The Mindful Hunter Podcast

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A deep dive into a mindful perspective on the discipline of hunting.

Episodes

2 hours ago

EP 328 - Canning, Sausage & Smoking: The Ultimate Wild Game Processing Guide

2 hours ago

28 min

🎁 WIN A KOWA 88 SPOTTING SCOPE: Mindful Munitions is officially open. Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry or Mindful Munitions earns one entry to win a Kowa 88 spotting scope. The giveaway ends October 30 at midnight Pacific Time.

👉 Forged in the Backcountry: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

👉 Mindful Munitions: https://mindfulmunitions.com/

Are you looking to take your wild game processing to the next level? In this ultimate masterclass, we break down exactly how to turn your deer, elk, and bear meat into mouth-watering, shelf-stable provisions. Whether you want to make honey garlic bear snack sticks, cheesy elk summer sausage, classic Italian dinner brats, or incredibly versatile canned deer meat, we cover it all!

We start by discussing the best ways to prep your meat before grinding, the crucial "20% Rule" for adding pork back fat, and why you should never let your butcher pre-grind your sausage meat. Then, we dive step-by-step into four different preservation methods, including the easiest way to pressure can wild game for quick, shelf-stable weeknight dinners. We also share our exact process for mixing spices, stuffing casings, and smoking summer sausage and snack sticks to perfection on a Traeger grill. Finally, we cover the best practices for linking, vacuum sealing, and storing your hard-earned harvest so it lasts all year long.

If you're tired of dry, gamey sausage or just want to learn how to process your own meat like a pro, this video is for you. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment letting us know your favorite way to prepare wild game!

Spice Blends Mentioned:
Stuffer's Game Summer Sausage Mix
PS Seasonings Italian Sausage & Philly Cheesesteak Mix

Equipment Used:
Heavy-Duty Meat Grinder & Sausage Stuffer
Stainless Steel Pressure Cooker (10 PSI for 75 mins at sea level)
Traeger Grill (Smoked at 165°F)
Weston Pro 3000 Vacuum Sealer

Timed Chapters (Max 15)

00:00 - The Ultimate Wild Game Processing Guide
01:07 - How to Prep Meat for Sausage (Don't Pre-Grind!)
02:19 - Essential Ingredients & The 20% Pork Fat Rule
03:55 - How to Calculate the Perfect Fat-to-Meat Ratio
04:58 - The Easiest Preservation Method: Canning Wild Game
07:04 - Packing Jars & Adding Spices for Canning
08:00 - How to Pressure Can Meat Step-by-Step
09:25 - Pressure Cooker Temperature & Cooldown Tips
11:15 - Prepping Fat & Meat for Bear Summer Sausage
13:23 - Mixing Spices, Cure & High-Temp Cheese
15:37 - Stuffing Summer Sausage Casings
17:17 - Smoking Summer Sausage on a Traeger Grill
18:50 - Why We Use Bear Meat for Smoked Sausages
19:32 - Making Elk & Deer Italian Dinner Sausages
22:02 - How to Link & Vacuum Seal Your Sausage

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry
https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

Merch
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop

Newsletter
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact

IG
https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/

Podcast
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Kowa TSN-88A Sweepstakes

No purchase required. Contest begins on August 18, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A previously owned Kowa TSN-88A Spotting Scope Body with Eyepiece (APR) $5,500.00 CAD; Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/kowa-tsn-88a-sweepstakes

2 hours ago

28 min

Aug 10, 2026

EP 327 – Are You Wasting Your Time E-Scouting? The Truth About Hunting Sows & More: Solocast Q&A

Aug 10, 2026

1 hr 51 sec

We are back after a month and a half hiatus! In this solo Q&A episode, Jay tackles some of the most controversial and highly requested topics from the Mindful Hunter audience.
First up, Jay breaks down the new arrow ballistics study and explains why 90% of hunters are wasting their time agonizing over FOC and vane configuration instead of just practicing under pressure. Then, he dives into a highly debated topic: why bear hunters need to stop avoiding sows if they actually care about predator control.

We also cover the reality of E-Scouting (and why it might be a massive waste of your time if you aren't doing boots-on-the-ground validation), the exact paperwork you need to bring wild game meat across the US/Canada border, and why the Outdoor Vitals box-baffle down jacket failed the wash test. Finally, Jay drops a huge announcement about the official launch of Mindful Munitions and the final open spot for the 2027 Mexico Coues deer hunt.

