Welcome to The First Monday. In these episodes, Steve & Mark talk through what's going on for them that month in the categories of The Gear, The Hunt, and the Hunter, as well as what's going on with Exo Mtn Gear. If you want an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what we are doing, researching, and learning, or just what we are excited about, this is it.

Links for this episode...

• Exo Email Notifications: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter 
• Pre-Fit Barrel Questions (and/or general Podcast Qs): [email protected] 
• The NW Hunt Expo: https://nwhuntexpo.com/ 
• Tenacious Tape (Clear Repair Tape): https://amzn.to/43eOUyu or https://amzn.to/41DbijE 
• Aziak Equipment Ridgeline Tripod: https://sandsarchery.com/products/aziak-ridgeline-tripod
•  Idaho Bear Identification: https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/bear-identification 

EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

ASK YOUR QUESTION — [email protected]

LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Cody joins us to share the story of the Mule Deer hunt that he shared with his brother and father this past fall. They hunted Montana for the first time and were able to go 3-for-3 on filling their tags. We discuss how they planned this hunt, how they scouted for this out-of-state hunt, how they battled the cold conditions, and how the hunt success happened.

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/

Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

Contact Us: [email protected]

Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark answer your listener questions and share some news and updates on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss...

• Takeaways from Hunt Expo and the PNW Sportsmen's Show
• Future plans for The Experience Project 
• Big discounts on Hanwag Boots
• The 5 most-downloaded podcast episodes in 2024
• What hunting podcasts and shows Steve & Mark follow 
• What they look for in game bags and how they keep blood out of their packs

Links mentioned in this episode...

• The Idaho Sportsman Show, Feb 27 - Mar 2: https://www.idahosportsmanshow.com/
• NW Hunt Expo, Mar 7-9: https://nwhuntexpo.com/
• Hanwag Boot Sale: https://www.hanwag.com/us/en-us/outlet/
• Best of 2024, #1 — Why Smaller Calibers May Be Better For Big Game Hunting (Part 1): https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-1/ 
• Best of 2024, #2 — Why Smaller Calibers May Be Better For Big Game Hunting (Part 2): https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-part-2/ 
• Best of 2024, #3 — Smaller Caliber Listener Q&A with Form: https://the-experience-project.com/small-calibers-for-big-game-hunting-qa/ 
• Best of 2024, #4 — Hunting & Human Performance with Dr. Andy Galpin: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/454 
• Best of 2024, #5 — Colorado Parks & Wildlife (Your Questions, Misconceptions, and More...): https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/452 
• Best of 2023: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/best-of-2023 
• Recent Podcast with a "Meat Scientist": https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/508 

EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter 

ASK YOUR QUESTION — [email protected] 

LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry 

VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast 

Sierra Jepsen is a Meat Scientist and owner of Butcher Solutions, LLC. She joins us to discuss how big game hunters can effectively care for and prepare wild game meat. Sierra shares advice for processing big game in the field, caring for big game meat until it is frozen, and preparing big game meat for the best meals possible.

Additional Information and Resources...

• Sierra's Website — https://butchersolutionsllc.com/
• Sierra's Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/butcher_solutions_llc/ 
• Video: "Everything You Need Know About Processing Wild Game" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVLjN9CoHzI
• Video: "In-Depth Butchering Tips From A Meat Scientist" — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVkI46l4g4w 

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/

Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

Contact Us: [email protected]

Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Colt and his 10-year-old daughter, Cedar, join us to share the story of their backpack mule deer hunt from this past fall. This was Cedar's first backpack hunt and it was a joy to hear her share her experience, what she enjoyed about the hunt, what she learned, and more.

After the hunt story, Colt shares some of what he has learned about getting Cedar comfortable shooting and how they prepared for her first backpack hunt. Connect with Colt: https://triplecprecision.com/ 

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/

Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

Contact Us: [email protected]

Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Before hitting the road for Hunt Expo, Steve & Mark answer your listener questions (and go on a couple of rants) on this Monday Minute episode.

A warning to the sensitive ears... Yes, there are a few F-words dropped in this one!

They answer...

• Where can you see Exo at events? (This week AND next month!)
• What does the "K" in K4 stand for?
• Compared to a traditional pack frame, how does the K4 frame handle moose quarters?
• Why have Mark & Steve contradicted themselves by using all-copper Hammer bullets and cup-and-core ELD bullets? Why jump on and off the "bandwagon"?
• What are differences between crampon and microspikes? When do you use each one? And what are some specific models to consider?

Links mentioned in this episode...

• Hunt Expo in SLC, Feb 13-16: https://huntexpo.com/
• Pacific NW Sportsmen's Show, Feb 12-16: https://www.thesportshows.com/shows/pacific-northwest/show-information/
• The Idaho Sportsman Show, Feb 27 - Mar 2: https://www.idahosportsmanshow.com/
• NW Hunt Expo, Mar 7-9: https://nwhuntexpo.com/
• Subscribe to Exo Mtn Gear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExoMountainGear?sub_confirmation=1
• K4 Strap Extension Set: https://exomtngear.com/extensions
• Kahtoola Microspikes: https://kahtoola.com/traction/microspikes-footwear-traction/
• Black Diamond Spikes: https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/shop/traction-devices/

EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter 

ASK YOUR QUESTION — [email protected] 

LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry 

VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast 

Any elk hunter would love to spend dozens of days on the mountain throughout the fall. In this episode, a new elk hunter, Luke, tells us what he learned as he spent 20+ days pursuing elk in the mountains just outside his home. We discuss what he observed before the season, how elk behavior changed during the season, what he noticed about elk vocalization throughout September, and how his experience hunting elk in later rifle seasons compared to archery season.

