Explore every episode of the podcast Backcountry Hunting Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Hunting: After The Shot, with Ron Spomer & Tate Bradfield | 30 Aug 2024 | 01:00:56 | |
You've just shot an elk. Now what? This episode covers it all, from blood tracking and locating your elk, to navigating cross-canyon recoveries, to taking good photographs, to meat processing, care, and packing. What a terrific conversation, recorded with extremely savvy, experienced elk hunters! ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| Top New 7mm PRC Hunting Ammo: Barnes' 160-gr. LRX Factory Load, with Gregg Sloan | 23 Aug 2024 | 01:13:21 | |
| Hunting Big Kudu on Africa's Eastern Cape | 28 Jun 2024 | 00:46:27 | |
Cape Kudu are slightly smaller, more colorful, and "better dressed" than their Southern Greater cousins—and are enchanting and addictive to hunt. This episode, we sit down by a midnight acacia-wood fire in the Eastern Cape area of South Africa with PH Ed Everton of Rosedale Safaris, to share hunting stories and discuss the incredible Cape Kudu. We talk through Cape Kudu characteristics, hunting methods, habits and habitat, and proper tools (rifle, cartridge, & bullet) for hunting them. This is an awesome episode, recorded in the field and published raw and unedited. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Trippin' Triggers: How to achieve your best shot, with Timney's Mike Ballard & Chris Ellis | 10 Mar 2023 | 01:03:10 | |
This episode I'm joined by engineer Mike Ballard and long-time hunting partner Chris Ellis to talk Timney Triggers, and how to pick the right trigger and get the best out of it. We discuss:
ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| DIY Hunting Spring Bears—Spot & Stalk | 03 Mar 2023 | 01:22:04 | |
Some of the most adventurous DIY backcountry hunts out West are spring bear hunts. This episode digs deep into planning and executing a fun, safe, successful hunt for black bears in big public-land country. We discuss:
ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| Stone Glacier, & Solo Hunting Adventures with Kurt Racicot | 24 Feb 2023 | 01:30:07 | |
This episode we're joined by Stone Glacier founder and lead product designer Kurt Racicot, who's a passionate backcountry hunter. A past Alaska resident for a dozen years, Kurt hunted and shot several mountain goats and dall sheep on solo adventures, as well as moose and bear and caribou, before moving home to Montana and launching Stone Glacier. Here, Kurt shares stories and lessons learned during his gnarliest hunts, and gives us an inside look at Stone Glacier, a company that's become synonymous with ultra-light, mountaineering-quality hunting packs, sleeping bags, tents, and apparel. A fellow eccentric cartridge enthusiast, Kurt also tells us about his two go-to cartridges and the rifle setups he currently uses for backcountry sheep and goat hunting and for Montana elk. We also talk through functional optics, glassing techniques, and how to cover country with boots and optics. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Modern vs. Classic Cartridges for Hunting | 17 Feb 2023 | 01:12:08 | |
What's all the froth and fervor over modern cartridges? Should we really discard the old tried-and-true classics? Sometimes, perhaps. Often, absolutely not. This episode takes a deep dive into the pros & cons of modern, cutting-edge cartridges versus classic, proven cartridges. We discuss:
This was a fun one... ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.youtube.com/user/Gunwerks | |||
| Spartan in the Arctic, with Rob Gearing | 10 Feb 2023 | 00:57:28 | |
Ever hunted in negative 25 degree (C) temps, on 11-foot cross-country skis? Rob Gearing, founder of Spartan Precision Equipment has, and in this episode he shares his most recent adventures. Frostbitten fingertips were the least of the damage; Rob actually experienced frostbite in his shooting eye. Several times he had to personally re-insert a troublesome hernia that popped out while straining to recover and get back upright after a crash in deep, deep powder snow. Yes, Rob's an animal and thrives on type-2 fun. In this episode, Rob shares survival tips, cold-weather hunting methods, advice for staying mentally focused and having fun even against astronomical odds, and more. Before closing, we discuss Spartan's new partnership with Primos, and Spartan's new line of precision-shooting products ideal for NRL Hunter competition and front-country hunting, which live under the new Spartan Defense branch of the company. One other cool thing about this episode: I'm tremendously excited to introduce—in partnership with John Zombro, aka "The Lifetime Athlete" —a brand-new segment titled Backcountry Fitness & Nutrition. Check it out. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| Preparing for a DIY Hunt Out West | 03 Feb 2023 | 01:23:06 | |
