Backcountry Hunting Podcast

Backcountry Hunting Podcast focuses on inspiring and teaching about deep-country hunting, with emphasis on DIY techniques, gear, prep and how-to. Lifelong wilderness hunter Joseph von Benedikt shares stories and tips for success.

Pioneering New Hunt Areas with Colton Heward 08/14/2020

Pioneering New Hunt Areas with Colton Heward Recorded outdoors in the wind and the bugs, this cool episode with Scouting & Navigating expert Colton Heward details the process of learning to hunt brand new country and species. Plus we discuss his father's very special Desert Bighorn Sheep 2020 draw tag, the challenges he faces with his knee operation/complications, his never-say-die attitude to getting it done this upcoming season, and the process they've used to already locate big rams. ENJOY! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/15606899

Learning Long-Range Skill with Gunwerks' Landon Michaels 08/07/2020

Learning Long-Range Skill with Gunwerks' Landon Michaels This episode dives into the realm of long-range hunting. In response to a listener's question about how to develop extended-range lethality, Gunwerks' Landon Michaels details appropriate gear, mindset, methodology, and a practical approach to learning and earning long-range shooting competence. We intentionally focus on the technical details, and leave the ethics of the debate for another time. This episode is for every hunter that wants to shoot accurately and kill cleanly—whether close or far. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/15526922

.308 vs. .30-06 for Backcountry Hunting 07/31/2020

.308 vs. .30-06 for Backcountry Hunting Is the .308 a capable cartridge for hunting wide-open Rocky Mountain country? This episode explores advantages and limitations of the .308 and compares the classic all-around champion .30-06. Technical .308 cartridge case design and capacity limitations, projectile limitations, velocity and energy comparisons, and more are explored. Best-in-class bullets for the .308 and .30-06 are detailed and compared to common cup-and-core budget-grade hunting ammo. Maximum ethical range limits are generated. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/15420125

Upgrading Backcountry ATV Performance with Tyler Freel 07/24/2020

Upgrading Backcountry ATV Performance with Tyler Freel Alaskan expert sheep and bear hunter Tyler Freel joins this episode to discuss what makes a four-wheeler capable in the backcountry. He does primarily walk-in sheep hunts, getting as deep as possible on his ATV, then hiking in the remaining distance. Total travel: often 2.5 to three days just to access sheep country. We talk about the vital necessity of winches, high-performance tires, and other add-ons. Hairy stories highlight each point. Also check out Tyler's excellent podcast Tundra Talk. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/15340895

Hunting Knife Design with Evan Siembida 07/17/2020

Hunting Knife Design with Evan Siembida This episode welcomes back custom knife making savant Evan Siembida. We talk upcoming hunt plans, elk calling, and knife design. In a particularly fun turn of events, we conceptualize and configure a special limited edition knife as a collaboration between the Backcountry Hunting Podcast and Siembida Custom Knives. Potentially the ultimate backcountry hunting blade, it will be light, ergonomic, capable and made of the best components available. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/15238757

Dial or Hold: Shooting Fast & Accurately in the Backcountry 07/06/2020

Dial or Hold: Shooting Fast & Accurately in the Backcountry Prompted by a veteran mule deer hunter's comments on how critical it is to be able to compensate fast for long shots, this episode explores holdover reticles vs. dial-up turrets for shooting long range. How to get the best out of either system is addressed, along with details on various holdover reticle types and what makes a really capable dial-up turret. Stories of magnificent bucks and lost opportunities drive home vital points. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/15106112

Top Backcountry Rifles, Part 5: Proof Research Glacier Ti 06/28/2020

Top Backcountry Rifles, Part 5: Proof Research Glacier Ti This episode dives into details of the extraordinary Proof Research Glacier Ti mountain rifle. Here's an inside look at why the company's carbon-fiber-wrapped barrels are renown for superlative performance and precision, as well as how the company has created stocks that enhance field-shooting accuracy and minimize felt recoil of big cartridges such as the author's .300 PRC. Actions, finishes, available cartridges, setting up for mountain-hunting work, and more. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/14991935

Transporting Rifles Damage Free 06/19/2020

Transporting Rifles Damage Free Traveling into the backcountry and abroad can be hard on rifles and scopes. This episode details suitable hard cases for long-distance travel, and how to pack your rifle to best protect it. Host Joseph von Benedikt also answers listener's questions about the .280 Rem vs. .280 Ackley, the 7mm-08 and it's place as a backcountry hunting cartridge, deep-penetrating .30-06 bullets for use on elk, and more. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/14881868

