The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

MM 254 | The First Monday — March, 2025

Welcome to The First Monday. In these episodes, Steve & Mark talk through what's going on for them that month in the categories of The Gear, The Hunt, and the Hunter, as well as what's going on with Exo Mtn Gear. If you want an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what we are doing, researching, and learning, or just what we are excited about, this is it.
Links for this episode...
Exo Email Notifications: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter 
Pre-Fit Barrel Questions (and/or general Podcast Qs): podcast@exomtngear.com 
The NW Hunt Expo: https://nwhuntexpo.com/ 
Tenacious Tape (Clear Repair Tape): https://amzn.to/43eOUyu or https://amzn.to/41DbijE 
Aziak Equipment Ridgeline Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/products/aziak-ridgeline-tripod
 Idaho Bear Identification: https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/bear-identification 
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

509 | 3-For-3 On Mule Deer Hunt in Montana (A Father & Sons' Listener Story)

Cody joins us to share the story of the Mule Deer hunt that he shared with his brother and father this past fall. They hunted Montana for the first time and were able to go 3-for-3 on filling their tags. We discuss how they planned this hunt, how they scouted for this out-of-state hunt, how they battled the cold conditions, and how the hunt success happened.
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 253 | Boot Deals, Experience Project 2.0, Other Podcasts, & Game Bags

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions and share some news and updates on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss...
Takeaways from Hunt Expo and the PNW Sportsmen's Show
Future plans for The Experience Project 
Big discounts on Hanwag Boots
The 5 most-downloaded podcast episodes in 2024
What hunting podcasts and shows Steve & Mark follow 
What they look for in game bags and how they keep blood out of their packs
Links mentioned in this episode...
The Idaho Sportsman Show, Feb 27 - Mar 2: https://www.idahosportsmanshow.com/
NW Hunt Expo, Mar 7-9: https://nwhuntexpo.com/
Hanwag Boot Sale: https://www.hanwag.com/us/en-us/outlet/
Best of 2024, #1 — Why Smaller Calibers May Be Better For Big Game Hunting (Part 1): https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-1/ 
Best of 2024, #2 — Why Smaller Calibers May Be Better For Big Game Hunting (Part 2): https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-2/ 
Best of 2024, #3 — Smaller Caliber Listener Q&A with Form: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-qa/ 
Best of 2024, #4 — Hunting & Human Performance with Dr. Andy Galpin: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/454 
Best of 2024, #5 — Colorado Parks & Wildlife (Your Questions, Misconceptions, and More...): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/452 
Best of 2023: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/best-of-2023 
Recent Podcast with a "Meat Scientist": https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/508 
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 

508 | A “Meat Scientist” on Wild Game Care & Preparation

Sierra Jepsen is a Meat Scientist and owner of Butcher Solutions, LLC. She joins us to discuss how big game hunters can effectively care for and prepare wild game meat. Sierra shares advice for processing big game in the field, caring for big game meat until it is frozen, and preparing big game meat for the best meals possible.
Additional Information and Resources...
Sierra's Website — https://butchersolutionsllc.com/
Sierra's Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/butcher_solutions_llc/ 
Video: "Everything You Need Know About Processing Wild Game" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLjN9CoHzI
Video: "In-Depth Butchering Tips From A Meat Scientist" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVkI46l4g4w 
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

507 | A 10-Year-Old's Backpack Mule Deer Hunt

Colt and his 10-year-old daughter, Cedar, join us to share the story of their backpack mule deer hunt from this past fall. This was Cedar's first backpack hunt and it was a joy to hear her share her experience, what she enjoyed about the hunt, what she learned, and more.
After the hunt story, Colt shares some of what he has learned about getting Cedar comfortable shooting and how they prepared for her first backpack hunt. Connect with Colt: https://triplecprecision.com/ 
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 252 | A Few Curse Words, Contradictions, Microspikes, & Exo Events

Before hitting the road for Hunt Expo, Steve & Mark answer your listener questions (and go on a couple of rants) on this Monday Minute episode.
A warning to the sensitive ears... Yes, there are a few F-words dropped in this one!
They answer...
Where can you see Exo at events? (This week AND next month!)
What does the "K" in K4 stand for?
Compared to a traditional pack frame, how does the K4 frame handle moose quarters?
Why have Mark & Steve contradicted themselves by using all-copper Hammer bullets and cup-and-core ELD bullets? Why jump on and off the "bandwagon"?
What are differences between crampon and microspikes? When do you use each one? And what are some specific models to consider?
Links mentioned in this episode...
Hunt Expo in SLC, Feb 13-16: https://huntexpo.com/
Pacific NW Sportsmen's Show, Feb 12-16: https://www.thesportshows.com/shows/pacific-northwest/show-information/
The Idaho Sportsman Show, Feb 27 - Mar 2: https://www.idahosportsmanshow.com/
NW Hunt Expo, Mar 7-9: https://nwhuntexpo.com/
Subscribe to Exo Mtn Gear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExoMountainGear?sub_confirmation=1
K4 Strap Extension Set: https://exomtngear.com/extensions
Kahtoola Microspikes: https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/
Black Diamond Spikes: https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/shop/traction-devices/
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 

