Is there a real danger in eating meat from game that was killed with lead ammunition? And is there a real threat to species that scavenge on the carcasses of big game that were killed with lead bullets?

Depending on who you ask, the answers to those questions will vary greatly. In this episode, we speak with Jim Heffelfinger, to help separate fact, fiction, and fairy tales, about the dangers of using lead-based bullets for big game hunting.

Jim helps us realize that the conversation on lead-based bullets is much broader than hunters realize and that there are both real dangers, as well as unfounded fears on this topic.

A disclaimer that shouldn't be necessary: None of the information presented today is medical advice. And this conversation has not presented all aspects of this topic. Please do careful research for yourself and make your own conclusions.

Additional resources and links mentioned in this episode...

• Is eating game harvested with lead a human health issue? (Article): https://www.boone-crockett.org/when-lead-meets-red-meat-0
• Lead Ammo and Wildlife: Separating Science from Advocacy (Article): https://www.themeateater.com/hunt/firearm-hunting/lead-ammo-and-wildlife-separating-science-from-advocacy 
• Jim's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cervidnut/ 
• Jim’s Previous Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/440 
• $10 Goat Logo Shirt: ​​https://exomtngear.com/collections/10-year-logo-gear

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 

Introducing The First Monday. This new segment of the podcast is an experiment, where Steve & Mark will 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. We plan to continue this format on the First Monday of each month, and then continue to use all other Monday Minute episodes to answer your listener-submitted questions (send those here: podcast@exomtngear.com). Links for this episode... - $10 SHIRT PRE-ORDER: https://exomtngear.com/collections/10-year-logo-gear - Matthews Lift-X: https://mathewsinc.com/pages/lift-x - Northwest Mountain Challenge: https://nwmountainchallenge.com/ - Mark's Garage Workout: https://the-experience-project.com/marks-garage-workout-for-mountain-hunting/ - Hunt Application Deadlines by State: https://www.huntinfool.com/resources/draw-deadlines - State Fish & Game Podcast Series... -- Arizona: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/440 -- Colorado: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/452 -- Idaho: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/442 -- Montana: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/443 -- New Mexico: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/441 -- Wyoming: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/438 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

Owner and founder of Outdoor Vitals, Tayson Whittaker, joins us on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast to discuss his 100-mile solo hike in the Wind River Range of Wyoming. We discuss what he learned from dealing with injuries, the mistakes he made on this trip and how he overcame them, stories from Tayson's backpack hunts this fall, what sacrifices he makes to be "ultralight" with his gear, what you need to know about changes in the outdoor apparel industry, and much more. This wide-ranging discussion truly has something for everyone. Links mentioned in this episode: - Tayson's 100-Mile Hike Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aepNiXyNzV8 - Outdoor Vitals: https://outdoorvitals.com/ - Tayson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taysonwhittaker/ - ExpeDRY Down from Allied Feather: https://alliedfeather.com/info-room/products-innovations/expedry Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

If you are interested in hunting big game in New Mexico in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak directly with the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish to understand how to hunt in New Mexico, and also answer your listener-submitted questions about their application process, updates on species, changes in regulations, and more. Resources for this episode... - New Mexico Department of Game & Fish: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/ - Historical Harvest Report: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/hunting/harvest-reporting-information/ - Draw Odds Report: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/hunting/applications-and-draw-information/how-new-mexico-draw-works/ - Hunter Education: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/education/hunter-education/ - Employment: https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/enforcement/career-advancement/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

While traveling between Sheep Show and SHOT Show, Steve, Mark & Jake record a podcast to answer your questions. This is definitely a much different episode than most. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

