To accurately field judge an animal, you need a solid understanding of the species' characteristics and known reference points, as well as a lot of experience judging and verifying other animals of the same species. A new app, HornScore, can help you learn how to field judge animals and make assessments of animals you may be hunting. Using your photos and videos, the HornScore app will help you field judge deer, elk, sheep, moose, and more. The app is full of educational content, as well as community content from other users of the HornScore app. In today's podcast with the app's creators, Jay Scott and Blake Cannon, we learn about the origins of the app, how it works, what the future holds, and why the app is helpful even if you aren't an inch-counting trophy hunter. HornScore App — https://hornscore.com/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions and chat on some notes from their recent hunts. They discuss optics, tripods and heads, battery-saving tips, using a knife to remove a head from big game, how to use vacation days to hunt elk in September, and much more... LINKS & RESOURCES Wiser Precision Ridge Warden: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries: https://amzn.to/47cHEoT Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe: https://www.themeateater.com/cook/recipes/mississippi-pot-roast Video: Using A Knife to Remove an Elk Head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXjyzOPSGqs Airlock Industries Suppressor: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNJSuIDhz3s/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Mark recently returned from a fall bear hunt, and in this episode, he shares his notes on lessons learned, new gear tested, items that need to be replaced, and more. LINKS, DETAILS, & PHOTOS — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/post-hunt-notes-marks-fall-bear The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Sierra Jepsen is a Meat Scientist and owner of Butcher Solutions, LLC. She returns to the show to take a deeper dive into meat science and also answer your listener-submitted questions that came through after our first episode with Sierra. Additional Information and Resources... Part 1 with Sierra: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/508 Sierra's Website — https://butchersolutionsllc.com/ Sierra's Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/butcher_solutions_llc/  Video: "Everything You Need Know About Processing Wild Game" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLjN9CoHzI Video: "In-Depth Butchering Tips From A Meat Scientist" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVkI46l4g4w  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

This episode features a listener of the show, Jordan, who killed an elk with his bow for 8 years straight. We discuss what Jordan has learned over years of do-it-yourself elk hunting, the mistakes he has made (and sees others make), and some of the tactics he learned from guests of our podcast, which helped contribute to his success and consistency. 40+ ELK HUNTING EPISODES: https://exomtngear.com/elk-episodes The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about backpacking with kids, hunt plans, best week of September for archery mule deer, stalking tips, flying with a hunting rifle, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES NEW Outdoor Vitals Pre-Sale: https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/mp-line-presale Outdoor Vitals Podcast: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/530 NEW Airlock Industries Suppressor: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNJSuIDhz3s/ Airlock Industries (Coming Soon): https://airlockindustries.com/ NEW Chest Holster Mount: https://sandsarchery.com/products/guardian-chest-plate Deadfall Design: https://www.instagram.com/deadfall_design/ Ivory Holsters EMG: https://ivoryholsters.com/emg Aziak Backcountry Lite Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/products/aziak-backcountry-lite-tripod Wiser Precision Ridge Warden: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-bt-20-ridge-warden-ball-tilt-head How To Put On A Heavy Pack (5 L's): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-put-on-a-heavy-hunting-pack Why We Don't Recommend the K4 7200: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/why-do-we-make-the-k4-7200 How To Hunt Mule Deer (Podcast Series): https://exomtngear.com/search?q=how+to+mule+deer How To Fly With A Hunting Rifle: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-fly-with-a-hunting-rifle The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Most sheep hunt stories either include a guide or the hard-earned experience of a die-hard, do-it-yourself sheep nut. But for Erik and his buddy, Evan, there is no guide and no experience. As a resident of Alaska, Erik drew a limited-entry sheep tag for a trophy hunt. In today's podcast, you will hear how Erik and Evan are planning and preparing for this hunt. Later this fall, they will return to the show to share the story of the hunt, the lessons they learned, the gear that did/didn't work, and much more... The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about bow tuning, even if broadheads are hitting with field points, suggestions on base layers for hot-weather hunts, what to do first when you recover an animal, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES Backpack Hunting Basics — When You Shoot: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-shoot-an-animal Backpack Hunting Basics — When You Recover: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-recover-an-animal Mark's New Battery Bank: https://sandsarchery.com/products/nitecore-pocket-10k-power-bank-with-built-in-cable Compressed Wipes: https://amzn.to/47cPxdG Sitka Core Lightweight: https://www.sitkagear.com/collection/core-lightweight-collection Simms SolarFlex: https://amzn.to/46C6dv7 Outdoor Research Echo: https://amzn.to/4mscqyq Patagonia Capilene: https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-capilene-cool-daily-hoody/45310.html Anetik Sun Hoody: https://anetik.com/products/copy-of-mens-low-pro-tech-hoody-master-hoody Kuhl Hoody: https://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/mens/long-sleeve/kuhl-engineered-hoody/  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

