Finding Backcountry Podcast

Welcome back episode! It's been an incredible fall hunting (mostly mule deer) in Colorado and Wyoming. I catch everyone up on my fall shenanigans, break down where the podcast is going, and general welcome back! This episode I ask for your feedback about the podcast. Please listen and message or email your thoughts! I'm back baby! IG: @teambackcountry @dustinwittwer @finding.backcountry.podcast @backpacklogistics Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

I was a guest on Kifarucast with my good buddy, Aron Snyder. Aron is the owner of Kifaru International, the premium backpack line. Aron has forgotten more about backpacking and backpack food than most know. Aron and I chop up the business idea for Backpack Logistics and how it came to be. Enjoy! Instagram: @kifaru_intl @aron_snyder @backpacklogistics @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry Email: dustin@backpacklogistics.com teambackcountry@gmail.com

This was a very uncovering episode with Kyle Kamp from Valley to Peak Nutrition. We discuss all things backpack food nutrition and theory. Kyle is clearly a bank of knowledge on how food works with our bodies, what to pack and why, and how to maximize physical performance on long backcountry hunts. We discuss how this will integrate with our new custom meal business, Backpack Logistics, that allows you to build a full day's worth of food. Enjoy! Websites: Valley to Peak: www.v2pnutrition.com Backpack Logistics: www.backpacklogistics.com Social: @v2pnutrition @backpacklogistics @dustinwittwer

The long sabbatical from the show was for good reason. Jason and I have been working on an all new shopping experience for backpackers and hikers. Backpack Logistics takes the stress and worry out of backpack food. Our website offers a custom meal kit builder for creating an entire day's worth of backpack food, built to your specs, and shipped to you ready to hike. It's a revolutionary way to order and prepare for a backpack trip.  The custom meal builder will add up the total calories, weight, and calories per ounce of your entire day's worth of food, as you plug and play different options. The chart will also show you the exact macros of the food you added.  Another way to shop is the "pro packs." These are pre-built day of food from experts in the hiking/backpacking industry. Experienced backpackers like Jordan Budd, Tony Trietch, Shedcrazy, and ourselves have built their ideal day of food for you to try. Listen to the full episode for a 25% off discount code good until June 30, 2022 on your preorder over $50. We hope this brings you value and makes your backpack trips easier. Orders will begin shipping mid-July. Instagram: @backpacklogistics @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @finding.backcountry.podcast Email: dustin@backpacklogistics.com info@backpacklogistics.com  

We are in the middle of application season! Here is my thought process as I navigate the western hunting states. Mule deer is top of my list. Listen to which states and species I eliminate from my application along with which season dates I strategically choose to maximize my mule deer hunts this year. I also mention a sneak peek into a side hustle I'll be launching soon. Enjoy! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @finding.backcountry.podcast Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

Brady Miller joins the podcast to discuss his specialty, backpack hunting gear. Brady uses and abuses more gear than most in a hunting season. We breakdown his favorite picks going into this hunting season. Enjoy! Instagram: @brady_j_miller @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @finding.backcountry.podcast Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

We made it! 100 episodes. It doesn't mean anything and took way too long to get here, but at the same time, I hope it's been valuable. To those who have been here since the beginning, thank you! To those just now finding us, thank you! I'm looking forward to 100 more. I finally call one of the guests I've been wanting on the show since I started it, my Dad. Floyd talks about hunting with me and Jason as kids, hunting with his dad and grandad growing up, and how the hunting game has changed. Then I dive into your questions from social media. I really hope this podcast has been valuable to all the listeners. Thanks again! Enjoy! Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @backpacklogistics Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

Marc joins the podcast again while at Western Hunting & Conservation Expo. We discuss his gut wrenching story chasing one of the biggest bucks of his life in New Mexico. He tells the whole story from finding the buck, to how he hunted the buck, and ultimately the mistakes is learned from and how he came away a better hunter. Enjoy! Instagram: @muleyslayer1 @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @backpacklogistics @finding.backcountry.podcast Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

