Backcountry Hunting Podcast
Joseph von Benedikt 429 episodes Nov 6, 2026
Backcountry Hunting Podcast is a show about hunting in deep wilderness and remote country, aimed at inspiring and teaching hunters. Host Joseph von Benedikt is a lifelong wilderness hunter who shares DIY techniques, gear advice, trip preparation and practical how-to guidance. Episodes mix field stories from backcountry hunts with tips for improving success on your own adventures. The emphasis is on self-reliant hunting rather than guided or outfitted trips.
Episodes
Sportsman's NIRVANA. Attending the DSC Convention
There's a place every year where hunters dreams coalesce under one roof. It's the Dallas Safari Club Convention. Whether your hunting and shooting passions revolve around big whitetail deer, African safaris, European driven shoots, or really gnarly adventures such as pursuing polar bear across the cap ice, they are represented at the DSC show. So, too, are the finest hunting rifles in the world—bo
.30-06 Cartridge Family: Best of All Time?
In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Ron Spomer to hash out what cartridge family is the best of the very best. Predictably, our discussion is full of humorous opinions, hunting stories, and technical information as we break down the history and influence of what is surely the most influential, practical, and capable cartridge family of all time. To wrap up, we whittle the .30-06 famil
SHOOTOUT! 7mm Backcountry VS .280 Ackley Improved
Should you buy a .280 Ackley or a 7mm Backcountry? This is a question we get frequently, so we figured we'd take a deep dive and compare the two. In this episode we explore velocity, accuracy, pressure, barrel life, reloadability, and every other aspect of the two cartridges we can think of. Does one emerge a winner? You'll have to listen to find out. ;) ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODC
Hunting Red Stags in the Scottish Highlands: 2026 Hunt Recap
If you've ever dreamed of stalking roaring red stags across Scotland's cloud-shrouded Highlands, this episode is for you! We've just returned from two full weeks spent hunting out of ancient Victorian hunting lodges in two prime locations in Scotland, and in this episide we sit down and share stories, talk through logistics, and just revel in the pure excellence of the experience. We also talk th
Hunting Elk Mountain-Man Style: Solo, Public Land, with a .50-Caliber Flintlock
It's elk season, folks! The leaves have turned crimson and golden, frost is on the air, and bull elk are in the last throes of the rut. Magical. In this episode, WIlliam von Benedikt (a.k.a. the Backcountry Apprentice) and host Joseph von Benedikt sit down to swap stories about hunting public land, DIY and often solo, for big bull elk with traditional muzzleloaders. One nice bull fell to a well-
Essential Hunting Gear: Backcountry Backpack Hunts
What backpacking items are absolutely essential to successful backcountry hunting? When you have to whittle down your gear list to crucial gear only, what do you toss out? In this episode we sit down for an interview conducted by Audrey von Benedikt, who draws on her recent adventures hunting rough country in New Zealand and asks the hard questions: What do you really NEED? Naturally, we also look
WINNING! With Traditional Muzzleloaders: Prep, Tuning, Shooting, & Scoring.
How do you win with a traditional blackpowder longrifle? How do you tune a muzzleloader to kill elk precisely and profoundly? You get good equipment that's properly suited to the task, and then you work it out. Our family has two premium blackpowder elk permits in our pockets, and in this episode we sit down to talk through the fun we've been having getting tuned up to hunt. HINT: It includes shoo
Best Rifle Scopes for Backcountry Hunting: American Made & Tougher Than The Rest!
How do you choose a riflescope that won't let you down in the backcountry? Pick from a proven brand, with a track record of performance and reliablity. In this epside we sit down with a Leupold engineer and discuss what makes a scope tough, clear, reliable, and predictable, as well has how the best optics maximize light gathering and minimize sun refraction and glare. We talk through internal mec
Hunting Red Stags, Fallow Deer, & Alpine Game in New Zealand: Planning & Prep
If you've dreamed of hunting New Zealand for giant Red Stags, Fallow deer, Himalyan Tahr, or Chamois, this episode is for you! We got on the phone with a professional guide and asked questions. Best routes to travel to NZ, how to bring a rifle to NZ, what the best hunting seasons are, free-range vs. estate/private land, how to choose a rifle, cartridge, and bullet for New Zealand big game species,
BEST CARTRIDGE for EVERYTHING, with Ron Spomer
We're attacking the old debate, folks: If you had to pick just ONE CARTRIDGE to hunt ANYTHING you want, what would it be? I suspect our choices may surprise many of you. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry Recent brief Patreon-only topics include "Preparing to Hunt the S
Are Suppressors Deregulated Now?