🇲🇽 MEXICO COUES DEER: One spot left for a guided Coues deer hunt in Mexico in Jan/Feb 2027. All-inclusive, fully guided. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com to claim it.

🇨🇦 MINDFUL MUNITIONS: Launching next week! Rok Stocks, EXO packs, Wiser Precision, ASC, Full Frame Outdoors, and more — all shipping within Canada with no duties. Stay tuned for the massive launch giveaway.

Timed Chapters
0:00:00 Intro: Where I've Been & The "Feel It To Make It" Rule
0:01:10 Mexico Coues Deer Hunt Update (1 Spot Left)
0:02:06 BC Bear Outfitting & Mindful Munitions Launch Announcement
0:05:12 The New Arrow Ballistics Study: Does It Actually Matter?
0:09:05 Fall Bear vs. Spring Bear: Which is Better?
0:10:22 The Best Spotting Scope for High Country Mule Deer (Kowa 88 vs. Swarovski)
0:13:18 How to Tell a Boar from a Sow (The Ankle Test)
0:14:42 The Controversy: Why Bear Hunters SHOULD Be Shooting Sows
0:18:20 The Best BC Towns for Raising a Hunting Family
0:19:46 Why Every BC Hunter Needs Top Notch Navigator
0:21:50 Mule Deer vs. Whitetail: Which Would You Choose?
0:22:36 The Best "Stupid" Gear: Flextail Pump & Yates Jack Pad
0:26:28 Tricer Bipod: Why I Switched Back to the Short Legs
0:28:33 The Outdoor Vitals Down Jacket Wash Failure Explained
0:31:11 How to Legally Bring Meat and Skulls Across the US/Canada Border
0:34:58 Bullet Velocity vs. Weight: 130gr TMK vs. 250gr SPT
0:36:09 Why E-Scouting is Overrated (And What You Should Do Instead)
0:40:09 Do You Actually Need Cushion in Your Hunting Socks?
0:44:11 Solo Shelter Recommendations for Alaska Moose/Caribou
0:46:36 Spring Bear Elevation Strategy: Chasing the Snow Line
0:53:01 Looking for Aoudad Leases in Texas & Mexico
0:53:53 Will I Keep Using the MDT Carbon Stock?
0:54:59 How to Shoot RAW Video for Digiscoping
0:56:08 My Favorite Sleeper Gear: The Zpacks 7x9 Tarp
0:57:59 Will I Ever Design a Hunting Boot?
0:58:39 Best 65mm Spotting Scope Recommendation
0:59:09 Outro & Upcoming Content

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Aug 10, 2026

1 hr 51 sec

Jul 17, 2026

EP 326 - The Truth About Training for Mountain Hunting

Jul 17, 2026

33 min

DOWNLOAD THE FREE 4-MONTH TRAINING PLAN PDF:

👉 https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

🎁 THE ULTIMATE GUIDED HUNT GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry (including the new camo Forged Base Boxers) earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. You pick the hunt: BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico. 👉 https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

The truth about backcountry hunting fitness. If you are doing CrossFit, high-intensity intervals, or heavy lifting to get ready for the mountains, you might actually be hurting your performance. In this video, I break down the 10 core principles of mountain endurance, heavily inspired by the groundbreaking book Training for the Uphill Athlete.

Learn why cardiovascular capacity isn't the real goal, why you need to build a fat-burning aerobic engine, and why "Zone 2" is the secret to endless energy in the backcountry. Whether you're training for an elk hunt, a sheep hunt, or just want to carry a heavy pack without gassing out, this is the exact system I use to spend 140 days a year in the field at 47 years old.

What we cover in this video:

Why "Metcon" workouts create Aerobic Deficiency Syndrome
The 80/20 rule for Zone 2 training
How to build Muscular Endurance (ME) with heavy rucking
Why having too much muscle mass hurts mountain performance
A complete 16-week periodized training plan
The best cardio machines if you live in a flat or urban area

If you want to arrive at the trailhead fresh, durable, and capable without paying for a monthly fitness subscription—this video is for you.