Mike Duplan is an authority on big mule deer. He lives and hunts in Colorado and has killed some monster bucks! Mike recently returned from a South African safari trip. We discuss the differences between hunting Africa and chasing mule deer here in the West. Mike breaks down the current state of mule deer hunting in Colorado and throughout the West. Enjoy! Instagram: @mikeduplan @dustinwittwer @finding.backcountry.podcast @teambackcountry Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

An elk episode! You read that correctly. In an effort to bring well-rounded information, I felt compelled to offer some elk information. Jace is the perfect elk guest. He is an expert on Utah elk hunting. We breakdown the Utah application process, how the elk herds are doing, where to hunt big bulls, what seasons to hunt, and more! Enjoy! Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @teambackcountry @dustinwittwer @jgdsheds Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

Robby is one of my favorite mule deer authorities! He has a wealth of big buck knowledge, including one of my favorite mule deer books: "Hunting Big Mule Deer". He also has a new book, specifically focusing on the mule deer stories of his original book, titled: "Hunting Big Mule Deer: The Stories." We spend a considerable amount of time breaking down the upcoming mule deer season and how Robby approaches his hunts. Enjoy! Instagram: @robbydenning @teambackcountry @dustinwittwer @finding.backcountry.podcast Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

Here we go! It's a new year and the beginning of the new Hunt Series 2022! The hunt series will be a yearlong update of my current mindset, planning phase, and/or upcoming hunt. I use the hunt series to breakdown my exact thought process as I navigate planning and applying for tags, preparing and executing hunts, and lessons learned. Please reach out with feedback or topics you want more information on. Enjoy! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @finding.backcountry.podcast Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

Mule deer junkies pay attention! Jeremy is a wealth of knowledge on big mule deer tactics, specifically low country bucks in tight cover. He breaks down some of his best experiences tracking big mule deer in tight trees. Jeremy has killed and been apart of killing some of the biggest bucks in New Mexico. Enjoy! Instagram: @muleymojo @dustinwittwer @finding.backcountry.podcast @teambackcountry Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

I sit down to wrap up the 2021 Hunt Series that I left hanging mid season. I pickup with my Colorado mule deer hunt. Then move into my Wyoming mule deer hunt. Finally I discuss an epic late season NV bull elk hunt I joined my brother on. Hopefully you were able to get some value out of the Hunt Series. I plan to keep it going for 2022, along with episodes with valuable guests like always. Thanks for a great year of podcasting and enjoy the episode! Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry

Hunting is under attack. The time for action is now. John Stallone presents some of the threats facing hunting at the moment, with a call to action through HOWL organization. Please listen and follow the link below to act. Enjoy! HOWL: www.howlforwildlife.org Instagram: @howl_org

I accidentally uploaded the wrong episode back in August for episode 89 and never sent this episode out. I still thought there was some value for the episode as I go through my bow setup back in August. I received my Hoyt RX-5 Ultra about 10 days before my archery hunt and went through a full setup. Let me know what you think! @finding.backcountry.podcast @teambackcountry @dustinwittwer

Travis Hobbs joins the podcast to discuss hunting big mule deer in late season conditions. Travis talks about finding big bucks in a snow storm, when to be hunting when a storm is coming, and making the most of hunting in terrible conditions. We also discuss hunting nuances of social media and e-scouting. We discuss why you shouldn't be using a wide angle lens for your kill photo. Enjoy! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @ntrlbrnhunter Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

Last minute archery setup! I discuss my bow setting up experience as I drive to my hunt. I would never recommend anyone put a bow together from scratch two weeks before a hunt, but for me it worked out. Ended up with an absolute killing machine as I head to the mountains in NV looking for a big ol' mule deer! Enjoy! Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

My luck has changed! Finding tags is what I do. A year that couldn't have looked any worse quickly turned into one of the busiest years, including an incredible NV mule deer tag in my pocket! Enjoy!

I was a guest on the Days In The Wild podcast with John Stallone, who has been a guest on the Finding Backcountry Podcast. We discuss some stories and lessons learned chasing mule deer. I appreciate John for having me on. Enjoy! Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @johnstallone   Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

This episode of the Hunt Series I give a race recap and my diet motivation. I also dive into upcoming scouting trips and a look into how I E-scout for upcoming hunts this fall. Last, I ask for prayers as my wife and I embark on a 15 hour total road trip with two kids under 5. Heaven help us!