For four years straight, Rich Froning was considered "the fittest man on earth"  as he dominated the CrossFit Games competition. After retiring from individual competition, Rich has pursued many interests, but none rivaled his passion for elk hunting. We speak with Rich about the humility required to grow as an elk hunter, what he has learned from hunting with more experienced hunters, how CrossFit prepared him for the challenges of elk hunting, and much more. Mayhem Hunt: https://www.mayhemhunt.com/ Rich's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richfroning/ The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Trent Fisher from Born & Raised Outdoors joins us to discuss elk hunting, his experience getting his kids into hunting, and judging big black bears. Be sure to check out ELK WEEK specials from Born & Raised through August 3rd... Elk Week Specials: https://bornandraisedoutdoors.com/ Hunting Clothing Comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4RWlPgqZLg Previous Elk Episodes w/ Trent: Elk Week Podcasts The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about backcountry hygiene, the Swarovski ATC compact spotter, tire drags with the K4 Frame, gear tape, custom Crocs, their DIY backcountry bar recipes, Mark's garage workout, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES Lathrop & Sons Giveaway: http://lathropandsons.com/pages/giveaway Archery Elk Gear (Exo vs BRO): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/5-day-archery-elk-gear-list-comparison DIY Backcountry Bar Recipes: https://exomtngear.com/bars Mark's Garage Workout: https://the-experience-project.com/marks-garage-workout-for-mountain-hunting/ Swarovski ATC: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-atc-stc-compact-spotting-scope Kowa 55: https://sandsarchery.com/products/kowa-tsn-55-compact-spotting-scope Swarovski ATS 65: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-ats-25-50wx65-hd-spotting-scope Vet Wrap: https://amzn.to/4f6AnbW Camo Gear Tape: https://amzn.to/4lRXNVd & https://amzn.to/46uJy3R Colgate Wisps: https://amzn.to/40AMFn1 The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Former archery engineer, competitive shooter, and accomplished hunter, Darin Cooper (@darin_cooper) comes back to The Hunt Backcountry Podcast. We discuss the details of his current bowhunting setup. But more than just a conversation about gear, this is a discussion that goes into the technical aspects of archery and bowhunting.Darin's Previous Podcasts... Critical Factors of Broadhead Flight Frank Church Sheep Success — Times Two! Building, Shooting, and Renting Rifles Expert Roundtable: The Final Moment Mindset Expert Roundtable: Unconventional Wisdom & Tactics Expert Roundtable: The Key to Consistency Expert Roundtable: Mistakes That Made Me Better Expert Roundtable: Game-Changing Gear The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about power banks vs solar panels, how to dry and care for water bladders, and things first-time backpack hunters should consider when looking to hunt in remote country with predators. We also discuss the first things to do when you shoot an animal, why we are grateful as F@#K, trusting the process, if Steve can manifest an elk with his mind, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES Podcast Giveaway + Exo Discount: https://exomtngear.com/podcast (Entry deadline is Midnight on July 25) First Steps When You Shoot: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/what-to-do-when-you-shoot-an-animal Mark's Pump for Drying Bladders & Cooling Barrels: https://amzn.to/44Z5L7N Elk 101 Bow Hook: https://store.elk101.com/products/elk101-bow-hook OBI Bow/Rifle Carry: https://oldballsinc.com/pages/obi-link-system Nitecore Power Bank: https://sandsarchery.com/products/nitecore-pocket-10k-power-bank-with-built-in-cable The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

