The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Jay Nichol
  • 4.6 (113)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 21 HRS AGO

    EP 310 – Are You Wasting Time Worrying About Extreme Spread? & The Biggest Mistake New Hunters Make: Solocast Q&A

    Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay wraps up the massive backlog of listener questions from our recent Q&A, covering everything from backcountry bear hunting stories to controversial reloading opinions. We kick things off with a recap of Jay's first guided bear hunt of the season, detailing a successful 400-yard shot and a massive 6-foot+ boar. Then, we dive into the Q&A, tackling some heated topics. Is extreme spread (ES) and standard deviation (SD) actually important for hunting, or is it just a distraction? Jay shares his unfiltered thoughts on why speed for speed's sake is useless and how to reverse-engineer your bullet velocity for maximum terminal performance. Jay also answers questions about the best books to improve your hunting (spoiler: you should probably just spend more time in the field), the single biggest mistake he made when he first started hunting, and why using a floorless shelter in the high country is a recipe for disaster. Plus, get the details on a massive $10,000+ giveaway, the upcoming technical apparel launch, and some exclusive outfitting opportunities. Whether you're looking for reloading advice, scouting strategies, or just some honest, unfiltered hunting talk, this Q&A is packed with actionable advice to help you level up this season. Timed Chapters 00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping (Apparel Launch & Massive $10k Giveaway) 00:00:15 - Bear Camp Recap: A 400-Yard Shot on a 6-Foot+ Boar 00:11:35 - Field Processing a Bear: Meat Care & Packing Out 00:15:52 - Remaining Guided Bear Hunt Openings for 2025/2026 00:17:22 - Match Bullets for Hunting: Reverse-Engineering Velocity for Terminal Performance 00:21:01 - The Truth About Extreme Spread (ES) & Standard Deviation (SD) 00:25:47 - The Best Books to Help You Improve as a Hunter 00:28:38 - Plans for a BC Whitetail Hunt & Unfinished Sheep Business 00:32:35 - Advice for Someone Struggling to Get Their First BC Mule Deer 00:35:44 - Heated Gloves, Telson Optics, & Winter Kit Swaps 00:36:59 - Goat Redemption Plans for 2026 & Hiring a Full-Time Filmer 00:38:26 - Spotting Scope Recommendations: Kowa 88 vs. Swarovski ATX 85 00:38:53 - How Often Do You Eat Wild Game for a Healthy Physique? 00:39:34 - Argali Clothing Review: Pants & Grid Fleece 00:40:46 - The Best Rifle Cleaning Products & Process (Modern Day Sniper Method) 00:43:20 - Upgrading from Cheap Binos: Are the SIG Zulu 6s Worth It? 00:43:49 - Is a Vacuum Sealer Worth It for Backcountry Food? 00:44:13 - The Two Biggest Mistakes I Made When I First Started Hunting 00:48:27 - Kootenay CWD Tags, Born Primitive Gear, & Podcast Guests 00:52:12 - MDT Carbon Stock vs. Rok Stock vs. XLR Element 4.0 00:54:34 - 6mm Creedmoor for BC Mule Deer, Blacktail, and Elk? 00:54:55 - Canadian-Made EDC Pocket Knives & Island Blacktail Tactics 00:58:59 - Floorless Shelters in the High Country: Why You Shouldn't Do It 00:59:53 - Outro & Final Giveaway Details 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 Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