Bear hunt recap and my final thoughts going into my trail race. I sit down on my front porch (so I didn't wake the kids up) and give a last recap on how the bear hunt ended. Spoiler alert, I didn't get one and got owned. I also go through some of the gear I've been using and reviewing including the RRS Cinch, the Swarovski NL Pure 12x42 binos, and my Crispi Valdres. Enjoy! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @finding.backcountry.podcast @teambackcountry @backcountry_logistics Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

Weekend shenanigans from the mountain chasing bears. I find a couple good bears that I just can't catch up to. This is an in-hunt update while driving to and from the mountain. I get a free lesson in how hard bears are to relocate and find. Enjoy! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @finding.backcountry.podcast Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

All new format that will allow access to how I approach a hunting season. Rather than big picture, macro strategy content, I will try and offer up my point of view each week leading up to and into a hunting season. Each episode will dive into the micro thoughts and preparation for the fall. In this kick off episode I discuss my personal and family life, my gear preparation, tag applications on my mind, and my physical preparation.    Come along on my journey this fall as I share my process for preparing for the hunt each week. Hope you enjoy and I'm really looking forward to your feedback! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @backcountry_logistics @finding.backcountry.podcast Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

GoHunt is one of my favorite tools to find tags across the west each year. I chat with founder Lorenzo Sartini about how to use the tools, the Filtering 2.0 feature, what's new with GoHunt along with trips and tactics. Enjoy! Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @teambackcountry @dustinwittwer @gohunt

Corey and I jump back on the podcast to discuss some epic tag draw results. I thought I had drawn a Utah LE deer tag and his brother-in-law drew a once-in-a-lifetime Utah bison tag! Corey considers turning his LE Utah archery elk tag in. We sneak in a few minutes of new gear for 2021 before our SD card runs out of space! Let us know what you think of the episode! @teambackcountry @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @enjoyingthepursuit @backcountry_logistics Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

This episode we talk about progress with my new versatile hunting dog, Chief, a Deutsch-Drahthaar. We also dive into new backpacking gear, including new boots from Crispi! I have found what I consider the best lightweight backpacking tripod. Jason got a pair of the new Crispi Attiva Mid and I got a new pair of Crispi Valdres. These are two of the best early season boots we've found. We also discuss optics and mounting binoculars to tripods. Enjoy! Instagram: @teambackcountry @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @backcountry_logistics Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com rentpackllamas@gmail.com 

Henry has a wealth of knowledge on all things archery and mule deer. We dive into his bowhunting expertise. We discuss the state of mule deer hunting in his home state of Colorado. Enjoy! Instagram: @bigchiefwhackabuck @notfittohunt @finding.backcountry.podcast @teambackcountry @dustinwittwer   Email: @teambackcountry@gmail.com

I surprise phone call my brother for a discussion on our upcoming plans this fall. We talk general strategy in Colorado and specific unit breakdown in Nevada, our home state. Enjoy! Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @backcountry_logistics @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com rentpackllamas@gmail.com  

Robby Denning joins the podcast to discuss the general state of mule deer hunting throughout the west. We get into a good discussion about the challenges non-resident hunters face with state tag allocations. Robby shares his experience from years of hunting mule deer across the west. Enjoy!

Jaden Bales with Wyoming Wildlife Federation jumps on a call to discuss HB122: Reliable Funding for Hunting & Fishing Access. As a Wyoming resident, I take a special interest in this topic, however, I feel it can be applied to all western states struggling to gain public access due to private land or land-locked parcels of good hunting & fishing ground. Enjoy! Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry @backcountry_logistics @wyomingwildlife   Email: teambackcountry@gmail.com

I sit down for a solo episode to lay out my 2021 application strategy, break down each western state, and give pro tips about fancy tags. This episode should help anyone get a general idea of what states will help with their goals for this year. Utah is the next major application deadline, coming up March 4. Good luck in the draws! Instagram: @dustinwittwer @finding.backcountry.podcast @backcountry_logistics Email: findingbackcountry@gmail.com teambackcountry@gmail.com  