Can you now just walk into a gun store, buy a suppressor, and walk out with it? Recent legal rulings have upset the NFA's apple cart, leaving a frenzy of good and bad info scattered across cyberspace. In this episode we welcome Brandon Maddox, suppressor mastermind behind Silencer Central, to help clarify what we know, what we don't know, and what to expect in coming months. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLE
Hunting Spanish Roebucks, Vineyards, & Monasteries
No European country offers more spectacular hunting than Spain. Four species of ibex, chamois, red deer, roe deer, mouflon, wild boar, fallow deer, and even barbary sheep can be hunted across the rolling terraces and amongst the ancient mountain ruins. Archetecture, food, and history is unparalleled. And it's not expensive! In this episide, we sit down with outfitter Oscar Colomina and take a deep
Small Cartridges for Big Game, continued: Does RECOIL Make You A Worse Shooter?
The "small cartridges for big game" debate continues. Does stout recoil REALLY prevent you from making accurate shots in the field? If so, what's the reason: Is it rifle dynamics? Shooter technique? Lack of discipline? Or... could large-caliber rifles actually be fundamentally less accurate? In this episode we take a deep dive into whether hunters actually should be better shooters with small cart
Elk Hunters' Best Friend
In the backcountry, dog ain't mans best friend. Nope: a good horse is. We take this episode out into the pasture with Audrey von Benedikt (the horsewoman of the family) and talk through how to get the most out of your horse and yourself on an elk hunt. We compare the pros and cons of horses versus ATVs, discuss best ways to carry a rifle on a horse, specific training (for the horse and for you) pr
Best Hunting Cartridges for Mule Deer, with Colton Heward
Great cartridges for hunting mule deer tend to be good for most western big game species... But what if you singularly, passionately want one ultimate mule deer cartridge? In this episode, we sit down with Colton Heward, managing editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine, and talk out what makes a perfect cartridge for hunting mule deer. Heward is a big game guide with decades of experience, and loves
Hunting Kudu, Cats, & Zulu Cattle in Africa
What is it about hunting Africa that sinks a hook so deep into your soul that you can never stop dreaming of going back? Smoky orange sunsets, majestic kudu bulls drifting through thornbrush, and the taste of fresh meat over Acacia-wood coals are part of it... In this episode with Austin Brown and Crusader Safari's Shawn Higgs, we swap stories and insights during the final days of a two-week adven
.35 Whelen in North Idaho's Wild Country
How good is the .35 Whelen for western big game hunting? This episode tells five hunting stories, all told by a veteran fighter pilot, that showcase just how wonderful this mild-kicking, wallop-packing medium-bore cartridge is. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry Recent
Best New Hunting Rifles on the Market, with Colton Heward
What are the best modern hunting rifles available today? In this episode, we sit down with Colton Heward, managing editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine, and talk through top choices in several price categories ranging from $500 up to $2,500. We compare the pros and cons of detachable box magazines versus hinged floorplates, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of chassis-type stocks compa
SHOT PLACEMENT on Big Game: American vs. African
What's the best place to aim on a big game animal? That depends on what you're hunting. Antlered game in America is built differently than most antelope species in Africa—as well as Cape Buffalo (a.k.a. Black Death). Knowing where to aim makes for faster, more ethical kills and shorter blood trails. And in the case of dangerous game, can prevent a life-threatening situation. In this episode, we b
7mm SAW Cartridge: An Improved 7mm-08?
