Backcountry Hunting Podcast

Hunting New Zealand, Part 1: Free-Range Tahr & Fallow Deer

Kiwi Country! This episode we're in the field in New Zealand, hunting with Adam and Brenda Weatherby and their cameraman Koby Owens. Outfitter is Same Caley, who specializes in authentic, free-range hunts. Halfway through our hunt we paused to dry out, do laundry, and record a podcast about the two bull Tahr and Fallow deer we'd taken so far.  Plus, our group experienced a mountain-hunting accident that should have resulted in death or at least catestrophic injury. We relate that story in ...

How to Plan & Do An Aoudad Hunt

Ever wonder how to put together a great hunt for aoudad, aka the "poor man's Desert Bighorn" aka Barbary Sheep? This episode has awesome intel, planning, and hunt strategy from seasoned guide Colton Heward and from onX Hunt top gun Dylan Dowson. We cover everything from logistics to rifles and cartridges to pre-hunt practicing—all generously supported with great hunting stories. ENJOY!    FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to t...

Surviving a Bush Plane Crash, & Spartan Roots with Mark Wheeler

Here's the story of how Mark Wheeler survived a catestrophic bush plane crash in the Northwest, as well as the unique way he met and backed the most interesting man in the world--Rob Gearing--in building the Spartan brand. This was a terrific fireside conversation, recorded in the field. 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/bac...

The Great 280 Ackley Improved, with Ron Spomer

Could the .280 Ackley Improved be the most versatile western hunting cartridge? Long-time .280 Ackley man Ron Spomer joins this episode to explore it's history and capability. This discussion is full of great stories and anecdotes and lots of information on what is certainly one of the greatist hunting cartridges available. Plus, of course, we share details of our favorite .280 Ackley rifles and loads. ENJOY!    FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the...

Hunting Rights On The Precipice

Are our hunting rights and traditions in danger? If you consider England and Scotland as precursors of what could happen in America, then the answer is yes, potentially.  In this episode, we talk about what is happening in various hunting communities around the world, and discuss what we can do to protect and preserve our hunting heritage—wherever we live. We take a deep dive into conservation, wildlife management, being good stewards, and the benefits of hunting as a family and eating cle...

How To Pick a Hunting Bullet

Ever wonder how to pick just the right bullet to hunt with? This episode's for you. We take a deep dive into bullet construction and sectional density, and detail the performance of four different fundamental bullet types:  Bullets for deer-size game Bullets for elk- to moose-size game Bullets for dangerous game Bullets for pachyderms and for tracking wounded dangerous game Plus we explain:  Sectional density How bullets mushroom (the mechanics) Temporary vs. permanent wound cha...

375 H&H vs. 375 Ruger: Battle of the Versatile Big-Bores

Is the .375 H&H still the most versatile cartridge in the world? Or is the .375 Ruger now a better choice?  On the premise of picking just one cartridge to hunt everything from whitetail deer to elephant, we've chosen the two most likely candidates and pitted them against each other in this cartridge shootout-type episode. We consider:  Ballistic performance Inherent accuracy Available factory ammo Potential handloadability Available rifles/options/cost Rifle capacity & cartridg...

Q&A: Survival gear, Elk Cartridges, Long-Range Ethics & More

Survival gear? Elk cartridges? Shooting techniques? Long-range ethics? This episode has it all, thanks to our great reader's questions and comments.  Also, BIG NEWS! We're launching a YouTube channel. Our boy William (the ever-popular host of the Backcountry Apprentice segment) will be editing and publishing videos of our episodes. Please jump over to YouTube and give him a quick subscribe!  https://www.youtube.com/@BackcountryHuntingPodcast   FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the ...

6.8 Western vs. 7mm PRC

These two new-fangled cartridges are arguably the best all-purpose hunting rounds introduced in the past 20 years. Which is best, 6.8 Western or 7 PRC?  In this episode, we take a deep dive into the advantages of each cartridge, including:  Best effectiveness on a broad spectrum of non-dangerous game Adaptability for different types of terrain and hunting Which makes for the best mountain rifle Which is most efficient in short barrels for use with a suppressor Which has the least ...

