Backbone Unlimited Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Backbone Unlimited Podcast

Backbone Unlimited

Sports

Frequency: 1 episode/2d. Total Eps: 100

Host Matt Hartsky shares real-world hunting tactics, backcountry elk hunting tips, shed hunting, gear reviews, wildlife adventures, and hard-earned lessons on grit, discipline, and mental toughness. For hunters, outdoorsmen, and anyone committed to living untamed and conquering challenge. Learn public land hunting strategies, preparation, backcountry fitness, elk behavior, survival skills, and mindset tactics that help you thrive — in the wild and in life. New episodes weekly on elk hunting, big game strategies, western hunting, gear, preparation, training, family, and the relentless pursuit of more. #ElkHunting #BackcountryHunting #ShedHunting #HuntingPodcast #WesternHunting #PublicLandHunting #RelentlessLiving #BackboneUnlimited

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🇨🇦 Canada - wilderness
01/09/2026
#57
🇺🇸 USA - wilderness
01/09/2026
#69
🇺🇸 USA - wilderness
31/08/2026
#98
🇺🇸 USA - wilderness
30/08/2026
#100
🇺🇸 USA - wilderness
28/08/2026
#100
🇨🇦 Canada - wilderness
27/08/2026
#66
🇨🇦 Canada - wilderness
25/08/2026
#62
🇺🇸 USA - wilderness
25/08/2026
#80
🇨🇦 Canada - wilderness
24/08/2026
#83
🇨🇦 Canada - wilderness
23/08/2026
#43

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https://backboneunlimited.com/pages/membership
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https://BackboneUnlimited.com
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PUBLIC LAND MULE DEER HUNTING TIPS - 33 YEARS OF STRATEGIES FOR WESTERN DIY HUNTERS | 🎙️ EP. 15

Episode 15

Monday, July 28, 2025 • Duration 50:40

Hunting mule deer on public land is one of the most mentally and physically demanding challenges in the West—and one of the most rewarding. In this episode, I share hard-earned lessons from 33+ years of chasing bucks across high country basins, rolling foothills, desert flats, and pressured public land. This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the honest, boots-on-the-ground truth about what works, what doesn’t, and how to become the kind of hunter who consistently tags mature bucks in big country.

Whether you're planning your first DIY mule deer hunt or refining your backcountry strategy for a high-pressure rifle or archery season, this episode gives you the real-world knowledge to hunt smarter, last longer, and close the distance.

What You'll Learn in This Episode: • How to scout and glass mule deer effectively in high country, desert, and transition zones • Mule deer behavior and how to use it to your advantage based on terrain, pressure, and time of year • Spot-and-stalk tactics for both solo and partner hunts • Identifying bedding areas, feeding zones, and escape routes • When to move, when to sit tight, and how to close the gap • Thermals, wind, terrain, and how to adapt as conditions change • How to build fitness and gear systems for western backcountry hunts • Mindset shifts that separate consistent hunters from tag soup

Recommended For: • Public land mule deer hunters • DIY western hunters (archery or rifle) • First-time backcountry hunters preparing for tough terrain • Hunters learning how to hunt the pre-rut, rut, and post-rut phases • Anyone serious about shortening the learning curve in the West

If you're tired of glassing empty hillsides, blowing stalks, or getting outworked by the terrain, this episode gives you the tactics, confidence, and mindset to show up different this season.

Listen now and take the next step toward becoming a more effective public land mule deer hunter.

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WESTERN PUBLIC LAND ELK HUNTING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS | 🎙️ EP. 14

Episode 14

Sunday, July 27, 2025 • Duration 11:45

Planning your first public land hunt in the West? Whether you're chasing elk in Colorado, mule deer in Idaho, or trying to draw your first tag in Wyoming, this episode gives you the truth most hunters won’t tell you. No hype. No fluff. Just 100% real-world insight on how to prepare, hunt, and survive your first or next DIY western hunt.

