The Hunt Backcountry 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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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 — [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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