How To Sharpen A Knife

Ever struggle to get a sharp edge on your hunting knife? This 20-minute tuturial walks step-by-step through the process of making your blade razor sharp. Plus, we discuss best benchtop sharpening stones and field stones. ENJOY!  To watch the video of this episode, please join us on www.patreon.com/backcountry , where you'll get access to all our bonus content. 

Titanium & 3-D Printed Suppressors: Magic or Mistake?

Recorded at the recent Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City, this episode digs into titanium as a suppressor material, as well as the cutting-edge new technology enabling manufacturers to make 3-D printed suppressors. Brandon Maddox of Silencer Central also gives us an inside look at the status of the E-Form system, and talks about a new conservation-driven bill that would direct funds from the $200 tax stamp required with every suppressor to benefit conservation. There's so...

Survival & Emergency Base Camp Gear

What emergency and survival gear should you have at base camp? Whether your base is a truck at the trailhead, or a big horse camp deep in wilderness country, you should have crucial backup gear and food there.  This episode was inspired by a listener, and contains a list of what we consider important, from extra ammo or arrows to medical supplies—along with discussion of why and plenty of real-world stories of challenging experiences. ENJOY!    FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the g...

Best Replaceable Blade Hunting Knives

This episode looks at three of the best replaceable-blade, ultralight folding hunting knives on the market: Havalon, Outdoor Edge, and Browning.    We believe every serious hunter should have a good traditional fixed-blade hunting knife and be good at sharpening it. However, there is a place for replaceable-blade knives. This discussion addresses what to pick and why. Plus, we share a couple of cautionary true stories—one that could have ended in death—of accidents with scalpel-sharp r...

Best Scopes for Close Range Hunting

What sort of scope (or sights) will help you shoot most effectively when hunting big timber or brush country?  This episode explores the characteristics of an optic that's ideal for fast, effective shooting inside 200 yards, and details several different scope, red dot, and iron sight models that work particularly well.  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 Hu...

Best Lever Actions for Big Game

This episode showcases three terrific lever-action big game rifles. All are classic historic designs that were carried by frontiersmen; all are also still being produced!  These three are big-bore versions suitable for hunting anything from deer to grizzlies. We'll follow up soon with an episode on top-notch .30-30 models ideal for deer and hog hunting.  In order of appearance, here are links to the specific rifle models showcased here:    Winchester Model 1886 Short Rifle in .45-90 ...

Best Rifles, Cartridges, & Bullets for Close-Range Hunting

What makes a capable rifle/cartridge/bullet setup for close-range hunting? This episode takes a deep dive into the best of the type, including lever-actions, pump-actions, bolt-actions, semiautos, and even single shots, along with ideal cartridges and top-performing bullet types.  We address whether brush-busting bullets are actually a thing, and the visible on-impact effect of blunt-nose bullets up close versus pointed bullets.  From shot angles to blood trails to fast follow-up shots, ...

Leupold's New Mark 4HD (and another Northern Shrike)

After four decades of U.S. sniper history Leupold's legendary Mark 4 scope has been completely overhauled. The new Mark 4HD has state-of-the-art glass and cutting-edge features, and is undoubtedly the best crossover precision/tactical/hunting scope now on the market. Weight is reasonable, as is cost: $999 to $1,599.  This episode takes a deep dive into the new Mark 4HD line with optical experts John Snodgrass and Shawn Skipper. ENJOY!    FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth ...

Coolest New Gear at SHOT Show 2024, with Ron Spomer and Colton Heward

This episode I sat down with Ron Spomer and Colton Heward and swapped stories and opinions on the flood of innovative new shooting and hunting products introduced at SHOT Show 2024.  We talk about awesome new rifle designs, from Winchester's new $400 .22 rimfire lever gun to Beretta's startling new straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle.  New riflescopes and rangefinding binoculars and premium optics of every sort abound. New cartridge introductions are few but new loads for trendy cart...