506 | 20 Days of New Elk Hunting Lessons

Any elk hunter would love to spend dozens of days on the mountain throughout the fall. In this episode, a new elk hunter, Luke, tells us what he learned as he spent 20+ days pursuing elk in the mountains just outside his home. We discuss what he observed before the season, how elk behavior changed during the season, what he noticed about elk vocalization throughout September, and how his experience hunting elk in later rifle seasons compared to archery season.
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 251 | The First Monday — February, 2025

Welcome to The First Monday. In these episodes, Steve & Mark talk through what's going on for them that month in the categories of The Gear, The Hunt, and the Hunter, as well as what's going on with Exo Mtn Gear. If you want an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what we are doing, researching, and learning, or just what we are excited about, this is it.
In addition to that, we also answer listener questions about a new pack from Exo in 2025, how to choose a temperature rating for your sleep system, and what gaiters we recommend.
Links for this episode...
The Experience Project HUNT Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxCisjM16JQUuY7xWQLdExN_rAHTxEsvv
Subscribe to Exo Mtn Gear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExoMountainGear?sub_confirmation=1
K3 Re-Stock: https://exomtngear.com/k3
Hunt Expo: https://huntexpo.com/
Pacific NW Sportsmen's Show: https://www.thesportshows.com/shows/pacific-northwest/
Kahtoola Gaiters: https://kahtoola.com/shop/gaiters/
PEAX Gaiters: https://www.peaxequipment.com/products/storm-castle-gaiter 
OR Crocodile Gaiters: https://amzn.to/410n0EX
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

505 | Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery

Scott Gillespie of Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery joins us to discuss the use of tracking dogs to help hunters recover big game animals in the Rocky Mountain West. Although tracking dogs have a long history in some areas of the country, they have not been used significantly in the Mountain West. With recent changes in legislation and growing interest among trackers and hunters, Scott helps us understand how tracking dogs are now a viable option to help hunters recover big game animals in the mountains.
We discuss how hunters can locate and contact a tracking team. When hunters should call for assistance. What it costs to have a tracking team help with recovery. When it doesn't make sense to use a tracking team. And much more.
Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery: https://www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/344223976211356/
Find A Tracker: https://www.unitedbloodtrackers.org/find-a-tracker/
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 250 | The Gear We Saw at SHOT Show, Exo Pack Holster, Alaska Moose

Steve & Mark are back from SHOT Show. In this episode, they discuss the most exciting products they saw at SHOT and answer your questions about suppressors, rifle scopes, knives, and other products from the show. They also announce a limited run of Exo Pack Holsters and the latest Experience Project HUNT film.
Links for this episode...
Experience Project Moose Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrRHmkO1ybQ
Exo Pack Holster by Ivory Holsters: https://ivoryholsters.com/product/limited-edition-exo-emg-pack-holster/
Coast USB-C Batteries: https://www.coastzx.com/
Seekins Element Hunter Rifle: https://seekinsprecision.com/rifles-new/havak-bolt-rifles/element-hunter.html
MDT (MTN Gear) Bipods: https://mdttac.com/blog/shot-2025-mdt-launches-mountain-and-backcountry-bipods/
Manners Folding Stock: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFNq6f-PlPG/
DFND (Made in the USA Apparel): https://dfndusa.com/
Hogue Extrak Fixed-Blade Knife: https://www.hogueinc.com/extrak-fixed-blade-3-3-clip-point-blade-stone-tumbled-solid-orange-g10-scales
Hogue Expel Replaceable-Blade Knife: https://www.hogueinc.com/expel-folding-scalpel-2-5-replaceable-blade-416ss-frame-solid-orange-g10-scales
Burris Digital Rifle Scope: https://www.burrisoptics.com/riflescopes/veracity-ph
DMT Dia-Fold Sharpener: https://amzn.to/4geTgs7
JK Armament Suppressors: https://jkarmament.com/product-category/suppressors/#
Banish Suppressor with Muzzle Break: https://www.silencercentral.com/products/meateater
Thunder Beast Suppressors: https://thunderbeastarms.com/products/
Steve's Moose Mount: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEft5Edvy04/
EMAIL 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