I’m Matt Hartsky, and after 33+ years of Western big game hunting, I’ve learned what it really takes to succeed on public land elk and mule deer hunts—and in this episode, I’m giving you the crash course I wish I had when I started.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • How to access and navigate Western public land hunting opportunities • Tag strategy: understanding draw vs OTC elk and mule deer tags • Essential backcountry hunting gear and packing tips • How to train for altitude, steep terrain, and back-to-back hunt days • E-scouting strategies for elk and mule deer • How to mentally prepare for tough, pressured hunts • Solo vs partner dynamics—what to expect and how to decide • Mistakes most first-time western hunters make and how to avoid them • How to hunt smarter when the pressure is high and the bulls go silent

Perfect for: • Public land elk hunters • DIY mule deer hunters • First-time Western hunters heading to Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, or Utah • Archery and rifle hunters building their first backcountry strategy

This isn’t about luck. It’s about preparation, strategy, and mental grit. If you're looking for public land hunting tips, want to understand how to hunt elk in high-pressure units, or need a clear blueprint for planning your first western backcountry hunt, this episode delivers.

Listen now to learn how to hunt with purpose—and make every step in the West count.

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HOW TO CALCULATE CALORIES FOR ANY BACKCOUNTRY HUNT | 🎙️ EP. 5

Episode 5

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 • Duration 18:36

Fueling right can be the difference between tagging out—or tapping out.

In this episode of the Backbone Unlimited Podcast, Matt Hartsky breaks down the exact calorie formulas, rules of thumb, and real-world strategies every backcountry hunter needs to stay in the fight.

Whether you're chasing elk deep in the Rockies or grinding out high-mileage days in remote terrain, understanding how to calculate your daily calorie needs is a critical edge. No more guessing. No more crashing. Just the math, the method, and the mission-ready meal planning that supports true mountain grit.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) using the Mifflin-St Jeor equation
How to estimate calories burned per hour while backpack hunting
What your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) really is during a hard hunt
A fast and effective rule-of-thumb for caloric needs based on your bodyweight
The best calorie-dense foods for long hunts (nuts, jerky, oil additives, more)
Smart hydration and electrolyte strategies that prevent bonking and cramping
Why testing your backcountry food system ahead of time is non-negotiable

🗻 Whether you're a first-time DIY hunter or a seasoned grinder looking to level up your nutrition game, this episode delivers a field-tested system to fuel your body, sharpen your mind, and carry your mission to the finish.

🔥 Join TEAM BACKBONE for exclusive hunting resources, a private community, direct access to Matt, and members-only gear: 👉 BackboneUnlimited.com/membership

🎧 Subscribe now for more episodes on public land hunting, elk prep, mindset, gear, and relentless living—in the wild and in life.

HOW TO HUNT ALONE - SOLO BACKCOUNTRY MULE DEER AND ELK HUNTING TIPS | 🎙️ EP. 13

Episode 13

Thursday, July 24, 2025 • Duration 12:25

Solo elk hunting on public land is one of the toughest challenges in Western hunting—and it’s not for the faint of heart. In this episode, I break down exactly how to prepare for and succeed on a DIY solo elk hunt, whether you’re heading deep into the backcountry with a bow or a rifle, in search of bulls with no backup and no margin for error.

I’m Matt Hartsky, founder of Backbone Unlimited. After more than 33 years of Western hunting, I’ve learned that solo elk hunts require a whole different level of mental toughness, physical prep, and tactical thinking. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I have what it takes to do this alone?”—this is the real-world advice you need before boots hit the dirt.

What you’ll learn in this episode: • Solo elk hunting mindset – how to become your own team • How to train and condition for solo backcountry elk hunts • Solo e-scouting strategies to pre-plan every move • Backcountry safety protocols, gear, and solo check-ins • Calling and closing tactics when hunting elk solo • Mental strategies to overcome fear, fatigue, and isolation • How to pack out elk meat by yourself without breaking down • Solo camp setup and tips to stay sharp in total silence

Whether you’re hunting OTC units, preparing for your first public land solo elk hunt, or just looking to test your limits in the mountains, this episode is packed with hard-earned insight, practical strategies, and mindset tips to help you go further—alone.

Recommended for: • DIY solo elk hunters • Public land archery or rifle hunters • First-time backcountry hunters • Western hunters preparing for a solo mission

Listen now and build the skills, toughness, and confidence you’ll need when it’s just you, your pack, and the wild.

