The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

In this episode, we hear from former Olympic-level rifle athlete and coach Dan Jordan. After a rock climbing accident left him paralyzed at age 19, Dan adapted his mindset and physical approach to continue hunting remote backcountry wilderness, and even hunting solo from his wheelchair. In this inspiring and practical conversation, Dan shares his perspective on overcoming physical barriers, mastering shot execution, and cultivating the mental discipline required for backcountry success.

Key Topics & Takeaways

The Mindset of "Radical Acceptance": Rather than dwelling on limitations, Dan emphasizes identifying reality as it is, eliminating excuses, and immediately focusing on the next actionable step.

Saying "I Can't" is a Choice: How hunters often limit themselves with mental barriers—whether regarding difficult pack-outs or staying present during long sits—and how changing your framing unlocks new opportunities.

Translating Olympic Precision to Big Game: Lessons from high-level competitive shooting, including shot process mechanics, narrowing focus into a "funnel," and managing target panic or "buck fever".

Mastering Recoil & Follow-Through: Why follow-through is critical for spotting impacts, calling shots, and staying focused through the break, alongside the value of using trainer rifles to build proper habits.

Solo Wilderness Hunts from a Wheelchair: Incredible stories of grit, from engineering custom three-wheeled rigs for solo turkey hunts to harvesting bulls deep in non-motorized wilderness areas.

Patience as Mental Toughness: Why sitting motionless in a hot blind or enduring hours in the snow requires the same level of mental endurance as a grueling backcountry pack-out

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

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

Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

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

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

In this Monday Minute, Steve and Mark unpack the realities of water resistance in hunting packs, break down why no modern pack is truly 100% waterproof, and explain how seams, zippers, and DWR breakdown impact performance. They also dive into satellite messaging distractions, the critical trade-offs between pack weight and backcountry performance, and why traditional rain covers do more harm than good.

TOPICS COVERED...

Satellite Messaging & Focus: Managing off-grid connectivity and keeping your mind on the hunt.

System Trade-offs: Balancing pack weight, comfort, rifle accuracy, and backcountry endurance.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: The truth about technical fabrics, seam failure, DWR degradation, and zipper leaks.

Rain Covers vs. Dry Bags: Why rain covers fall short and how an internal dry bag liner keeps critical gear safe. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED...

Sleep Better in the Backcountry: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/sleep-better-on-backpack-hunts

onX SOS: https://www.onxmaps.com/sos

Roundtable Podcast Series: https://exomtngear.com/roundtable

Exo Dry Bag Liners: https://exomtngear.com/drybag

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

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

ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com

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

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

In this episode of The Hunt Backcountry Podcast, we hear from Chad—a full-time Vermont ski patroller and long-time podcast listener who got a late start to hunting in his 30s. Chad shares his journey of transitioning from Eastern woods to Western big game, including the extreme logistics of driving 40 hours cross-country to hunt elk on public land solo.

Chad is also joined by his 10-year-old son, Eli, to share the story of a memorable, multi-generational family road trip out West that ended in an unforgettable evening elk harvest surrounded by bugling bulls in the sagebrush.

Key Talking Points & Takeaways

Late-Start Advantage: How starting hunting in his mid-30s shaped Chad’s perspective and growth as an archer and Western hunter.

Cross-Country Logistics: Practical strategies for executing solo, long-distance hunts, including managing drive times, gear setups, chest freezers, and local meat processing.

Sticking to an Area: The long-term benefits of learning a single unit year after year, understanding pressure patterns, and adapting tactics accordingly.

Family Western Trips: How to balance solo hunting passions with family travel, seamlessly blending family vacations with scouting and hunting.

Eli’s First Elk Encounter: A firsthand account of an incredible close-quarters hunt, complete with heavy pack-outs, field lessons, and favorite hunting gear and books for young outdoorsmen.

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

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

Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

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

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

On this Monday Minute, Mark and Steve answer listener questions to help you prepare for upcoming fall hunts:

Game Bag Selection for Mixed Species & Applications: Trey asks for game bag recommendations as he prepares to hunt black bear, elk, and deer in Idaho. Mark and Steve discuss how game bag shape, size, fabric weave, and bone-in vs. boned-out strategies impact how you pack and carry meat—along with tips on fly protection, paracord rigging, and buying individual bags vs. sets.

Mindset & Expectations for a First-Time Elk Hunter: Nick is heading out for his very first archery elk hunt and wrestles with balancing high expectations vs. a low success rate. Steve and Mark break down process-oriented goals, managing pressure, and how to maintain "kill mode" without quitting early or burning out.

10mm vs. 9mm Handguns for Backcountry Defense: Justin asks for handgun recommendations between popular 10mm options and whether to run red dots. Mark and Steve share their personal perspectives on recoil, shootability, capacity, optics, and practical safety precautions in grizzly country.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE...

K4 Pack Systems: https://exomtngear.com/packs

40+ Elk Hunting Podcasts: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/must-listen-elk-hunting-podcasts

Argali Game Bags: https://argalioutdoors.com/collections/argali-ultralight-game-bags

Grizzly Bear Defense Podcast: http://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/121

Exo Mtn Gear YouTube: https://youtube.com/ExoMountainGear

Exo Insider Email Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter

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

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

ASK YOUR QUESTION — podcast@exomtngear.com

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

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

What happens when you find out you’re heading on a bucket-list Alaskan Dall sheep hunt in just four weeks? In this episode, Mark sits down with Brian, one of the three grand prize winners from The Experience Challenge.

Brian went from juggling a newborn and a busy schedule to packing his bags for the Brooks Range in less than a month. In this pre-hunt conversation, they dive into:

The Big Call: Brian’s story of winning the live drawing in the middle of a chaotic family dinner.

Logistics & Gear: Prepping for an Alaskan backcountry hunt on short notice, managing checked baggage with firearms, and gear adjustments for Northern weather.

Bow vs. Rifle: The decision to swap a tuned archery setup for a rifle to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime tag.

Mental Prep & Expectations: Preparing for long miles, unpredictable Alaskan weather, and the physical grind of hunting sheep and caribou in the backcountry.

Follow along as Brian shares his mindset just days before taking off for Alaska, and stay tuned for the post-hunt episode to hear how the adventure unfolds!

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

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

Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

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

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