    1h 1m

  2. 3D AGO

    EP 309 - PEAX vs Fenix: One Headlamp Wins by a Landslide

    Is the Fenix HM62-T the new king of backcountry headlamps? In this in-depth review, I compare two of the most popular headlamps for hunters and mountain athletes — the Fenix HM62-T and the PEAX Backcountry Duo — across 10 real-world categories: brightness, battery life, red light performance, fit, band quality, construction, waterproofing, weight, price, and brand transparency. I’ve used the PEAX Duo for years, but after extensive testing in true backcountry conditions, I put it head-to-head with the Fenix HM62-T to find out which one truly deserves a spot in your pack. 🔍 Categories Compared: • Brightness & Lumens • Red Light Levels • Battery Life (18650 runtimes) • Fit & Headband Design (Boa vs standard) • Weather Resistance (IPX6 vs IP68) • Build Quality & Durability • Weight (Fully loaded comparison) • Price Point • Brand Transparency • USB-C Compatibility & Real-World Charging 00:00 - Intro & What to Expect   01:04 - Brightness: 1200 vs 1000 Lumens   02:36 - Red Light Functionality   03:08 - Light Modes & Level Options   03:41 - Battery Life & Charging Frequency   05:04 - Fit & Headband Design   05:56 - Construction & Build Quality   07:17 - Weight Comparison   08:19 - Waterproofing & IP Ratings   10:11 - USB-C & Charging Port Design   10:47 - Price Comparison   11:06 - Brand Transparency & Tech Specs   17:52 - Final Verdict & Scorecard Recap   18:41 - Giveaway Details & Closing     🎁 GIVEAWAY: Win a SIG image-stabilized spotting scope! To enter, visit https://mindfulreviews.com and become a member. Every new sign-up in December is automatically entered! 🧭 Subscribe for brutally honest, no-BS gear reviews built for hunters and backcountry adventurers. #FenixHM62T #PEAXHeadlamp #BackcountryGearReview #MindfulHunter #HuntingHeadlamp #OutdoorGearTest #FenixReview #PEAXBackcountryDuo  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

    20 min

  3. APR 23

    EP 308 – Let’s Go Guided! – A Brand-New Podcast Showcasing Outfitters and Their Stories with Robbie & Lindsay Clunes

    Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay sits down with Robbie and Lindsay Clunes, the husband-and-wife team behind the new platform Let's Go Guided. We dive deep into their personal hunting journeys, from Lindsay’s transition into hunting for self-sustaining meat to their ambitious plans for chasing big game across North America. The conversation quickly turns to some of the most debated topics in the hunting world. Are combo hunts actually worth your time and money, or are they just a way for outfitters to cash in? Jay also challenges the gear-obsessed hunting culture, explaining why spending $1,500 on new binoculars won't make you a better hunter—and what you should be doing instead. We also tackle the stigma surrounding guided hunts, the difference between "canned" hunting and true backcountry experiences, and why the DIY public land movement might be making hunters miss out on the value of fellowship in hunting camps. Robbie and Lindsay also share the inspiration behind Let's Go Guided, a platform designed to help hunters connect with outfitters on a personal level before booking their dream hunts. Whether you're a seasoned DIY hunter or looking to book your first guided experience, this episode is packed with unfiltered opinions and actionable advice. Timed Chapters 00:00:00 - Intro & Catching Up: Goat Hunting Prep & Spreadsheets 00:03:23 - Lindsay's Hunting Journey: From Non-Hunter to Bear & Sheep Goals 00:09:41 - The 6.5 Creedmoor Debate: Why It's Still the Best Starter Cartridge 00:15:47 - The Emotional Reality of Your First Kill: Expectations vs. Reality 00:19:02 - Robbie's Hunting Background: Reconnecting with the Backcountry 00:23:34 - The Birth of "Let's Go Guided": Fixing the Outfitter Booking Problem 00:26:09 - The Truth About Guided Hunts: Do Outfitters Actually Teach You Anything? 00:31:15 - Why Outfitters Need to Stop Relying on Trade Shows & Start Using Social Media 00:35:59 - The Stigma of Guided Hunts vs. The DIY Public Land Movement 00:40:07 - Missing Out on Fellowship: The Hidden Value of Guided Hunting Camps 00:46:17 - Robbie & Lindsay's 2026 Hunting Calendar: Spring Bear, Hogs, and Stones 00:51:24 - Why You Should Stop Buying Gear and Spend That Money on Scouting 00:53:28 - The Curse of BC Hunting: Why You Shouldn't Try to Hunt Everything at Once 00:54:56 - Why Combo Hunts Are a Terrible Idea (And Maybe a Cash Grab) 00:56:15 - Outro & Where to Find Let's Go Guided Let’s Go Guided https://www.instagram.com/letsgoguided_/ https://letsgoguided.com/ 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 Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