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TOP 3 BACKCOUNTRY HUNTING TACTICS FOR ELK AND MULE DEER: STILL, AMBUSH, SPOT AND STALK | 🎙️ EP. 12

Episode 12

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 • Duration 09:20

Want to become a more effective public land hunter? In this episode, we break down the top 3 backcountry hunting tactics every serious hunter must master: Still Hunting, Ambush Hunting, and Spot-and-Stalk. Whether you're chasing elk, mule deer, or other big game on public land, knowing when and how to apply each of these strategies is the key to consistent success in high-pressure units.

You’ll learn how to: • Hunt elk on public land using terrain, wind, and pressure to your advantage • Use still hunting tactics to quietly cover ground in thick timber and bedding zones • Set up effective ambush hunting locations based on travel corridors, feed, and thermals • Execute smart, calculated spot-and-stalk plays in open or broken terrain • Manage wind, scent, and visibility in high-odds setups • Adjust your backpack hunting strategy based on real-time conditions

Whether you're bowhunting elk during the rut or rifle hunting during late season, this tactical breakdown gives you the decision-making framework to adapt and succeed. We focus on how to match each hunting method to the landscape, pressure level, and animal behavior you're facing—so you stop guessing and start getting into more game.

Built for: • Public land elk hunters • DIY backcountry hunters • First-time western big game hunters • Archery and rifle hunters looking to sharpen their field tactics

Perfect to listen to while scouting, training, or heading into camp—this is your practical field guide for hunting smarter and staying lethal in the backcountry.

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7 ELK HUNTING TACTICS TO HELP YOU KILL MORE BULLS ON PUBLIC LAND BACKPACK HUNTS | 🎙️ EP. 11

Episode 11

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 • Duration 08:33

Hunting elk on public land and want real tactics that actually work in high-pressure units? This episode breaks down 7 field-proven elk hunting strategies to help you kill more bulls—especially if you're going solo, backpacking deep, or bowhunting elk in over-the-counter units.

Whether you’re preparing for your first DIY archery elk hunt or dialing in your plan for another backcountry elk hunting trip, these are the exact tactics I’ve used for over 30 seasons to locate, call in, and kill bulls on public ground.

In this episode, you'll learn how to: ✔️ Use predawn locator bugles to control the first hour of daylight ✔️ Build cow calling setups that work when bugling fails ✔️ Identify rut refuge zones and terrain “stalking ribbons” ✔️ Time thermals, control wind, and read elk movement patterns ✔️ Run real-world elk calling sequences that sound like a herd, not a hunter ✔️ Apply the “Glass-Before-Push” method to avoid blowing opportunities ✔️ Use my IF-THEN elk playbook to adjust on the fly and stay lethal

These aren't gimmicks or guesswork. These are high-level, field-tested public land elk hunting tactics that work when bulls go silent, when pressure spikes, and when you’re grinding through tough country alone or with a tight crew.

You'll also learn how to: • Call elk in pressured units without sounding like every other hunter • Hunt transition zones from nighttime feeding areas • Read terrain features and adapt when bulls don’t play by the rules • Build a decision-making process that keeps you calm, confident, and effective

This is a must-listen for DIY backcountry elk hunters, whether you’re chasing September bugles with a bow or pushing ridges with a rifle later in the season. If you're tired of coming home empty and want to consistently put yourself in elk—this episode delivers.

For the serious public land hunter ready to level up their elk game, this episode is loaded with practical advice you can apply this season.

HOW TO CHANGE ELK HUNTING SPOTS TO KILL MORE BULLS ON PUBLIC LAND | 🎙️ EP. 10

Episode 10

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 • Duration 11:11

Struggling to find elk on public land? In this episode, we dive deep into the top signs you’re hunting a dead zone—and exactly what to do about it. If you’ve ever spent days glassing empty basins, hiking through dry, high-pressure terrain, or chasing silent bulls that vanish without a trace, this is your wake-up call.