This episode takes a close look at the 7mm SAW — a wildcat that just might be the ultimate efficient short-action 7mm. Designed by Clayton Smith, owner of West Texas Ordnance, it's sort of an improved 7mm-08 with a better shoulder angle, faster rifling twist, and greater head height. It just might be the cartridge that the 7mm-08 always wanted to be. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST!
Is it Good or Bad to be a Long Range Deer Sniper? With Ron Spomer
Detractors of modern long-range hunting methods call such hunters "deer snipers." But is long-range shooting at game bad? Or good? We're joined by Ron Spomer in this episode, and we hash out the various facets—virtuous and evil alike—of shooting long on big game. Plus, of course, we regularly get off track and swap great hunting stories and tales of our favorite rifles. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE S
Hunting Forest Ghosts Across Transylvania, Spain, Macedonia, & Serbia
This episode follows host Joseph von Benedikt on a wild roebuck hunt across ancient terraces in Spain, to remote mountains in Transylvania, to deep forests of Serbia, and into the spectacular alpine mountains of Macedonia. We talk cartridges (we used seven different rifles chambered in seven different cartridges) and bullets (used Berger VLD Hunting, Sierra Tipped GameKing, Federal Fusion, Sellior
NEW 6.5 BACKCOUNTRY! (6.5 Creedmoor +PEAK)
BIG NEWS! Federal has just announced the new "6.5 BACKCOUNTRY" cartridge... or put more correctly, the 6.5 Creedmoor with "+ PEAK" alloy technology. We tested the inagural 130-grain Terminal Ascent load in three different rifles with barrels of 24, 20, and 17 inches to see if the new load deserves the hype. Listen in—this is a very cool new development! ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST
Most Versatile Cartridge: 300 PRC?
Scenario: You can choose between .280 Ackley, 7mm PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .300 PRC to hunt everything on the North American continent for the rest of you life. What's it going to be? Folks, this brief episode will be followed in a few hours by a major new-product announcement (embargoed until 9am Mountain Time, June 6th). Check it out! It's really, really big news. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPO
Live Q&A: Hunting New Zealand. Also: Huge Announcement Coming Friday!
Join us TONIGHT for a LIVE Q&A with our friends in New Zealand. We'll talk all things hunting NZ. A Zoom link will be provided on the free page at www.patreon.com/backcountry so come click in and talk with us! Also, news from Swift: The new Zephyr bullet is up on the website and Swift is taking orders! Super cool intel: Estimated arrival date of .277-diameter (6.8 Western) Zephyr bullet. Last bu
Do You Need Fancy Gear and a New Rifle to Hunt Elk?
Do you really need a new rifle to hunt elk? Probably not! Although cutting-edge is helpful, you just might be better off spending your extra money on practice ammo and honing your skills with Grandpa's old rifle. In this episode, we sit down with professional elk guide Tate Bradfield and talk about the gear that's NECESSARY for successfully hunting and shooting elk. The results might surprise you
Hunt Audio Journal: Red Stag, Tahr, & Fallow in New Zealand with My Daughter Audrey
This episode brings you the late-night and early morning audio-journal recordings from our recent hunt in New Zealand. Audrey and I re-cap our hunts for my massive red stag, our bowhunts for red stag and arapawa ram, Audrey's fallow deer, and her exceptional Himalayan Tahr. Plus we detail the rifles, optics, ammo, and archery gear we used. This was an incredible safari to the Land of the Long Whit
Best .30-Caliber Hunting Cartridges, with Ron Spomer
We've ignored the legendary All-American .30-caliber cartridges for too long! This episode, we sit down with Ron Spomer and swap stories about our favorite .30-caliber cartridges. We propose which are the most proven, the best designed, the most popular, and the most likely to survive. And yes, of course we discuss and recommend the one .30-caliber "Best All-Around" cartridge! Listen in and we'll
Among Ancient Ruins: Hunting Spain's Mountain Sheep the Hard Way, with Austin Brown
Recorded live in the field—audio-journal style—this episode takes us into Spain's rugged Pyranese Mountains, where our great pal Austin Brown and his buddy Grant Gingerich hunt wily mountain-dwelling roedeer and cagy old mouflon rams. All free range, earned the right way by putting in the hard yards in very steep, rough country. Austin puts his beloved .280 Ackley to work, and Grant carried his 6.
