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.

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 Questions, Comments, & Rude Remarks 01/04/2020

Backcountry Hunting Questions, Comments, & Rude Remarks This episode tackles a bunch of listeners questions and comments. We cover Browning BLR misinformation, takedown rifle idiosyncrasies, dogs and deer hunting, Sierra hunting bullets, Turnbull lever guns for bear in the PNW, strengths and weaknesses of titanium actions, .280 Ackley Improved vs. 7mm Rem. Mag., strengths of the 7mm STW, Barnes TTSX bullets and 5.56 NATO accuracy, and more. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12615176

Lever Actions for Backcountry Hunting 12/31/2019

Lever Actions for Backcountry Hunting This episode dives into the classic world of America's favorite hunting rifle: the lever action. Why hunters choose to use them in the backcountry, advantages and disadvantages, and various suitable types. Cartridges and optimal bullets are explored, and set-up for maximum capability is detailed. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12570221

Long-Range Hunting: Good, Bad, or Situational? 12/20/2019

Long-Range Hunting: Good, Bad, or Situational? This episode takes on one of hunting's most controversial topics. Host JvB explores what "long range" really is, gives perspective gained by international experience hunting amongst many different cultures, and candidly explores the good and the bad involved. Ethical arguments against and skill-based arguments for long-range hunting are posed and discussed. Potential issues common to long-range hunting are exposed, and potential advantages of long-range skill are detailed. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12458426

Top Mountain Rifles, Part 3: Weatherby Backcountry 12/13/2019

Top Mountain Rifles, Part 3: Weatherby Backcountry Adam Weatherby joins host Joseph von Benedikt for a detailed discussion of Weatherby's new sub-5-pound Backcountry rifle. Elements of the "worlds strongest action" are discussed, as well as designing for ergonomics, reliability, and accuracy. Plus, we talk the company's sub-MOA accuracy guarantee, and discuss how Weatherby achieves it in a featherweight rifle. As always, stories of elk hunts, and mountain lion hunts, and pronghorn hunts, and mule deer hunts add color and support critical points. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12385238

Idaho Opportunities for Backcountry Hunters 12/06/2019

Idaho Opportunities for Backcountry Hunters In this episode host Joseph von Benedikt is joined by Idaho top biologist Toby Boudreau. We discuss available species, over-the-counter opportunities, and best options for mule deer and elk. Mr. Boudreau addresses the vastly differing types of terrain and habitat in Idaho and how to plan for success, plus best regions for monster mule deer. Bonus: Mr. Boudreau on the ultimate all-around backcountry hunting cartridge. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12307562

Backcountry Riflescopes 11/29/2019

Backcountry Riflescopes This episode lists and discusses characteristics that make a scope really capable for backcountry hunting. Quality, weight, magnification range, and more are examined. How to correctly mount a scope for best performance is detailed. Optimal mounting systems for backcountry rifles are listed. Lastly, four great models are reviewed, including Leupold's 3-15x44 VX-5HD & 3-18x44 VX-6HD, Swarovski's Z5 3.5-18x42, and Nightforce's NXS 2.5-10x42. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12200624

Reviewed: Top Mountain Rifles, Part 2 11/22/2019

Reviewed: Top Mountain Rifles, Part 2 Following up on episode No. 23, this introduces America's top custom mountain rifle builder Lex Webernick of Rifle's Inc. Preferred actions, premium barrels, and building a 13-ounce composite stock are discussed. Getting candid pre-build advice on configuration and cartridges from Lex is covered. Accuracy of the Author's ultralight .270 Strata and .375 H&H Classic is detailed. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12126416

.270 vs. .30-06 for Backcountry Hunting 11/15/2019

.270 vs. .30-06 for Backcountry Hunting This episode dives into the age-old argument of whether the .270 Winchester or the .30-06 Springfield is a better hunting cartridge. Better yet, it discusses at length how to get the best backcountry performance out of each. Host JvB points out that modern levels of performance are possible, and demonstrates how. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/12043514

Wild Meat: field care, prep, and grilling ultimately tasty venison 11/09/2019

Wild Meat: field care, prep, and grilling ultimately tasty venison Wild game meat can taste superb, no matter how old or rut-worn the buck or bull it came from. This episode describes meat field care, a special DIY meat-aging method, critical pre-grilling prep, and and grilling techniques that result in tender, mild-flavored, juicy venison guaranteed to result in a wild-game addiction. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/11967575

Late-Season Elk: Strategies & Challenges 11/01/2019

Late-Season Elk: Strategies & Challenges This episode explores the challenges unique to pursuing elk during late-season hunts. Cold, hunter pressure, solitary bulls, and other factors are discussed, as well as how to prepare for them and succeed even against challenging odds. Strategies for finding optimal vantage points, travel routes, and ambush positions are outlined, as well as how to choose the right optics and how to shoot well in deep cold. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/11862377

Work Sharp: An interview with knife-sharpening expert Josh Warren 10/25/2019

Work Sharp: An interview with knife-sharpening expert Josh Warren This episode dives into knife sharpening methods and tools. Work Sharp expert Josh Warren details most common sharpening mistakes, as well as how to correct them. Steel types, edge angles, and various tools are addressed, including ultralight compact sharpeners ideal for backcountry hunters. Plus, Warren provides a critical tip to keeping your blade sharp—while working it hard—for long periods with minimal effort. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/11769491

Backcountry Hunting Podcast

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