Meet your instructor, U.S. Navy veteran John Barklow. John lays out his course for effective backcountry hunt planning.

A true hunter is never satisfied, and is a student - continually learning and always honing their craft.

When your hunt goes sideways in the backcountry, we don’t rise to our expectations, but rather fall to the level of our training.

John details the importance of forging strong partnerships to achieve safe, fulfilling & consistent success in the backcountry.

Going into the backcountry is inherently risky. Risk can change based on the team, their collective experience and skills.

Knowing your rate of movement on-off trail over various terrains, with weight on your back, is critical for hunt planning.

Altitude is the great equalizer and can hurt, or shut down, your hunt quickly. No matter how tough you are, you cannot gut-out the crushing effects of altitude impairments.

Weather can make or break your hunt if you’re ill prepared with poor clothing or shelter selections.

Water is more essential than food. John details water sources, filtration and storage for maximum performance & survival.

Fueling the body with food to maintain reasonable performance is essential to backcountry success - even when nauseous.

Stoves can bring your hunt back to life with warm food, a heat source, and water purification.

A solid technical clothing system for most conditions and hunts only require eight pieces of clothing.

Not all shelters are created equal. John breaks down the options based on experience level, terrain, and weather.

John considers your sleep system an extension of your clothing system. It is your last line of defense from the cold.

The backcountry is harsh to the unprepared. Document the highs and lows, equipment, food and clothing issues throughout your season.

John lays out ten important tips to make you a better Student of the Game.