The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Jay Nichol
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  • Wilderness
  • Updated weekly

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

  1. 1 day ago

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

    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. 🏕️ 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. 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/ 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 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

    1hr 36min

  2. 4 days ago

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

    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  🎁 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/ 📌 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/ 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 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

    11 min

  3. 26 Jun

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

    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. 🏕️ 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. 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/ 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 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

    1hr 24min

  4. 23 Jun

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

    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/ 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

    18 min

  5. 19 Jun

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

    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). 🏕️ 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. 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 0:48:46 The Big Announcement: Mindful Hunter Outfitting South (Mexico) 0:51:09 Why DIY Mexico Hunts Are Overrated & Overpriced 0:54:55 The Details: What a Guided Mexico Coues Hunt Looks Like 0:56:46 The Reality of Glassing for Coues Deer (The Hardest Animal in North America) 1:02:38 Giveaway Details & 2026 BC Hunt Openings 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   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

    1hr 5min

  6. 16 Jun

    EP 318 - Updated Hunting Gear List for 2026 | Field-Tested Choices

    This is my updated base gear list heading into the 2026 hunting season. In this video, I go through everything I’m running—packs, shelters, optics, insulation, boots, rifles, water filtration, and more. This isn’t sponsored hype—just real-world gear that works. 🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you. 📥 Download my full 2026 gear spreadsheet at: https://www.mindfulreviews.com  🎯 Everything here has been tested across multiple seasons. I also cover what’s getting replaced, what gear disappointed, and what I’m still evaluating. If you want the raw truth about what’s worth your money, this video is for you. 👇 CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro & Spotting Scope Giveaway 00:13 - Backpacks (XO K4, Initial Ascent, Kifaru) 00:58 - Rain Covers & Pack Rain Strategy 01:30 - Shelter Options (X-Dome, TP, Zpacks) 02:23 - Sleeping Pads (Big Agnes Zoom vs Therm-a-Rest Xlite NXT) 03:45 - Sleeping Bags & Quilts (EE Enigma, Outdoor Vitals) 05:02 - Ground Sheets, Pillow, Base Layers 06:20 - Hunting Pants Overview (Stone Glacier, Outdoor Vitals) 08:13 - Boots (Hanwag, Meindl, Scarpa) 09:21 - Hat, Socks (new project announcement) 10:01 - Trekking Poles, Gaiters, Watch (Bridger Rec) 11:01 - Knife (Benchmade Mini TaggedOut) 11:16 - Active & Static Insulation (Outdoor Vitals, Stone Glacier) 12:31 - Rain Gear (Sitka Dew Point) 12:55 - Puffy Pants, Gloves, Beanie 14:35 - Crocs 14:44 - Spotting Scopes (Kowa TSN-88A, Maven S.1.2) 15:36 - Binoculars & Harness (SIG Zulu, Maven B.5, Stone Glacier Sentinel) 17:13 - Rangefinders (SIG Kilo, Gen 2 pending) 17:24 - Tripods & Pan Heads (Asiack, Wiser Nighthawk) 18:11 - Digiscoping (Mountain Mag vs All-In) 18:40 - Rifle System (Tikka 6.5 PRC + Upcoming Core Ax Rifle) 20:04 - Sling, Shooting Bags, Tracer Bipod 21:00 - Water Purification Systems (BeFree, SteriPen, Pump Filters) 22:11 - One-Offs: Glassing Pads, Knives, Game Bags, Messenger, Batteries 24:52 - Cooking Stove Update (Rough Ridge) 27:04 - Headlamps (Fenix, Petzl, Peaks) 27:51 - Final Thoughts + How to Win the SIG Oscar6   🧠 Get More Reviews & Deep Dives: Subscribe to the channel and explore gear, mindset, and performance from a critical, mindful perspective.   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 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

    29 min

  7. 12 Jun

    EP 317 - 6 Supplements To Improve Performance & Recovery For Hunters

    🎯 This is your no-BS guide to supplements that actually improve performance, recovery, and focus for serious hunters. Whether you’re training hard in the offseason or heading deep into the backcountry, these are the only supplements I personally use — with product examples and clinical dosing recommendations. 👊 Focused on real-world benefits like strength, hydration, joint support, and endurance — no fluff, no marketing hype. 📦 Supplements Covered: • Whey Protein Isolate • Creatine Monohydrate • Electrolytes • Fish Oil (Omega-3s) • EAAs (Essential Amino Acids) • Pre-Workout (Optional) 🎯 All backed by research and years of personal experience in training, backpack hunting, and bodybuilding.   🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you. 👉 Shop the Forged Base Series Socks: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/collections/forged-base-series   🕒 Chapters (Timestamps) 0:00 - Intro & why I don’t do BS supplement reviews 1:06 - The criteria for this list (what actually works) 2:04 - Why protein is #1 for hunters 5:38 - Why creatine is tied for #1 9:19 - Electrolytes: the most underrated supplement 12:44 - Fish oil: joint support + inflammation 15:09 - EAAs vs BCAAs — why BCAAs are trash 20:00 - Optional: Pre-workouts (and what to look for) 22:51 - Final thoughts + giveaway info   🎁 GEAR GIVEAWAY + OUTFITTING DISCOUNT 👉 Join https://www.mindful-reviews.com and you will be automatically entered to win a Sig Sauer Oscar6 Spotting Scope. For the month of December all Mindful Hunter Outfitting bear and deer hunts are discounted by $500 and an additional $250 if two people book together. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com for more info.   🧠 Get More Reviews & Deep Dives: Subscribe to the channel and explore gear, mindset, and performance from a critical, mindful perspective.   #SupplementsForHunters #HuntingFitness #BackcountryHunting #ProteinForHunters #Creatine #Electrolytes #FishOil #EAAvsBCAA #MindfulHunter   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   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

    25 min

  8. 9 Jun

    EP 316 - A Rugged Mountain Boot With One Surprising Ability

    Are the Meindl Glockner GTX boots the perfect choice for alpine hunters — or just too much boot for most terrain? After 100+ days in the field, I put these boots through their paces across goat hunts, creek crossings, and even a glacier with fully automatic crampons. This is a real-world, no-BS review for serious hunters who want gear that performs when it matters. 🟫 Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Spotting Scope Giveaway 00:22 – Why Boot Reviews Are Personal 01:00 – First Impressions & Fit 02:00 – Toe Box, Heel Lock & Sole Width 03:00 – Fit vs. Scarpa & Schnees 03:45 – Weight, Build & Durability 04:30 – Stiffness Rating (3 of 4) Explained 05:00 – Use Cases: Mountain vs. Moderate Terrain 05:35 – High-Cut Ankle Support 06:00 – Full Leather Performance & Fit Molding 06:30 – Crampon Compatibility (DIY Mod) 08:30 – Guided Hunt Sale 09:30 – Pros & Cons Rundown 11:05 – Who This Boot Is (and Isn’t) For 12:35 – How to Win the SIG Oscar 6 Spotter 13:01 – Final Thoughts on Fit, Terrain & Boot Choice 🧰 Gear Mods: I modified these boots to accept fully automatic crampons using a Dremel. It’s a niche trick, but if you’re chasing goats in steep glacial terrain, it might be a game-changer. 🎯 Who Should Watch: • Mountain hunters chasing sheep, goats, mule deer • Hunters comparing Meindl vs. Lowa, Scarpa, or Kenetrek • Anyone debating stiff vs. more flexible mountain boots 🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: For every $5 you spend at Forged in the Backcountry you'll receive one entry to win a custom guided hunt from Mindful Hunter Outfitting. I will personally work with the winner to build the hunt of their dreams — Black Bear or Mule Deer in British Columbia, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or Coues Deer in the rut in Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you. 🇺🇸 US CUSTOMERS: We now have drop shipping set up in the United States — no duties, no customs fees, and faster shipping. If you've been holding off, now's the time.   📌 Affiliate Disclaimer: No sponsorships. No affiliate links. Just real gear reviews based on hard field use. #MeindlGlockner #HuntingBootReview #MountainHuntingGear #MindfulHunter #GoatHuntingBoots #AlpineHunting #FullLeatherBoots #BootReview #BackcountryHunting   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   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

    15 min
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Nichol
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    330
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Mindful Hunter Podcast

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