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.

How to Plan & Do An Aoudad Hunt 04/19/2024

How to Plan & Do An Aoudad Hunt Ever wonder how to put together a great hunt for aoudad, aka the "poor man's Desert Bighorn" aka Barbary Sheep? This episode has awesome intel, planning, and hunt strategy from seasoned guide Colton Heward and from onX Hunt top gun Dylan Dowson. We cover everything from logistics to rifles and cartridges to pre-hunt practicing—all generously supported with great hunting stories. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.gunwerks.com /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30885343

Surviving a Bush Plane Crash, & Spartan Roots with Mark Wheeler 04/12/2024

Surviving a Bush Plane Crash, & Spartan Roots with Mark Wheeler Here's the story of how Mark Wheeler survived a catestrophic bush plane crash in the Northwest, as well as the unique way he met and backed the most interesting man in the world--Rob Gearing--in building the Spartan brand. This was a terrific fireside conversation, recorded in the field. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.gunwerks.com /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30735043

The Great 280 Ackley Improved, with Ron Spomer 04/05/2024

The Great 280 Ackley Improved, with Ron Spomer Could the .280 Ackley Improved be the most versatile western hunting cartridge? Long-time .280 Ackley man Ron Spomer joins this episode to explore it's history and capability. This discussion is full of great stories and anecdotes and lots of information on what is certainly one of the greatist hunting cartridges available. Plus, of course, we share details of our favorite .280 Ackley rifles and loads. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30652338

Hunting Rights On The Precipice 03/29/2024

Hunting Rights On The Precipice Are our hunting rights and traditions in danger? If you consider England and Scotland as precursors of what could happen in America, then the answer is yes, potentially. In this episode, we talk about what is happening in various hunting communities around the world, and discuss what we can do to protect and preserve our hunting heritage—wherever we live. We take a deep dive into conservation, wildlife management, being good stewards, and the benefits of hunting as a family and eating clean, wild meat we've brought home ourselves. This one is important, folks. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.gunwerks.com /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30529758

How To Pick a Hunting Bullet 03/22/2024

How To Pick a Hunting Bullet Ever wonder how to pick just the right bullet to hunt with? This episode's for you. We take a deep dive into bullet construction and sectional density, and detail the performance of four different fundamental bullet types: Bullets for deer-size game Bullets for elk- to moose-size game Bullets for dangerous game Bullets for pachyderms and for tracking wounded dangerous game Plus we explain: Sectional density How bullets mushroom (the mechanics) Temporary vs. permanent wound channels Energy as applied to terminal performance How bullets kill: Loss of blood Loss of nervous-system function Compromised vital organs Before concluding, we suggest several different favorite bullet types, and wrap all the technical "bullet nerd" info into a simple, useful formula for picking the right hunting bullet for your task. ENJOY! BIG NEWS! We've just launched a . Our boy William (the ever-popular host of the Backcountry Apprentice segment) will be editing and publishing videos of our episodes. Please jump over to and give him a quick subscribe! Here's a link to make it easy: ALSO: We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30460353

375 H&H vs. 375 Ruger: Battle of the Versatile Big-Bores 03/15/2024

375 H&H vs. 375 Ruger: Battle of the Versatile Big-Bores Is the .375 H&H still the most versatile cartridge in the world? Or is the .375 Ruger now a better choice? On the premise of picking just one cartridge to hunt everything from whitetail deer to elephant, we've chosen the two most likely candidates and pitted them against each other in this cartridge shootout-type episode. We consider: Ballistic performance Inherent accuracy Available factory ammo Potential handloadability Available rifles/options/cost Rifle capacity & cartridge feeding charactistics Worldwide availability Conclusion? You'll have to listen to find out! ENJOY! Also, BIG NEWS! We've just launched a . Our boy William (the ever-popular host of the Backcountry Apprentice segment) will be editing and publishing videos of our episodes. Please jump over to and give him a quick subscribe! Here's a link to make it easy: ALSO: We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30350503

Q&A: Survival gear, Elk Cartridges, Long-Range Ethics & More 03/08/2024

Q&A: Survival gear, Elk Cartridges, Long-Range Ethics & More Survival gear? Elk cartridges? Shooting techniques? Long-range ethics? This episode has it all, thanks to our great reader's questions and comments. Also, BIG NEWS! We're launching a . Our boy William (the ever-popular host of the Backcountry Apprentice segment) will be editing and publishing videos of our episodes. Please jump over to and give him a quick subscribe! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30248573