This episode dives into the often-daunting task of preparing to hunt Out West. For folks coming from low-elevation flatland, here's a guide on the whole shootin' match:
This was a fun one... ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| 7mm PRC vs. .280 Ackley Improved | 27 Jan 2023 | 01:06:16 | |
This episode dives into the cutting-edge 7mm PRC and the legendary .280 Ackley Improved. We compare accuracy potential, long-range capability, recoil levels, efficiency and barrel life, versatility with various bullets, downrange potency, appropriate rifle actions, magazine capacity and follow-up shots, ammunition and rifle availability, and more. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:
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| Elk Cartridges & Killing Ability with Colton Heward | 20 Jan 2023 | 00:56:51 | |
What does it take to cleanly kill an elk? This episode, we sit down with professional western guide Colton Heward, who has seen hundreds of elk shot. Colton shares his opinion on the useful minimum energy required to kill big bulls quickly, and details the cartridges and bullets that work best. We also swap stories about hunting anomalies; experiences that just shouldn't happen—but did. Antelope that shrug off perfect shots, giant bull elk that drop stone dead when shot with tiny bullets, and other true but disconcerting tales. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Bonus segment: Browning's new fast-twist .270 Winchester & 7mm PRC rifles | 19 Jan 2023 | 00:03:23 | |
Browning knocked my socks off with two surprise introductions at SHOT 2023! First is an X-Bolt chambered in .270 Winchester—with a fast rifling twist rate in the barrel! You can shoot all traditional .270 ammo in it, plus handloaders can use all the modern, heavy-for-caliber, high-BC bullets. It's terrific. Second is a whole line of X-Bolt rifles chambered in 7mm PRC. I thought Browning wouldn't come to market with a 7mm PRC until 2024. I was wrong—and how! Long barrels, medium barrels, short suppressor-ready barrels, various stocks and finishes... pick your poison. This 5-minute episode with Rifle Product Manager Aaron Cummins details the new lines. Check it out! | |||
| BONUS Segment: Remington's New Premier Long Range Ammo | 18 Jan 2023 | 00:02:41 | |
This brief new-product segment is a first look at Remington's new Premier Long Range ammo. This ammo is loaded with heavy-for-caliber, high-BC bullets, built by Speer, using the same molecular plating/bonding construction used in Federal's excellent Fusion bullets. As a result, it's a tough, deep-penetrating bullet that will open reliably at distance, and if it's anything like the Fusion bullet, will be very accurate. A composite "Slip-stream" tip and boat tail help aerodynamics. Please excuse the background noise and the hum of energy... It's the electrifying hum of a SHOT Show in full swing! Enjoy. | |||
| How To Set Up a Hunting Rifle | 21 Jun 2024 | 00:48:53 | |
Is your rifle fully set up and ready for hunting season? That's a question all too many hunters don't ask until it's nearly go-time. This episide addresses rifle choice and scope selection, how to mount your scope for best performance, crucial accessories like an anti-cant scope level, rifle sling, and bipod, and how to set the complete system up properly. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Get The Most Out Of Your .270, & SHOT Show Kickoff! Bonus episode | 16 Jan 2023 | 00:33:52 | |
Thanks to a listener's request, we're bringing the grand old .270 Winchester some love. This episode dives into how to get the best ballistic and terminal performance out of the cartridge. We talk rifle accuracy, factory load options and selection, handloading the .270, and some bullets that have provided top-tier performance over the years. This is a BONUS episode, and it's also the 2023 SHOT Show kickoff! We'll have new-product introductions and reviews in upcoming episodes—and are going to be posting short "first look" segments on www.patreon.com/backcountry. Sign up for access to that bonus content, and to join our community there. ENJOY!
