Backcountry Hunting Podcast
by Joseph von Benedikt
Backcountry Hunting Podcast focuses on inspiring and teaching about deep-country hunting, with emphasis on DIY techniques, gear, prep and how-to. Lifelong wilderness hunter Joseph von Benedikt shares stories and tips for success.
Episodes
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Sportsman's NIRVANA. Attending the DSC Convention
There's a place every year where hunters dreams coalesce under one roof. It's the Dallas Safari Club Convention. Whether your hunting and shooting passions revolve around big whitetail deer, African safaris, European driven shoots, or really gnarly adventures such as pursuing polar bear across…
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.30-06 Cartridge Family: Best of All Time?
In this episode, we sit down with the legendary Ron Spomer to hash out what cartridge family is the best of the very best. Predictably, our discussion is full of humorous opinions, hunting stories, and technical information as we break down the history and influence of what is surely the most...
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SHOOTOUT! 7mm Backcountry VS .280 Ackley Improved
Should you buy a .280 Ackley or a 7mm Backcountry? This is a question we get frequently, so we figured we'd take a deep dive and compare the two. In this episode we explore velocity, accuracy, pressure, barrel life, reloadability, and every other aspect of the two cartridges we can think of. Does...
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Hunting Red Stags in the Scottish Highlands: 2026 Hunt Recap
If you've ever dreamed of stalking roaring red stags across Scotland's cloud-shrouded Highlands, this episode is for you! We've just returned from two full weeks spent hunting out of ancient Victorian hunting lodges in two prime locations in Scotland, and in this episide we sit down and share...
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Hunting Elk Mountain-Man Style: Solo, Public Land, with a .50-Caliber Flintlock
It's elk season, folks! The leaves have turned crimson and golden, frost is on the air, and bull elk are in the last throes of the rut. Magical. In this episode, WIlliam von Benedikt (a.k.a. the Backcountry Apprentice) and host Joseph von Benedikt sit down to swap stories about hunting public…
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Essential Hunting Gear: Backcountry Backpack Hunts
What backpacking items are absolutely essential to successful backcountry hunting? When you have to whittle down your gear list to crucial gear only, what do you toss out? In this episode we sit down for an interview conducted by Audrey von Benedikt, who draws on her recent adventures hunting…
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WINNING! With Traditional Muzzleloaders: Prep, Tuning, Shooting, & Scoring.
How do you win with a traditional blackpowder longrifle? How do you tune a muzzleloader to kill elk precisely and profoundly? You get good equipment that's properly suited to the task, and then you work it out. Our family has two premium blackpowder elk permits in our pockets, and in this episode...
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Best Rifle Scopes for Backcountry Hunting: American Made & Tougher Than The Rest!
How do you choose a riflescope that won't let you down in the backcountry? Pick from a proven brand, with a track record of performance and reliablity. In this epside we sit down with a Leupold engineer and discuss what makes a scope tough, clear, reliable, and predictable, as well has how the…
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Hunting Red Stags, Fallow Deer, & Alpine Game in New Zealand: Planning & Prep
If you've dreamed of hunting New Zealand for giant Red Stags, Fallow deer, Himalyan Tahr, or Chamois, this episode is for you! We got on the phone with a professional guide and asked questions. Best routes to travel to NZ, how to bring a rifle to NZ, what the best hunting seasons are, free-range...
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BEST CARTRIDGE for EVERYTHING, with Ron Spomer
We're attacking the old debate, folks: If you had to pick just ONE CARTRIDGE to hunt ANYTHING you want, what would it be? I suspect our choices may surprise many of you. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material...
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Are Suppressors Deregulated Now?
Can you now just walk into a gun store, buy a suppressor, and walk out with it? Recent legal rulings have upset the NFA's apple cart, leaving a frenzy of good and bad info scattered across cyberspace. In this episode we welcome Brandon Maddox, suppressor mastermind behind Silencer Central, to…
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Hunting Spanish Roebucks, Vineyards, & Monasteries
No European country offers more spectacular hunting than Spain. Four species of ibex, chamois, red deer, roe deer, mouflon, wild boar, fallow deer, and even barbary sheep can be hunted across the rolling terraces and amongst the ancient mountain ruins. Archetecture, food, and history is...
