Backcountry Hunting Podcast

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://javelinbi

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.co

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:  www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfi

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 sha

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.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com

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: How to give back to the folks that have mentored you and fueled your passion for hunting and blessed your lives. How to nominate such individuals for our "give back" complete hunting rifle prize.  How we'll evaluate and determine a winner for the complete rifle/scope/bipod/sling/ammo western hunting setup.  How to submit personal entries for the pile of other giveaways, including the Banish Backcountry suppressor, Siembida custom hunting knife, Leupold binos, Barnes case of ammo, onX Maps Elite memberships, Red Kettle M19 slings, and more.  BONUS: Check out the awesome limited-time 20% off code Backcountry

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:  Choosing a Rifle Choosing a Cartridge Choosing a Scope Maximizing distance capability Accessories crucial to success: Sling Bipod Anti-cant bubble level Rifle maintenance gear: Bore snake CLP  Electrical tape Suppressors—everyone should have one Putting it all together Initiating practice 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:  www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.c

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 10

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.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com  

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 o

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:  Glassing big wide-open country Finding and hunting tiny pockets of rich feed and cover Tracking in snow 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.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

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:  Balanced performance (easy accuracy) Fast-twist rifling (compatible with modern long-range bullets) Best in class ballistic performance at extreme range Optimal case design for maximum consistency Better barrel life than competitors Chamber and throat dimensions modeled after 6.5 Creedmoor for top-shelf accuracy with factory ammo Easy to reload Tons of rifle companies already on board The result is a turn-key solution for shooters that want best-possible extreme-range capability without having a custom, fast-twist rifl

Folks, here's a quick 5-minute bonus episode on the brand-new 7mm PRC cartridge. ENJOY!  www.patreon.com/backcountry  

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:  Barnes TSX, TTSX, and LRX Hornady CX & MonoFlex Nosler E-Tip Federal Trophy Copper Winchester Copper Extreme Badlands Bulldozer II Hammer Hunter Cutting Edge ER Raptor 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:  www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.s

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:  Shooting positions Scopes and magnifications Controlling recoil Follow-through Spotting your own impact Staying in the scope Working the bolt fast and smooth—while staying in the scope Training practices and mantras Action and Cartridge characteristics favorable for fast follow-up shots 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 www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.c

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.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com  

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

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:  www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

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:  www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

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:  www.browning.com www.barnesbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com