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| BACKCOUNTRY cans, eForm status, & traveling abroad with Silencer Central's Brandon Maddox | 13 Jan 2023 | 01:10:28 | |
This episode we're joined by Brandon Maddox, head man at Silencer Central and the suppressor world's leading genius. We talk rough-country hunting, and unpack the all-new 7.8-oz. titanium Banish Backcountry suppressor. Next, Brandon gives us a "state of the ATF" address outlining the current status of the eForm system and what purchasers can expect. For first-time buyers, we lay out how to keep it simple when buying your first suppressor, and then dig into the (relatively simple) process of traveling internationally with your suppressor. Naturally, the entire conversation is liberally dosed with hunting stories and experiences. ENJOY! Link to government Form 4457 for traveling abroad with firearms and suppressors.
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.gunwerks.com | |||
| Animals Lost & Lessons Learned | 06 Jan 2023 | 01:41:59 | |
Ethical hunters try very hard to never wound and fail to recover a game animal. However, no scenario in life is entirely controllable, and occasionally, game is wounded and either lost or recovered with extreme difficulty. This episode relates several such experiences, and digs deep and honestly into what went wrong and what should have been done differently. It's a candid look at what can happen, what to avoid, and how to overcome and adapt and do your best to bring a hunt that's gone sideways to an ethical end. These are the tales that no one wants to share. They're sometimes embarrassing, and expose raw emotions of failure and regret and lay us open to critique by fellow hunters. We're sharing these stories, and the lessons learned, in hopes that doing so will help others avoid making the same mistakes. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| Crippling Injuries & Mild Cartridges that Keep You In The Hunt, with John Zombro | 30 Dec 2022 | 01:39:11 | |
In 2021 John Zombro—a hard-core Montana backcountry hunter and orthopedic physical therapist—blew his shooting-side shoulder joint up like a grenade. Unwilling to give up his lifelong passion for hunting, John researched and put together a special rifle/cartridge system that enabled him to take mule deer, elk, and antelope the season following his shoulder reconstruction. John hosts The Lifetime Athlete podcast, gives a great interview, and was kind enough to come on the show and tell his story. He's a wealth of information on overcoming hunt-crippling injuries, and shares some tremendous insights. John is also a gear-head and rifle nut of the first order, and in this episode he outlines his research into just what shooting system would help him effectively take big, old bull elk yet wouldn't damage his reconstructed shoulder. It's a fascinating story, folks. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| Traditional & Modern Hunting Bullets | 23 Dec 2022 | 00:40:17 | |
This episode discusses the types of bullets best for use on western big game inside 400 yards. Terminal performance challenges of various shot angles are explored, bullets that "dump all their energy inside" are myth-busted, controlled-expansion vs. rapid-expansion projectiles are discussed. Philosophy and ethics of close-range vs. long-range hunting and shooting skills are brought under scrutiny, and used to help determine appropriate bullets. The importance of skill-building practice is emphasized, whether a hunter wants to stalk close with a longbow or shoot far with a modern precision rifle. Plus, this episode has a sneak peak at a southern border-country desert mule deer hunt... ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Target Bullets for Hunting Big Game: When they're applicable, and how to pick the right one | 16 Dec 2022 | 01:53:36 | |
This episode we're joined by Gunwerks founder and owner Aaron Davidson, one of the world's most knowledgeable experts in the realm of long-range precision hunting. Primary topic is the use of target-type bullets such as Berger's VLD's and Hornady's ELD Match for hunting big game. Aaron defines when such bullets are ideal, the various types most suitable, and characteristics unique to each type. Terminal performance behavior is a primary focus, and Aaron leads listeners through what to expect from various types of target bullets, and how to translate that into making the right choice for your needs. We discuss shot placement, velocity windows that provide useful terminal performance, and how target-type bullets rupture or mushroom and kill. For hunters limited to "non-toxic" bullets, Aaron covers the upsides and downsides of monometal bullets, particularly in terms of accuracy, wind drift, terminal affect, and influence on maximum shot distances. Finally, Aaron wraps up with a backstage look at what's shaking at Gunwerks: an update on the Nexus rifle, new rangefinding binos and scopes coming in the Revic Optics line, and more. This is a good one... ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Hunting Mentors & Ambassadors | 09 Dec 2022 | 00:54:14 | |
