Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Hunt Backcountry Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by by Exo Mtn Gear
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago58 min
599 | Bittersweet Success: Lessons Learned from a Quick Colorado Rifle Deer Hunt
In this solo episode, Mark recaps his recent 2nd-season rifle mule deer hunt in Colorado with his hunting partner, Jerud. Despite arriving at a packed trailhead and facing bone-dry conditions, they managed to tag two bucks in roughly 24 hours. Mark breaks down the critical decisions, tactical adjustments, and practical takeaways from the hunt. Key Topics & Takeaways: Hunter Presence vs. Hunting Pressure: Why pulling up to 20+ trucks and camps at a trailhead doesn't automatically mean ruined hunting, and how getting off the main trail corridors immediately separated them from the crowd. Rifle Readiness in the Field: The importance of carrying your rifle in hand and ready to deploy rather than strapped away when you begin moving through prime animal habitat. Passing on "Good" Shots: Why Mark passed on a solid buck at 400+ yards on evening one—not due to doubting the shot, but because fading light and thick brush created high risk for tracking and recovery. The Reality of Water Scarcity: How dry creek bottoms and evaporated seeps forced tactical compromises, requiring them to filter out of a single mud puddle, which also influenced the duration of their hunt. Optics Strategy & Positional Shooting: Running a three-optic system (image-stabilized binos, tripod-mounted high-magnification binos, and a spotting scope), along with executing shots from non-standard positions like standing tripod setups and offhand. 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
- 3 weeks ago1h 13m
598 | Upgrade Your Big Game Meals — Better Burgers, The Best Steak, & Bear Barbacoa
In this episode, Mark catches up with chef, author, and wild game authority Hank Shaw to celebrate the updated and expanded edition of his classic big game cookbook, Buck Buck Moose. Returning to the podcast for the first time since 2017, Hank breaks down how wild game cooking has evolved over the past decade and shares practical advice on field care, butchery, and modern kitchen technology. Working with Processors & Home Butchery: Tips on what to ask your local game processor, trimming considerations, and using reverse-searing techniques for thick roasts and backstraps. Elevating the Basics: How to make a proper venison burger by balancing fat content (10–15%), choosing the right grind size, and cooking backstrap lengths rather than thin steaks. Modern Kitchen Tech: Hank gives his honest take on the pros and cons of using air fryers and sous-vide immersion circulators for wild game, explaining where they shine (cutlets, meatballs, batch cooking) and where they fail (over-reliance, texture issues, and improper time/temp settings). Handling & Cooking Bear Meat: The key differences between northern (Trichinella nativa) and southern bear species, why freezing alone doesn't render northern parasites inert, and how to properly render and store bear fat. Upgrading Favorite Dishes: Step-by-step breakdowns for making tender Barbacoa, authentic Jalisco-style Birria, and crowd-pleasing party appetizers like wild game meatballs. Learn more from Hank Shaw: Buck, Buck, Moose on Amazon Signed Copy of Buck, Buck, Moose Hank's Recipe Site Hank's Substack Hank's Previous 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
- 3 weeks ago38 min
MM 312 | Time To Eat, Water Crossing, Pad Protection & More...
In this "Monday Minute" episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, Steve and Mark answer listener questions on pack loading, sleeping pad protection, strategies for wet hunts and water crossings, advice for hunters who struggle to eat enough, and more... PRODUCTS & RESOURCES MENTIONED... Loading A Packraft with Meat & Gear Pack Loading for Multi-day Hunts Sleep Strategies for Backcountry Trips What We Eat on Backpack Hunts Frogg Togg Wading Pants Frogg Togg Boot-Foot Hip Waders Wiggy's Overboot Waders WildTech Streamlite Overboot Waders The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ 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
- Oct 14, 20261h 32m
597 | Sub-Zero Endurance & Thriving In Adversity with Joshua Brown
In this episode, Mark is joined by Joshua Brown—an accomplished Alaskan hunter and the only person to complete the historic 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail on foot, bike, and skis. Drawing from his background in extreme winter endurance events and backcountry hunting, Josh breaks down how to survive, perform, and make critical decisions when pushing into remote shoulder-season and sub-zero environments. Key Topics & Takeaways: The Human-Powered Iditarod: Josh explains the history of human-powered Iditarod events, comparing the unique demands of completing the 1,000-mile trek via foot, fat bike, and cross-country skis. Extreme Cold Hydration & Fueling: Why dehydration happens faster in sub-zero temps, methods for keeping water systems from freezing, and why calories act as the internal furnace against hypothermia. Nutrition & Palate Fatigue: Balancing high-fat and carbohydrate needs with real-world palatability on long-duration backcountry events. Cold Weather Injury Prevention: Practical steps to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, including proper foot fitting, the strategic use of vapor barriers, and recognizing early warning signs of problems. The "Oh Crap" Bag & Self-Rescue Mindset: Why every hunter and adventurer must carry an emergency dry bag with dry base layers and a sleep system, treating self-rescue as the only reliable option. Layering & Moisture Control: Implementing the "cool, not cold" motto to prevent wetting out clothing through sweat, and choosing quick-drying synthetics/fleeces over hard-to-dry alternatives. Resources & Recommendations: Zojirushi Insulated Thermoses Andrew Skurka’s Vapor Barrier Guide Western Mountaineering HotSac Vapor Barrier Liner RAB Hooded Vapour Barrier Sleeping Bag Liner Feathered Friends Expedition Sleeping Bags Iditarod Trail Invitational Race Iditarod Trail Invitational Camp 8,000 Miles Across Alaska by Jill Homer 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