If you are interested in hunting big game in Arizona in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak directly with the Arizona Game & Fish Department to understand how to hunt in Arizona, and also answer your listener-submitted questions about their point system, that status of their deer herd, how they set quotas and use adaptive management strategies, and more. Resources for this episode... - Arizona Game & Fish Department: https://www.azgfd.com/ - How The Draw Works: https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/hunt-draw-and-licenses/big-game-draw/bonus-point-process/ - Hunt Guidelines & Recommendations: https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/regulations/hunt-guidelines-process/ - Mule Deer Working Group: https://wafwa.org/committees-working-groups/mule-deer-working-group/ - Understanding Mule Deer and Antler Point Restrictions: https://wafwa.org/wpdm-package/fact-sheet-6-understanding-mule-deer-and-antler-point-restrictions/ - Managing Hunting for Opportunity or Mature Bucks: https://wafwa.org/wpdm-package/fact-sheet-24-managing-hunting-for-opportunity-or-mature-bucks/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions, talk about Mark's recent experience at the ATA Show, discuss where you can see Exo in the following months, and chat about the current podcast series with state wildlife departments. Items mentioned in this show... - Exo Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter - Xpedition XLite Bows: https://www.xpeditionarchery.com/collections/xlite - Wild Tech Game Grip: https://amzn.to/3O5lISa - NILCH'i Wind Checker: https://www.nilchi.com/ - Painted Arrow Phone Mount: https://www.paintedarrowoutdoors.com/collections/compound-bow-magnet-phone-mounts - New Annihilator Broadhead: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2AVt3oOTJC/ - Katadyn BeFree Filter: https://amzn.to/3U1kTNX - Hydrapak 42mm Filter Kit: https://amzn.to/3RTNeTI - Hydrapak 28mm Filter: https://amzn.to/3SjZSgj SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We continue the "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series with people just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. Today, we are speaking Bryan, who completed a DIY moose hunt in Alaska this past fall. We hear how the hunt went, the lessons they learned, and how they plan to hunt AK again in the future. Bryan's Videos Moose Hunt Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAZj2eiUZ1-IFXsRRoYOPtwinUpvoq3e4 Bryan's "Before the Hunt" Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/422 Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

If you are interested in hunting big game in Wyoming in 2024, or beyond, this episode is for you. We speak directly with the Wyoming Game & Fish department to understand how to hunt in Wyoming, and also answer your listener-submitted questions about point creep, herd population and health, hunting in grizzly country, migration research, and more. Wyoming Game & Fish: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/ WY Hunt Planner: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Hunting/Hunt-Planner Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss what new changes/additions may be coming to the K4 Pack lineup for 2024, if vacuum sealing game bags is worth it, and how to choose magnification (8x, 10x, or 12x) when purchasing new binos. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark recap the best of 2023 and reveal some new plans for 2024. They recap the best-selling Exo products of 2023, the most-downloaded podcasts of 2023, and the most-watched Exo videos of 2023... THE BEST OF 2023 — https://exomtngear.com/2023 You'll also hear about plans for new content, new hunts, new events, a new Death Hike, and more for 2024. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Whether you consider yourself a 'resolutions' person or not, the new year is a perfect time to reflect on where you have been, and to make some goals for where you want to go. No matter where you are coming from, Mtn Tough has some great training for your mind and body, to make you a tougher and more capable hunter (and human!) in 2024. In this conversation with Dustin Diefenderfer, founder of Mtn Tough, we discuss training, recovery, habits, mindset, and more. MTN TOUGH TRIAL: https://mtntough.com/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Merry Christmas from all of us at Exo Mtn Gear! As a thank you to everyone who supported the launch of our new K4 Pack Systems this year, we wanted to give away some of our favorite hunting gear. We took everyone who purchased a K4 Pack this year, drew random names, and gave away some great prizes that are worth a total of around $10,000 SEE THE PRIZES & WINNERS — https://exomtngear.com/christmas Please support the companies that contributed to this great giveaway.

Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss using covers on spotting scopes, their experience with the Mtn Hntr Tripod, what knives they used on the Moose hunt this fall, and additional topics related to those listener questions. Items mentioned in this episode: - Vet Wrap: https://amzn.to/3CkqCHL - Kapture Gear Digiscoping: https://kapturegear.com/ - Mtn Hntr Tripod: https://mtnhntr.com/ - Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/products/aziak-backcountry-lite-tripod - DMT Dia-Folder Sharpener (In The Field): https://amzn.to/40BkPb4 - Work Sharp Precision Elite Sharpener (At Home): https://amzn.to/48MMUOt - Eagle Hawk Knife: https://eaglehawkknives.com/collections/frontpage/products/handle-hunter - Argali Sawtooth Knife: https://argalioutdoors.com/products/argali-sawtooth-knife 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

Today's guest, Adam, reached out to us about a very unique hunt he went on earlier this year, in Nepal for Blue Sheep. We knew that this hunt involved very big mountains and a unique species of sheep, but that's about it. We were excited to discuss this hunt with Adam — to hear about the adventure and learn more about this unique hunt. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Photos from Adam's Hunt: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/november-23-himalayan-blue-sheep-story.337291/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss how to not "waste the winter" and what they do during the winter to stay productive and motivated, to not regress before the next hunting season. They also discuss what they do, specifically, to stay "in it" on tough solo hunts. And if "smart rangefinders" that create waypoints are something that they use. SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We have been using onX Maps for many years. First, using the state-specific chips on a handheld Garmin GPS, and then using the phone-based onX Hunt app. While the features and capabilities of onX have grown tremendously, we haven't personally kept up to date enough to take advantage of all that onX can do for us these days. In today's conversation with onX's Dylan Dowson, we wanted to learn more about the capabilities we're not using in onX. Dylan shares the specific new features that he finds most helpful for backcountry hunting, some of the common mistakes that onX users make, and how onX thinks about advancing technology and hunting ethics. onX HUNT — https://onxmaps.com/hunt Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss the trade-off of hunting Alaska, even if it means not hunting your normal seasons and species. They answer follow-up questions from their recent Gear of the Year podcast. And they provide some guidance on planning your own Death Hike. Mapping Apps to Consider: - https://onxmaps.com/hunt - https://caltopo.com/ - https://fatmap.com/ - https://www.gaiagps.com/ - https://www.basemap.com/ - https://www.backcountrynavigator.com/ - https://store.avenza.com/pages/app-features - https://www.google.com/earth/about/versions/ PhoneSkope & Multi-Lens Setup: https://phoneskope.com/dual-lens-smartphone-cameras-part-2/ SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

At the end of each year, we like to look back and highlight some of the specific gear that made a difference on our hunts that year. We don't necessarily highlight gear that is newly released this year, or even "new to us". Any gear that made a difference on our hunts in this year is something we may highlight. In this episode, Steve & Mark highlight their "gear of the year" picks for 2023. https://exomtngear.com/gear-of-the-year At the link above you'll find our 2023 gear selections, links to previous years' gear selections, and YOUR (listener) gear suggestions for 2023. Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It is an interesting time of year to think about nutrition, fitness, and our habits. With most hunting seasons wrapping up and plenty of holiday festivities on going, a lot of folks may find themselves heading into January looking to make some changes and new goals for the new year. Today we are joined by registered dietician, owner of Valley to Peak Nutrition, and our good friend, Kyle Kamp. Kyle shares some simple strategies for navigating the holidays, the best way to make (and achieve) goals for the new year, and much more. In a far left-turn from nutrition, we even talk about the best base layers for hunting. CONNECT WITH KYLE... - https://www.v2pnutrition.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/v2pnutrition/ - NEW Foundations+ Program: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/challenge-page/foundations_plus SHARE PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode, we speak with two buddies, Matt and Steve, who went to Colorado during archery season to hunt elk for the first time. We discuss how the hunt went, the lessons they learned, the gear they used, and much more. The "Before the Hunt" Episode with Matt & Steve: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/418 LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark chat through the things they do after the end of hunting season, so that they are as prepared as possible for next year's hunts. SHARE YOUR "GEAR OF THE YEAR" or PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode, we speak with brother and sister, Logan and Brittany. Logan joined us in the "before" episode to tell us about his plans to take his sister, Brittany, on her very first backpack hunt this fall. Logan and Brittany join us for this conversation to share how the hunt went, what lessons they each learned, and how this experience changed Brittany. The "Before the Hunt" Episode with Logan: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/420 EXO SALE — https://exomtngear.com/ LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