22 Creedmoor: The Ultimate Predator Cartridge?

Is there a predator-hunting cartridge that outperforms all others? There is, and it's called the 22 Creedmoor. It's designed for maximum performance with modern, high-BC .22-caliber centerfire bullets, and as a result is much more effective than classic favorites such as the .22-250.  Skeptical? I admit I sure was. Research showed me that the 22 Creedmoor doesn't just outperform the .22-250 and other popular predator rounds, it eclipses them. Want some numbers? The 22 Creedmoor is more eff...

Gear Prep & Hunting for Coues Deer

This episode takes us to Old Mexico in pursuit of coues deer, the Gray Ghost of the Southwest. These tiny desert mountain-dwellering whitetails are incredibly challenging—and fun—to hunt.  Guides and hunters with 40 years of experience talk us through how, where and when to hunt coues deer. We take a deep dive into rifles, cartridges, and bullets for coues deer, and discuss the vital importance of a good binocular and high-powered, tripod-mounted binocular.  The second half of the podcas...

How To Use a Custom Scope Dial

Custom scope dials are the fastest, simplest way to make precise shots inside 600 yards. Just range, dial, hold center and shoot. However, ordering a dial with the correct parameters and setting it up on your rifle can feel intimidating. It shouldn't be.  The process is a detailed one, but isn't hard. This episode outlines several steps on how to get it right, and then how to use your custom dial most effectively. Common questions and misconceptions about custom dials are answered and myth...

Top 3 Movies for Hunters

Few great hunting films exist... But the great ones are really spectacular. This brief episode details three of the best ever made. ENJOY! 

7mm PRC vs .300 Win. Mag: Which Is Best?

In this episode we pit the legendary .300 Win. Mag. against the trendy 7mm PRC. One is the magnum by which all others are measured; the other is the fastest-growing magnum in the industry. Which one is best?  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.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com ...

Rifle vs Cartridge: Which to pick first?

When you need a new hunting rifle, should you first pick a cartridge, and then find a rifle you like that's chambered for it? Or should you first choose a rifle type and model, and then shop for one chambered for a cartridge that suits your needs?  This brief bonus episode explores a couple of examples showcasing the advantages of each approach... ENJOY!

Backcountry Q&A: Elk guns, bear spray, kid rifles, cartridge wars, & more!

Top Three Backcountry Backpacks

Shopping for a serious backpack for backcountry hunting? This rapid-fire 5-minute bonus episode details three top picks. These packs are versitile, capable, comfortable, and of premium quality. Compressed, they'll serve as a daypack ready to morph into a meat-hauling machine. Weight ratings are all north of 150 pounds, and capacity is plenty for expedition-level hunts.  ENJOY! 

onX Navigation and Elk Hunting

Effective scouting, mapping, and navigating backcountry areas is crucial to hunting success. The onX Hunt app is an incredible tool and resource for doing so—so much so that it's become indespensible. This episode, onX's Dylan Dowson joins us to walk listeners through several of the newest, coolest features included with the onX app, and shares the story of his giant 2023 public-land, solo DIY archery bull elk. ENJOY!    FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST!  Join the Backcountry Hunt...

Best Bear-Stopping Guns

Folks, I think we often miss the mark when we talk about guns for defense against trouble bears. It's crucial to keep in mind that although a handgun or a deer rifle is far better than nothing and is sometimes the only option, they're still a distant second-best to powerful big-bore guns.   This 5-minute episode details three top choices for actually STOPPING a charging bear. Not just killing it, but preventing it from killing you.   We're filming these brief bonus episodes, so if y...

243 Winchester vs 6mm Creedmoor: Best crossover deer/predator cartridge?

In the world of light, zippy cartridges that serve double duty on deer and varmints, what's best? Two of our most popular crossover cartridges are the classic .243 Winchester, and the cutting-edge6mm Creedmoor.  This episode takes a deep dive into the pros and cons of each, pitting the two against each other in terminal performance, inherrent accuracy, ballistics, barrel life, practical versatility, and more. Take a listen to hear which emerges the winner. ENJOY!    FRIENDS, PLEASE SUP...