- Oct 7, 202650 min
596 | Elk Hunting, Brotherhood, & An Unexpected Medical Emergency
In this episode, we hear from Levi Barkas and his 15-year-old son, Wyatt, alongside Wyoming hunter Zimmy. What started as a chance encounter at a trailhead during an elk hunt turned into an incredible story of backcountry camaraderie, a sudden medical emergency, a rescue operation, and key takeaways for hunting public land safely. Key Topics & Takeaways... Backcountry Connections: Levi, Wyatt, and Zimmy share how a random meeting at a Wyoming trailhead led to a joint hunt and a lasting friendship. Elk Hunting Tactics: Why heavy cow calling can be the "golden ticket" over bugling in thick country or late-season scenarios; managing satellite bulls vs. herd bulls in dense cover; and lessons learned on midday moves, spot-and-stalk tactics, and letting the herd settle down before pushing in. The Medical Emergency: While hanging out at midday, Levi suddenly lost all function on his left side and fell to the ground with stroke-like symptoms. Garmin InReach & Rescue Response: The critical role of satellite communicators even when cell service seems available, a step-by-step account of the short-haul helicopter extraction and Wyatt’s ride out in the "screamer suit", a breakdown of Search & Rescue operations and associated costs. Culture on the Mountain: The willingness of fellow hunters to step up and help in times of need. 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
- Oct 5, 202640 min
MM 311 | Gear Q&A (Solo with Mark)
In this "Monday Minute" episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, host Mark runs solo while Steve is out, answering gear-focused listener questions. Mark breaks down some of his gear choices and strategy for a recent 10-day interior Alaska packraft hunt, discussing down vs. synthetic insulation, merino base layers, wet-weather moisture management, replacement options for discontinued boots, sharpening knives with angle guides, and his current everyday phone case setup. PRODUCTS & RESOURCES MENTIONED... Sleep System: Katabatic Alsek Apparel: Sitka Kelvin LT, Outdoor Vitals Vantage Alpine Down Jacket, Argali Clothing (Merino Hoodie not yet released), Orange Gripper Nitrile Gloves Boots & Accessories: Meindl Air Revolution Alpine Light Hiker, Metatarsal Pad Insoles, Grakksaw Boot Dryers, Mountain Hunter Outdoors Boot Dryers Knives & Sharpening: Mark's Sharpening Technique (Video), DMT (Non-Guided) Folding Sharpener, Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener, Alaska Blade Works Wrangell Knife Digiscoping & Accessories: Rokform Phone Case, Mountain Mag Digiscoping System The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ 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
- Sep 30, 20261h 18m
595 | The Experience Challenge Sheep Hunt Winner (After the Hunt)
In this episode, Mark sits down once again with Brian, the winner of The Experience Project sheep hunt, to recount the complete story of his Alaska adventure. Returning after his pre-hunt conversation on Episode 592, Brian details the wild logistics, unexpected challenges, and incredible success of his trip to the Brooks Range. Key Topics & Takeaways... Travel & Tag Logistics: Facing lost locking tags right before departure, flight delays, and a high-stakes airport sprint, Brian highlights how a generous podcast listener in Fairbanks stepped up to save the trip. The "Hurry Up and Wait" Reality: Weather delays in Coldfoot and the mindset required to navigate classic Alaska travel logistics. Gear & Mental Adjustments: Shifting from a DIY mindset to trusting experienced guides (Joey and Sam), making quick gear decisions, and learning to stay present in the moment. Day-One Success: Spotting a band of nine rams, executing a careful stalk across steep shale terrain, and taking a successful 470-yard shot on his target Dall sheep. Life in Camp After the Hunt: Weathering incoming Arctic snowstorms in the tent, enjoying fresh ram heart and backstrap fajitas, and packing meat and horns back out. Reflections on The Experience Project: How months of consistent effort and preparation paid off, the connections made with fellow hunters along the way, and practical tips for flying home with meat and horns. 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
- Sep 28, 202639 min
MM 310 | Hunting Burnout, Short Rifles, Tall Packs, & Bad Water
In this Monday Minute, Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on a variety of topics, including... Hunting Burnout: What to do when you don't enjoy the hunt any longer? Short Rifles: Do we have any regrets using 16" barrels on our big game hunting rifles? Tall Packs: How does frame height influence pack comfort and performance for tall people? Bad Water: What to do if your water tastes like a tire when you drink from your water bladder? The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ 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
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About The Hunt Backcountry Podcast
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.
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