6.8 Western vs. 7mm PRC 03/01/2024

6.8 Western vs. 7mm PRC These two new-fangled cartridges are arguably the best all-purpose hunting rounds introduced in the past 20 years. Which is best, 6.8 Western or 7 PRC? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the advantages of each cartridge, including: Best effectiveness on a broad spectrum of non-dangerous game Adaptability for different types of terrain and hunting Which makes for the best mountain rifle Which is most efficient in short barrels for use with a suppressor Which has the least recoil for the performance provided How available factory rifles and ammo are for each How available brass and component bullets are for each In the end, we draw some conclusions and give real-world scenarios showcasing situations in which each comes out superior. This one was fun, folks... ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30142053

How To Sharpen A Knife 02/27/2024

How To Sharpen A Knife Ever struggle to get a sharp edge on your hunting knife? This 20-minute tuturial walks step-by-step through the process of making your blade razor sharp. Plus, we discuss best benchtop sharpening stones and field stones. ENJOY! To watch the video of this episode, please join us on , where you'll get access to all our bonus content. /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30115693

Titanium & 3-D Printed Suppressors: Magic or Mistake? 02/23/2024

Titanium & 3-D Printed Suppressors: Magic or Mistake? Recorded at the recent Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City, this episode digs into titanium as a suppressor material, as well as the cutting-edge new technology enabling manufacturers to make 3-D printed suppressors. Brandon Maddox of Silencer Central also gives us an inside look at the status of the E-Form system, and talks about a new conservation-driven bill that would direct funds from the $200 tax stamp required with every suppressor to benefit conservation. There's some terrific information here, folks. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/30057908

Survival & Emergency Base Camp Gear 02/16/2024

Survival & Emergency Base Camp Gear What emergency and survival gear should you have at base camp? Whether your base is a truck at the trailhead, or a big horse camp deep in wilderness country, you should have crucial backup gear and food there. This episode was inspired by a listener, and contains a list of what we consider important, from extra ammo or arrows to medical supplies—along with discussion of why and plenty of real-world stories of challenging experiences. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29954263

Best Replaceable Blade Hunting Knives 02/13/2024

Best Replaceable Blade Hunting Knives This episode looks at three of the best replaceable-blade, ultralight folding hunting knives on the market: Havalon, Outdoor Edge, and Browning. We believe every serious hunter should have a good traditional fixed-blade hunting knife and be good at sharpening it. However, there is a place for replaceable-blade knives. This discussion addresses what to pick and why. Plus, we share a couple of cautionary true stories—one that could have ended in death—of accidents with scalpel-sharp replaceable-blade knives. ENJOY! To see the knives showcased in the video of this episode, join us on . The $10 tier will get you access to all our member-exclusive videos and bonus content. And a HUGE thanks to those of you allready on board supporting the podcast—we can't thank you enough! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29916708

Best Scopes for Close Range Hunting 02/09/2024

Best Scopes for Close Range Hunting What sort of scope (or sights) will help you shoot most effectively when hunting big timber or brush country? This episode explores the characteristics of an optic that's ideal for fast, effective shooting inside 200 yards, and details several different scope, red dot, and iron sight models that work particularly well. ENJOY! FRIENDS: We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29840333

Best Lever Actions for Big Game 02/07/2024

Best Lever Actions for Big Game This episode showcases three terrific lever-action big game rifles. All are classic historic designs that were carried by frontiersmen; all are also still being produced! These three are big-bore versions suitable for hunting anything from deer to grizzlies. We'll follow up soon with an episode on top-notch .30-30 models ideal for deer and hog hunting. In order of appearance, here are links to the specific rifle models showcased here: in .45-90 Win. in .45-70 Gov't. in .405 Win. If you'd like to see the rifles, join us on , where you can see the film of this episode plus all our other bonus content. ENJOY! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29829198

Best Rifles, Cartridges, & Bullets for Close-Range Hunting 02/02/2024

Best Rifles, Cartridges, & Bullets for Close-Range Hunting What makes a capable rifle/cartridge/bullet setup for close-range hunting? This episode takes a deep dive into the best of the type, including lever-actions, pump-actions, bolt-actions, semiautos, and even single shots, along with ideal cartridges and top-performing bullet types. We address whether brush-busting bullets are actually a thing, and the visible on-impact effect of blunt-nose bullets up close versus pointed bullets. From shot angles to blood trails to fast follow-up shots, this episode has it all... ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29751573

