's meat shelf for extra gear and food storage on backpack hunts. And a potential cure for sweaty feet and blisters.
Resources shared in this show:
- NW Mtn Challenge: https://nwmountainchallenge.com/
- Full Draw Film Tour: https://www.fulldrawfilmtour.com/
- Foot Antiperspirant: https://amzn.to/3pSvOXx
Share your question for a future Monday Minute show: podcast@exomtngear.com
Search or browse all podcast episodes: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

286 | Staying Comfortable is Dangerous with Michael Easter

Backcountry hunting is a pursuit that goes against our "progressively sheltered, sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, underchallenged, and safety-netted lives." Tune in to hear about the dangers of comfort, how hunting can be the antithesis to constant comfort, and what science says is wrong with our modern, comfortable, first-world lives. Our guest is Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis.
Purchase The Comfort Crisis: https://amzn.to/3i67Mbd
Connect with Michael: https://eastermichael.com/
More Podcasts: https://ExoMtnGear.com/podcast
Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

MM 104 | NEW Podcast Archive (Plus, Bears & Binos)

New Podcast Archive! Easily find previous episodes of the show by visiting https://ExoMtnGear.com/podcast and browsing shows by category or searching by keyword.
We also announce the winners of the May giveaway, discuss the recent Exo Bear Camp, geek-out on optics, and much more...
Gear mentioned on this episode:
- https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-10x42-el-range-ta-binocular
- https://www.zeiss.com/consumer-products/us/hunting/binoculars/victory-rf/victory-rf-10x42.html
- https://www.sigsauer.com/zulu9-15x56-mm-hdx.html
- https://www.sigsauer.com/zulu6-16x42-mm.html
- https://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Cinch-LR-Polymer-Molded
- https://www.firstlite.com/products/corrugate-foundry-pant
Contact us: podcast@exomtngear.com

285 | Unscripted with Brad Brooks of Argali Outdoors

Brad Brooks of Argali Outdoors joins us to chat about a 6-week Alaskan adventure he has planned for this coming fall, what's new from Argali Outdoors in 2021, and much more. Brad's upcoming hunt in Alaska will include Sitka Blacktail, Caribou, and Moose — all with his bow. Learn why he put this trip together, the logistical challenges he's facing, and much more.
Argali Outdoors: https://argalioutdoors.com/
Brad's Previous Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/058
All Podcast Episodes: https://exomtngear.com/podcast
Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

284 | A Scientific Study of Backcountry Hunting

What does the science say about the physical demands of backcountry hunting? Dr. Robert Coker has studied, analyzed, and published his findings on this question and related topics. Join this conversation with Dr. Coker to learn more about the research and how his findings can help you as a hunter.
"The Energy Requirements and Metabolic Benefits of Wilderness Hunting in Alaska" — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6236107/
More of Dr. Coker's Published Research — https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dksqDwIAAAAJ
MAY 2021 GIVEAWAY... Enter by leaving a podcast review, sharing the show on Instagram and tagging @HuntBackcountry, or emailing us with your hunting question or topic suggestion to podcast@exomtngear.com. Any and all of those actions will earn you a chance to win a $250 gift card from Exo Mtn Gear...
https://exomtngear.com/podcast

MM 103 | Sheep Surpise, Spring Bear, Solo Elk & More...

Steve and Mark share some good news — both about future hunts, as well as the future (and history) of the podcast. They also chat trough some listener questions about solo elk hunting, packing-out elk, camp strategies for backcountry hunts, and more.
MAY 2021 GIVEAWAY... Enter by leaving a podcast review, sharing the show on Instagram and tagging @HuntBackcountry, or emailing us with your hunting question or topic suggestion to podcast@exomtngear.com. Any and all of those actions will earn you a chance to win a $250 gift card from Exo Mtn Gear... exomtngear.com/
Resources Mentioned:
- Episode 176 | Solo Elk Hunting Success
- Episode 217 | Elk Hunting Camp Styles — Base, Spike, or Bivy
- https://www.rocketcitychiropractic.com/10-piriformis-stretches-to-get-rid-of-sciatica-hip-and-lower-back-pain
https://exomtngear.com/