There is only one sale a year at Exo Mtn Gear, and it starts NOW. Save 10% site-wide for a limited-time... https://exomtngear.com/ In today's podcast, Mark & Jake recap Jake's recent whitetail hunt, which was his first time hunting whitetails and hunting from a treestand. Jake shares the story of his success, the lessons he learned, and they also discuss packs for whitetail hunting. SHARE YOUR "GEAR OF THE YEAR" or PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: http://exomtngear.com/podcast

How far should you be shooting at big game with your hunting rifle? In this conversation with Form, we discuss the answer to that question — not from an ethical perspective, or from a technical perspective of terminal ballistics, but from a practical perspective of what YOU are capable of behind your rifle. Form shares some considerations to think through, and also some specific drills that you can use to assess your capabilities at distance, in variable conditions, and under stress. Resources mentioned in this episode: - Carl Ross Drill (Video & Target): https://shoot2hunt.com/product/s2hu-100-yd-hunting-rifle-drill/ - Form's MOA Target: https://shoot2hunt.com/product/form-moa-target/ Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode we speak with Josh, who is an Idaho resident that drew a mountain goat tag in his home state. In this episode, Josh tells the hunt story, the lessons he learned, and much more. Josh's "Before the Hunt" Episode 421: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/421 LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark recap their trip to Kodiak and answer your questions about wolves and elk interactions, shooting a bow in cold weather, objective suppressor reviews, and more. Some Exo news coming SOON that you don't want to miss! Get notified... https://exomtngear.com/newsletter SHARE YOUR "GEAR OF THE YEAR" or PODCAST QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com or https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark (and Jake!!) answer your questions about managing water in sub-freezing temps, comparing lightweight suppressors for hunting, and more. They also discuss Jake's upcoming whitetail hunt, which is his first time hunting from a treestand. Finally, they share some examples of poor pack fit, and how to fix them... PACK FITTING MISTAKES — BEFORE & AFTER EXAMPLES: https://exomtngear.com/fitfix SHARE YOUR QUESTION — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Gabriel from Ivory Holsters joins us to discuss his recent archery elk hunt, his experience with Death Hikes and how they have helped his hunting, the pistol holsters that he makes for hunting packs, and much more. EMG Pack Holster: https://ivoryholsters.com/exo Ivory Holsters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivoryholsters/ LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your questions about digiscoping with binoculars, packing heavy loads on steeper and shorter routes vs flatter and longer routes, how the x32 objective EL Range binos stack up against the x42 objective binos, and what bullet mark used on his recent elk hunt. Mark's Lessons & Reflections From His Elk Hunt: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/idaho-rifle-elk-deer-hunt-recap SHARE YOUR QUESTION — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark recap their recent rifle elk and deer hunt in Idaho. They had some struggles, found some success, and encountered some things that gave them new experiences. They share the story, what they learned, what they did right/wrong, and share some thoughts on stand-out gear from the trip. Gear List & Lessons Learned — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/idaho-rifle-elk-deer-hunt-recap ASK A QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your questions about post-hunt pack cleaning, the purpose of load-lifters on pack frames, if getting "into the weeds" and building your own arrows is worth it, and more... LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE: - PACK MISTAKES: https://exomtngear.com/mistakes - FRAME HEIGHT SELECTION: https://exomtngear.com/sizing SHARE YOUR QUESTION — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