Travis Hobbs is a mule deer fanatic and joins me for another long awaited episode...worth the wait! Travis lays down some specific knowledge about hunting big mule deer. He talks about hunting with Robby Denning this past year. We also discuss why pack llamas are so much better than horses and mules. Travis Hobbs - @ntrlbrnhunter Podcast - @finding.backcountry.podcast Dustin Wittwer - @dustinwittwer Email - findingbackcountry@gmail.com Llama rentals - @backcountry_logistics or www.rentpackllamas.com    

Lion encounter! I sit down and recap my rifle elk hunt here in Wyoming. I discuss hunting in grizzly country. I walk through the process on my 800 kill shot. I also tell the story of a crazy mountain lion encounter I had after the kill. Enjoy! Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @teambackcountry Email: findingbackcountry@gmail.com

What a week! Dustin and Corey sit down to talk about one of their best weeks of hunting. Starting with Dustin's "once in a lifetime" Utah moose hunt. Dustin was the lucky winner of the Utah Conservation & Hunting Expo $5 raffle tag for the non-resident Wasatch moose permit. Following the moose hunt, Dustin and Corey head to Colorado on a couple leftover deer and elk muzzleloader tags. They hunt a random unit they'd never been in before and score big with a monster 199" mule deer. Enjoy! Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @enjoyingthepursuit @teambackcountry @backcountry_logistics Email: findingbackcountry@gmail.com teambackcountry@gmail.com 

David Long and Dustin discuss his "return" to mule deer hunting. David talks about past experiences and how it will help him pick up where he left off after a short break from mule deer hunting. David discusses big mule deer behavior and where to find big bucks. He explains his newest book, "Wyoming's Finest Mule Deer" that him and his wife Gia just released. Enjoy this episode with mule deer legend David Long!   The Mule Deer Hunter: http://themuledeerhunter.com/ Instagram: @davidlong66 @finding.backcountry.podcast @teambackcountry @dustinwittwer

It's been a crazy few months! Dustin & Corey sit down to discuss the status of the podcast, update listeners on our 2020 tag situations, upcoming hunts, discuss new gear we've been playing with, tell some stories, and a sneak peek at the next guest. Thanks for listening and I appreciate your patience!

Jaden and I have a general discussion on the state of mule deer in the west. Jaden is part of The Rich Outdoors Podcast. Over the past months, he's had multiple biologists as guests to discuss the status of deer herds across the west. We discuss changing draw odds, states management strategies, and the overall status of mule deer hunting. Enjoy! @finding.backcountry.podcast @dustinwittwer @jadenbales @therichoutdoorspodcast

This episode I have a conversation with Clint Casper about hunting mule deer and living in the midwest. We discuss researching hunts, gaining bonus points, how to draw tags, e-scouting, and successfully killing mule deer on an out-of-state hunt. Clint has written multiple articles for various hunting magazines. He still enjoys hunting whitetail during the rut in his home state but western mule deer are quickly becoming his favorite. Enjoy! Instagram: Clint - @casperclint Podcast - @finding.backcountry.podcast Host - @dustinwittwer Email: findingbackcountry@gmail.com

Ever since I started attending the Western Conservation & Hunting Expo years ago, I was always impressed watching John auction off high-dollar tags in the way of conservation and wildlife management. John always seemed like a down-to-earth guy who loved what he was doing. His passion for wildlife and hunting is apparent and obvious as we chatted about being an auctioneer, history of the Western Hunting Expo, and the most expensive tag he's ever auctioned. Enjoy! Instagram: John Bair - @johnbairauctioneer Podcast - @finding.backcountry.podcast Hunt Expo - @huntexpo

I first came in contact with Marlon years ago when chat forums were the thing. He was clearly a knowledgeable backcountry hunter getting after it. I was new to backcountry hunting in general. He went above and beyond, willing to share specific information to help a complete stranger get started backcountry hunting. Marlon has always been willing to share valuable information to those in the hunting world.  Apologies for any audio quality issues. That said, my editor did an amazing job with this episode. It was much worse! Thanks Anthony! Please share any feedback or suggestions for a more valuable podcast to: findingbackcountry@gmail.com Instagram: @marlonholden @finding.backcountry.podcast @teambackcountry

