In this episode, we learn from Alaska Master Guide and Owner of Katmai/Aniakchak Guide Service, Joey Klutsch.

We discuss the challenges of mountain hunting, the importance of physical and mental preparation, and the realities of guiding clients through demanding hunts.

Joey shares insights on gear that matters for mountain hunting, the dynamics of client relationships, and the impact of population changes on hunting regulations, and a whole lot more.

"You have to want it to succeed."

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE...

• The Experience Challenge: https://exomtngear.com/challenge
• Joey's Website: https://katmaiguideservice.com/
• Joey's Instagram: https://instagram.com/aniakchakguideservice

CHAPTERS...

00:03:01 — Meet Joey Clutch: A Guide's Journey 00:11:01 — The Challenges of Mountain Hunting 00:21:50 — Mental Toughness in Hunting 00:25:22 — The Importance of Preparation 00:31:39 — Understanding Special Use Permits 00:37:15 — Gear Essentials for Successful Hunts 00:44:19 — The Art of Guiding: Client Relationships 00:52:11 — Population Dynamics and Hunting Regulations 00:56:17 — Booking Hunts: Strategies and Considerations 01:09:21 — Tipping Your Guide: Best Practices

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

Announcing The Experience Challenge. A challenge where you could win a Dall Sheep or Mountain Goat hunt in Alaska.

This is not a raffle. This is not a contest. This is a challenge.

You vs you. Do the work, and you're in.

In this episode, Steve & Mark explain the vision behind the Challenge and begin to share some details for how all of this will work. If you are interested... no, not just interested... If you are committed, then sign up to learn more and get the first chance at joining the Challenge:

https://exomtngear.com/challenge

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, we dive deep into the vast wilderness of Alaska with Bjorn Dihle, a lifelong Alaska resident and outdoorsman. From the intricacies of bear viewing and the challenges of hunting blacktail deer to the controversial Ambler Road project, Bjorn shares his unique experience and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged with conservation efforts, the unique beauty and challenges of Southeast Alaska, and much more.

"This is your land; it matters to you."

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE...

• Bjorn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjorndihle/
• Bjorn's Books: https://amzn.to/4a2Z5rs
• https://huntfishbrooksrange.com/
• https://www.northernjournal.com/
• https://www.trcp.org/
• https://salmonstate.org/salmonstate-campaigns/#southeast

CHAPTERS...

00:00:00— Exploring the Wilds of Alaska 00:02:11— Meet Bjorn: A Lifelong Alaskan Adventurer 00:10:17— The Dynamics of Bear Viewing and Conservation 00:15:00— The Ambler Road Project: Controversies and Implications 00:26:17— Southeast Alaska: A Hunter's Paradise 00:32:21 — The Unique Challenges of Hunting Blacktails 00:54:52 — Understanding Bear Behavior and Safety 01:12:32 — Bjorn's Insights on Conservation and Future of Alaska

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

Jasen, a listener of the show, joins us to share lessons from his elk hunting journey. Over many years of hunting, Jasen has had plenty of success, along with many years of struggle. He discusses the importance of constantly assessing and adjusting your approach to hunting, the lessons he has learned from solo hunting, how family dynamics factor into his hunting journey, and much more.

CHAPTERS...

00:02:49 — Jasen's Hunting Origins

00:06:20 — Family Dynamics and Hunting

00:14:50 — Consistency, Not Complacency

00:22:08 — Success to Struggle

00:37:32 — Knowledge Through Experience

00:49:15 — Close Encounters with Elk

01:10:54 — A New Approach to Hunting

01:19:09 — Solo Hunting & Sharing Support

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

"Live" from the road, we recap the best new gear we saw at SHOT Show, answer listener-submitted questions, and provide updates on K4x and The Experience Project.

Links for items mentioned in this episode...