Leupold's New Mark 4HD (and another Northern Shrike) 01/30/2024

Leupold's New Mark 4HD (and another Northern Shrike) After four decades of U.S. sniper history Leupold's legendary Mark 4 scope has been completely overhauled. The has state-of-the-art glass and cutting-edge features, and is undoubtedly the best crossover precision/tactical/hunting scope now on the market. Weight is reasonable, as is cost: $999 to $1,599. This episode takes a deep dive into the new Mark 4HD line with optical experts John Snodgrass and Shawn Skipper. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.gunwerks.com /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29703923

Coolest New Gear at SHOT Show 2024, with Ron Spomer and Colton Heward 01/26/2024

Coolest New Gear at SHOT Show 2024, with Ron Spomer and Colton Heward This episode I sat down with Ron Spomer and Colton Heward and swapped stories and opinions on the flood of innovative new shooting and hunting products introduced at SHOT Show 2024. We talk about awesome new rifle designs, from Winchester's new $400 .22 rimfire lever gun to Beretta's startling new straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle. New riflescopes and rangefinding binoculars and premium optics of every sort abound. New cartridge introductions are few but new loads for trendy cartridges are everywhere—there are no less than seven new 7mm PRC loads from Federal, Remington, and Fusion alone. We're also planning a meet-and-greet at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City on Friday, February 16th at around 2pm. Hope to see you there! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.gunwerks.com /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29656893

22 Creedmoor: The Ultimate Predator Cartridge? 01/19/2024

22 Creedmoor: The Ultimate Predator Cartridge? Is there a predator-hunting cartridge that outperforms all others? There is, and it's called the 22 Creedmoor. It's designed for maximum performance with modern, high-BC .22-caliber centerfire bullets, and as a result is much more effective than classic favorites such as the .22-250. Skeptical? I admit I sure was. Research showed me that the 22 Creedmoor doesn't just outperform the .22-250 and other popular predator rounds, it eclipses them. Want some numbers? The 22 Creedmoor is more effective at 800 yards than the .22-250 is at 500 yards. It has less than half the wind drift. It impacts with more than double the energy and a whole lot more velocity downrange. Wildcatted and promoted by serious coyote competition callers in Texas, the 22 Creedmoor has just been legitimized by Hornady and is now a proper factory-loaded cartridge. Horizon Firearms has exclusive marketing priveledges for Hornady ammo, and makes the finest 22 Creedmoor factory-ready rifles I've seen anywhere—for half the cost you'd expect. This was a unique project with a result that really surprised me. Candidly, I had no idea just how good the 22 Creedmoor would prove to be. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29536998

Gear Prep & Hunting for Coues Deer 01/12/2024

Gear Prep & Hunting for Coues Deer This episode takes us to Old Mexico in pursuit of coues deer, the Gray Ghost of the Southwest. These tiny desert mountain-dwellering whitetails are incredibly challenging—and fun—to hunt. Guides and hunters with 40 years of experience talk us through how, where and when to hunt coues deer. We take a deep dive into rifles, cartridges, and bullets for coues deer, and discuss the vital importance of a good binocular and high-powered, tripod-mounted binocular. The second half of the podcast is story time. Fellow writer Jeff Johnston tells the tale of his near-Boone & Crockett buck, and I share the story of my massive-antlered, battle-scarred old buck. This was a fun one, folks, recorded in the field hunkered around a cast-iron wood stove on a historic ranch once frequented by Pancho Villa. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need your support to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.gunwerks.com /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29444218

How To Use a Custom Scope Dial 01/05/2024

How To Use a Custom Scope Dial Custom scope dials are the fastest, simplest way to make precise shots inside 600 yards. Just range, dial, hold center and shoot. However, ordering a dial with the correct parameters and setting it up on your rifle can feel intimidating. It shouldn't be. The process is a detailed one, but isn't hard. This episode outlines several steps on how to get it right, and then how to use your custom dial most effectively. Common questions and misconceptions about custom dials are answered and mythbusted, too. ENJOY! FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars. VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29326053

Top 3 Movies for Hunters 01/02/2024

Top 3 Movies for Hunters Few great hunting films exist... But the great ones are really spectacular. This brief episode details three of the best ever made. ENJOY! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29296658

7mm PRC vs .300 Win. Mag: Which Is Best? 12/29/2023

7mm PRC vs .300 Win. Mag: Which Is Best? In this episode we pit the legendary .300 Win. Mag. against the trendy 7mm PRC. One is the magnum by which all others are measured; the other is the fastest-growing magnum in the industry. Which one is best? ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29248488