Chapters:

00:00 - Why Most Hunting Fitness Programs Are Flawed

01:01 - The Book That Changed My Endurance Training

02:40 - Principle 1: Endurance is a Metabolic Problem

06:50 - Principle 2: Zone 2 is the Foundation

09:01 - Principle 3: Specificity is King (The SAID Principle)

10:25 - Principle 4: Muscular Endurance is the Secret Weapon

11:44 - Principle 5: Continuity and Gradualness

12:33 - Principle 6: Periodize Your Training Year

13:30 - Principle 7: Separate Aerobic and Anaerobic Work

16:01 - Principle 8: Respect Global Fatigue Cost

17:25 - Principle 9: Avoid the Gym Bro Trap

19:11 - Principle 10: Train to Hunt, Don't Hunt to Train

21:15 - How Fatigue Destroys Your Marksmanship Accuracy

23:15 - Free 4-Month Backcountry Training Plan Breakdown

26:33 - No Mountains? The Best Cardio Machines for Hunters

Reels

5:00 – condense video and frustrated with other programs

Jake Downs

https://www.instagram.com/jake_d_downs/

Jay Nichol

jay@mindfulhunter.com

https://www.mindful-reviews.com/

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry

https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

Merch

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop

Newsletter

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact

https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/

Podcast

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

Jul 17, 2026

33 min

Jul 9, 2026

EP 325 – 25 Creedmoor, Negative Comb Stocks & The Future of Precision Hunting Rifles with Jaden from West Elk Precision

Jul 9, 2026

1 hr 34 min

This week Jay sits down with Jaden from West Elk Precision to nerd out on all things custom rifles, precision shooting, and long-range hunting. Jaden shares his journey from a Colorado kid hunting with a factory Remington 700 to attending gunsmithing school and launching his own custom rifle shop focused on the rapidly growing pre-fit barrel market.
They dive deep into the philosophy of building the perfect hybrid hunting/competition rifle, the rise of the 25 Creedmoor, and why negative comb stocks are going to change the way hunters shoot. Jay also shares his controversial take on why you should never buy a mid-tier spotting scope, and they discuss how shooting NRL Hunter matches with heavy gear can actually make you more lethal in the backcountry.
Whether you're looking to upgrade your factory Tikka with a pre-fit barrel, trying to figure out barrel break-in procedures, or just want to know how to build a better shooting position using a tripod as a rear rest, this episode is packed with actionable advice for the precision-minded hunter.
🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: Only three weeks left! Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns you one entry to win a fully custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico.
🏕️ OUTFITTING: Mindful Hunter Outfitting South is now live — fully guided rifle Coues deer hunts on private ranches in Old Mexico during the rut. Just get yourself to Tucson and we handle everything else. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com for details.

🏕️ 2026 BC OPENINGS: Jay just opened four new spots — Archery Mule Deer, Early Season Alpine Mule Deer, Alpine Black Bear, and a late September Float Bear hunt. Email j@mindfulhunter.com to book.

Timed Chapters
0:00:00 Intro & The Final Week of the Giveaway
0:01:11 Meet Jaden: Colorado Mule Deer & Gunsmithing School
0:15:21 What Does "Blueprinting an Action" Actually Mean?
0:23:28 Launching West Elk Precision & The Pre-Fit Barrel Market
0:30:29 The New "Hybrid" Guided Hunter
0:33:29 Why You Should Never Buy a Mid-Tier Spotting Scope
0:40:15 Top Scope Recommendations for 600-Yard Hunting
0:47:44 Rifle Barrels: Contours, Carbon Fiber vs. Steel, and Weight
0:55:07 Why You Need to Spot Your Own Shots (Recoil Management)
0:58:11 The Future of Rifle Stocks: Negative Comb Explained
1:00:52 Building a Hybrid Rifle for NRL Hunter Matches
1:11:00 Using a Tripod as a Rear Rest (Modified Prone)
1:12:42 Why You Should Carry a 1-Pound Shooting Bag on a Hunt
1:16:08 How to Build a Shooting Position Correctly
1:20:06 Caliber Talk: Is the 25 Creedmoor the Sweet Spot?
1:31:20 Barrel Break-In & Cleaning Philosophy
1:34:25 Outro & Where to Find West Elk PrecisionJay Nichol

Jaden Miller
https://www.instagram.com/west_elk_precision/
https://westelkprecision.com/

jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes
No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