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/

Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

Contact Us: [email protected]

Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Welcome to The First Monday. In these episodes, Steve & Mark talk through what's going on for them that month in the categories of The Gear, The Hunt, and the Hunter, as well as what's going on with Exo Mtn Gear. If you want an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what we are doing, researching, and learning, or just what we are excited about, this is it.

In addition to that, we also answer listener questions about a new pack from Exo in 2025, how to choose a temperature rating for your sleep system, and what gaiters we recommend.

Links for this episode...

• The Experience Project HUNT Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxCisjM16JQUuY7xWQLdExN_rAHTxEsvv
• Subscribe to Exo Mtn Gear on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ExoMountainGear?sub_confirmation=1
• K3 Re-Stock: https://exomtngear.com/k3
• Hunt Expo: https://huntexpo.com/
• Pacific NW Sportsmen's Show: https://www.thesportshows.com/shows/pacific-northwest/
• Kahtoola Gaiters: https://kahtoola.com/shop/gaiters/
• PEAX Gaiters: https://www.peaxequipment.com/products/storm-castle-gaiter 
• OR Crocodile Gaiters: https://amzn.to/410n0EX

EXO INSIDER NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

ASK YOUR QUESTION — [email protected]

LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Scott Gillespie of Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery joins us to discuss the use of tracking dogs to help hunters recover big game animals in the Rocky Mountain West. Although tracking dogs have a long history in some areas of the country, they have not been used significantly in the Mountain West. With recent changes in legislation and growing interest among trackers and hunters, Scott helps us understand how tracking dogs are now a viable option to help hunters recover big game animals in the mountains.

We discuss how hunters can locate and contact a tracking team. When hunters should call for assistance. What it costs to have a tracking team help with recovery. When it doesn't make sense to use a tracking team. And much more.

• Rocky Mountain Big Game Recovery: https://www.rockymountainbiggamerecovery.org/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/344223976211356/
• Find A Tracker: https://www.unitedbloodtrackers.org/find-a-tracker/

The Hunt Backcountry Podcast is brought to you by Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/

Email Sign-up: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

Contact Us: [email protected]

Leave A Message: https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

Podcast Episode Archive: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

Steve & Mark are back from SHOT Show. In this episode, they discuss the most exciting products they saw at SHOT and answer your questions about suppressors, rifle scopes, knives, and other products from the show. They also announce a limited run of Exo Pack Holsters and the latest Experience Project HUNT film.

Links for this episode...

• Experience Project Moose Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrRHmkO1ybQ
• Exo Pack Holster by Ivory Holsters: https://ivoryholsters.com/product/limited-edition-exo-emg-pack-holster/
• Coast USB-C Batteries: https://www.coastzx.com/
• Seekins Element Hunter Rifle: https://seekinsprecision.com/rifles-new/havak-bolt-rifles/element-hunter.html
• MDT (MTN Gear) Bipods: https://mdttac.com/blog/shot-2025-mdt-launches-mountain-and-backcountry-bipods/
• Manners Folding Stock: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFNq6f-PlPG/
• DFND (Made in the USA Apparel): https://dfndusa.com/
• Hogue Extrak Fixed-Blade Knife: https://www.hogueinc.com/extrak-fixed-blade-3-3-clip-point-blade-stone-tumbled-solid-orange-g10-scales
• Hogue Expel Replaceable-Blade Knife: https://www.hogueinc.com/expel-folding-scalpel-2-5-replaceable-blade-416ss-frame-solid-orange-g10-scales
• Burris Digital Rifle Scope: https://www.burrisoptics.com/riflescopes/veracity-ph
• DMT Dia-Fold Sharpener: https://amzn.to/4geTgs7
• JK Armament Suppressors: https://jkarmament.com/product-category/suppressors/#
• Banish Suppressor with Muzzle Break: https://www.silencercentral.com/products/meateater
• Thunder Beast Suppressors: https://thunderbeastarms.com/products/
• Steve's Moose Mount: https://www.instagram.com/p/DEft5Edvy04/

EMAIL NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

ASK YOUR QUESTION — [email protected]

LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast

This is NOT a normal episode. While we normally keep the amount of BS and banter in our podcasts to a minimum, this particular episode is full of both.

Without much of a plan, Steve, Mark, Jake & Justin hit record and chatted from their Vegas hotel room after they wrapped up Sheep Show and started their time at SHOT Show.

Amidst the jokes and laughs, there are some good insights as they discuss...

• Golfing
• 1.3 million dollar tags at Sheep Show
• Meeting podcast fans at the urinal
• The Experience Project Films
• Improving Exo’s customer service
• Justin’s lessons from 30+ days in Alaska last fall
• Performing at the edge of your limits
• How Steve found and developed a group of guys that can do such adventurous hunts, Death Hikes, work with Exo, etc

EMAIL NEWSLETTER — https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

ASK YOUR QUESTION — [email protected]

LEAVE A MESSAGE — https://speakpipe.com/huntbackcountry

VIEW & SEARCH THE PODCAST ARCHIVE: https://exomtngear.com/podcast