• MTN Gear Chassis: https://www.mtngear.nz/products/expeditionchassis
• Schnee Torre Ultralight: http://schnees.com/torre-ultralight-0g-men-s/
• Longshot Target Camera System: https://www.longshotcameras.com/
• Coast WPH20R Headlamp: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1029249031
• Nightforce NX6: https://www.nightforceoptics.com/riflescopes/products/nx6/nx6-2-12x42mm-f1/
• Garmin Zero L60i Rangefinder: https://sandsarchery.com/products/garmin-xero-l60i-laser-rangefinder
• Spot Hogg ROTI Modular Sight: https://sandsarchery.com/products/spot-hogg-roti-modular-sight-system
• Swarovski Balance Spotting Scopes: https://sandsarchery.com/products/swarovski-at-st-balance
• On Glass Digiscoping Adapter: https://onglassadapter.com/
• Sheep Feet Stalking Shoe: https://sheepfeetoutdoors.com/products/stealth-bombers-stalking-camp-shoe
• Argali Outdoor Apparel: https://argalioutdoors.com/collections/technical-hunting-clothing

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, Rob shares his journey from being a customer of S&S Archery to becoming a key player in the company. He discusses his transition from corporate IT to the outdoor industry, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working in a field he is passionate about.

Rob also opens up about his recent battle with throat cancer, detailing the physical and emotional challenges he faced during treatment and how it shaped his perspective on life and hunting. His story is one of resilience, support from friends and family, and the joy of returning to the outdoors after overcoming adversity.

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE...

• S&S Archery $500 Giveaway: https://sandsarchery.com/pages/newsletter (Winner chosen on February 1, 2026)
• Rob's Kodiak Hunt Film: https://youtu.be/_qwgsA37G8s
• Mark's Kodiak Gear Lessons: https://exomtngear.com/kodiak-gear
• Shop @ S&S Archery: https://sandsarchery.com/

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 catch up with Nick as he recounts his transformative caribou hunt in Alaska. We discuss his preparation, including physical training and mentorship, and the mental challenges faced in the Alaskan tundra. Nick shares the excitement of spotting caribou bulls and the emotions surrounding his successful first shot. We also explore the instinctive process of harvesting the animal and the camaraderie built throughout the adventure, highlighting the deeper meanings of hunting and connection with nature.

Nick's Before-the-Hunt Episode: https://exomtngear.com/blogs/podcast/531

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

CHAPTERS...

1:29 — Catching Up with Nick 1:47 — Pre-Hunt Preparations 5:20 — Alaska Drop Camp Overview 7:33 — Arrival in Alaska 11:55 — Traveling to the Hunting Grounds 18:27 — First Impressions of the Tundra 21:10 — Setting Up Camp 22:28 — Navigating the Tundra 29:24 — The First Few Days 31:48 — Learning to Identify Caribou 37:38 — Mental Toughness in the Hunt 39:26 — Passing the Time in the Tent 39:38 — Weather Changes 43:30 — The First Bull Sighting 51:18 — The Moment of Truth 53:30 — Post-Shot Reflections 1:02:53 — Breaking Down the Caribou 1:12:01 — The Joy of Packing Out 1:16:27 — Final Days and Packing Up 1:20:59 — Logistics of Returning Home 1:27:15 — Reflection and Conclusion

Last month, we selected the winner of the "Best Moment" category from the Exo Experience photo contest. That winner, Shane, and his brother, Alec, join us today to share their do-it-yourself Mountain Goat hunt in Montana.

"Pursuing mountain goats in the backcountry is a tough endeavour! After 8 days in the mountains, covering more than 85 miles and gaining over 25,000' of elevation, we were finally able to locate a lone billy in a remote area of the unit. After all the effort we put into finding, shooting, and retrieving the billy, we cherished an incredible night under the stars at camp." —Shane

Shane's Winning Photo — https://exomtngear.com/blogs/article/exo-experience-best-pack-and-best-moment-photos

Previous Podcasts with Shane — Episode 371 & Episode 372

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