Jul 9, 2026

1 hr 34 min

Jul 6, 2026

EP 324 - Outdoor Vitals Hybrid Pursuit Fleece vs. Sitka Ambient: Field Tested Review

Jul 6, 2026

12 min

There is only two weeks left in The Ultimate Custom Guided Hunt giveaway from Forged In The Backcountry. Head on over to https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ and for every $5 you spend, you will get one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting

In this final instalment of the Outdoor Vitals Mountain Pursuit series, I review the Hybrid Pursuit Fleece, a dynamic insulation piece designed for all-season use. How does it stack up against the Sitka Ambient—my long-time favourite? I dig deep into warmth, layering performance, sizing tips, and long-term durability. If you’re serious about technical layering for backcountry hunts, you won’t want to miss this.

🧠 Honest. Unbiased. Field-tested.
🧢 Visit: https://mindful-reviews.com for in-depth gear analysis & support the channel.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 - Intro & Review Series Recap
00:20 - Hybrid Pursuit vs Sitka Ambient
00:45 - Specs & Materials Breakdown
01:49 - Price & Athletic Fit Overview
02:04 - Body-Mapped Fabric Design
03:21 - Real-World Performance
04:13 - Moisture Management & Layering
05:04 - Warmth Comparison to Sitka Ambient
06:00 - Durability & Early Signs of Pilling
06:45 - Fit Tips & Sizing Walkthrough
09:01 - Why Fit Impacts Performance
10:15 - Final Thoughts & Long-Term Use
11:06 - Support & Outro

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Jul 6, 2026

12 min

Jul 2, 2026

EP 323 – The Brutal Reality of Hunter Marksmanship These Days: Bear Guiding Season Wrap-Up with Jay & Dimitri

Jul 2, 2026

1 hr 35 min

After seven straight weeks of guiding spring black bears in British Columbia, Jay sits down with Mindful Hunter Outfitting guide Dimitri to wrap up the season. It was a grind of a year — 18 clients, endless rain, and some truly brutal pack-outs — but the final tally tells the story: 11 bears killed, 3 wounded, and 6 missed.

In this episode, Jay and Dimitri break down the week-by-week action, from tracking down a 20-year-old toothless boar to packing out triple-digit loads in the dark. But the most important takeaway from the season is a harsh reality check on hunter marksmanship. They discuss why a 50% hit rate is probably the industry average, the importance of practicing off-hand and uncomfortable shots, and the controversial fact that every single miss in camp this year came from a hunter using a chassis rifle. The bottom line? Stop worrying about upgrading your gear and start putting in the reps.

🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: Only three weeks left! Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns you one entry to win a fully custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico.

🏕️ OUTFITTING: Mindful Hunter Outfitting South is now live — fully guided rifle Coues deer hunts on private ranches in Old Mexico during the rut. Just get yourself to Tucson and we handle everything else. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com for details.

0:00:00 Intro, Mexico Coues Hunts & Giveaway Updates
0:01:23 Meet Dimitri: From Fish Guiding to Bear Camp
0:03:29 Growing Up Hunting the Traditional BC Way
0:12:00 The Transition to Hunting Guide & The Client Experience
0:44:51 The Reality of Wounded Bears & Missed Shots
0:47:12 Spiking Out & Daryl's Monster Cutblock Bear
0:52:32 Tom's Bear & The Brutal Midnight Pack-Out
1:01:35 Week 5: Freezing Rain, Slide Alder & Peter's Heart Shot
1:07:31 Quinlan's Close Calls & The 115-Yard Miss
1:12:47 Week 6: Why Unprepared Hunters Miss Easy Shots
1:15:49 Week 7: Bo's 20-Year-Old Toothless Bear
1:20:24 Scott's First Bear & Why Trophy Size Doesn't Matter
1:23:37 The Final Stats: 11 Dead, 9 Missed or Wounded
1:25:14 Why Every Single Miss Came From a Chassis Rifle
1:28:13 The Mental Grind of Guiding 7 Weeks Straight
1:32:24 Stop Buying New Gear & Learn to Shoot
1:34:08 Outro & Final Hunt Openings
Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Jul 2, 2026

1 hr 35 min

Jun 30, 2026

EP 322 - Outdoor Vitals Vantage Alpine vs. Stone Glacier Grumman: Field Tested Review

Jun 30, 2026

11 min

The Outdoor Vitals Vantage Puffy Jacket steps into the ring against the well-established Stone Glacier Grumman. In this in-depth review, I compare warmth, weight, durability, and overall field performance after over 40 days of real-world use across a full hunting season. Whether you’re building a lightweight system or looking for a late-season insulation upgrade, this video breaks down which jacket makes sense — and when.