Transporting Rifles Damage Free 06/19/2020

.375 H&H: All-Around Cartridge Champ 06/12/2020

.375 H&H: All-Around Cartridge Champ This episode discusses the great .375 H&H cartridge. Known world-wide as arguably the best one-gun cartridge for hunting everything, it's powerful, accurate, potent, yet controllable. It's capable of cleanly killing everything from elephant down to roebuck. Here's how to pick the right rifle, how to select the right bullet for the game you're hunting, and how to set up your system to get the best out of your .375. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/14802392

It's NOT all about shot placement 06/05/2020

It's NOT all about shot placement This episode debunks the myth that placing a shot perfectly allows a hunter to get away with shooting sub-powered cartridges or poorly constructed bullets. Particularly untrue on big, tough game such as elk, the "shot placement is everything" fallacy can result in heartbreaking failures. Host JvB details why, exploring the importance of adequate caliber, projectile weight and construction, and velocity. Correct cartridge/bullet choice enables ethical shooting from a broader spectrum of shot angles. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/14712500

Backcountry Hunting Q&A 05/27/2020

Backcountry Hunting Q&A This fun episode dives into the wildly varied world of listener's comments and questions. Host Joseph von Benedikt dives into everything from best wool trousers for backcountry hunting to whether Federal's new Terminal Ascent or Hornady's proven ELD-X is the better bullet. Backcountry pistol packing, barrel length for the .280 Ackley, moose bullets for the .338, and configurable stocks for mountain rifles come into play, too. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/14581922

Top Backcountry Navigation Tools 05/12/2020

Top Backcountry Navigation Tools As a Montana elk guide, host Joseph von Benedikt once got completely turned around on a cold night, far from camp, in deep snow. A savvy old client with space-age tech got them oriented and back to camp. This episodes details various backcountry navigational tools and skills, ranging from how to hone your natural sense of direction to how to get the most out of your cutting-edge smartphone program. Strengths and weaknesses of the various tools and techniques are discussed. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/14380508

Advanced Mule Deer Tactics with Robby Denning 05/01/2020

Advanced Mule Deer Tactics with Robby Denning This episode dives into the process of hunting wise, old mule deer bucks. Guest Robby Denning, author of the book Hunting Big Mule Deer: How To Take The Biggest Buck Of Your Life, details what drives his passion, shares tips and tactics for success, and shares his views on mule deer management and the future of hunting the species. We cover tracking, and its critical importance to successfully hunting big deer. Denning details his personal hunting rifle, preferred cartridge, and projectile. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/14225867

Camo: What, How, & When 04/25/2020

Camo: What, How, & When Camo is a hunter's Cloak of Invisibility—but is it always beneficial? Here's how to evaluate the 3 W's of camo clothing: What, Where, and When. This episode explores different cultures and what they use while stalking. The value of patterns, colors, and clothing type and quality are detailed, along with the hosts' go-to camo as well as favorite non-camo hunting clothing. SPECIAL SEGMENTS: staying cool while hiking, and making the most of your E-Scouting device and programs. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/14138210

Bullets & Meat Damage 04/17/2020

Bullets & Meat Damage In answer to a listener's question, host Joseph von Benedikt dives into meat damage and the bullets and impact types that cause it. Various projectiles, velocities, and shot placements are discussed, along with exploration of why bullets that cause dramatic meat damage often kill more quickly and cleanly. How to choose an appropriate bullet type for various species and situations is detailed. Field dressing meat and processing is outlined, along with a hunters' responsibility to respect meat. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/14036300

.338 Debate: The Big-Bore Backcountry Cartridge Shootout 04/11/2020

.338 Debate: The Big-Bore Backcountry Cartridge Shootout This episode dives into the advantages of the various .338-caliber cartridges. From the mild-mannered, hard-hitting .338-06 up through the massive .338-378 Weatherby, ballistics, recoil, and individual cartridge characteristics are explored and detailed. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13945676

Backcountry Book List 04/03/2020

Backcountry Book List This episode explores several of host Joseph von Benedikt's favorite books, ranging from serious backcountry hunting how-to across the spectrum to pure entertainment. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13825337

ARs for Hunting & Defense 03/27/2020

ARs for Hunting & Defense This episode explores whether AR-type rifles are suitable for backcountry hunting, discusses advantages and disadvantages, and points out their ideal nature as a crossover hunting/self defense rifle. Types of ARs, appropriate cartridges, how to accurize your AR, and setting up for top performance are all addressed. Personal protection ammo for urban versus rural use is detailed. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13718825

Keep Calm & Carry On 03/20/2020

Keep Calm & Carry On A short message on courage, humanity, and optimism. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13622642

Backcountry Cartridge Shootout: 280 Ackley vs. 7mm Rem Mag 03/13/2020

Backcountry Cartridge Shootout: 280 Ackley vs. 7mm Rem Mag This episode brings the classic "best cartridge" combat question to the .280 Ackley Improved and the 7mm Remington Magnum. We explore ballistics, efficiency, recoil, inherent accuracy, magazine capacity, barrel life, reloading characteristics, and more. Practical availability of ammo and rifles plays a part. These are two outstanding backcountry hunting cartridges--and whether you know it or not, you probably need a new rifle in one or the other! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13532561