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Small Cartridges for Big Game, continued: Does RECOIL Make You A Worse Shooter?
The "small cartridges for big game" debate continues. Does stout recoil REALLY prevent you from making accurate shots in the field? If so, what's the reason: Is it rifle dynamics? Shooter technique? Lack of discipline? Or... could large-caliber rifles actually be fundamentally less accurate? In...
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Elk Hunters' Best Friend
In the backcountry, dog ain't mans best friend. Nope: a good horse is. We take this episode out into the pasture with Audrey von Benedikt (the horsewoman of the family) and talk through how to get the most out of your horse and yourself on an elk hunt. We compare the pros and cons of horses…
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Best Hunting Cartridges for Mule Deer, with Colton Heward
Great cartridges for hunting mule deer tend to be good for most western big game species... But what if you singularly, passionately want one ultimate mule deer cartridge? In this episode, we sit down with Colton Heward, managing editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine, and talk out what makes a...
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Hunting Kudu, Cats, & Zulu Cattle in Africa
What is it about hunting Africa that sinks a hook so deep into your soul that you can never stop dreaming of going back? Smoky orange sunsets, majestic kudu bulls drifting through thornbrush, and the taste of fresh meat over Acacia-wood coals are part of it... In this episode with Austin Brown…
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.35 Whelen in North Idaho's Wild Country
How good is the .35 Whelen for western big game hunting? This episode tells five hunting stories, all told by a veteran fighter pilot, that showcase just how wonderful this mild-kicking, wallop-packing medium-bore cartridge is. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry...
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Best New Hunting Rifles on the Market, with Colton Heward
What are the best modern hunting rifles available today? In this episode, we sit down with Colton Heward, managing editor of Petersen's Hunting magazine, and talk through top choices in several price categories ranging from $500 up to $2,500. We compare the pros and cons of detachable box…
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SHOT PLACEMENT on Big Game: American vs. African
What's the best place to aim on a big game animal? That depends on what you're hunting. Antlered game in America is built differently than most antelope species in Africa—as well as Cape Buffalo (a.k.a. Black Death). Knowing where to aim makes for faster, more ethical kills and shorter blood...
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7mm SAW Cartridge: An Improved 7mm-08?
This episode takes a close look at the 7mm SAW — a wildcat that just might be the ultimate efficient short-action 7mm. Designed by Clayton Smith, owner of West Texas Ordnance, it's sort of an improved 7mm-08 with a better shoulder angle, faster rifling twist, and greater head height. It just…
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Is it Good or Bad to be a Long Range Deer Sniper? With Ron Spomer
Detractors of modern long-range hunting methods call such hunters "deer snipers." But is long-range shooting at game bad? Or good? We're joined by Ron Spomer in this episode, and we hash out the various facets—virtuous and evil alike—of shooting long on big game. Plus, of course, we regularly get...
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Hunting Forest Ghosts Across Transylvania, Spain, Macedonia, & Serbia
This episode follows host Joseph von Benedikt on a wild roebuck hunt across ancient terraces in Spain, to remote mountains in Transylvania, to deep forests of Serbia, and into the spectacular alpine mountains of Macedonia. We talk cartridges (we used seven different rifles chambered in seven...
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NEW 6.5 BACKCOUNTRY! (6.5 Creedmoor +PEAK)
BIG NEWS! Federal has just announced the new "6.5 BACKCOUNTRY" cartridge... or put more correctly, the 6.5 Creedmoor with "+ PEAK" alloy technology. We tested the inagural 130-grain Terminal Ascent load in three different rifles with barrels of 24, 20, and 17 inches to see if the new load…
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Most Versatile Cartridge: 300 PRC?
Scenario: You can choose between .280 Ackley, 7mm PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .300 PRC to hunt everything on the North American continent for the rest of you life. What's it going to be? Folks, this brief episode will be followed in a few hours by a major new-product announcement (embargoed until 9am...
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Live Q&A: Hunting New Zealand. Also: Huge Announcement Coming Friday!
Join us TONIGHT for a LIVE Q&A with our friends in New Zealand. We'll talk all things hunting NZ. A Zoom link will be provided on the free page at www.patreon.com/backcountry so come click in and talk with us! Also, news from Swift: The new Zephyr bullet is up on the website and Swift is taking...
