In this episode, we are joined by Tara & Alex from Idaho Fish & Game to discuss the all-new draw process for non-resident general elk and deer tags for Idaho's 2026 big game hunting season. We hear why the process that had been in place needed to change, the alternative solutions considered, how this new draw came to be, what non-residents need to apply for the draw, how they can apply in a group or party, if there are any changes to non-resident tag allocations, and more.

LINKS & RESOURCES...

• What's New Overview — https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/see-whats-available-nonresident-tag-drawing-general-season-deerelk-tags-2026-and-how-apply
• FAQ — https://idfg.idaho.gov/licenses/tag/quotas/nonresident
• Big Game Seasons & Rules — https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game
• Refund Information — https://idfg.idaho.gov/licenses/forms/nonresident-refund
• Email Contact — licensing@idfg.idaho.gov

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

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Contact Us: podcast@exomtngear.com

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

Steve and Mark answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute episode. They discuss Idaho's new and upcoming non-resident tag application process, an update on Steve's moose hunt, their experience with meat damage based on shot placement and bullet choice, pack failures they have experienced from testing prototypes, the best way to use Exo packs for lightweight day hunts, and more...

LINKS & RESOURCES...

• Last Call! — Photo Story Contest: https://exomtngear.com/experience
• K4x Updates: https://exomtngear.com/K4x
• Load A Pack for Day Hunts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEwuuQSMiBo

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

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

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Steve and Mark just returned from Kodiak and they answer your listener-submitted questions on this Monday Minute episode.

They also discuss Exo's once-a-year sale, which starts tomorrow (November 18, 2025). If you are hearing this episode as it is released on Monday, November 17, use the code EARLY20 at checkout to get 20% OFF before the public sale goes live.

LINKS & RESOURCES...

• Exo Mtn Gear: https://exomtngear.com/
• Exo Newsletter: https://exomtngear.com/newsletter
• Foxtail Lodge: https://www.kodiakalaskafishinglodge.com/
• Kahtoola MicroSpikes: https://amzn.to/3K5TOXm
• New Kahtoola Lightweight Spikes: https://amzn.to/4pgI2bI
• Black Diamond Spikes: https://amzn.to/4rmGKxN
• Showa Waterproof Gloves: https://amzn.to/4nWEWZ5
• Wiser Precision Quick-StiX: https://sandsarchery.com/products/wiser-precision-quick-stix

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