In every serious hunters' life, there have been one or more mentors that inspired and educated. This episode is dedicated to all the great ambassadors of hunting out there, and contains a dozen of our top nominations for the 200th episode rifle setup giveaway. The nominations show an awesome cross-section of the type of folks that we all ought to be—and include life stories heartwarming and heart-wrenching; rousing and extraordinary. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com | |||
| Favorite Western Hunting Cartridge, & Giving Back | 02 Dec 2022 | 00:46:20 | |
Nothing like a good cartridge discussion to make the 200th episode great! Host Joseph von Benedikt details his favorite cartridge for across-the-spectrum big game hunting in the Lower 48, digging deep on the cartridge's history and development, as well as the performance characteristics that make it so capable. What exactly is it? You'll have to listen to find out. We also detail our celebratory giveaway:
ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| Setting Up a Western Hunting Rifle | 25 Nov 2022 | 01:11:35 | |
Ever feel like your rifle is holding you back? Or watch a friend fail to connect on a buck or bull because their rifle setup has limitations? This episode is all about setting your shooting' iron up for success. We dive into deep detail on the following:
Final thought: It's not what you have, it's how you use it... OR IS IT? ENJOY! Special limited-time deal: Get 20% off Red Kettle M19 rifle slings by clicking this Red Kettle link and using code BackcountryHunting200.
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| BONUS Episode! 200th Podcast celebration: Give Back and be Thankful | 22 Nov 2022 | 00:11:21 | |
CELEBRATION TIME! We're about to hit a huge milestone, folks! It's our 200th episode. To celebrate, we're doing a massive gear giveaway. This isn't an ordinary drawing, though. It's a give-back effort to those that have inspired, mentored, and guided us in our passion for hunting and for living in general. You can't actually enter for our "grand prize" yourself. Please submit the name of someone that you feel needs and deserves this: It's a new Browning X-Bolt Speed rifle complete with Leupold VX-5HD scope, Spartan Pro Hunt bipod, Red Kettle M19 sling, and 100 rounds of 6.8 Western ammo. Turn-key, equipped just as I'd set up my own personal rifle, ready to walk out the door and into elk country with. Email your entry to joseph@backcountrypodcast.com. But enter yourself for all the other great giveaway items! We have a Silencer Central all-titanium Banish Backcountry suppressor, a one-of-a-kind Northern Shrike backcountry hunting blade by Siembida Custom Knives, a winners-choice Timney Trigger, a Leupold 10x40 BX-4 Pro Guide HD binocular, several Red Kettle bino cases and M19 rifle slings, and more. To enter, tag a friend when each item pops up on Instagram. A share gets another entry. And if you're not on IG, no worries—just email me your name. Supporters on www.patreon.com/backcountry automatically get entered in every giveaway! Would love to have you join the Backcountry Hunting community we've created there. Signing up unlocks all our bonus material—weekly gear tips, how-to, and short audio episodes. A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS that made this 200th-episode celebratory giveaway possible! https://www.redkettle.co/en-us
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| Cold-Bore Accuracy: How to avoid first-shot misses | 14 Jun 2024 | 01:00:40 | |
What causes some cold-bore shots to go astray? And can a good rifleman eliminate them? This episode discusses bore condition, barrel quality, clean-bore shots, and the human element, debunking myths and providing practical solutions to overcome unexplained first-shot misses. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Caribou DIY, Drop-Camp Ladies Hunt Recap | 18 Nov 2022 | 01:08:25 | |