Top Backcountry Rifles, Part 4: Walnut & Blued Steel 03/06/2020

Top Backcountry Rifles, Part 4: Walnut & Blued Steel This episode detailed one of the finest all-around backcountry hunting rifles available—and it's walnut and blued steel, not composite and stainless. Stock configuration, iron sights, action characteristics, and available calibers are all covered. Host JvB details how to work Ruger's M77 Hawkeye African into fighting shape. Accuracy and load development are covered, with several hunt stories to support salient points. Leupold's new best-in-class mountain-hunting VX-3i with CDS-ZL's are detailed. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13441814

Wild Meat & Adventure with Garrett Wales 02/28/2020

Wild Meat & Adventure with Garrett Wales This episode with guest Garrett Wales dives into the obsession behind organic, free-range, chemical-free fast food; small craft beer-brewing; and his passion for backcountry hunting. An accomplished wild game chef, Garrett shares his secrets for seasoning cast iron, his favorite steak rubs, and how to cook wild game meat. We talk top gear for backcountry success and lightweight foods that fuel hardcore effort. Hunting stories and favorite species and the fun of introducing kids to hunting... /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13332578

Accidental Shootings & Backcountry Emergency Response 02/21/2020

Accidental Shootings & Backcountry Emergency Response In one of the hardest stories he's told, host Joseph von Benedikt relates how his 13-year-old twin brother took a bullet to the chest, and details the events that led up to and followed the accident. Firearm safety is the focus of this episode. Safe handling practices, hunting with a round chambered, picking a reliable hunting partner, and how to respond to an accidental shooting in the backcountry are all discussed. Communication with unsafe fellow shooters and hunters is emphasized. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13249628

Backcountry Foot Care & other Q&A 02/14/2020

Backcountry Foot Care & other Q&A This episode addresses keeping your feet healthy while hunting the backcountry, as well as several listener's questions. Host JvB covers boot choice for individual foot types and for different types of terrain; maintaining foot performance and minimizing pain, injury prevention and treatment, and more. A new segment, "Backcountry Scouting & Navigating" is introduced. Several interesting listeners questions are answered in depth, including bear gun and bullet choice. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13157954

.300 Win Mag vs. .300 PRC: Which is best? 02/07/2020

.300 Win Mag vs. .300 PRC: Which is best? This episode looks at the top two .30-caliber magnums on the market today, and compares Pros & Cons. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/13054643

Backcountry Bipods & Tripods with Spartan Precision 01/31/2020

Backcountry Bipods & Tripods with Spartan Precision Spartan Precision Equipment founder Rob Gearing joins host JvB for this episode. A passionate mountaineer that's climbed peaks on several different continents, Mr. Gearing applied his ultralight, can't-fail gear approach to designing shooting aids, and invented the finest ultralight bipod available. We dig into how and why it works so well, and discuss everything from the latest precision product from Spartan to the effectiveness of longbows and Great Britain's yeoman of old. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12950768

Utah Draw Challenges 01/24/2020

Utah Draw Challenges Top big game guide Colton Heward joins host Joseph von Benedikt in this episode for a candid, stark look at Utah's draw tag system and the challenges of hunting the state. "Point creep" and other issues are examined, and the low potential for today's youth to draw and hunt Utah's top units discussed. Opportunities in bordering states are touched on, and the stories of several harsh but rewarding hunts are shared. Great, heartfelt discussion between hunters that live and breathe backcountry hunting. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12868673

Timney Triggers for Backcountry Hunting 01/17/2020

Timney Triggers for Backcountry Hunting This episode explores the importance of having a good trigger in a rifle for hunting the backcountry. Guest Chris Ellis—who reps Timney Triggers—explains terms such as pull weight, crisp "breaking" triggers, creep, over-travel, and discusses trigger installation, cost, and more. Plenty of technical savvy and hunting wisdom supported with good hunting stories in this episode, folks! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12774002

A Sub-$400 Mountain Rifle 01/10/2020

A Sub-$400 Mountain Rifle This episode's intro responds to questions about various lever-action designs, and addresses mid-bore cartridges such as the .338-06 and .35 Whelen. Host Joseph Von Benedikt then reviews Savage's 6 lb. 6 oz. Axis II rifle chambered in .280 Ackley Improved, evaluating whether it is a good entry-level mountain rifle. Accuracy, ergonomics, design, and build quality are detailed, as well as great riflescope options and how to best mount them. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12682394

Backcountry Hunting Podcast

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