Backcountry Hunting Podcast

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...

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 cart...

Last year, deep in Alaska's Chugach Mountains, guide Jordan Voigt experienced a catastrophic boot failure that left his feet unusable for weeks. This episode, we dig deep into injury recovery and maintaining fitness as we age.  "Old man yoga," daily miles, packing weight, and knowing your own body are critical ingredients to maintaining a backcountry-capable level of fitness into your 60's and 70'...

Spring is here, and bear season is right around the corner. Alaskan bear-killing expert Tyler Freel joins us to talk about how to properly shoot and cleanly kill bears. Freel details bear anatomy, vitals location and shot placement, tracking and recovering bears, cartridges and bullets for bears, arrows and broadheads for bears, and much more.  Freel hosts the Tundra Talk podcast and is a staff wr...

7mm-caliber cartridges are capable of taking any hooved, non-dangerous game in the world—as long as they're paired with the right bullet. This episode takes a deep dive into the 7mm world, from the historic 7x57 Mauser that started it all up through the cutting-edge modern "sevens." Focus is on how to get the best-possible performance out of your 7mm cartridge, whatever it might be. We use the fol...

This episode we welcome back Chris Ellis, trigger savant and self-styled hillbilly bullet tester. We discuss what really makes a great trigger, and why Timney Triggers achieve what the do. Chris walks us through a bit of the history and inspiration behind Timney, details manufacturing processes and dedication to quality, and talks about the vast variety of Timney triggers available for everything...

This episode explores what characteristics are paramount in a versatile self-defense firearm for survival situations. Based on a worst-case, apocalyptic scenario, it discusses rifles, shotguns, handguns, cartridges, and appropriate ammunition.  SHOW NOTES:  Characteristics of a great survival gun Reliability Portable and handy Firepower Accuracy Long-range capability Cartridge authority Appropriat...

Survival guns! What could be more fun to talk about. This episode focuses on hardware, situations, and skills. It's not a prophecy. Outdoor people all have a little Boy Scout in them (motto: Be Prepared). We like to be ready for anything, and that's what this discussion is all about.  First, let's throw out that one word that suggests extreme survival: Apocalypse. All the really gnarly stuff. Supe...

This episode we're joined by Adam Weatherby to discuss the new .338 Weatherby RPM cartridge , the Gen 2 version of the sub-5-pound Mark V Backcountry 2.0 rifle, and more including:  Never before revealed ballistics and info on the .338 WBY RPM Ammo shortages, supplies, and availability forecast New lightest-ever Peak 44 carbon fiber stocks on Weatherby rifles Backcountry 2.0 features, design, and...

Silencers, suppressors, and the new E-Form application process have the shooting world on point. Brandon Maddox, founder and owner of Silencer Central, joins us as a special guest. His insider perspective clears up misconceptions, provides solid, data-backed info on processes and wait times and what purchasers should expect, and generally throws a ton of light on the subject of purchasing a suppre...

When it comes to gear for deep backcountry hunting, failure is not an option. Warrantees do you no good if a critical piece of kit breaks when you're several days away from any resources. This episode we're joined by Rob Gearing: rock climber, mountaineer, fly-fishing addict, and the genius behind Spartan Precision Equipment. We talk about multi-purpose tripods and ultralight bipods for hard use i...

The .30-06 still stands as one of the best choices for all-around use on big game—particularly with modern projectiles and propellants. From close up to 400 yards, it's superb. From little southern whitetails and pronghorn antelope to Alaska/Yukon moose, it's outstanding.  This episode takes a deep look into how to get the best performance your .30-06 is capable of.  Why the .30-06 became so popul...

Hornady technician, ballastician, and communications guru Seth Swerczek joins us this episode, for an in-depth look at the new CX monometal bullet. We discuss Hornady's old GMX bullet, and what makes the new CX different. Top terminal performance, increased aerodynamics, and a high accuracy standard set the CX apart. Initial cartridge offerings and component bullets are detailed, along with tips f...

Backcountry Q&A This fun episode responds to a dozen fascinating questions from listeners, including: • Bear deterrent • 6.8 Western vs. .280 Ackley vs. .30-06 cartridge comparison • Rifling twist rates • Traditional bows & muzzleloaders • Wild Bison success • Precision scopes for .22s • Upcoming live Podcast Q&A on Zoom • Troubling memories of unrecovered game • One-shot drops & escapes • Backcou...