In this awesome episode we're joined by Shaundi, Kali, and Tess to hear the stories of their 2022 fall caribou hunt. (Check out episode 185 on their hunt planning and prep.) The three ladies headed to northern Alaska on their own, and found, shot, processed, and packed out three good caribou bulls. Their tales are remarkable, and the insight they share invaluable. Even the part where they describe the Northern Lights as something like magic mushrooms... Listeners, I think you'll enjoy this episode. I sure did!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| 7 PRC vs. 7mm Rem Mag, and Random Ramblings on Ballistics & Terminal Performance | 11 Nov 2022 | 01:20:05 | |
This episode compares the hot new 7mm PRC with the tried-and-true 7mm Rem Mag, and to a lesser extent the 28 Nosler. We discuss whether the 7mm PRC provides a practical advantage, and consider the type of shooter and hunter that will benefit from the 7mm PRC vs. the 7mm Rem Mag. Ballistic performance, suitable bullets, custom rifles vs. off-the-shelf rifles, factory ammo vs. tuned handloads... all are considered. About 30 minutes in, the topic turns to terminal bullet performance, with an emphasis on the advantages of super-accurate match-type bullets vs. tough, deep-penetrating bullets for hunting. Scenarios where both can prove to be the deciding factor at the moment of truth are outlined. The duplex load concept, which provides hunters maximum capability both up close and far away is detailed. Finally, do-all bullets that span the spectrum of potential needs are discussed. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| Hunting Late-Season Elk | 04 Nov 2022 | 00:54:27 | |
Recorded live and raw in Idaho's rough elk country, this episode takes a deep dive into three key methods of late-season elk hunting:
Host Joseph von Benedikt provides tips and tricks for each method, and discusses end results for which each method is most effective. Real-world stories of failure and success spotlight each strategy. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com | |||
| 7mm PRC: A Deep Dive into the Newest Precision Rifle Cartridge | 28 Oct 2022 | 01:15:58 | |
Is the new 7mm PRC necessary? If so, why? Does it accomplish much that current 7mm's can't? The answer is yes, profoundly. However, the devil is in the details. The 7mm PRC offers a series of small advantages that add up to a massive overall superiority. In short, it's potentially the best 7mm magnum cartridge ever designed. This episode starts from a skeptical standpoint and explores the 7mm PRC's characteristics, and in the end outlines just why it's so profoundly good. Characteristics:
The result is a turn-key solution for shooters that want best-possible extreme-range capability without having a custom, fast-twist rifle built with extended magazine box and tuned handloads. Potentially, the 7mm PRC is THE 7mm cartridge of the future. This episode details why. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| BONUS 5-min Episode: 7mm PRC, A First Look | 26 Oct 2022 | 00:05:56 | |
Folks, here's a quick 5-minute bonus episode on the brand-new 7mm PRC cartridge. ENJOY!
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| Modern Monometal Bullets: Makers, Types, Performance, & More | 21 Oct 2022 | 01:08:07 | |
This episode takes a deep dive into the world of current monometal bullets. We explore driving trends, performance characteristics, and differences between monometal and lead-core bullets. Next, we dig into specific bullet designs by the great makers:
We discuss minimum impact velocity thresholds, expansion mechanisms, mushrooming characteristics, accuracy reputations, and of course elusive ballistic coefficients. Finally, we wrap up with thoughts on the future of hunting bullets. (Also, check out the Poseidon Pro, our featured product of this episode.) ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| How To Make Fast Follow-Up Shots | 14 Oct 2022 | 00:57:54 | |
Sometimes things don't go as anticipated when shooting at a big buck or bull. This is when the moment of truth becomes The Moment Of Truth, and the ability to make clean, fast follow-up shots and bring the hunt to a rapid, ethical finish is of vital importance. This episode digs deep into the fundamentals and the finer points of making fast, accurate follow-up shots in the field. We address:
ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Alaska DIY Moose, Part 2 | 07 Oct 2022 | 00:54:03 | |
Recorded live in deep backcountry Alaska, this episode is the second half and the wrap on our DIY, public-land, drop-camp Alaska moose hunt for 2022. Hunting partner Joe Kennedy and host Joseph von Benedikt continue to hunt without contact with the pilot or family for days, due to a communications/emergency device failure. Caribou herds move into the area. Big grayling fish hit dry flies hard. Rain, wind, weather, eagles and wolves are part of this second week, plus we continue to discuss stand-out gear and the logistics of getting a lot of meat home to Idaho. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/
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| Wild Meat Cooking with Camp Chef's Brooks Hanson | 30 Sep 2022 | 00:44:40 | |
I'm joined this episode by Camp Chef's Brooks Hansen, a northern Utah local who's spent much of his life hunting the backcountry and grilling, Barbequing, and smoking the wild game he brings home. We talk about the rewards of introducing friends and family to wild game meat, the evolution of charcoal and gas and pellet grills, and the genesis and foundation of Camp Chef as an outdoor company. Brooks details the latest and greatest in smokers and grills, including the just-launched Woodwind Pro, and talks through the versatile Camp Chef Apex, which serves as a pellet grill, gas grill, and flat-top grill all in one plus has an accessory pizza oven and is compatible with dutch ovens. Plus, he details the various types of smoker pellets Camp Chef makes, and discloses his personal favorites. Not least, Brooks goes over the secrets to success when smoking lean, wild-game rib racks. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Alaska DIY Moose, Part 1 | 23 Sep 2022 | 01:12:35 | |
Recorded audio-journal style in the field, this episode is brought to you raw and unedited and contains the account of a great bull moose hunt. Pals Joseph von Benedikt and Joe Kennedy are dropped via bush plane in the vast Alaska interior, and hunt DIY for 12 days for moose, caribou, black bear, and wolf. Against the odds of hot weather, no rutting action, and a moose population made sparse by severe winter kill, they find and take a fantastic bull during this first half of the hunt. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| My Ultimate .280 Ackley Rifle Build | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:14:15 | |
Folks, I've fielded a lot of questions about this rifle—so here's a 15-minute bonus rifle review for you. This is the build project I did last year to create my ultimate .280 Ackley Improved custom mountain rifle. It was built by my old friend Steve Pratt of Elk Meadow Performance, using the following components:
It turned out wonderfully... Weighs right around 7.5 pounds ready to go up the moutain!
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| Inbound for Alaska Moose | 16 Sep 2022 | 00:40:45 | |
Recorded live on the road across Alaska, this episode is a raw, unedited discussion as my hunting partner Joe and I head for our DIY, drop-camp moose hunt (with caribou, black bear, and wolf tags in our pockets too). Prep, gear, planning, expectations and hopes are all part of this fun on-the-fly conversation as we embark on an adventure that's been three years in the planning. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Backcountry Rifle Maintenance | 09 Sep 2022 | 00:29:31 | |
This episode is all about keeping your backcountry hunting rifle running through adverse conditions. Whether you're in shocking cold and the oil on your firing pin assembly gels, or you jam the muzzle into a mud bank and have to clear an obstruction, or it rains so much that rust prevention is challenging, there are tips and tricks that help you stay in the game and keep hunting effectively. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry
VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| DIY Alaska Gear List | 02 Sep 2022 | 01:03:01 | |
Here's the nitty-gritty on all JvB's gear assembled for an upcoming DIY, drop-camp hunt in Alaska for moose, caribou, black bear, and wolf. Hunt gear, sleep systems, shelters, fire-starting tools, optics, medical prep, everything. We detail each item, including why it's necessary and why we chose that specific version, and provide weight when applicable. Food type, quantity, and prep is also outlined. Full list below. ENJOY!
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GEAR LIST Alaska 2022 Moose Hunt
Bag No. 1:
Bag No. 2: Health and sick care
Bag No. 3: Gun care
Bag No. 4:
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| Keeping Sharp in the Backcountry | 26 Aug 2022 | 00:57:36 | |
This episode is about keeping sharp in the backcountry... literally. Special segments cover nutrition, endurance, the mental game, sleep habits, and more, but the primary topic is how to properly sharpen a hunting knife. We discuss types of steel, types of sharpening stone, edge angles and retention, sharpening processes, and edge and blade maintenance. ENJOY!