Aron and I discuss multiple topics including hunting fitness, social media, hunting Colorado, Kifaru, backpacking gear, traditional archery, and much more. Aron is one of the most authentic people in the hunting world. He tests tons of different pieces of gear each year and spends more time in the mountains than the average hunter. He runs Kifaru International, high-quality backpacks and is the co-host of Kifarucast. Enjoy! @aron_snyder - Instagram @kifaru_intl - Kifaru International

I chat with Kyle Williams, a passionate backcountry hunter. Kyle and I met a few years back at the Western Hunt Expo. I could tell right off, he was someone I wanted to follow. Since then he's knocked down a couple smoker bucks and a good bull. It's been awesome to see someone put in the hard work, make a goal, and execute it. We discuss backcountry gear, packing with goats, and how to be successful when backcountry hunts get tough. Enjoy!

New Year's Eve podcast! My brother and I celebrate the New Year by talking hunting. Big surprise! We recap hunting elk in Wyoming, along with our two archery mule deer hunts in Utah & Colorado. Thanks to everyone who has listened along the past year! I hope I have brought some value. Please reach out with any podcast episodes or guests you would like to hear from over the next year. Happy 2020!  

Merry Christmas! Your Christmas present is an awesome episode with South Cox. We recap a couple of his past hunts including a Nevada elk hunt and a once-in-a-lifetime hunt with Larry D. Jones, who was a big hunting inspiration to South. We conclude with a discussion on hunting with pack goats vs. pack llamas, including a llama-drama story with one of our Backcountry Logistics llamas. Enjoy! South is the owner/operator of Stalker Stickbows. @stalkerstickbows Llama rentals from @backcountry_logistics Podcast page @finding.backcountry.podcast

Marc and I relive our hunting stories from New Mexico this past season. Marc and his crew took a couple of their biggest bucks to date on the New Mexico rifle deer hunt. Marc discusses missed shots, overcoming adversity on a hunt, being successful on big bucks with multiple tags in camp, and wanting success for your hunting partners. I recap my New Mexico Aoudad hunt story including missing a wind call, hunting with suppressors, and bringing value to receive value. Enjoy!

I had the privilege to sit down with Justin Gordon, who killed one of the biggest mule deer ever...348 5/8"!!! The Gordon Buck is a public land, free range, DIY backcountry buck of a lifetime. Justin recounts the entire story including his hunting buddy finding the deer, the stalk, and people's reaction to the buck. Enjoy! Email questions to: findingbackcountry@gmail.com Justin Gordon Instagram: @backcountrytines Podcast Instagram: @finding.backcountry.podcast Also check out: @teambackcountry 

Finding big mule deer bucks on a consistent basis is an art. Killing those bucks is an art. Justin has experience finding and killing big mule deer bucks. He shares tips and tactics he uses to determine mountain ranges to hunt and units to apply for. Justin also shares the routine he uses for summer scouting before a hunt. This episode is part 1 of 2 where we discuss tactics and tips. Look for part 2 where Justin tells the story of killing one of the biggest mule deer ever! 

Sam McKeeth and I discuss his recent success on what's arguably the most difficult tag to fill in the lower 48, Montana's Unlimited Bighorn Sheep hunt. This permit is open to anyone with the skills and mindset to pull it off. Many have tried, few have succeeded. Sheep numbers are low. Hunter pressure is high. The terrain is the most unforgiving in the lower 48. Sam overcame every obstacle and put a trophy of a lifetime on the ground. Congrats Sam!

This episode I break down my personal bow setup and why I chose each piece. I go through the process of choosing a new bow and what I consider important. I discuss each accessory along with my entire arrow setup. This is another solo episode en route to a backcountry mule deer bowhunt. Enjoy!

Hey everyone! This is a completely unique episode. I record totally solo and disregard audio quality to make sure I get content to you. I discuss the mental aspect of perseverance on a hunt. I also share valuable information about Wyoming bonus points.    Please share this episode with someone who could benefit. Enjoy!