SHOW NOTES Main topic: New and intriguing gear and trends.  SHOT Show 2022 had an interesting vibe and dynamic. Joseph and Colton discuss subtle trends in rifles, optics, ammo, and other gear, as well as manufacturing challenges and processes. Most interesting new products include GA Precision's new ultra-small backcountry-appropriate suppressor, Leica's new compact rangefinding binocular, Brownin...

SHOW NOTES Main topic: Planning and building the ultimate all-purpose rifle for hunting Alaska WINNER Announced: 150th episode custom knife winner revealed Q&A:  Starter .22s for left-handed kids Aoudad hunting (heat, humidity, and big rams) Utah's bonus point-creep dilemma Best .270 bullets for elk Ultimate Alaska Rifle CRITERIA Capable of cleanly killing anything you want to hunt Capable of reac...

SHOW NOTES Intro: If you want the ultimate backcountry DIY challenge, hunt moose in Alaska.  Up Front Q&A section:  To Buy or Not To Buy: high-tech clothing and pack vs. a new backcountry hunting rifle Patreon update. Things to come, including live Zoom Q&A sessions for Patreon members, as well as a Backcountry Hunting companion book for the podcast.  Primary Topic: Planning A DIY Alaska Moose Hun...

SHOW NOTES Main Topic: Predator Cartridges & Bullets "Up Front" Q&A section:  Undergunned for Aoudad "Recoil" is Right Characteristics of a great coyote cartridge: Fast & Flat Accurate Tiny grenade-like terminal performance If fur collecting, minimal bullet hole damage If competition calling, coyote-walloping authority Spectrum of suitable cartridges: What is too big? (deer cartridges?) What is to...

SHOW NOTES Intro: Second half of 2021 Kodiak Alaska audio journal.  Hunters: Colton & Gary Heward, Austin Brown, Shawn Skipper, Andrew Smith, Brent Neidig, and Joseph von Benedikt. Transporter: Travis Larson, Captain of the Venturess, and crew Susan, JJ, and Garrett of Alaska Premier Sportfishing .  Audio Journal entries:  Day three: Four big bucks down, and a late-night packout in fierce wind.  D...

SHOW NOTES Main Topic: Recoil. How and why to master it and shoot authoritative cartridges accurately.  150th Episode Giveaway!  Custom Northern Shrike hunting knife To enter, post your favorite episode on Instagram or Facebook, and tag the Backcountry Hunting Podcast.  Q&A:  Barrel break-in, average velocities, and custom turrets Gransfors Bruks Hunters Axe A very short (18-inch) suppressed .30-0...

Intro: On the boat, under way around Kodiak Island Participants: Colton & Gary Heward, Brent Neidig, Shawn Skipper, Austin Brown, Andrew Smith, Travis, Susan, & JJ Larson, and Garrett Lambert.  Plans: Hunt sitka blacktail deer & sea ducks, fish Forecast: Troubled. Cold, wind, & snow A lot of firsts: First bucks, first Alaskan hunts  Gear time: Rifles, optics, & ammo picked for the hunt First three...

SHOW NOTES Intro: For all you hunters sniffing around the 6.8 Western, here's an in-depth look at the cartridge with A Man Who Knows: Browning's own Rafe Nielson.  6.8 Western cartridge discussion: Genesis of the 6.8 Western Significant differences from the .270 WSM Short shots & long shots with the 6.8 Western Hunt stories: Caribou, whitetails, and Roosevelt elk  Cartridge comparisons: 6.8 Wester...

SHOW NOTES Intro: Conservation and the challenges hunters face Guests: DSC's Corey Mason & Brandon Boyles Main topic: Conservation locally, nationally, and internationally. How hunters can help (with time, and by standing our ground politically). Current state of affairs across America Local challenges and potential solutions Western mule deer populations and recovery potential Habitat encroachmen...

SHOW NOTES Intro: On the road for Western Whitetails!  Main Topic: Are there cases when rapid-expansion, shallow-penetrating bullets are best?  The "Dump all the energy in the deer" theory Slab-sided big game such as Mountain Goats Extended-range shooting and low-velocity impacts Coyotes, wolves, bullets, and fur damage Wrap: Tailor your bullet to your game, and you'll average better success.  FRI...

SHOW NOTES Topic: Making steep-angle shots Talking points:  Why do steeply angled shots impact high?  How steep is "steep?" What's the traditional, non-calculator based method of compensating for steep angles?  What are the issues with "horizontal distance" compensations for angle?  Zero Range vs. Zero Angle ballistic calculations Advanced ballistic calculators and rangefinders Gunwerks' Revic Ops...