Rifle vs Cartridge: Which to pick first? 12/26/2023

Rifle vs Cartridge: Which to pick first? When you need a new hunting rifle, should you first pick a cartridge, and then find a rifle you like that's chambered for it? Or should you first choose a rifle type and model, and then shop for one chambered for a cartridge that suits your needs? This brief bonus episode explores a couple of examples showcasing the advantages of each approach... ENJOY! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29230248

Backcountry Q&A: Elk guns, bear spray, kid rifles, cartridge wars, & more! 12/22/2023

Backcountry Q&A: Elk guns, bear spray, kid rifles, cartridge wars, & more! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29173718

Top Three Backcountry Backpacks 12/19/2023

Top Three Backcountry Backpacks Shopping for a serious backpack for backcountry hunting? This rapid-fire 5-minute bonus episode details three top picks. These packs are versitile, capable, comfortable, and of premium quality. Compressed, they'll serve as a daypack ready to morph into a meat-hauling machine. Weight ratings are all north of 150 pounds, and capacity is plenty for expedition-level hunts. ENJOY! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29136293

onX Navigation and Elk Hunting 12/15/2023

onX Navigation and Elk Hunting Effective scouting, mapping, and navigating backcountry areas is crucial to hunting success. The onX Hunt app is an incredible tool and resource for doing so—so much so that it's become indespensible. This episode, onX's Dylan Dowson joins us to walk listeners through several of the newest, coolest features included with the onX app, and shares the story of his giant 2023 public-land, solo DIY archery bull elk. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29083383

Best Bear-Stopping Guns 12/12/2023

Best Bear-Stopping Guns Folks, I think we often miss the mark when we talk about guns for defense against trouble bears. It's crucial to keep in mind that although a handgun or a deer rifle is far better than nothing and is sometimes the only option, they're still a distant second-best to powerful big-bore guns. This 5-minute episode details three top choices for actually STOPPING a charging bear. Not just killing it, but preventing it from killing you. We're filming these brief bonus episodes, so if you'd like to put eyes on the rifles showcased in this episode, please join us on . ENJOY! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/29028163

243 Winchester vs 6mm Creedmoor: Best crossover deer/predator cartridge? 12/08/2023

243 Winchester vs 6mm Creedmoor: Best crossover deer/predator cartridge? In the world of light, zippy cartridges that serve double duty on deer and varmints, what's best? Two of our most popular crossover cartridges are the classic .243 Winchester, and the cutting-edge6mm Creedmoor. This episode takes a deep dive into the pros and cons of each, pitting the two against each other in terminal performance, inherrent accuracy, ballistics, barrel life, practical versatility, and more. Take a listen to hear which emerges the winner. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/28961493

Modern Cartridges Most Likely To Survive 12/05/2023

Modern Cartridges Most Likely To Survive "Do you think the 6.8 Western is here to stay?" We field a lot of this type of question. Survival rate of modern cartridges is a valid concern, especially for hunters that don't handload. So we've featured three really new cutting-edge rifle cartridges that we're pretty sure are here for the long haul. My criteria was that each had to be from a different designer, each had to be introduced very recently, and each had to be a capable, versatile cartridge for western big game. This is one of a new weekly podcast element: fast-paced, fact-filled five-minute episodes showcasing three top backcountry hunting tools, tricks or techniques. We're filming these brief episodes and posting them on Patreon, so if you'd like to put eyes on the products and methods showcased, please sign up at for a membership! Also soon to come: Boots, packs, knives, elk calls, multitools, tents, bear guns, movies, and more! These "Top 3 In 5" minute episodes will drop as frequently as we have time during this busy hunting season, and by Christmas will be a weekly Tuesday-morning addition to the podcast's regular schedule. ENJOY! /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/28928628

Riflestock accuracy & consistency 12/01/2023

Riflestock accuracy & consistency Few things are worse than an equipment failure when you're about to take a shot at a buck, bull, ram, or boar of a lifetime. One of the least suspected but frequent culprits of shots going astray in the field are inconsistent riflestocks. This episode with accuracy nut Austin Brown digs deep on how to maximize the accuracy potential and consistency of your rifle's stock—and is generously supported with hunting stories to make our points. Ok, ok: This episode is mostly hunting stories with a few good pointers. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: www.onxmaps.com www.gunwerks.com /episode/index/show/backcountryhunting/id/28853638

Backcountry Hunting Podcast

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