6.5 Creedmoor vs. 6.5 Swede(moor)
Which is better: 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5x55 "Swede?" Ever since it was first introduced, savvy shooters have been commenting that the 6.5 Creedmoor doesn't do anything better than their classic 6.5x55. Is this true? Could the 6.5x55 even be (GASP!) better than the 6.5 Creedmoor? Or do the modern characteristics of the 6.5 Creedmoor provide additional performance that's launched the 6.5mm cartridge t
Spartan Precision Equipment: Best Shooting Rests for Hunters
This episode, we're joined by legendary British hunter and mountaineer Rob Gearing. Nicknamed "Lord G" by none other than Craig Boddington, Gearing designed the Javelin bipod, which I believe is the finest bipod for backcountry hunting that's ever been made. We talk through Spartan's various shooting rests, and tell plenty of stories that examplify just how crucial it is to have the right gear. EN
Hunting Giant Red Stags in New Zealand
This episode comes at you raw, recorded beside a late-night fire in New Zealand's incredible mountain country. New Zealand is known for red stags of prehistoric size, mountain game that are incredibly unique, and the spectacular country that Lord Of The Rings was filmed in. In a hunters world, NZ is mostly special for the red stags. Here, we talk about why, and outfitter Darren Clifford and his s
Gear & Hacks for Hunting Success, with Ron Spomer
Good gear is important, but dollars don't always buy success or survival. With a little old-fashioned ingenuity you can fix gear, make gear, or buy used gear that'll serve just fine. In this episode, we sit down with Ron Spomer, a great hunter with more than a half-century of experience around the world, and he shares some of his favorite gear and hacks for success. Ron is a serious backcountry an
Gear List for Hunting Africa: Crucial items you'll need.
We frequently get asked "What gear do I need to take on my hunt in Africa?" In this episode we hash out what's really crucial and what you can (and should) leave home. Optics, clothing, boots, packs, emergency gear, cartridge carriers, shooting sticks, and more are all detailed... and supported by entertaining experiences that happened while on safari in the wilds of Africa. Austin Brown joins as
257 Roberts Ackley Improved (Improved), with Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer
Best Aoudad Hunt of my Life: Mexico Delivers!
We love wild sheep hunting... but we can only afford to hunt Aoudad; aka Barbary Sheep; aka the "poor man's Desert Bighorn." This awesome episode was recorded raw and live in the field deep in the mountains of Mexico, and gives a blow-by-blow account of three experienced aoudad hunters all taking the biggest, oldest rams of their life. ENJOY! Contact Process Based Hunter to sign up for Tate Bradf
How To Bring Big Game Trophies Home
After a successful hunt to Africa, New Zealand, or Europe, is it hard to bring your animals home? It doesn't have to be. In this episode Wyatt Fetner of Safari Specialty Importers talks through the process of bringing horns, antlers, skulls, and hides back to the states. Wyatt is a fellow gun nut, and in addition to discussing how to import animal parts, he tells the fascinating story of an extra
Best Hunting Rifles for the Backcountry, with Ron Spomer
What makes a terrific mountain rifle? In this episode, we interview hunting legend Ron Spomer about his favorite wild sheep hunting rifles (which are excellent for elk and alpine mule deer and black bear as well). Ron takes us through the rifle characteristics and features he considers crucial to a capable backcountry hunting rifle. Naturally, his opinions are liberally laced with true tale tales
Most Capable Rangefinding Binocular EVER? First Look at Leupold's New BX-6 Range HD
In this episode we get the inside scoop on Leupold's brand-new BX-6 Range HD binocular, which has optical quality that competes with the big Germanic brands, a 6,000-yard rangefinder, on-board atmospheric sensors, and the most capable ballistic brain on the market. Oh—and it pairs with onX Maps and several other popular GPS mapping apps and projects waypoints way out there... up to a couple of mil
.25 Weatherby RPM and .25 Creedmoor Exposed, with Colton Heward
Trying to decide between Hornady's new .25 Creedmoor and Weatherby's new .25 RPM cartridge? Or are you unconvinced that they are any better than your reliable old .25-06 or .257 Weatherby Magnum? We're here to help! Or rather, we've got professional help... We're joined this episode by Colton Heward; professional big game guide and Managing Editor of Peterson's Hunting. He's a quarter-bore savant