    57 min

  4. APR 21

    EP 307 - How to Hunt in Freezing Weather Without Freezing Your Ass Off

    If you’ve ever frozen your ass off while glassing, hiking, or sitting in a stand — this video is for you. I break down 10 real-world tactics that will help you stay warm while hunting in brutal cold, without relying on overpriced gear. These strategies are based on years of field experience and are designed to keep you warm using what you already have. ⏱️  CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro: Why More Gear Isn’t the Answer 00:46 – 1. Layer in the Proper Order 02:13 – 2. Manage Moisture from Sweat 03:32 – 3. Don’t Stop for Too Long 05:01 – 4. Fuel the Furnace 06:09 – 5. Block Wind Ruthlessly 07:16 – 6. Insulate from the Ground (and Air) 08:45 – 7. Use Body Heat to Dry Clothes 09:53 – 8. Use Chemical Warmers the Right Way 10:49 – 9. Hot Nalgene 12:09 – 10. Isometric Muscle Contractions 13:03 – BONUS: Carry a Firestarter You Trust 14:18 – Final Thoughts & How to Support the Channel   Gear doesn’t always solve the problem — knowledge does. Want to support the channel? Join the Mindful Hunter community: https://www.mindfulreviews.com  Email Jay for Spring Bear Hunts: 📧 jay@mindfulhunter.com   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

    15 min

  5. APR 17

    EP 306 – Is the 7mm Backcountry a Joke? Why I Don’t Use Ice In My Coolers And More: Solo Q&A Episode

    Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this solo Q&A episode, I dive into a massive backlog of listener questions, covering everything from controversial gear opinions to advanced backcountry tactics. We tackle some heated topics right out of the gate: Do you actually learn anything on a guided hunt, or are outfitters just there to punch your tag? Jay also shares his unfiltered, controversial thoughts on the new 7mm Backcountry cartridge and explains why ecosystem support is the only thing that keeps a new cartridge alive. We also get into the nitty-gritty of meat care, including Jay's counter-intuitive method for packing out and transporting meat for days without using a single cube of ice. Other topics include navigating treacherous alpine terrain, whether you can truly trust other hunters in the field, and how to stay calm and make good decisions when the pressure is on. Plus, get the latest updates on Mindful Munitions, the upcoming technical apparel launch, and some exclusive outfitting opportunities. Whether you're looking for gear reviews, scouting strategies, or just some honest, unfiltered hunting talk, this Q&A is packed with actionable advice to help you level up this season. Chapters 00:00:00 - Intro & Housekeeping (Apparel Blowout, Outfitting Spots, Mindful Munitions) 00:03:23 - What’s the typical process for setting up a meat pack-out service? 00:06:03 - Have you done any testing with the SIG rangefinders fog mode? Does it actually help? 00:10:12 - How much benefit is there in hiring a guide when first starting out hunting? 00:15:57 - What kind of parameters did you have when deciding on pre-season scouting while still working a 9 to 5? 00:18:58 - When applying across the West, do you look at harvest success as a valuable metric? 00:23:00 - What winter shelter are you running this year? 00:24:03 - Take us through the process of purchasing a custom rifle build and bringing it back to BC. 00:25:17 - Any initial thoughts on the Outdoor Vitals quilt vs. Katabatic? 00:29:48 - Sitka down puffy review request. 00:30:15 - Navigable routes in the alpine: What are you looking for and/or avoiding? 00:41:00 - How do you stay present in high-pressure moments instead of rushing decisions? 00:46:12 - 7mm Backcountry: Yay or nay? Will we see a steel case revolution? 00:50:13 - TRT: How or where to start? 00:50:34 - Tips for black bear and mule deer hunting in a 12-ish year old burn. 00:54:29 - Any plans to do a late-season whitetail gear comparison of Sitka vs. Kuiu? 00:55:50 - Cooler size/selection and what does your meat care look like for multiple days? 00:59:14 - Funny that Kuiu got bought out by the same people that are elitist and against public land. 00:59:32 - Bone-in versus deboning after a kill (specifically mule deer and elk). 01:00:50 - Do you trust other hunters? 01:04:00 - Gear made by a non-hunting company that hunters use that a hunting company should redo? 01:04:30 - What’s your personal hunting goal for 2026 outside of guiding? 01:06:21 - Makes sense to carry 12x50s, SIG Zulu 6s, and a mini spotter for deer? 01:07:58 - Dry area southern Alberta mountains or foothills for spring bear strategy 01:09:21 - Outro & Final Thoughts.   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 Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

    1h 10m

  6. APR 13

    EP 305 - Tikka 6.5 PRC Build Version 01

    In this video, I walk you through my complete Tikka T3x rifle build — designed not for the range or for show, but for real-world lethality and reliability in the field. Chambered in 6.5 PRC and built with practical upgrades, this rifle hits that sweet spot between cost and performance, coming in just over $3,000 fully scoped. Whether you’re building a backcountry rifle from scratch or upgrading a stock Tikka over time, this platform gives you the best of both worlds: rock-solid performance and full custom potential — without the custom price tag.   📌 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: • Why 6.5 PRC is ideal for long-range hunting • Pros & cons of stock, hybrid, and full custom rifle options • The real value behind the Tikka T3x platform • Honest field-tested gear reviews (Rokstok, Maven RS.1.2, SRS Brake & more) • Upgrade path for building a custom-grade rifle on a reasonable budget   🔧 FULL RIFLE BUILD LIST: • Base Rifle: Tikka T3x Stainless Lite (6.5 PRC, 24” barrel) – $879 • Stock: Rokstok (from Shoot2Hunt) – $650 • Scope: Maven RS.1.2 2.5–15x44 FFP – $1,400 • Rings: Unknown Munitions Tikka Rings – $130 • Level: Unknown Munitions Tikka Level – $50 • Muzzle Brake: SRS (Salmon River Solutions) 4-Port Stainless Brake – $135 • Bolt Handle: Unknown Munitions Round Bolt Knob – $46 Total Rifle Build (no scope): $1,890 Full Build with Scope: $3,290 Final Weight (Scoped): 9.2 lbs   🕒 CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Why I Built This Rifle 00:54 – Budget vs. Value: Where $2,000 Hits the Sweet Spot 01:56 – Why I Chose 6.5 PRC 03:35 – Choosing a Rifle Platform: Stock vs. Hybrid vs. Custom 05:38 – Why I Chose the Tikka T3x 06:04 – Optimal Rifle Weight for Hunting 07:08 – Mindful Hunter Outfitting: Spring Bear Plug 07:21 – Tikka T3x Action & Barrel Reliability 09:12 – Tikka’s Upgrade Potential + Value 09:37 – Weak Points: Stock & Bottom Metal 10:05 – Rokstock Deep Dive (Negative Comb, Ergonomics, Flat Base) 13:06 – SRS Muzzle Brake Overview 14:03 – Bolt Handle Upgrade & Trigger Settings 15:14 – Rings + Bubble Level from Unknown Munitions 15:40 – Maven RS.1.2 Scope Review 17:15 – Why Durability (Drop Test) Matters 17:42 – Scope Weight, Reticle, and Magnification Choice 20:35 – Full Cost Breakdown 21:12 – Final Weight & Wrap-Up 21:48 – Budget Path for Building Over Time 22:19 – Future-Proofing with Magnum Bolt Face 22:42 – Join the Mindful Reviews Community 22:52 – Hunt Black Bears in BC with Me 23:00 – Final Thoughts + How to Support the Channel   🧠 Want More Practical Gear Reviews & Deep Dives? Join the community at mindful-reviews.com  — no fluff, no hype, just honest reviews and member-only content to help you make smarter gear choices. 📩 For Spring Bear Hunts in British Columbia: Email jay@mindfulhunter.com to book a guided hunt. 👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe to support authentic hunting content on YouTube. It makes a huge difference — and I appreciate every bit of support.   #TikkaT3x #RifleBuild #6.5PRC #BackcountryHunting #MavenOptics #Rokstock #MindfulHunter #BudgetRifleBuild #HuntingRifleSetup #PrecisionHunting   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

