Backcountry Hunting Podcast

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Hunting Bison In Alaska, with Jack Jaeger Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

This episode takes us far out into the Aleutian Islands off the west coast of Alaska's mainland, to hunt wild bison. Recorded audio-journal style, we're bringing it to you raw and unedited.

Hunting by invitation with Jack Jaeger, who is designated to hunt buffalo for the tribal elders, we circumnavigate the island on a small fishing boat, landing in a skiff and hunting up from the coast when buffalo are sighted.

With a big cow taken and the quarters packed out and hung to age, we weather howling winds and slashing rain, and then ascend into the Island's high peaks in an attempt to find a big bull.

Thwarted by fog, fierce winds, and relentless rain, we had to pull out and get dry and warm. Then, for days, we hunkered down and waited while the airline canceled flights day after day.

This was type 2 fun at its finest, folks! If you're interested in trying a similar adventure yourself, contact Jack Jaeger. His info is in the show notes below.

ENJOY!

Call or text Jack: (808) 854-1127

Email Jack: jaegerjohn15@gmail.com

Leupold's New VX 6HD Gen 2 Riflescope Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

Leupold just launched a new flagship hunting scope, called the VX-6HD Gen 2.

Friends, I didn't think the first-generation VX-6HD could get any better. But by golly, Leupold has successfully improved my favorite riflescope. The new Gen 2 version has an improved, tool-less turret, a built-in throw lever on the power ring, and most importantly, it's now got the same internal guts and gears as Leupold's legendary Mark 5 line of precision/tactical scopes.

In this episode, I sit down with Tim Lesser, Vice President of product development and marketing and get an awesome backstage look at the new VX-6HD Gen 2 riflescope. This was an awesome episode to record... ENJOY!

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

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Commissioning a Custom Rifle Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episide, Alaskan custom gunsmith Ray Saft and I dig deep into the various characteristics of actions, stocks, barrels, cartridges, and special chambers appropriate for a backcountry rifle build.

To showcase the process of discussing and commissioning a custom rifle, we use a pair of in-process 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser mountain rifles, one with a titanium action and carbon-fiber barrel; the other with a skeletonized steel action and traditional steel barrel.

This is part one of a three-part series we're doing. When completed, we'll discuss the rifles and upcoming test protocols in Part 2. Then in Part 3, we'll share the results and--with some luck, discuss putting the rifles successfully to work in the field. ENJOY!

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All-New 7mm Backcountry Cartridge, with Ron Spomer: Federal's New Round is the fastest 7mm Ever! Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

Best Iron Sights for Western Hunting, with Ron Spomer Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

Really good iron sights are surprisingly capable—and according to Utah's new restricted unit regulations, are required. Five historically great mule deer units are now iron-sights only, even for centerfire hunting rifles.

So: What's the best iron-sight setup for hunting Western open country?

In this episode, we're joined by legendary hunter, writer, and YouTube host Ron Spomer to discuss what type of iron sights really work for serious hunting. We talk through appropriate rifles, suitable cartridges, and how to choose and set up the most capable types of iron sights—all liberally sprinkled with hunting stories.

We also touch on the ethical responsibilities of hunting with iron sights, as well as methods of practicing and maximizing your lethal capability.

This was a fun one, friends. ENJOY!

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Bullets & Brass with Nosler's Chris Hoffstetter Dec 27, 2024

Show notes

Ever wonder why you get unexplained fliers when shooting otherwise tiny groups with your ammo? You may be shocked at the common culprit discussed in this episide—as well as how easy it is to prevent.

This episode we're joined by Chris Hoffstetter of Nosler, and we talk through the crucial aspects of ammo that provide accuracy and clean-killing effectiveness. ENJOY!

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56 Bison Hunts—and the Cartridges That Worked Best Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

Outfitter Tate Bradfield and his crew took 56 American Buffalo with clients in 2024. This episode, we sit down and discuss the cartridges, bullets, and shot placement that kills Bison most effectively and efficiently. Tate tells tall tales (say that three times fast) of Buffalo getting shot with everything from .243 Winchester to .45-70 Gov't—and has some emphatic advice to share with prospective Bison hunters. This one was a ton of fun, folks. ENJOY!

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

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Why Small Calibers Are NOT Good for Big Game Dec 06, 2024

Show notes

When killing is crucial, not just convenient... Choose the right tool for the task.

Folks, I resisted addressing this trendy topic of using small calibers on big game for a long time. But I've had so many requests to do so, I can no longer take the easy road. Here's my blunt, fact- and science-based opinion on the practice of using small calibers loaded with target-type bullets on big game.

ENJOY!

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

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CARNIVORE! Plus favorite Weatherby cartridges & rifles Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

This episode, Weatherby's COO Luke Thorkildsen joins us to talk about backcountry fitness and how the Carnivore diet has revolutionized his backcountry hunting capability. We discuss how to successfully combat middle-age "spare tire" weight gain and increase focus and energy.

Plus, of course, we take a dive into Luke's personal favorite Weatherby cartridges and specific bullets loaded for them, as well as his go-to rifle models from the Weatherby stable. This one was eye-opening and a ton of fun, folks. ENJOY!

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: