Exo Journal

The mental game of backcountry hunting, and just hunting in general, can really be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. The ability to grind through tough situations is going to be what either sends you back up the mountain after that elk, or sends you back to the truck to head home. Let’s take a look at a few bumps in the road that we all might encounter from time to time.

Delving into the psychology of choosing partners for adventure, be it backcountry hunting or otherwise, there are important considerations to be made if you desire to have healthy, functional and enjoyable experiences.

You’ve trained all year, did all your research, drew your tag, and have the latest gear — it’s finally time to leave civilization behind for that backcountry hunt.  As you strap your pack on at the trail head you’ve got just enough food provisions to last for the duration of your hunt.  How much thought did you put into what you packed to fuel your body during this rigorous and non-stop adventure?  Did you just order the run of mill freeze dried backpacking meal and call it good, or did you actually consider what your body needs for a week...

The thought of hiking into a wilderness area with nothing but a backpack, bow, and a whole lot of hope truly did consume my thoughts for some time.  No vehicles, no people, and a rugged but simple way of hunting was something that I knew I had to experience in the future.  Finally, after much day dreaming and probably annoying my wife with way too many adventure/bowhunting stories, I decided that I NEEDED to try this backpack hunting thing out.  I am so glad that I did and I would like to share with you why I think YOU should...