It took 3 weeks of hard hunting for Graydon to fill his elk tag this past September. During that time, he didn't hear a single bugle or find fresh sign to speak of. In hearing his story, it sounded like there was an alien abduction of all elk in the units that he hunted. But, finally, one chance encounter led to him filling his tag in an unlikely way. This is a wild story of patience and persistence from a new elk hunter. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your questions about onX vs GoHunt for mapping in the field, and ballistic rangefinders (handheld vs binos). They also discuss modern hunting gear, a listener's campaign to raise money for Wounded Warriors, and the chance of an Exo charity golf tournament next year... LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE: - DONATE to the Wounded Warrior Fundraiser: https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.personalCampaign&participantID=14410 - Campfire in the Canadian Rockies: https://www.boone-crockett.org/camp-fires-canadian-rockies - onX New Feature Overview: https://youtu.be/6GrgJweGO3Y?si=juNumPx1xz2nlQ-1 SHARE YOUR QUESTION — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Caleb Buck joins us to share his experience hunting elk over the past several years, and how he plans to apply that knowledge to a different type of elk hunt happening later this year. Caleb has spent time hunting cow elk with a bow, but now has a late-season rifle tag for bull elk. What has Caleb learned as a newer elk hunter with some success? How will Caleb's previous experience help him for this rifle tag? We talk about these questions, and more... LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mark is joined by "Form" to answer your listener-submitted questions on rifles and ballistics. These questions were submitted in response to our previous conversations with Form. If you have not listened to those episodes (linked below), we highly recommend listening to them first. In today's Q&A, we discuss... - What to do if you cannot spot your impacts, even if you aren't shooting a heavy-recoiling magnum rifle? - What cartridge (and bullet) would Form take on a coastal Brown Bear hunt in Alaska? - What pistol cartridge and bullet would Form recommend for a sidearm carried for self-defense when hunting in Grizzly Bear country? - Why (and how) does grain weight matter in a given rifle cartridge; specifically in the context of using a 6.5 Creedmoor to hunt elk? - Is the wind drift of lighter bullets in smaller calibers not a reason to consider shooting bigger cartridges and heavier bullets? - Why do bullet and ammunition manufacturers continue to make and market more traditional, controlled-expansion and bonded bullets as 'best for big game' if more fragmenting bullets are more terminally effective? Our previous podcasts with Form: - 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/ ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark discuss some of the lessons they learned in September, Mark's custom rifle review, boot failures and bad customer service, and also answer your listener questions on clothing for archery vs rifle elk season, shooting support, mattresses, boot failures, image-stabilizing binos, and more... LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE: - Mark's Custom Rifle Review: https://exomtngear.com/perfect-rifle - How to Shoot From Trekking Poles: https://exomtngear.com/shooting-from-pack - Jetboil Fuel Transfer Device: https://amzn.to/48CXyab - Wiser Precision Quick-StiX: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-quick-stix - Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/products/aziak-backcountry-lite-tripod - SIG ZULU6 HDX Image-Stabilizing Binos: https://www.sigsauer.com/zulu6-hdx.html SHARE YOUR QUESTION — https:// speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

In this wide-ranging conversation with Jessica Byers we discuss what it is like to be a female in the hunting industry, how to get girls started hunting, mindset for making the shot under pressure, misconceptions about hunting in Africa, the best hunting gear for women, and a whole lot more. Whether you are a guy or gal, an new hunter or a seasoned veteran, there is something in this conversation that you will learn from and/or be inspired by. Connect with Jessica: - https://www.instagram.com/followherarrow/ - https://followherarrow.com/ Huntin' Fool: https://huntinfool.com/ K4 EXS Packs for Women: https://exomtngear.com/exs LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions on building elk hunting confidence, a "Would you rather?" sleeping scenario, and also recap Steve's recent week of elk hunting in Idaho with the guys from Born & Raised Outdoors. SHARE YOUR QUESTION or "WOULD YOU RATHER?..." — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