How To Maximize Rifle Accuracy, with Ray Saft
Achieving top-notch accuracy with your hunting rifle requires attention to the smallest details. Here, we're joined by Ray Saft, owner of Saft Custom Gunsmithing in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss the hidden but essential elements of putting together a precision hunting rifle. We talk best actions, barrels, stocks, and of course, cartridges. Tune in—you'll want to hear Ray's opinion on the .300 Win
BEST HUNTING KNIFE: A Blue-Collar Northern Shrike
It's been six years since the Northern Shrike custom hunting knife was conceived. Incredibly, there's no corner of the (legally huntable) world remaining where it hasn't been carried by intrepid hunters. This episode takes a look at why it's so extraordinary, and gives a sneak peek at what our Spring 2026 "Blue Collar" edition is going to be like. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Jo
Find Your Ultimate Rifle & Hunt at the DSC Show!
Friends, I'll be at the Dallas Safari Club in early February. We'll be holding meet-and-greet visits at booth 3216 Friday and Saturday 10-to-noon, and 3-5pm. Use code JOSEPH26 to get 25% off your entry tickets, and come swap hunting dreams and make plans with us! We'll also have Rob Gearing, owner of Spartan Precision Equipment, and Neal Lane, proprietor of Lane Firearms & Appraisals, visiting a
Best Cartridges for Kids & New Hunters
What is the best cartridge for a kid or beginning hunter to start with? In this episode William (a.k.a. the Backcountry Apprentice) and host Joseph von Benedikt sit down and debate the merits of 14 different cartridge candidates for the title of "Best Kid Cartridge." By process of elimination, we boil it down to just one. Our top pick may surprise you... This episode was great fun, folks. ENJOY!
New Guns, Ammo, Optics, & Shooting Gear of SHOT Show 2026, with Ron Spomer
SHOT Show 2026 is drawing to a close, and a ton of great new rifles, shotguns, handguns, scopes, binoculars, cartridges, bullets, and other gear has just been introduced. In this episode, we sit down with gunwriting and YouTube legend Ron Spomer and talk about the coolest new products we saw at the show. There some great stuff coming down the pipeline. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST
270 Winchester vs. 30-06 Springfield, with The Backcountry Apprentice
WHICH IS BEST: .270 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield? In this episode I sit down with the William vB—the "Backcountry Apprentice" himself, and we hash out the pros and cons of each cartridge, discussing: Cartridge versatility Bullet weight ranges Modern bullets available Best factory loads Best bullets for handloading Which is more optimal for whitetails and other deer-size game Which is better
Best Survival Guns, with Ron Spomer
Q&A: Best Bullets for Vintage Rifles, Best Moose Cartridge, First Guns for Kids, Barrel Cleaning, Kill Kit Contents, and More!
Q&A: Best Bullets for Vintage Rifles, Best Moose Cartridge, First Guns for Kids, Barrel Cleaning, Kill Kit Contents, and More! In this episode we answer great questions on a variety of topics, including: Best bullets for classic (vintage) rifles NAS3 high-pressure cartridge cases Velocity expansion thresholds for monometal bullets Best boots for stalking in Africa Ultimate moose rifle and cartri
Legendary Gunmakers: Rigby of London
Rigby of London is debatably the most famous maker of fine double-barrel rifles and (bolt-action) magazine rifles in history. Jim Corbett used a .275 Rigby to hunt many of the maneating tigers and leopards he killed. Harry Selby carried a .416 Rigby while guiding Robert Ruark. The Rigby Rising Bite double rifle is considered by many savants to be the finest of its type ever made. And so forth. In
Pack Rafts: Pipeline to The Backcountry
"When you don't have a pack raft, a river or body of water is a barrier. When you do have a raft, that water becomes a highway." This episode we're joined with Alpacka Raft founder Thor Tingey. Thor grew up in Alaska, adventure-rafting, hunting, and fishing across most of the state. Alpacka packable rafts are the culmination of decades worth of experience and wisdom. Incredible though it sounds,
.270 Win vs. 6.5 RPM: Are New Cartridges Better Than Old Cartridges?