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Do You Need Fancy Gear and a New Rifle to Hunt Elk?
Do you really need a new rifle to hunt elk? Probably not! Although cutting-edge is helpful, you just might be better off spending your extra money on practice ammo and honing your skills with Grandpa's old rifle. In this episode, we sit down with professional elk guide Tate Bradfield and talk…
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Hunt Audio Journal: Red Stag, Tahr, & Fallow in New Zealand with My Daughter Audrey
This episode brings you the late-night and early morning audio-journal recordings from our recent hunt in New Zealand. Audrey and I re-cap our hunts for my massive red stag, our bowhunts for red stag and arapawa ram, Audrey's fallow deer, and her exceptional Himalayan Tahr. Plus we detail the...
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Best .30-Caliber Hunting Cartridges, with Ron Spomer
We've ignored the legendary All-American .30-caliber cartridges for too long! This episode, we sit down with Ron Spomer and swap stories about our favorite .30-caliber cartridges. We propose which are the most proven, the best designed, the most popular, and the most likely to survive. And yes…
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Among Ancient Ruins: Hunting Spain's Mountain Sheep the Hard Way, with Austin Brown
Recorded live in the field—audio-journal style—this episode takes us into Spain's rugged Pyranese Mountains, where our great pal Austin Brown and his buddy Grant Gingerich hunt wily mountain-dwelling roedeer and cagy old mouflon rams. All free range, earned the right way by putting in the hard...
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6.5 Creedmoor vs. 6.5 Swede(moor)
Which is better: 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5x55 "Swede?" Ever since it was first introduced, savvy shooters have been commenting that the 6.5 Creedmoor doesn't do anything better than their classic 6.5x55. Is this true? Could the 6.5x55 even be (GASP!) better than the 6.5 Creedmoor? Or do the modern...
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Spartan Precision Equipment: Best Shooting Rests for Hunters
This episode, we're joined by legendary British hunter and mountaineer Rob Gearing. Nicknamed "Lord G" by none other than Craig Boddington, Gearing designed the Javelin bipod, which I believe is the finest bipod for backcountry hunting that's ever been made. We talk through Spartan's various...
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Hunting Giant Red Stags in New Zealand
This episode comes at you raw, recorded beside a late-night fire in New Zealand's incredible mountain country. New Zealand is known for red stags of prehistoric size, mountain game that are incredibly unique, and the spectacular country that Lord Of The Rings was filmed in. In a hunters world, NZ...
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Gear & Hacks for Hunting Success, with Ron Spomer
Good gear is important, but dollars don't always buy success or survival. With a little old-fashioned ingenuity you can fix gear, make gear, or buy used gear that'll serve just fine. In this episode, we sit down with Ron Spomer, a great hunter with more than a half-century of experience around…
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Gear List for Hunting Africa: Crucial items you'll need.
We frequently get asked "What gear do I need to take on my hunt in Africa?" In this episode we hash out what's really crucial and what you can (and should) leave home. Optics, clothing, boots, packs, emergency gear, cartridge carriers, shooting sticks, and more are all detailed... and supported…
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Best Aoudad Hunt of my Life: Mexico Delivers!
We love wild sheep hunting... but we can only afford to hunt Aoudad; aka Barbary Sheep; aka the "poor man's Desert Bighorn." This awesome episode was recorded raw and live in the field deep in the mountains of Mexico, and gives a blow-by-blow account of three experienced aoudad hunters all taking...
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How To Bring Big Game Trophies Home
After a successful hunt to Africa, New Zealand, or Europe, is it hard to bring your animals home? It doesn't have to be. In this episode Wyatt Fetner of Safari Specialty Importers talks through the process of bringing horns, antlers, skulls, and hides back to the states. Wyatt is a fellow gun…
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Best Hunting Rifles for the Backcountry, with Ron Spomer
What makes a terrific mountain rifle? In this episode, we interview hunting legend Ron Spomer about his favorite wild sheep hunting rifles (which are excellent for elk and alpine mule deer and black bear as well). Ron takes us through the rifle characteristics and features he considers crucial to…
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Most Capable Rangefinding Binocular EVER? First Look at Leupold's New BX-6 Range HD
In this episode we get the inside scoop on Leupold's brand-new BX-6 Range HD binocular, which has optical quality that competes with the big Germanic brands, a 6,000-yard rangefinder, on-board atmospheric sensors, and the most capable ballistic brain on the market. Oh—and it pairs with onX Maps…
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.25 Weatherby RPM and .25 Creedmoor Exposed, with Colton Heward
Trying to decide between Hornady's new .25 Creedmoor and Weatherby's new .25 RPM cartridge? Or are you unconvinced that they are any better than your reliable old .25-06 or .257 Weatherby Magnum? We're here to help! Or rather, we've got professional help... We're joined this episode by Colton...