We launched the very first episode of The Hunt Backcountry podcast exactly 10 years ago, on July 16, 2015.To celebrate 10 years of the podcast, we are offering some great prizes and an exclusive Exo discount. To enter the giveaway and get access to the discount, sign up by email at: https://exomtngear.com/podcast. This promotion is only running for 10 days, from July 16-25th, 2025. THANK YOU for supporting the podcast over these past 10 years! ENTER NOW: https://exomtngear.com/podcast Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about how we sharpen our hunting knives, Mark's lessons from his mountain bike race, why S&S Archery removed their spotting scope comparison video from YouTube, where we carry our water bladders in a K4 Pack, what to avoid when storing a weighted pack for summer training, and more... LINKS & RESOURCES American-Made Gear Giveaway: https://swee.ps/KkZMPBCSH Backpacking Light Course: https://backpackinglight.com/backcountry-hunting-ultralight-gear-strategies/ Our Podcast with Ryan from Backpacking Light: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/462 Knife Sharpening: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backpack-hunting-basics-how-we-sharpen-knives Experience Project HUNT Films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxCisjM16JQUuY7xWQLdExN_rAHTxEsvv Our Water Filtration & Carry System: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/backpack-hunting-basics-how-we-filter-carry-water Load Your Pack for a Day Hunt: https://youtu.be/xEwuuQSMiBo Load Your Pack for a Backpack Hunt: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-load-your-pack-for-a-multi-day-backpack-hunt The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

A listener of the show, Nick, joins us to discuss his recent experience at an elk hunting bootcamp, how he is preparing for his first trip to Alaska for a Caribou hunt this September, how his previous experience as an outdoor guide has influenced his early days as a hunter, and much more. We will record a post-hunt podcast with Nick later this fall to hear all about his adventure in Alaska. The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about using base layer bottoms vs puffy pants, eating game meat from CWD areas, the broadhead they're shooting this year, and more... Links & Resources American Made Gear Giveaway: https://swee.ps/KkZMPBCSH Brynje Fishnets: https://www.brynjeusa.com/product-category/wool-thermo/ Steller Down Pants: https://www.stellarequipment.com/product/m-ultralight-down-pants2-blublack/ Western Mountaineering Flight Pants: https://www.blackovis.com/western-mountaineering-flight-pants Ketl Mtn Shorts: https://ketlmtn.com/products/virtue-hybrid-short-9-v-3 Sevr Ti 1.5 Hybrid: https://www.sevrbroadheads.com/product/hybrid15/ Podcast: What You Need To Know About CWD: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/156  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

For the past 2+ years, we have been working on some apparel pieces with the guys at Outdoor Vitals. After extensive testing and refinement of the designs, these clothing items are finally set to be released in the coming months. In this conversation with Brigham Crane, the Product Design Director at Outdoor Vitals, we discuss the background of this unique project, dive deep into the design details of each of the three pieces (puffy jacket, active mid-layer, and pants), and share the timeline for these new items to come to market. EPISODE SECTIONS (00:00:00) INTRO (00:04:00) PROJECT BACKGROUND (00:22:34) PUFFY JACKET (00:53:12) ACTIVE MID-LAYER (01:16:20) PANTS (01:36:14) WHAT'S NEXT LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... Product Release Sign-Up: https://outdoorvitals.com/pages/alpine-line-optin-western-hunt-expo-2025  Rokslide Thread: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/new-developments-coming-this-summer.403389/  Experience Project Hunt Films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxCisjM16JQUuY7xWQLdExN_rAHTxEsvv  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener-submitted questions about taking follow-up shots when bowhunting, tips for carrying a rifle (stock or folding chassis) on a pack, a new K4 Bag from Shoot2Hunt, budget-friendly spotting scopes from Athlon Optics, using iPhone satellite messaging in place of an InReach, and more... Links & Resources... Exo Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter  Mike Lee's Announcement on Public Lands: https://x.com/SenMikeLee/status/1939132778605388207  Shoot2Hunt "Teratorn" K4 Bag: https://exomtngear.com/s2h AND https://shoot2hunt.com/teratorn/  Rifle Carry Tips & Technique: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/how-to-carry-chassis-hunting-rifle  Athlon Spotting Scope: https://sandsarchery.com/products/athlon-ares-g2-uhd-15-45x-65mm-spotting-scope  Rent Outdoor Gear: https://rentoutdoorgear.com/  Rex Creations UL Pad Pump: https://rex-creations.com/collections/frontpage  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures joins us to discuss priorities for broadhead selection, what he has learned from independently testing and ranking dozens of broadheads, and answers your listener-submitted questions about broadhead selection, budget arrow and broadhead setups, differences in blade and ferrule materials, broadhead vs insert/outsert weight, and MUCH more! LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE... Summary Video & Spreadsheet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPXWWwX3_iA  John's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/LuskArcheryAdventures John's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luskarcheryadventures/  John's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luskarcheryadventures/  The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/ Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast