Exo Journal

Mark Huelsing
My First Idaho Spring Bear Hunt, Part 2 — What I Learned

My First Idaho Spring Bear Hunt, Part 2 — What I Learned

I recently returned from my very first Idaho spring bear hunt. This was a hunt that I shared my plans for previously and that I was looking forward to more than most, as I am a bear hunter through and through. In short, it was incredible. I spent 9 days solo bear hunting and backpacking through some of the most rugged country in the Lower 48. Bears were spotted, stalks were made, and shots were taken. However, no bears came home with me on this trip. In the end, I just flat-out missed. A bummer to say the least, but...

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Mark Huelsing
5 Low-Cost, High-Energy Foods for Backpacking and Hunting

5 Low-Cost, High-Energy Foods for Backpacking and Hunting

Consider ditching the expensive, pre-packaged performance foods and using your own creations to easily (and cheaply!) fuel for backpack hunts. Here are five high-energy foods that are absolute rocket fuel on the mountain. The best part is, you likely have all of the ingredients already.

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Mark Huelsing
Less Confusion, More Action — 3 Simple Strategies to Hunt Public Land Elk

Less Confusion, More Action — 3 Simple Strategies to Hunt Public Land Elk

The internet is full of elk hunting advice on tactics, calling strategies, shooting tips, and gear. With so much information readily available, it is easy to get overwhelmed or stuck in "paralysis by analysis.” Let's clarify the confusion and focus on 3 simple strategies to effectively hunt on public land.

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Mark Huelsing
2021 Death Hike Recap: Fly-In, Hike-Out Adventure in the Frank Church Wilderness

2021 Death Hike Recap: Fly-In, Hike-Out Adventure in the Frank Church Wilderness

The 2021 Death Hike began with a flight into a remote airstrip, deep in Idaho's Frank Church "River of No Return" Wilderness. Two groups landed at two different airstrips, and upon waving goodbye to the Cessna planes, each group had the goal of hiking out of the wilderness over the next 48 hours.

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