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How To Maximize Rifle Accuracy, with Ray Saft
Achieving top-notch accuracy with your hunting rifle requires attention to the smallest details. Here, we're joined by Ray Saft, owner of Saft Custom Gunsmithing in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss the hidden but essential elements of putting together a precision hunting rifle. We talk best actions,...
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BEST HUNTING KNIFE: A Blue-Collar Northern Shrike
It's been six years since the Northern Shrike custom hunting knife was conceived. Incredibly, there's no corner of the (legally huntable) world remaining where it hasn't been carried by intrepid hunters. This episode takes a look at why it's so extraordinary, and gives a sneak peek at what our...
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Find Your Ultimate Rifle & Hunt at the DSC Show!
Friends, I'll be at the Dallas Safari Club in early February. We'll be holding meet-and-greet visits at booth 3216 Friday and Saturday 10-to-noon, and 3-5pm. We'll also have Rob Gearing, owner of Spartan Precision Equipment, and Neal Lane, proprietor of Lane Firearms & Appraisals, visiting and...
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Best Cartridges for Kids & New Hunters
What is the best cartridge for a kid or beginning hunter to start with? In this episode William (a.k.a. the Backcountry Apprentice) and host Joseph von Benedikt sit down and debate the merits of 14 different cartridge candidates for the title of "Best Kid Cartridge." By process of elimination, we...
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New Guns, Ammo, Optics, & Shooting Gear of SHOT Show 2026, with Ron Spomer
SHOT Show 2026 is drawing to a close, and a ton of great new rifles, shotguns, handguns, scopes, binoculars, cartridges, bullets, and other gear has just been introduced. In this episode, we sit down with gunwriting and YouTube legend Ron Spomer and talk about the coolest new products we saw at…
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270 Winchester vs. 30-06 Springfield, with The Backcountry Apprentice
WHICH IS BEST: .270 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield? In this episode I sit down with the William vB—the "Backcountry Apprentice" himself, and we hash out the pros and cons of each cartridge, discussing: Cartridge versatility Bullet weight ranges Modern bullets available Best factory loads Best...
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Q&A: Best Bullets for Vintage Rifles, Best Moose Cartridge, First Guns for Kids, Barrel Cleaning, Kill Kit Contents, and More!
Q&A: Best Bullets for Vintage Rifles, Best Moose Cartridge, First Guns for Kids, Barrel Cleaning, Kill Kit Contents, and More! In this episode we answer great questions on a variety of topics, including: Best bullets for classic (vintage) rifles NAS3 high-pressure cartridge cases Velocity…
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Legendary Gunmakers: Rigby of London
Rigby of London is debatably the most famous maker of fine double-barrel rifles and (bolt-action) magazine rifles in history. Jim Corbett used a .275 Rigby to hunt many of the maneating tigers and leopards he killed. Harry Selby carried a .416 Rigby while guiding Robert Ruark. The Rigby Rising…
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Pack Rafts: Pipeline to The Backcountry
"When you don't have a pack raft, a river or body of water is a barrier. When you do have a raft, that water becomes a highway." This episode we're joined with Alpacka Raft founder Thor Tingey. Thor grew up in Alaska, adventure-rafting, hunting, and fishing across most of the state. Alpacka...
About this show
Backcountry Hunting Podcast focuses on inspiring and teaching about deep-country hunting, with emphasis on DIY techniques, gear, prep and how-to. Lifelong wilderness hunter Joseph von Benedikt shares stories and tips for success.
Hosted by
Joseph von Benedikt
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