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| Caribou DIY Drop-Camp Hunt Prep with Shaundi Campbell & Kali Parmley | 19 Aug 2022 | 00:53:01 | |
This episode we're joined by a group of hard-hunting ladies about to head to the far north for a DIY, drop-camp caribou hunt. Shaundi Campbell is Browning's senior marketing manager and a western hunter from childhood. Kali Parmley is editor-in-chief of Backcountry Hunter magazine. We talk through planning and hunt prep; rifles, optics, cartridges and other gear; expectations and fears; traveling in via bush plane; terrain challenges, and much more. ENJOY!
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| ABC's of Shooting Long Distance | 12 Aug 2022 | 01:05:12 | |
Inspired by a listener's question, this episode is all about the fundamentals of extended-range shooting in the field. We start with gear, particularly addressing vital scope features and setup for long-range success. Dial-up turrets, custom dials, parallax focus, reticle types, zero distance, anti-cant levels, and so forth are detailed and discussed. Next we dive into concepts. Angled shots, effect of altitude and temperature on trajectory, out-of-plumb crosshairs and erratic hits, how aerodynamic bullets minimize error, training the puppy in the back of the brain to drive when we experience a high-speed come-apart, and more. Finally, appropriate cartridges and effective bullets are addressed and detailed. Suitable bore diameters, efficient magnums, and critical bullet characteristics such as accuracy, aerodynamics, and terminal performance are all dissected. Finally, the most important of all characteristics needed for effective, ethical killing capability at extended distances is hashed out. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com | |||
| Classic Cartridges for Backcountry Hunting | 05 Aug 2022 | 01:10:40 | |
Are classic cartridge suitable for backcountry hunting? You bet they are—and some are particularly good at it. This episode takes a detailed look at several of the best. We list top bullet choices and favorite rifles, and discuss what each cartridge is really good at. Criteria for inclusion:
Cartridges included:
Downsides of classic cartridges
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| The Lifetime Athlete with John Zombro | 29 Jul 2022 | 01:18:51 | |
Want to stay backcountry-fit into your older years? Or just shake off the cobwebs and get mountain-hunting shape? We recorded this episode with John Zombro, a professional trainer and physical therapist who specializes in hunt-prep training. A passionate backcountry hunter with more than 50 years in the field, Zombro lives in southwestern Montana and hosts The Lifetime Athlete podcast. John is a down-to-earth, relatable guy with great real-life hunting stories that have shaped his approach to life and fitness. In this episode, he shares tips and tricks for building the right training program, sticking with it, being mentally strong, and taking the confidence and lessons learned while training into the field to help close the deal at the moment of truth. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://www.instagram.com/siembida_custom_knives/ | |||
| Optimizing .30-caliber Performance for Hunting | 22 Jul 2022 | 01:15:38 | |
Why does America love .30-caliber cartridges so much? BECAUSE THEY WORK! Here's a little history on when the great .30's won our hearts, and a deep dive into how to get the best out of your .30-caliber cartridge. We touch on most of the popular .30-caliber rounds, but focus primarily on bullet types, intended uses, rifling twist rates, cartridge case capacity, and so forth. The discussion spans the spectrum of great cartridges from the .300 Savage, .30-30, and .308 up to the .300 WSM, .300 Win Mag, .300 RUM, .300 PRC, and most everything in-between. Characteristics of great hunting bullets for large game up through the biggest moose, bison, and bears are outlined, and favorites are recommended. Plus we address .30-caliber bullets ideal for deer-size game from southern whitetails to wild hogs. Long-range ballistics, bullet construction, terminal performance, and accuracy are dissected and discussed, along with rifle weight and it's affect on recoil. This was a fun one... ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Bush Rifles & Brush-Busting Cartridges | 15 Jul 2022 | 01:02:46 | |