Lots of hunters and shooters complain about new cartridges. "My .270 will do anything that stupid new (insert cartridge name here) can do!" Is that a fact. In this episode, we explore whether cutting-edge new cartridges actually have an advantage over proven classic cartridges. To showcase the concept, we pit the legendary .270 Winchester against the racy new 6.5 WBY RPM, but we include a ton of
Best Charge-Stopper: Double Rifle vs. Bolt Action
If you had to face a charging cape buffalo, elephant, or grizzly bear, would you want a big-bore bolt-action or a double rifle? This episode was recorded in Mozambique, where we had the opportunity to sit down with two dangerous-game professional hunters and guides who have opposing views: one prefers a double rifle; the other likes a bolt action. We swapped stories and debated the virtues and wea
Raw From The Field: Hunting Dangerous Game in Mozambique
We're live in the tropical forests of Mozambique, in one of the most remote safari camps in the world. This episode was recorded right after hunting two magnificent old dagga boy cape buffalo bulls in the floodplains of the Zambeze River delta, while the experience was still fresh and raw. One buffalo was taken with a 125-year-old Westley Richards double rifle in .450/400 Nitro; the other with a
How to Kill Your First Bull Elk: My Son's First Bulls and Marksmanship Notes from the Field
Shooting skill can be crucial at the moment of truth, especially on elk. Good opportunities are often hard-earned, particularly when hunting DIY, on public land, with an over-the-counter tag. This episode details two very special hunts, when my sons each shot their first bull. Both were in challenging scenarios, and both boys did everything right. There are a lot of proud father moments in this e
Q&A: Grizzly Guns, Elk Bullets, Straight Wall Cartridges, 7PRC in Africa, & More
Hunting season is in full swing, and the stories, questions, and reports are pouring in! This episode we dive deep into concerns and questions from our loyal listeners, addressing everything from how to set up a guide rifle for grizzlies to picking a whitetail cartridge to choosing a bullet for Africa. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and ge
Ruger's New M77 Alaskan Bush Rifle in .35 Whelen and 9.3x62
This just might be the coolest new rifle introduction of the year! Lipsey's and Ruger have teamed up to create this quick-handling, hard-hitting bush rifle chambered in two of history's coolest powerhouse cartridges. These rifles are available now, through your Lipsey's-associated local dealer. Links are below. ENJOY! Ruger M77 Alaskan Bush Rifle in .35 Whelen Ruger M77 Alaskan Bush Rifle in 9.3x
Cartridges & Bullets for Moose: Observations of an Elk Guide
Want to shoot, process, and pack out 5 mature bull moose in 3.5 days? Me neither, but that's what professional elk guide Tate Bradfield and his group did last month. This episode, Tate tells us about the rifles, cartridges, and bullets the five hunters choose for their special trip (which included the taking of a Boone & Crockett bull!) and shares his observations on the various results. He also h
A Knife For Life: Evan Siembida and the Best Hunting Knives in the World
If you had to own and use just one hunting knife for the rest of your life, what would it be? This episode we go over blade characteristics, types of steel, handle shapes and material, edge geometry, field sharpening, and more. Custom knifemaker Evan Siembida lends his expertise and walks through the process of designing and building a truely capable hunting knife. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPOR
Hunt Recap: 2025 Red Stag Hunt in Scotland
By a crackling fireplace in a 200-year-old Victorian hunting lodge in Scotland, we sit down and record a hunt recap. Red stag, sika stag, and salmon fishing are on the topic list, and we hash out crucial gear, hunt methods, stalking and shooting expectations, and more as we tell great success stories. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get
Rut Hunting Big Bull Elk: New Mexico Audio Journal
This episode was recorded in the field while hunting rut-crazed big bull elk in New Mexico's high country with the 7mm Backcountry cartridge and a super-accurate ultralight hunting rifle. The hunt was a struggle, but several big gnarly bulls hit the ground and filled our freezers. We add gear notes, seasonal tips, and what did and didn't work... ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join
Hunting Giant Red Stags in New Zealand
Have you ever dreamed of hunting a huge Red Stag in New Zealand? So have we... so we got a couple of experts on the phone and unpacked just how to get it done, along with chasing big fallow deer, himalayan tahr, chamois, and even Roosevelt elk on the tip of the South Island. This was one of the coolest and most informative episodes we've done in a long time. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE P
Q&A: Elk Hunt Prep, Best Monometal Bullets, a Spotting Scope for Life, & More.
