Inside the Mind of a Backcountry Hunter Who’s Seen It All

In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance engages renowned hunting writer Joseph von Benedikt in a wide-ranging conversation that reveals the guest's deep-rooted passion for the outdoors. Raised in remote southern Utah cowboy country—where he trailed cattle on horseback, carried firearms from a young age, and lived far from modern conveniences—von Benedikt inherited a love of guns and hunting from his grandfathers, began competitive shooting early, and later guided hunts before transitioning into a prolific writing career fueled by extensive reading and authentic experiences. The discussion explores the craft of hunting storytelling, emphasizing sensory details to immerse readers, the mental and spiritual renewal found in backcountry pursuits, and the value of preparation through training like their elk hunting boot camp to ensure ethical, successful shots in challenging terrain. Von Benedikt shares memorable adventures from Kodiak Island to Africa, offers practical gear advice favoring accurate, manageable rifles in potent cartridges like 6.8 Western or 7mm PRC with suppressors and dialing scopes, and highlights transferable skills between hunting pressure and defensive shooting—such as staying composed for follow-up shots—while promoting his long-running Backcountry Hunting Podcast as a rich resource for Western hunters.Follow Joseph on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephvonbenedikt/?hl=enFollow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSAVisit Aimpoint.com to learn more: https://www.aimpoint.com/ PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD