The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

In this episode of the Backcountry Blueprint series, we break down real data from 1,500 hunters to uncover the essential skills and knowledge required to make living in the wild feel like second nature. This episode moves beyond the "how-to" of hunting and focuses on the "how-to" of surviving and thriving in the backcountry.

The goal is simple: master your environment so you can spend less energy on survival and more on the hunt itself.

"Have less, do less, hunt more." By eliminating extras and refining your habits, you free up the mental and physical energy you need to become a more capable hunter.

The Backcountry Blueprint: https://exomtngear.com/blueprint

Contact Us: [email protected]

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

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

In this episode, we talk about hunting Mountain Goats on Kodiak Island, Alaska. Our guest, Joey Klutsch, is an Alaska Master Guide and Owner of Katmai/Aniakchak Guide Service.

He will be taking the winner of The Experience Challenge on a Kodiak Mountain Goat Hunt. We discuss the logistics of the hunt, what makes this hunt unique, how to identify and judge mountain goats, what gear is and isn't required, and much more. 

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE...

The Experience Challenge: https://exomtngear.com/challenge

Joey's Website: https://katmaiguideservice.com/

Joey's Instagram: https://instagram.com/aniakchakguideservice

Alaska Mountain Goat Identification Guide: https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/hunting/goathunting/pdfs/goat_identification_guide_for_web_2014.pdf

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

In this episode of the Backcountry Blueprint series, we break down real data from 1,500 hunters to uncover the most common reasons backcountry hunts fail—and how to fix them. Instead of blaming weather, pressure, or luck, the conversation zeroes in on what’s actually within your control, from quitting early and a poor mindset, to lack of preparation, physical limitations, and bad decision-making in the field.

We dig into the critical factors that separate success from failure: persistence, mental toughness, effective scouting, gear management, and shot execution under pressure. Packed with honest reflection and practical takeaways, this episode is all about helping you identify your weak points, take ownership, and become a more consistent and capable backcountry hunter.

The Backcountry Blueprint: https://exomtngear.com/blueprint

Contact Us: [email protected]

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

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

In this bonus Q&A episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, we’re joined again by John from Evoke Endurance to tackle listener questions on training for backcountry hunts. We dive into the realities of balancing competing priorities, building fitness for multi-day hunts, and why aerobic base—not VO2 max—is the true foundation of performance in the mountains.

John breaks down how to structure your training with limited time, how to think about strength vs. endurance, and what really matters when preparing for cumulative fatigue in the backcountry. We also get into practical topics like heart rate-based training, adapting plans around injuries, fueling strategies, and what to do when life inevitably disrupts your schedule.

If you’re trying to train smarter—not just harder—for your next hunt, this episode is packed with actionable insight.

THE TRAINING PLANS...

Use code EXO before 04/30/26 to save on the training plans...

20 Week Training Plan: https://evokeendurance.com/training-plans/backcountry-hunting-20-week-training-plan/

28 Week Training Plan: https://evokeendurance.com/training-plans/backcountry-hunting-training-plan/

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE...

Episode 574 | "Building the Mountain Hunter: Physiology, Foundations, and the 20-Week Training Plan": https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/574

Episode 475 | "Proven Training Methods for the Mountain Hunter": https://the-experience-project.com/proven-training-for-mountain-hunting/

Understanding V02 Max: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/understanding-max-vo2/

Additional Free Resources from Evoke: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/

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

In this episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, Vince Paikowski, a former Army Ranger and winner of the Best Ranger Competition, joins us to discuss the intersection of elite military conditioning and backcountry hunting.

Vince discusses his work as a coach with Evoke Endurance, where he helps develop specialized training plans for rugged mountain environments.

We discuss…

The Best Ranger Competition: Insights into the grueling 60-hour endurance event that tests the physical and cognitive limits of two-man Ranger teams.

Rucking Mechanics: Why walking fast is more efficient than running under load and how to build "ruck economy" through progressive weight increases.

Shooting Under Fatigue: A breakdown of military studies showing how high aerobic fitness preserves marksmanship and cognitive decision-making during physical stress.

Training Without Mountains: Practical strategies for flat-land athletes, including hill sprints, plyometric complexes, and using "stress inoculation" to prepare for the mental challenges of a hunt.

The Evolution of the Ranger: A historical look at how soldier size and training requirements have shifted from WWII to the modern era, and the potential costs of prioritizing muscle mass over aerobic capacity.

Whether you are preparing for a 10-day mountain hunt or looking to improve your overall resilience, this conversation will provide insights to help you become a more capable backcountry athlete.

THE TRAINING PLANS...

Use code EXO before 04/30/26 to save on the training plans...

20 Week Training Plan: https://evokeendurance.com/training-plans/backcountry-hunting-20-week-training-plan/

28 Week Training Plan: https://evokeendurance.com/training-plans/backcountry-hunting-training-plan/

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE...

Episode 574 | "Building the Mountain Hunter: Physiology, Foundations, and the 20-Week Training Plan": https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/574

Episode 475 | "Proven Training Methods for the Mountain Hunter": https://the-experience-project.com/proven-training-for-mountain-hunting/

Data on Rucking Fitness & Shooting Ability: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/aerobic-training-for-the-military-athlete/

Additional Free Resources from Evoke: https://evokeendurance.com/resources/

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