Modern Cartridges Most Likely To Survive

"Do you think the 6.8 Western is here to stay?" We field a lot of this type of question. Survival rate of modern cartridges is a valid concern, especially for hunters that don't handload. So we've featured three really new cutting-edge rifle cartridges that we're pretty sure are here for the long haul. My criteria was that each had to be from a different designer, each had to be introduced very recently, and each had to be a capable, versatile cartridge for western big game.  This is one o...

Riflestock accuracy & consistency

Few things are worse than an equipment failure when you're about to take a shot at a buck, bull, ram, or boar of a lifetime. One of the least suspected but frequent culprits of shots going astray in the field are inconsistent riflestocks. This episode with accuracy nut Austin Brown digs deep on how to maximize the accuracy potential and consistency of your rifle's stock—and is generously supported with hunting stories to make our points. Ok, ok: This episode is mostly hunting stories with a ...

Handgun Cartridges for Bear Defense

What handgun cartridge should you carry in bear country? That depends on the local species and your personal shooting ability. Spotlighted here are three of the most practical options available.  This is the eighth of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques.  We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like to put eyes on the products and methods showcased, ple...

Lever Actions for Hardcore Hunting

Want a quick-handling, hard-hitting lever-action hunting rifle? Here's an in-depth look at the three primary types, with notes on cartridges and configurations.  Traditional lever actions: Winchester and Marlin models for vintage cartridges Cartridges: .44 Magnum, .30-30, .45-70, and so forth Characteristics: Classic, historic, best at close range Advanced traditional lever actions:  Savage 99, Winchester 95 Cartridges: .300 Savage, .30-06, .405 Win, and so forth Characteristics...

Emergency Fire Starters

What fire starting aids should you carry in dangerous country? Spotlighted here are three of the best: Products proven to work in harsh conditions.   This is the seventh of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques.  We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like to put eyes on the products and methods showcased, please sign up at www.patreon.com/backcountry fo...

Hunting Kudu & Cape Buffalo

Back to the Dark Continent... This episode is raw and unedited, just as we recorded it beside a campfire along the Okavango river late one night, with lions roaring and elephants trumpeting in the background.  On the second half of our fall 2023 safari with Kowas Adventure Safaris in Namibia, my daughter Audrey shot a wonderful old kudu bull and a gnarly-horned impala. Then Austin Brown and I broke out the big-bore dangerous game rifles to hunt cape buffalo. We tracked old bachelor bull gr...

Cartridges for Africa: Top 3 In 5

What cartridge should you take on an African plains game safari? Spotlighted here are three outstanding, versatile cartridges, recommended by our guest Jacques Strauss, my favorite African PH.  This is the sixth of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques.  We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like to put eyes on the products and methods showcased, please...

Planning a Safari: Logistics, Preparation, and Crucial Skills

Recorded live and raw in the field, this episode takes us to Africa. In addition to lots of great hunting stories, we address safari research, logistics, planning, and prep with the help of my long-time hunting partner and world traveler Austin Brown.  Plus, Namibian Professional Hunter Jacques Strauss of Kowas Hunting Safaris talks us through pre-hunt practice and skills crucial to success in the African bush.  My kids Audrey (age 15) and William (age 13, our very own Backcountry Appren...

Best 6.5mm Cartridge Of Them All

Glassing Gear & Methods: Top 3 in 5

How do we overcome our human (read "weak") eyesight? With good optics!  Spotlighted here are the three primary glassing tools every backcountry hunter should have, along with tips and tricks on how to pick the right one and how to use it.  This is the fifth of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques.  We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like to put eyes...

Characteristics Every Hunting Rifle Should Possess

Your hunting rifle can be a truckbox tool, or a refined instrument. Either way, you should trust it completely, and it should provide characteristics that help you—the soft tissue behind the system—close the deal at the moment of truth.  This episode discusses essential features of a great hunting rifle:  Accuracy Reliablity Ergonomics Action type, feel, & function Trigger  Scope features Backup sighting systems Life is too short to hunt with ugly rifles, folks! (Or innaccura...

Best Compact Ranging Binoculars: Top 3 In 5 Minutes

Interested in a sleek, lightweight rangefinding binocular? Spotlighted here are the only three available. Thankfully, they're all great. Each provides excellent optical quality, a powerful, reliable laser ranging engine, and cutting-edge technology.  This is the fourth of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques.  We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like...

Spartan

After a wildly successful evening of hunting mule deer with Audrey and Sophie von Benedikt, we sit down with friend Rob Gearing, who is a certain contender for Most Interesting Man in the World. We talk through the girls' hunt, detail the cutting-edge family of shooting support systems at Spartan Precision Equipment, and get Rob's perspective on how mountain climbing and some near-death survival adventures influence his design ethos.  The second half of the podcast our conversation gets ...

After The Kill: Photography, Field Processing, & Packing Meat

Success! You've just shot a buck or bull. But should the fun really stop there? Not really. You'll shift gears, sure, but the process of getting great photos in the field, then field processing and breaking down your animal and packing it out can be very rewarding.  This episode, we take an in-depth look at three steps:  PHOTOGRAPHY Positioning your animal Using the light  Positioning the hunter Setting up the camera Framing the photo LOOKING and SEEING what's in the viewfinde...

Top 3 In 5 Classic Elk Cartridges

This is the third of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques. We're calling them the "Top 3 In 5" bonus episodes.  Spotlighted here are three of our all-time favorite classic elk cartridges. They all provide adequate bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and frontal diameter and are proven, authoritative killers on even big-bodied, mature bulls.  We're filming these brief episodes and posting them ...

Components of a Great Rangefinder with Eric Overstreet

A good rangefinder is a crucial tool for hunting big country... Leupold's expert Eric Overstreet takes us on a deep dive into how they work, and what makes a really effective rangefinder—Laser shapes and divergence, pulse rate, display types, ballistic calculators and ranging speed and more.  On a very practical note, we talk through the pros and cons of rangefinding binoculars vs. monocular rangefinders, how quickly technology goes out of date, and how to plan for best-possible performanc...

"Top 3 In 5" Favorite Riflescopes

This is the second of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques. We're calling them the "Top 3 In 5" bonus episodes.  Spotlighted here are three of our all-time favorite lightweight hunting scopes. They span a price range of $500 to $1,650, and all are light enough to pack up mountains, are feature-filled so they'll hunt as hard and as far as you can, and are of premium quality, so they provide g...

5 Top Elk & Deer Bullets

When you hunt a wide spectrum of big game—ranging from little deer to big elk—with just one type of bullet, your average whitetail bullet may not cut the mustard. You need a premium bullet that will capable kill anything you shoot it at—and from less than ideal shot angles.  This episode details five of top choices for crossover work on big game from whitetails to elk. First we set the stage by defining the desirable characteristics of a capable big game bullet, then we discuss the specifi...

3 favorite hunting rifles showcased in just 5 minutes

This is the first of a new podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques. We're calling them the "Top 3 In 5" bonus episodes.  Spotlighted here are three of our all-time favorite backcountry hunting rifles. These are top-end production rifles; we'll do similar episodes on entry-level rifles and full custom rifles soon.  Also soon to come: Boots, packs, knives, elk cartridges, elk calls, multitools, tents...

Hunting the Most Dangerous Game with Ron Spomer

Hunting Giant Moose in Alaska with Adam Grenda

If you dream about big bull moose drifting through the alders, this episode is for you. Guest Adam Grenda, Alaska bush pilot and co-host of Stuck N The Rut on YouTube, hunter extraordinaire of giant moose, tells his story. How the passion to hunt was instilled in him at the ripe old age of three, how he found a bride with a drive to hunt and fish that equals his own, and how they moved to Alaska and found a home there.  Adam and Tana's daughter Julia (age 15) just shot her first moose—a wh...