🧠 Mindful Reviews are always unsponsored and field-tested. For more, visit mindful-reviews.com

📌 Chapters
00:00 - Intro: The Next Piece in the Mountain Pursuit Series
00:37 - Specs & Build Quality
02:11 - Why the Grumman is the Benchmark
02:36 - Weight, Warmth & Packability Comparison
03:29 - Wind Resistance and Warmth Difference
03:41 - Price Comparison
04:00 - Sizing and Fit
06:47 - Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
08:19 - Who Should Consider the Vantage

🦉 Hunt with Me:
Interested in booking a 2026 hunt?
📧 Email me at: jay@mindfulhunter.com

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Jun 30, 2026

11 min

Jun 25, 2026

EP 321 – Is Private Equity Ruining Hunting Brands? Plus: The Truth About Long-Range Hunting with Zack Boughton

Jun 25, 2026

1 hr 23 min

Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay sits down with Zach from Montana Wild — a guy who has been a fixture in hunting media for over a decade and played a massive role in the early creative direction of Stone Glacier.
In the first half, Jay and Zach dive deep into the history of hunting media, from the early days of YouTube to the "golden era" of founder-led, design-centric companies like Stone Glacier, First Lite, and Sitka. They have a candid conversation about what happens when Private Equity buys out these beloved brands, why the culture always changes, and why companies like Exo Mountain Gear are some of the last ones doing it right.
In the second half, the conversation shifts to rifles, marksmanship, and the current state of long-range hunting. They pull no punches on the marketing BS behind "1,000-yard out-of-the-box" rifles, why ultralight rifles are a terrible choice for most hunters, and why the biggest reason hunters miss isn't their gear — it's their ego. Jay also shares the brutal statistics from his recent bear guiding season: a 50% effective lethality rate on shot opportunities, and what he's doing to fix it next year.

🎁 GIVEAWAY — 3 WEEKS LEFT: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — BC Black Bear or Mule Deer, Alberta Archery Mule Deer, or Rifle Coues Deer in Mexico.

🇲🇽 MINDFUL HUNTER OUTFITTING SOUTH: Now booking fully guided Coues Deer hunts on private ranches in Old Mexico. Fly into Tucson and we handle everything else. Email j@mindfulhunter.com.

0:00:00 Intro, Mexico Coues Hunts & Giveaway Updates
0:01:20 Zach's Background: From Ski Bum to Montana Wild
0:06:47 The Early Days of YouTube Hunting Media
0:10:24 Working at Stone Glacier & The Sitka Gear Era
0:11:50 Did We Miss the Heyday of Founder-Led Hunting Brands?
0:16:43 How Private Equity Changes Hunting Companies
0:27:01 Leaving Corporate Hunting & Returning to Montana Wild
0:30:30 Archery vs. Rifle: Why Zach Prefers Shooting Guns
0:37:39 Rifle Philosophy: Why You Shouldn't Shoot Past 400 Yards
0:38:05 The Problem with Ultralight Hunting Rifles
0:40:51 The Brutal Truth: 50% of Hunters Miss or Wound Animals
0:44:46 Why Ego is the Biggest Reason Hunters Miss
0:51:46 The Marketing Lie of the "1,000-Yard Out-of-the-Box" Rifle
0:55:17 How to Get Better at Shooting: NRL Hunter Matches Explained
1:01:03 Caliber Selection: Why the 6.5 PRC is the Sweet Spot
1:03:10 Bullet Selection: Match Bullets vs. Hunting Bullets
1:11:10 Wind Calls & Long-Range Hit Rates: What Actually Matters
1:16:05 The Ethics of Long-Range Hunting & Accepting Risk
1:21:43 Outro & Final Thoughts

Zack Boughton
https://www.instagram.com/zackboughton/
https://www.instagram.com/montanawild/

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Jun 25, 2026

1 hr 23 min

Jun 23, 2026

EP 320 - The Truth About Outdoor Vitals Altura Pants (After 40 Days In The Field)

Jun 23, 2026

18 min

Are the Outdoor Vitals Altura Pants the ultimate lightweight hunting pants — or do they fall short in critical areas? After 40+ days of hunting and guiding in a range of conditions, I put these pants through a brutal real-world test. In this review, I cover fit, durability, field performance, and how they stack up against industry staples like the Sitka Ascent and Stone Glacier De Havilland Lite.

