The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

by Exo Mtn Gear
  • 4.9 (2.9K)
  • Wilderness
  • Updated Semiweekly

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

  1. 6d ago

    587 | Preparing for the Unknown (Expert Roundtable)

    In this kickoff to our brand-new 2026 Expert Roundtable series, we are diving deep into the practical aspects of hunt preparation. When you step into the mountains, you enter a world of endless variables. You can’t control the weather or the wildlife—but you can control many things that will prepare you for the unknown. To break down exactly what it takes to build unwavering confidence before a hunt, we gather four incredibly experienced and successful backcountry hunters, each bringing a different perspective to the table: Nate Simmons (Producer & Co-Host of Western Hunter TV) breaks down his meticulous, analytical approach to year-round weapon proficiency, a practical approach to physical fitness, and why a detailed hunt plan is his ultimate anxiety killer. Brad Brooks (Owner of Argali Outdoors) shares his philosophy on ruthlessly controlling the variables within your power, the mental edge of a "one-arrow-a-day" practice routine, and how to map your scouting and hunting routes to make the most of limited time. Ben Reynolds (do-it-yourself sheep hunting lunatic) talks about transitioning from basic fitness to structural "durability," including bulletproofing your joints against overuse injuries, and why you must test your gear in difficult conditions before your life depends on it. Isaac Deuling (mountain hunting guide) weighs in with a guide's perspective, exposing the dangers of a "false sense of security" with satellite messengers and explaining why your minimalist Ziploc first-aid kit leaves you unprepared. Whether you are gearing up for an archery elk hunt, a high-country mule deer tag, or a remote backpack expedition, this episode is packed with timeless, actionable takeaways to elevate your prep and ensure you have a plan to prepare for opening day. Links & Resources Episode Notes: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/expert-lessons-in-hunt-preparation All Roundtable Podcast Episodes: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/tagged/roundtable  Previous episodes with these guests: 285 | Unscripted with Brad Brooks of Argali Outdoors 408 | Backpack Hunt Breakdown — Solo Sheep (with Ben Reynolds) 461 | The 5 Attributes You Need for Mountain Hunting (with Ben Reynolds) 477 | How to Thrive on Difficult Hunts(with Ben Reynolds) 527 | Nate Simmons on Advanced Archery, Stalking Strategy, Filming Hunts, and More 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

    587 | Preparing for the Unknown (Expert Roundtable)

  2. Jul 3

    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

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

  3. Jun 24

    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

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

  4. Jun 10

    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

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

  5. Jun 7

    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

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

  6. Jun 3

    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

    583 | "Beyond the Label" with Wilderness Athlete

  7. May 31

    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

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

  8. May 27

    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

    582 | Form Returns — Tripod Shooting, Hunting Accuracy, The Best Creedmoor, Ultralight Rifles, & More
See All (779)

Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
2,940 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    by Exo Mtn Gear
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    779
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

You Might Also Like