This episode takes a deep dive into the realm of brush-country rifles, cartridges, and bullets. Inspired by a listeners question, we explore the concept of a "bush gun," and define rifle characteristics that fit. Rifle responsiveness, balance, fast function, accuracy, reach, and authority, along with appropriate scopes are addressed. Next, species and habitat types likely to fit the deep-thicket hunting scene are detailed. Alaska and Canada's alder thickets, Northeastern and Northwestern big woods country, and Rocky Mountain dark timber and oak thickets. Deer, elk, bear, moose, and more. Hard-hitting cartridges and bullets that fit the classic "brush-busting" mold come next, along with a discussion of whether any bullet can actually shrug off contact with twigs and leaves and other brush and still impact where you want. Lastly, 10 of von Benedikt's favorite bush rifle models and cartridges are listed, wrapping up with a recommendation of just two that tick all the boxes. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| DIY Boat-Based Alaska Black Bear | 07 Jun 2024 | 01:32:50 | |
Recorded raw in the field off coastal Alaska, this episode takes place hunting from the Venturess, a fishing/hunting boat operated by Alaska Premier Sportfishing. Even though we experienced constant rain, wind, and cold, our group of 7 hunters managed to take 4 great bears, plus our limit of halibut, rockfish, king salmon, and several yelloweye. My daughter Sophie turned 12 on the boat, right after taking the biggest bear anyone in our family has ever shot! She dropped it with a perfect 251-yard shot after stalking up the Alaska coastline. Color me proud. This is a long episode full of great stories and details of planning, gear selection, hunt methods, unexpected challenges, and of course rifle, cartridge, bullet, and optic selections. ENJOY!
FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||
| Backcountry Brown Bear with Shane Porter | 08 Jul 2022 | 01:03:37 | |
This episode we're joined by Shane Porter, Gunwerks' No. 1 dealer and owner of Porter's Pawn in Arkansas. Shane shares what makes his business tick, why he loves and specializes in high-end backcountry hunting rifles, and what drives his own passion for hunting remote areas. Plus of course we swap hunting stories, and Shane tells about his spring 2022 brown bear hunt on the Alaska Peninsula with Alaskan gunsmith and guide Steve Hallenbeck of Double Broomed Mountain Rifles. And how about a three-day trek from base camp in pursuit of a 43-inch dall sheep! Be sure and check out this link for the complete listing of fine high-end backcountry hunting rifles currently in inventory at Porter's Firearms. ENJOY!
FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.leupold.com | |||
| Monster Kudu & Old Cape Buffalo: Backcountry in Africa, Part 2 | 01 Jul 2022 | 02:01:06 | |
This around-the-campfire episode details three proper backcountry hunts for big Kudu bulls, and two nail-biting hunts in Namibia's historic Caprivi region along the Okavango River for massive, ancient Cape buffalo bulls. Adam Weatherby, Rob Gearing, Austin Brown, host Joseph von Benedikt, and PH Jacques Strauss dig deep into what worked, what didn't, and how to re-group and sort out a problem when it occurs. And of course we tell the stories of each of the tremendous animals taken, from the butt-puckering stalks on buffalo to the challenge of glassing and getting on a mountain-country Kudu bull. African conservation success stories and meat-providing processes are part and parcel of the discussion, and in truth provide some of the most passionate elements. Eating the "Poop Chute" and Buffalo balls as a pre-dinner delicacy come into play, too. And of course, there's plenty of rifle, optic, cartridge, and bullet performance discussion, too. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.leupold.com | |||
| Backcountry In Africa | 24 Jun 2022 | 01:06:44 | |
Deep in the heart of Africa, Rob Gearing, Adam Weatherby, and Austin Brown join Joseph von Benedikt for a proper safari in Namibia. Hunting more than 400,000 acres of free-range thornbush country on the edge of the Kalahari, we pursue giant kudu bulls, oryx, springbuck, zebra, and more. For the gearheads amongst us, we're using some very cool cutting-edge rifles from Weatherby, Gunwerks, and Dakota, chambered in .338 WBY RPM, 6.5-300 WBY, .416 WBY, and the classic, legendary .375 H&H, all topped with Leupold scopes. Plus, Adam Weatherby tells the story of a catastrophic rifle disaster involving a fall and a spectacular exhibition-grade walnut stock on his "light" rifle for plains game, as well as the innovative way we solved the issue to get him back in the field. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: | |||