    23 min

  7. APR 10

    EP 304 – Glassing Tactics, Gear Choice Advice and How To Scout for Big Mule Deer with Dioni Amuchastegui

    Are you struggling to find animals on your big mountain hunts? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of hunting optics and gear, breaking down the exact strategies you need to maximize your success in the field. We discuss the highly debated topic of spotting scopes versus binoculars, the pros and cons of image-stabilized glass, and why your $1,000 spotting scope might be holding you back.   Beyond glass, we explore the surprising benefits of a heavier hunting rifle for precision shooting and share actionable scouting tactics for mule deer. Learn why spending more days scouting can lead to more notched tags, and how to identify high-traffic areas even on logging roads. Finally, we get an exclusive look at the innovative modular chest rigs from Deadfall Design and why having quick access to essential gear can be a lifesaver in the backcountry.   Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter or just gearing up for your first big trip, this episode is packed with expert insights that will change the way you look at hunting gear and scouting. Tune in to level up your optics game and put more meat in the freezer this season!   Chapters 00:00:00 - Introduction & The Obsession with Gear 00:05:00 - The Case for Heavier Hunting Rifles & Precision Shooting 00:08:57 - The Debate: Image-Stabilized Spotting Scopes & Wind Challenges 00:13:17 - Why $1,000 Spotting Scopes Are a Waste of Money 00:20:20 - Image-Stabilized Binos vs. Alpha Glass: A Side-by-Side Comparison 00:26:11 - The Importance of Field of View When Glassing for Animals 00:28:44 - Strategies for Long Glassing Sessions: Avoiding Back Fatigue 00:37:25 - Advanced Mule Deer Scouting Tactics & Finding High-Traffic Areas 00:48:13 - Why You Should Spend More Time Scouting Than Hunting 00:55:18 - Innovative Backcountry Gear: Deadfall Design Modular Chest Rigs     Dioni Amuchastegui https://www.instagram.com/wild_idaho/ https://www.instagram.com/deadfall_design/   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 Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

    1h 7m

  8. APR 7

    EP 303 - 5 Secrets to Succeed in the Outdoor Industry (That No One Talks About)

    How do you actually build a career around your passion—without selling out or chasing clicks? In this video, I break down the 5 principles that helped me go from business consultant to full-time hunting content creator. Whether your passion is hunting, photography, fitness, or anything else—this is the blueprint. We’re talking about real success. Not shortcuts. Not overnight hacks. Just the systems, mindset, and discipline that work—if you’re willing to play long-term games. 🔑 What You’ll Learn: • Why “good answers” are useless if you’re asking the wrong questions • How to build a life around hunting (without sponsorships or brand deals) • The difference between value and noise in content creation • How to optimize your workflow and build momentum • Why goals matter more than public opinion • When to burn the boats—and when to hold the line Chapter: 00:00 - Intro: Good Questions, Bad Assumptions   01:05 - Why the Gatekeeper Model Is Dead   02:10 - The Two Paths: Trade Freedom or Brand Building   03:20 - The Long Game: Patience, Not Permission   04:15 - Principle 1: If It Feels Like Play, You’ll Win Long-Term   05:55 - Principle 2: Create Value, Not Just Content   08:15 - Principle 3: Optimize Workflow & Kill Friction   11:45 - Principle 4: Goals Over Opinions   16:00 - Principle 5: Burn the Boats — But Aim First   20:55 - Bonus Principle: Find Your Voice & Own Your Lane 🐻 Want to hunt with me? Email: jay@mindfulhunter.com 🧭 For more hunting content, gear reviews, and honest advice: 👉 Subscribe to the channel: [Insert Channel Link] 👉 Follow on Instagram: [@mindful_hunter or your handle] #HuntingIndustry #ContentCreation #MindfulHunter #Entrepreneurship #HuntingTips #BuildYourBrand #SignalOverNoise #FlywheelEffect 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

    26 min
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4.6
out of 5
113 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Nichol
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    317
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Mindful Hunter Podcast

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