Hunting season is upon us, friends! It's time to refine our gear and our methods, and get afield to make the magic. This fun Q&A session address myriad pertinent topics submitted by our loyal listeners. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry Check out our new "recommended o
Best Bonded Bullets in the World
If you had to pick just one type of lead-core bullet to hunt with for the rest of your days, for all big game species around the world, what would it be? Folks, in this episode we talk through what we consider the best bonded-core bullets made. Whether you're after big alpine-country mule deer, grizzly bear in Alaska, or kudu or cape buffalo in Africa, this line of bullets will serve you reliably,
Pronghorn Antelope with a Flintlock Muzzleloader!
This episode brings you debatably the coolest pronghorn antelope hunt I've ever done... recorded in the field, while hunting solo on public land. I don't like the word "primitive" so I'll use the term "traditional" to describe my equipment: My rifle was a 1780s-style flintlock muzzleloader charged with blackpowder and a patched round ball. The stars lined up and I was blessed with a 106-yard oppo
.280 Ackley Improved: All-Time Favorite Big Game Cartridge
Could the grand old .280 Ackley Improved cartridge still be one of the best all-purpose big game cartridges ever designed? We think so, and this podcast is dedicated to explaining why. We address: Broad-spectrum capablity from pronghorn to bisonMild recoil and easy accuracy Competitive modern ballistics Available rifles and ammo Favorite big game bullets for the .280 AI Top rifle models chamber
Family, Hunting Heritage, & the World's Best Hunting Club with Rob McCanna
Safari hunting, conservation, and family hunting traditions from squirrels to elk are key topics of this wonderful interview with Dallas Safari Club CEO Rob McCanna. We recorded this live at the recent inaugural summer DSC convention, and it was one of the most enjoyable conversations I've ever had with a top-end industry leader. Rob is a down-to-earth guy that hunts hard and appreciates time afie
Origins of Spot & Stalk Hunting
Spot-and-stalk hunting—the lifeblood of open-country hunters around the world—may have it's roots in a very special place in the Scottish Highlands. This episode, we visit with Sam Thompson, Head Game Keeper of Kildermorie Estate, during a red stag hunt. Sam shares the story of Great Britain's movement from coursing big game with hounds to spotting and stalking, DIY, putting in the hard yards to e
Long-Range Hunting, Small Calibers for Big Game, & the 7mm Backcountry, with Matt Bettersworth
Buckle up, folks! Our guest on this episode is not one to mince words—he has strong opinions forged from decades of experience building custom rifles and using them on hunts around the world. Meet Matt Bettersworth, co-owner of Hill Country Rifles. Matt breaks down what he believes it takes to cleanly kill a big game animal out at 1,000 yards, gets real in his opinion about using small cartridges
Best Deer Calibers: Whitetail vs. Mule Deer
If you got to pick just one ultimate cartridge for hunting deer, what would it be? Would it be the same for whitetails versus mule deer? Or would you choose a specialized cartridge for each? This episode we're joined by Colton Heward, managing editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine, and Scott Ergas, digital editor of Petersen's Hunting and RifleShooter magazines. And although some might say "You c
Preparing for an African Safari
You've dreamed the dream and made the plan. Now, you're about to depart for a big game safari in Africa! How do you prepare properly? This episode, we sit down with Tate Bradfield, who is about to leave for his first-ever safari—and he's after Cape Buffalo... the legendary Black Death. We talk through his choice of cartridge and rifle, how to shoot well and reload fast and sure under stress, and
Cartridges, Bullets, & Shot Placement for Cape Buffalo
Africa's Cape Buffalo, known by those that hunt them as "Black Death," are the most achievable and at the same time most compelling of all dangerous game to pursue. Hunting Black Death must be done properly, with a good rifle, chambered for a potent cartridge, that's loaded with a premium bullet. This epside we sit down with Mark Haldane, owner and operator of Zambeze Delta Safaris, who likely h
Tax-Free Silencers & the HPA Bill
Why did the Hearing Protection Act fail? Will it ever go through? Was the abolition of the $200 tax stamp on silencers a win for gun owners? Should potential buyers wait until the sunset of the NFA $200 tax occurs at the end of 2025? We answer all these questions and more on this episode of the Backcountry Hunting Podcast. ENJOY! FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www
THIS IS AFRICA, with Andy Buchanan
This awesome episode gets below the veneer that is luxurious Africa... Deep into the gritty stories that expose the warm, friendly, but sometimes violent heart of the Dark Continent. We talk favorite areas and species to hunt in Africa, best tools for the task (rifles, cartridges, and bullets), and how to bring an attitude geared for success on safari. Plus, Andy shares his story of an incredible
Best Western Hunting Rifles: Recommendations from a Professional Guide
Can the rifle you choose for western hunting make or break your hunting success? In this episode, we sit down for a fire-side chat with professional outfitter Tate Bradfield to get his take on top choices for western hunting rifles. We talk through several price tiers, including the $600 to $1,200 range; the $1,200 to $1,800 range; the $1,800 to $2,400 range, and finally, top-tier rifles without c
Boat-Based DIY Bear Hunting in Alaska
This episode was recorded live and raw in Alaska, DIY hunting big black bears in southeast Alaska off the good boat Venturess. Long days, tons of fishing, and tracking wounded bears into thick, treacherous terrain made for an unforgettable adventure! ENJOY! We're publishing brief Q&A audio episodes twice weekly on www.patreon.com/backcountry now! Join to get access, and if you'd be so kind, ple
Gear List for DIY Elk Hunting
This episode takes a deep dive into the crucial gear you should have on a DIY elk hunt. Host Joseph and guest (outfitter Tate Bradfield) detail why each item is important, along with how to pick the right brand and model for your specific needs. This was recorded outside by an early morning campfire, so the audio isn't as good as our usually studio sound, and there are occasional wind noises. We
How To Set Up A Rifle For Western Hunting
From scope to scabbard, here's how to set up a rifle that's ideal for western hunting. This episode takes a deep dive into vital accessories and parts including: Scope quality, features, and types Scope mounting systems Bipod types, construction, and crucial characteristics Anti-cant scope levels RIfle slings and what doesn't work Ammo carriers and their vital necessity Optimal suppressors—light
Picking the Ultimate Hunting Rifle
This episode takes a deep dive into how to select just the right hunting rifle. A tool that is ideal for your type of hunting, and is reliable, accurate, durable, and ergonomic. We talk through various action types, barrel types, stock types, and the crucial characteristics of each. And last but not least, we discuss the importance of finding a rifle that is trustworthy... one you can become ultim
Greatest Cartridges of All Time
These five cartridges are proven around the world. They're known and used everywhere hunters gather. Several of them have taken every big game species on earth. Each is historically significant yet currently relevant. And all five are available in a wide selection of rifles and ammunition. In this episode, my son William—AKA the "Backcountry Apprentice" —and I sat down and shared perspectives on
Grateful For Fathers
Friends, I buried my father today. He passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning. Today as the morning light he loved fell across the desert, we laid him to rest. Forgive me for not having a full episode for you this week... I just didn't have it in me to create one. We'll have a good one ready to go next Friday! — Joseph
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