This is part 1 of a 3-part series covering the new Outdoor Vitals Mountain Pursuit apparel line.

👀 What you’ll get in this video:
• Deep dive into the Altura pant’s features and flaws
• Honest thoughts on durability and wear issues (like pilling)
• Why knee pads and real hip vents matter
• Side-by-side fit examples (36 vs 38)
• Final grade and who these are really for

📦 Product Info:
Outdoor Vitals Altura Pants
✔ 175g/m² double-weave 4-way stretch nylon
✔ 14 oz weight (36x32)
✔ Built-in belt, mesh hip vents, cargo + rear pockets
✔ MSRP: $135 USD

🦉 Hunt with Me:
Interested in booking a 2026 hunt?
📧 Email me at: jay@mindfulhunter.com
💥 December Booking Discount Ends Jan 2!

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 - Intro: OV x Exo Collab and Expectations
01:09 - 40 Days of Field Testing
01:41 - Quick Sale Announcement (Guiding Discount)
02:45 - Materials & Specs Breakdown
03:32 - Pocket Design Thoughts
04:06 - Why Knee Pads Matter
04:35 - Hip Vents: A Missed Opportunity
05:25 - Fit, Sizing & Stretch (36 vs 38 Comparison)
09:43 - Sizing Limitations for Tall Guys
09:59 - Durability & Pilling Discussion
11:25 - Long-Term Durability Caveats
11:35 - Sitka Ascent vs Altura vs SG De Havilland Lite
13:26 - SIG Oscar Giveaway Info
14:34 - Final Verdict & Grade (B+ to A−)
16:07 - What’s Next in the Review Series

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Jun 23, 2026

18 min

Jun 18, 2026

EP 319 – Bo’s First Black Bear & Launching Guided Coues Deer Hunts in Mexico at Mindful Hunter Outfitting South

Jun 18, 2026

1 hr 5 min

Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay is in the basement with returning guest Bo Campbell, fresh off his first-ever bear hunt in British Columbia with Mindful Hunter Outfitting. They debrief the trip, talk through the realities of a 49-day guiding season, and make a big announcement: the launch of Mindful Hunter Outfitting South — guided Coues deer hunts in Mexico.

Jay gets radically honest about the 2026 spring bear season. While the season was a massive success overall (11 bears across 18 clients), he breaks down the frustrating reality of a 55% lethality rate on shot opportunities — and explains why he's implementing mandatory pre-hunt shooting drills and what he expects from clients moving forward. They also get into the fascinating "heart shot phenomenon" where perfectly shot bears take off on a mindless, adrenaline-fueled dead sprint.

In the second half, Jay and Bo officially announce their new guided Mexico Coues deer hunts. Jay explains exactly why the DIY Mexico hunting model is flawed, why it often costs just as much as a guided hunt for a subpar experience, and how they've secured three premier ranches for the 2027 season. If you want to hunt the rut in January/February with incredible food, dialed logistics, and giant deer — this is the hunt for you.

🎁 GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting (valued at $10,000).

0:00:00 Intro & Catching Up with Bo Campbell

0:02:28 Bo's First BC Bear Hunt: Expectations vs. Reality

0:05:55 The 49-Day Bear Season Wrap-Up

0:08:44 Why Jay is Implementing Mandatory Pre-Hunt Shooting Drills

0:13:36 Bo's Bear Hunt Story: Spotting from Camp

0:16:43 Sizing Up Bears & The 20-Year-Old Toothless Sow

0:19:52 The Brutal Pack Out & Why Bear Hunting is So Physical

0:26:00 Jay's Client Hunt: The Bear Spotted from the Road

0:28:47 The Heart Shot Phenomenon: Why Dead Bears Sprint

0:32:48 The Brutal Truth About Client Marksmanship & Missed Shots

0:38:23 How to Build a Better Shooting Position Under Pressure

0:44:46 Why You Need to Stay in the Scope After the Shot