The Hunt Backcountry Podcast

In this episode, Mark catches up with chef, author, and wild game authority Hank Shaw to celebrate the updated and expanded edition of his classic big game cookbook, Buck Buck Moose.

Returning to the podcast for the first time since 2017, Hank breaks down how wild game cooking has evolved over the past decade and shares practical advice on field care, butchery, and modern kitchen technology.

Working with Processors & Home Butchery: Tips on what to ask your local game processor, trimming considerations, and using reverse-searing techniques for thick roasts and backstraps.

Elevating the Basics: How to make a proper venison burger by balancing fat content (10–15%), choosing the right grind size, and cooking backstrap lengths rather than thin steaks.

Modern Kitchen Tech: Hank gives his honest take on the pros and cons of using air fryers and sous-vide immersion circulators for wild game, explaining where they shine (cutlets, meatballs, batch cooking) and where they fail (over-reliance, texture issues, and improper time/temp settings).

Handling & Cooking Bear Meat: The key differences between northern (Trichinella nativa) and southern bear species, why freezing alone doesn't render northern parasites inert, and how to properly render and store bear fat.

Upgrading Favorite Dishes: Step-by-step breakdowns for making tender Barbacoa, authentic Jalisco-style Birria, and crowd-pleasing party appetizers like wild game meatballs.

Learn more from Hank Shaw:

Buck, Buck, Moose on Amazon

Signed Copy of Buck, Buck, Moose

Hank's Recipe Site

Hank's Substack

Hank's Previous Episode

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

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In this "Monday Minute" episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, Steve and Mark answer listener questions on pack loading, sleeping pad protection, strategies for wet hunts and water crossings, advice for hunters who struggle to eat enough, and more...

PRODUCTS & RESOURCES MENTIONED...

Loading A Packraft with Meat & Gear

Pack Loading for Multi-day Hunts

Sleep Strategies for Backcountry Trips

What We Eat on Backpack Hunts

Frogg Togg Wading Pants

Frogg Togg Boot-Foot Hip Waders

Wiggy's Overboot Waders

WildTech Streamlite Overboot Waders

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

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In this episode, Mark is joined by Joshua Brown—an accomplished Alaskan hunter and the only person to complete the historic 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail on foot, bike, and skis. Drawing from his background in extreme winter endurance events and backcountry hunting, Josh breaks down how to survive, perform, and make critical decisions when pushing into remote shoulder-season and sub-zero environments.

Key Topics & Takeaways:

The Human-Powered Iditarod: Josh explains the history of human-powered Iditarod events, comparing the unique demands of completing the 1,000-mile trek via foot, fat bike, and cross-country skis.

Extreme Cold Hydration & Fueling: Why dehydration happens faster in sub-zero temps, methods for keeping water systems from freezing, and why calories act as the internal furnace against hypothermia.

Nutrition & Palate Fatigue: Balancing high-fat and carbohydrate needs with real-world palatability on long-duration backcountry events.

Cold Weather Injury Prevention: Practical steps to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, including proper foot fitting, the strategic use of vapor barriers, and recognizing early warning signs of problems.

The "Oh Crap" Bag & Self-Rescue Mindset: Why every hunter and adventurer must carry an emergency dry bag with dry base layers and a sleep system, treating self-rescue as the only reliable option.

Layering & Moisture Control: Implementing the "cool, not cold" motto to prevent wetting out clothing through sweat, and choosing quick-drying synthetics/fleeces over hard-to-dry alternatives.

Resources & Recommendations:

Zojirushi Insulated Thermoses

Andrew Skurka’s Vapor Barrier Guide

Western Mountaineering HotSac Vapor Barrier Liner

RAB Hooded Vapour Barrier Sleeping Bag Liner

Feathered Friends Expedition Sleeping Bags

Iditarod Trail Invitational Race

Iditarod Trail Invitational Camp

8,000 Miles Across Alaska by Jill Homer

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 episode, we hear from Levi Barkas and his 15-year-old son, Wyatt, alongside Wyoming hunter Zimmy. What started as a chance encounter at a trailhead during an elk hunt turned into an incredible story of backcountry camaraderie, a sudden medical emergency, a rescue operation, and key takeaways for hunting public land safely.

Key Topics & Takeaways...

Backcountry Connections: Levi, Wyatt, and Zimmy share how a random meeting at a Wyoming trailhead led to a joint hunt and a lasting friendship.

Elk Hunting Tactics: Why heavy cow calling can be the "golden ticket" over bugling in thick country or late-season scenarios; managing satellite bulls vs. herd bulls in dense cover; and lessons learned on midday moves, spot-and-stalk tactics, and letting the herd settle down before pushing in.

The Medical Emergency: While hanging out at midday, Levi suddenly lost all function on his left side and fell to the ground with stroke-like symptoms.

Garmin InReach & Rescue Response: The critical role of satellite communicators even when cell service seems available, a step-by-step account of the short-haul helicopter extraction and Wyatt’s ride out in the "screamer suit", a breakdown of Search & Rescue operations and associated costs.

Culture on the Mountain: The willingness of fellow hunters to step up and help in times of need.

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" episode of the Hunt Backcountry Podcast, host Mark runs solo while Steve is out, answering gear-focused listener questions. Mark breaks down some of his gear choices and strategy for a recent 10-day interior Alaska packraft hunt, discussing down vs. synthetic insulation, merino base layers, wet-weather moisture management, replacement options for discontinued boots, sharpening knives with angle guides, and his current everyday phone case setup.

PRODUCTS & RESOURCES MENTIONED...

Sleep System: Katabatic Alsek

Apparel: Sitka Kelvin LT, Outdoor Vitals Vantage Alpine Down Jacket, Argali Clothing (Merino Hoodie not yet released), Orange Gripper Nitrile Gloves

Boots & Accessories: Meindl Air Revolution Alpine Light Hiker, Metatarsal Pad Insoles, Grakksaw Boot Dryers, Mountain Hunter Outdoors Boot Dryers

Knives & Sharpening: Mark's Sharpening Technique (Video), DMT (Non-Guided) Folding Sharpener, Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener, Alaska Blade Works Wrangell Knife

Digiscoping & Accessories: Rokform Phone Case, Mountain Mag Digiscoping System

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

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