Based on 33+ years of experience in the mountains, this episode covers how to: • Recognize the signs of a dead zone early • Read elk behavior based on feed, weather, pressure, and thermals • Adjust your strategy for over-pressured elk hunting units • Build mobile hunting systems and backup plans that work • Know when to stay put and when it’s time to relocate and reset your elk hunt

This is a must-listen for anyone serious about elk hunting on public land—especially in high-pressure areas, OTC units, or during unpredictable rut phases. Whether you’re bowhunting elk during September or rifle hunting later in the season, these are the elk hunting tactics that keep you in the game when other hunters quit.

If you want to punch more elk tags, stop wasting time in empty country, and start making every decision with confidence, this episode is packed with the knowledge you need to adapt and succeed.

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HOW TO STALK ELK - 33 YEARS OF ELK HUNTING LESSONS THAT WORK | 🎙️ EP. 9

Episode 9

Thursday, July 10, 2025 • Duration 12:30

If you want to kill more elk on public land, your ability to stalk effectively might be the missing piece. In this episode, I break down 33+ years of elk hunting lessons specifically on how to stalk elk—not just sneaking through timber, but understanding wind, thermals, terrain, and timing in real-world backcountry scenarios.

You’ll learn how to identify stalk-worthy setups, how to approach bulls without getting busted, how to read thermals and shifting winds, and how to use terrain to your advantage. I cover still-hunting strategies, belly crawls, real hunt stories, and the mental discipline it takes to close the deal.

Whether you’re bowhunting elk during the rut or tracking velvet bulls early season, this is one of the most honest and tactical elk hunting podcasts you’ll hear on how to move in close and seal the deal.

🔹 Topics Covered:

The most common stalking mistakes elk hunters make
How to use wind and thermals like a pro
Terrain features that help (or ruin) your stalk
Why rushing is the #1 reason hunters blow close encounters
Real solo public land elk hunting breakdowns

This is more than just theory. It’s 30+ years of failed stalks, painful lessons, and bulls on the ground.

🎯 If you want to stalk smarter, hunt more intentionally, and close the gap with confidence—this episode will change your approach in the field.

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THIS ONE MISTAKE COULD BE COSTING YOU EVERY PUBLIC LAND ELK HUNT | 🎙️ EP. 8

Episode 8

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 12:40

If you're putting in the miles, packing the gear, and grinding it out—but still going home without a bull—you might be making the same critical mistake that costs most public land elk hunters their shot.

I’m Matt Hartsky with Backbone Unlimited, and in this episode, I break down the single most common timing error I see ruin elk hunts year after year. We’re talking about why first light and last light are everything when it comes to killing bulls on public land—and how to make sure you're finally in the right place at the right time.

We’ll cover:

Why bulls move differently on pressured public land
The two golden windows every hunter must prioritize
Common mistakes that blow your opportunity before the elk even show
How to structure your entire hunt to capitalize on the only hours that matter
Why trying to hunt elk all day might actually be hurting your odds

This episode is a wake-up call. If you're tired of burning boot leather and coming home empty-handed, this one's for you.

👉 Join the TEAM: https://BackboneUnlimited.com Get access to exclusive hunting content, elite gear discounts, and direct coaching from Matt inside the TEAM BACKBONE Membership.

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THIS ELK HUNTING TACTIC CHANGED EVERYTHING - HOW I STARTED KILLING MORE BULLS | 🎙️ EP. 7

Episode 7

Sunday, July 6, 2025 • Duration 11:14

What if your success in elk country came down to one overlooked detail—where you’re set up before daylight?

In this episode, I break down the one tactic that changed everything for me in elk hunting. It's not a gimmick. It's a real-world strategy based on elk behavior, pressure, thermals, and terrain. Once I started targeting transition zones between nighttime feeding and bedding areas, everything changed. I went from chasing bugles to being where the elk already want to go—and the results followed.

I'll walk you through:

What most hunters do wrong in the first hour of daylight
How to e-scout and identify "kill zones"
What kind of slope to target and why it works
How to move in the dark without blowing elk out
A subtle calling sequence that brings bulls in without overcalling

If you're tired of being one ridge too late or one bugle behind, this episode will change how you think about your approach.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our membership at BackboneUnlimited.com for full access to exclusive training, tactics, gear, and community.

Train harder. Hunt smarter. Live relentless.

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Backbone Unlimited Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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Backbone Unlimited Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

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Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

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Apple Podcasts

Spotify