Backcountry Hunting Podcast

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!    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   GEAR LIST  Alaska 2022 Moose Hunt   License, locking tags, & harvest tickets Browning X-Bolt Speed SR, w/scope, bipod, suppressor, cover: 10.25 lbs Leupold VX-6HD scope, 2-12x40 with WindPlex reticle

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

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

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! FR

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:  Must be old (youngest cartridge discussed is 97 years old) Must be capable on deer-size game and up Must be dominantly popular in at least one significant region (such as the far north or Scandinavia) Must be useful for backcountry hunting in mountain country Cartridges included:  6.5-55 .270 Winchester 7x57 Mauser .30-06 Springfield .300 H&H .375 H&H  Bonus: One world-class dangerous-game stopping cartridge Downsides of classic cartridges Low-performance factory loads Out-of-date reloading data Tolerances in vintage rifles Few high-performance modern hunting projectiles Have to be careful hunting with valuable vintage firearms ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST!  Join the Backcountry Hunting Podca

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:  www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.onxmaps.com https://www.instagram.c

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

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

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.browning.com www.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacu

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

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:  www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com

Getting down and dirty with handloading, von Benedikt details the exact process he uses for building an awesome hunting handload.  How to choose the right bullet for the task Gunpowder, and why it's not all equal Cartridge cases and case prep Primers, and the best of the best Charge weights, and where to start Seating depth for various bullet types Testing handload batches Using ladder tests to refine handloads Trajectory validation and why we do it The confidence and satisfaction of hunting with your own handloads 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.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com

Spomer is back! My good friend Ron shares solo-hunting experiences, tips for pre-hunt fitness and conditioning, and how to build your mental toughness so you don't give up when tested by harsh country and conditions.  Additionally, we dig deep into:  Hydration (and debilitation when lacking) Lightweight rifles & gear Going just one ridge farther to achieve success Being prepared to sleep anywhere Bivy gear & lightweight sleep systems that work DIY sheep hunting Solo hunting & the test of solitude Drawing tags—or not, and hunting OTC instead Follow Ron at https://www.ronspomeroutdoors.com 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.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com  

By popular demand, here's a deep dive into the new Nexus rifle by Gunwerks. It's a switch-barrel design with an aluminum action, a built-in ARCA rail under the forend, a fast-moving 3-lug bolt, and a superb carbon fiber stock that really minimizes felt recoil.  Features of the Nexus are unpacked and detailed, and practical, tested, field performance to 1,400 yards is discussed. Cartridge options (initially 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC) and barrel lengths (20" and 24") are explored.  Real-world use in the field? Naturally! Audrey von Benedikt (age 14) hammered a 5.5-foot cinnamon-colored black bear boar from 301 yards, and we discuss that story, along with accuracy and reliability testing.  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.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com ht

Recorded in the backcountry, this episode is the story of an epic bear hunt. Custom knife maker Evan Siembida came West to hunt Idaho's vast remote country with host Joseph von Benedikt, and after a series of setbacks and challenges, took a magnificent color-phase boar with his new Browning X-Bolt in 6.8 Western.  We discuss black bear baiting, glassing, rifles, optics, cartridges, bullets, shot placement, and hunting techniques in general, woven into the blow-by-blow tale of Evan's hunt.  Plus, when you've got a top-notch custom knife man on the air, you just gotta talk knife steel, design, and handle materials. Evan shares his new favorite type of steel and a scale (handle) material that might just be the best thing going.  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.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfir

Featuring guest Tim Lesser of Leupold, this episode takes us backstage with America's favorite riflescope company. Tim guides us through the fascinating origin story of Leupold, reveals the driving passion behind the R&D team, and details the rigorous testing the engineering team puts every new optic through. Ever wonder exactly what's inside a scope? Tim provides the clearest description of the various parts and functions of a modern hunting optic I've ever heard. We talk through the marvels of lens coatings, discuss anti-fogging processes, and go over the incredible recoil and shock testing Leupold scopes go through.  Next, Tim reveals his recommendation for the two best backcountry hunting scopes in Leupold's lineup. That alone is worth the listen!   Before closing, Tim details his go-to hunting rifles. Here's a clue: Big-bore enthusiasts will love his setups.  ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST!  Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon

This episode takes a deep dive into how to learn and practice shooting skills that will make you a backcountry deal-closer at the moment of truth.  With the objective defined as the ability to place a bullet precisely into the vitals under challenging conditions, we address:  Reading the lay of the land as you set up to shoot Building a stable shooting position Mastering your breathing Achieving a correct sight picture Executing a clean trigger squeeze Controlling recoil Following through Spotting impacts Following up Transitioning from critical shooting skills, we detail practice methods for the range and for the field:  Confirming zero Validating ballistics Testing capability from field positions Going afield and practicing Dry-firing Reading the situation (wind, angle, animal position) Rocks, bushes, and other targets of opportunity Letting missed shots haunt you—for the future good Wrap & final thought: Don't be the weak link in the chain ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST!  Join the Backc

This episode, we're joined by gunwriting legend Ron Spomer. A mountain-country hunter by choice, Ron shares his favorite shooting equipment for hunting gnarly, steep backcountry settings. We talk ultralight rifles, cartridges that suit them, and bullets that are versatile across a spectrum of western big game. Ron hosts a very successful YouTube channel, Ron Spomer Outdoors, and has a podcast as well. Be sure and check them out! Links are below.  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.leupold.com www.silencercentral.com www.timneytriggers.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/ www.siembidacustomknives.com https://javelinbipod.com Here's Ron's website: https://www.ronspomeroutdoors.com  

Tired of freeze-dried food after a week in the backcountry? This episode addresses how to go full hunter-gatherer while hunting. With a little forethought, it's easy to take advantage of wild streams full of fish and random encounters with grouse, ptarmigan, or wild turkeys (where take is legal of course). It goes without saying that savvy backcountry hunters pack seasonings and eat big game, once harvested: Moose ribs over alder-wood coals... Elk kabobs charred over a quick pine fire... or bear meat boiled in it's own fresh-rendered oil.  How about wild blueberries, raspberries, and huckleberries? Not only do these provide much-need healthy carbs while hunting hard in the backcountry, they are effortless to prepare. (Grasp berry, lift arm, insert into mouth.) Plus they can bring a whole new level of palatability to freeze-dried granola-type breakfasts.  This episode address big game meat, game birds, fish, and berries. How to hunt, and how to cook. ENJOY!    FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST!  Join the Bac

Is it better to hunt with a sledgehammer? Or a scalpel? This episode explores two vastly different approaches to picking a hunting cartridge.  Precision. In this approach, shot placement matters above all else. Accuracy and high ballistic coefficient are bullet priorities. Terminal performance is secondary. A low-recoiling cartridge is considered key.  Authority. In this approach, a powerful cartridge with a hard-hitting bullet is paramount. Bullet frontal diameter, weight, velocity, expansion, and penetration are key. Accuracy and aerodynamics are important, but bullet performance on impact is more so.  Ideal cartridges, bullets, and scenarios are proposed and discussed for both approaches. On the other hand... How 'bout the concept of one rifle and cartridge for everything?  How to mate authority and precision Boost your cartridge, lower your authority, meet in the middle 6.8 Western, 7mm SAUM, .280 Ackley, 7mm Rem Mag Bullets that do it all:  Barnes LRX Nosler AccuBond Federal Terminal Ascent Wra