In this episide, Alaskan custom gunsmith Ray Saft and I dig deep into the various characteristics of actions, stocks, barrels, cartridges, and special chambers appropriate for a backcountry rifle build.

To showcase the process of discussing and commissioning a custom rifle, we use a pair of in-process 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser mountain rifles, one with a titanium action and carbon-fiber barrel; the other with a skeletonized steel action and traditional steel barrel.

This is part one of a three-part series we're doing. When completed, we'll discuss the rifles and upcoming test protocols in Part 2. Then in Part 3, we'll share the results and--with some luck, discuss putting the rifles successfully to work in the field. ENJOY!

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

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Really good iron sights are surprisingly capable—and according to Utah's new restricted unit regulations, are required. Five historically great mule deer units are now iron-sights only, even for centerfire hunting rifles.

So: What's the best iron-sight setup for hunting Western open country?

In this episode, we're joined by legendary hunter, writer, and YouTube host Ron Spomer to discuss what type of iron sights really work for serious hunting. We talk through appropriate rifles, suitable cartridges, and how to choose and set up the most capable types of iron sights—all liberally sprinkled with hunting stories.

We also touch on the ethical responsibilities of hunting with iron sights, as well as methods of practicing and maximizing your lethal capability.

This was a fun one, friends. ENJOY!

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:

www.onxmaps.com

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https://www.portersfirearms.com/

www.timneytriggers.com

www.browning.com

www.leupold.com

www.siembidacustomknives.com

https://javelinbipod.com

Ever wonder why you get unexplained fliers when shooting otherwise tiny groups with your ammo? You may be shocked at the common culprit discussed in this episide—as well as how easy it is to prevent.

This episode we're joined by Chris Hoffstetter of Nosler, and we talk through the crucial aspects of ammo that provide accuracy and clean-killing effectiveness. ENJOY!

FRIENDS! We're at a crucial time in the growth of the show, and need all the support we can get to take it to the next level. Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:

www.onxmaps.com

www.silencercentral.com

https://www.portersfirearms.com/

www.timneytriggers.com

www.browning.com

www.barnesbullets.com

www.leupold.com

www.siembidacustomknives.com

https://javelinbipod.com

Outfitter Tate Bradfield and his crew took 56 American Buffalo with clients in 2024. This episode, we sit down and discuss the cartridges, bullets, and shot placement that kills Bison most effectively and efficiently. Tate tells tall tales (say that three times fast) of Buffalo getting shot with everything from .243 Winchester to .45-70 Gov't—and has some emphatic advice to share with prospective Bison hunters. This one was a ton of fun, folks. ENJOY!

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:

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www.siembidacustomknives.com

https://javelinbipod.com

When killing is crucial, not just convenient... Choose the right tool for the task.

Folks, I resisted addressing this trendy topic of using small calibers on big game for a long time. But I've had so many requests to do so, I can no longer take the easy road. Here's my blunt, fact- and science-based opinion on the practice of using small calibers loaded with target-type bullets on big game.

ENJOY!

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:

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www.browning.com

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www.siembidacustomknives.com

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This episode, Weatherby's COO Luke Thorkildsen joins us to talk about backcountry fitness and how the Carnivore diet has revolutionized his backcountry hunting capability. We discuss how to successfully combat middle-age "spare tire" weight gain and increase focus and energy.

Plus, of course, we take a dive into Luke's personal favorite Weatherby cartridges and specific bullets loaded for them, as well as his go-to rifle models from the Weatherby stable. This one was eye-opening and a ton of fun, folks. ENJOY!

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:

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This episode takes us back to Kodiak Island, Alaska, where Austin Brown and several of his friends hunt Sitka Blacktail deer, predators, and sea ducks. It's all DIY, and it's the first time in Alaska for several of these hunters.

Host and transporter is our long-time favorite: Alaska Premier Sportfishing's good boat Venturess and her captain Travis Larson and crew.

I asked Austin to run with an audio-journal type record of their adventures. He did a fine job, and the result is this episode. It's all about discovering new adventures in new places, and how real the struggle is on Kodiak Island! ENJOY!

— JvB

FRIENDS! Please join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe on www.patreon.com/backcountry where you'll get access to all our bonus material and can contribute a few dollars.

VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE:

www.onxmaps.com

www.silencercentral.com

https://www.portersfirearms.com/

www.timneytriggers.com

www.browning.com

www.barnesbullets.com

www.leupold.com

www.siembidacustomknives.com

https://javelinbipod.com