This conversation was originally recorded for The Lifetime Athlete Podcast, hosted by John Zombro. Mark and Steve joined John on his podcast to discuss hunting partnerships — how they are formed, how they are kept, and why they are so valuable for the backcountry hunter. The Lifetime Athlete Podcast: https://thelifetimeathlete.com/podcast/ John's Interview on the Hunt Backcountry Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/411 View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark are back with a Monday Minute episode to answer your listener questions on the best method to carry/access your phone while hunting, how to thank a sacrificial hunting partner, and more. They also talk about Steve's recent elk hunt, what he learned, and how is adapting his elk hunting strategy going in to this week. Additionally, they get into ramblings on optics, rangefinders, boots, and waterproof socks. SHARE YOUR QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mark is back from Alaska with a story to tell. In this episode he shares the story of his recent backpack Dall Sheep hunt, which he completed with his friend and guide, Mark Rowenhorst of Limitless Alaska Guiding. Mark joins Steve to tell the story of the hunt, which included a lot of challenges, setbacks, and eventual success. SHARE YOUR QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com Links for this episode: - Mark Rowenhorst Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/335 - Limitless Alaska Guiding: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessalaskaguiding/ View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode, we speak with Bradley, who is hunting elk and deer in Idaho this fall. Bradley is a new hunter that has had some success with mule deer, but is still working towards his first successful elk hunt. In this episode we discuss what Bradley has learned from his previous elk and deer hunts, how he is applying those lessons to this fall's hunts, and how his mindset has changed during that time. LEAVE A MESSAGE: http://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode, we speak with Brian, who is headed to Alaska with some buddies for a do-it-yourself moose hunt. In this conversation, we learn about how they planned this hunt, the logistical challenges, the hunting strategy, the costs involved, and much more. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode we speak with Josh, who is an Idaho resident that drew a mountain goat tag in his home state. Josh joins us to tell us how he has been preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and to ask us his questions about hunting mountain goats. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode we speak with Logan, who is taking his sister on her very first backpack hunt this fall. Logan joins us to talk about how he is helping his sister prepare, the questions she has had, and much more. This is a very helpful episode for new hunters, and for experienced hunters who want to share the hunting experience with others. After the hunt, Logan and his sister will join us to share about their hunt experience. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute podcast episode. They discuss tips for comfort in cold-weather hunts, choosing down vs synthetic for a sleeping bag or quilt, how the new iOS satellite messaging features compares to messaging through a Garmin InReach device, why Steve chose the 6mm Creedmoor over other 6mm rifle cartridges, and more... Links mentioned in this episode: - Mountain Goat Hunt Recap: https://the-experience-project.com/alaska-mountain-goat-hunt-breakdown/ - Synthetic Quilt from Enlightened Equipment: https://enlightenedequipment.com/revelation-apex/ - Steve's 6mm Creedmoor Rifle: https://the-experience-project.com/small-rifles-for-big-game/ - New Garmin Messanger Plus: https://sandsarchery.com/products/garmin-inreach-messenger-plus ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions about hunting solo elk with decoys, adding DWR treatment to help waterproof packs, why they have recommended Kowa spotting scopes but no Kowa binos, and when weight and space-saving strategies can go too far. Resources mentioned in this episdoe: - Rain Gear Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/345 - Solo Elk Podcast with Corey Jacobsen: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/mm-188 - Optics from S&S Archery: https://sandsarchery.com/collections/hunting-optics SHARE YOUR QUESTION: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode we speak with Zak, who is an adult-onset hunter from the east coast that is headed to Montana for a deer and elk combination hunt in Montana this fall. We discuss Zak's planning process for this hunt, how his family is helping him in this journey, the questions he has for us, his new 7mm PRC, and much more. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We are back with a new "Before & After the Hunt" podcast series for 2023, featuring hunters just like YOU... listeners of the podcast. Throughout this series, we will be speaking with everyday hunters as they plan and prepare for a specific hunt this fall, and then we will have a follow-up episode after their hunt to hear about how the hunt unfolded, the lessons they learned, and more. In today's episode we speak with two buddies, Matt and Steve, who are from Kansas and are going to Colorado to hunt elk for the first time. We talk about how they have planned this hunt, the questions they have, what gear they will be using, how their experience hunting in the midwest may or may not help them on this western hunt, and much more. LEAVE A MESSAGE: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry or podcast@exomtngear.com View & Search the Podcast Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast