The Mindful Hunter Podcast

By Jay NicholSports Health & Fitness Education Wilderness

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The Mindful Hunter Podcast episodes

October 14 EP 334 – Dimitri & Jay: Hunting Season Updates and Q&A
🎁 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/
This week Dimitri and I are recording from Alberta mule deer camp, where we are getting ready for a run of guided hunts and answering a pile of listener questions. Before the Q&A, we catch up on a backpack mule deer hunt, a float bear hunt, and a goat hunt that turned into a hard lesson in weather, access, pressure, and making a shot count when the opportunity finally shows up.
Then we get into the stuff that actually helps you hunt better. We talk about how to structure a hunt in totally new country, why I would rather scout before the season opens than force myself to “just look” while the tag is valid, and why gathering broad information before narrowing down is usually the better play. We also cover solo hunting versus hunting with good buddies, keeping meat clean on a backcountry pack-out, finding alpine mule deer habitat, when to move a glassing point, and the gear that earned its way into our packs this year.
We finish with budget hunting gear and the one-rifle question: 22 ARC, 6 Creed, 25 Creed, 7mm-08, or 6.5 Creedmoor. The reality is that most new hunters will kill more animals by buying the right basics, practicing to realistic distances, and learning one or two species properly than by chasing the newest cartridge or the flashiest gear list.
Guided hunts: We have limited openings for backpack mule deer and float bear hunts next year, plus one remaining guided Coues deer hunt in Mexico during the third week of January. Email [email protected] for details.
Chapters
0:00 Alberta mule deer camp, guided-hunt updates & listener Q&A
1:18 Backpack mule deer hunt recap: a big buck and a deer mix-up
6:29 A simple phone trick for finding an animal in the spotter
7:18 Why we nearly shot the wrong mule deer
10:06 Four days of hiking for two hours of mule deer hunting
11:30 Float bear hunt recap: a 29-yard archery opportunity
15:24 Bear shot placement: why middle-middle beats the shoulder
17:28 Goat hunt recap: 32 km in two days and brutal weather
20:13 What a missed goat opportunity teaches about shooting pressure
24:23 September guided-hunt results, 2026 openings & Kowa giveaway
26:16 How do you structure a hunt in completely new country?
28:54 Why scouting before season changes your decision-making
35:15 Should you hunt solo or with other good hunters?
38:37 How to pack out meat cleanly and avoid spoilage
41:20 What to look for when scouting alpine mule deer
45:37 Morning glassing, weather, and knowing when a hill holds deer
48:58 Dimitri and Jay’s best gear items for 2026
59:36 How long should you glass before moving?
1:06:04 Will there be a best budget hunting-gear list?
1:11:09 22 Creed, 25 Creed, 6 Creed, 7mm-08, or 6.5 Creedmoor?
1:22:39 Wrap-up, hunt bookings & Kowa 88 giveaway reminder
Jay Nichol
[email protected]
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
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

1 hr 24 min
September 25 EP 333 - Hornady 4DOF vs. Applied Ballistics: Which One Is Actually Better?
🎁 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/

Applied Ballistics vs. Hornady 4DOF — which ballistic solver actually gives you the most accurate firing solution at long range? I tested both at 1,300-1,400 yards and the results may surprise you.

In this video, I break down the head-to-head comparison across five categories: physics modeling, drag models, real-world accuracy, ecosystem & hardware integration, and cost. I cover the difference between 3DOF and 4DOF solvers, why BC-based models fall apart past 600 yards, how Doppler radar custom curves work, and the critical difference between how Applied Ballistics and Hornady 4DOF let you true your data.

This is not a sponsored video. These are my honest findings from real-world use on a shooting course at extended distances.

Drop your questions and hot takes in the comments below — I know this one is going to be controversial!

APPS & GEAR MENTIONED:

Hornady 4DOF App (free): hornady.com/4dof
Applied Ballistics Quantum App
Sig AK Rangefinder
Kestrel 5700 with 4DOF
Leupold Range Finding Binoculars

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - The Most Controversial Video I've Made
0:30 - Applied Ballistics vs. Hornady 4DOF Overview
0:58 - Physics Modeling: 3DOF vs. 4DOF Explained
2:36 - Hornady 4DOF: Spindrift & Aerodynamic Jump Explained
2:52 - Drag Models: BC vs. Doppler Radar
6:26 - Real-World Accuracy at 1,300-1,400 Yards
7:15 - Truing Your Data (The Critical Difference)
9:53 - Giveaway: Win a Custom Guided Hunt
11:10 - Ecosystem & Hardware Integration
13:02 - App Availability & Cost (Free vs. Pay-to-Play)
13:49 - My Final Recommendation: Which One Is Right for You?

Jay Nichol
[email protected]
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

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

18 min
September 22 EP 332 - Can a Down Quilt Save Your Life? Extreme Cold Wet Weather Test (Outdoor Vitals 15f Stormloft Review)
🎁 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/

Did this down quilt just save my life? In this extreme backcountry gear test, I push the Outdoor Vitals 15-degree down quilt to its absolute limits. If you've ever been on a late-season mountain hunt, you know that wet gear can end your trip—or worse. To see if this sleep system can truly handle a catastrophic wet-out, I jumped into a freezing river in British Columbia (-7°C) fully clothed, and then relied entirely on my body heat and this down quilt to dry me out.

We cover the critical phases of surviving hypothermia in the backcountry, the "danger zone" of warming up, and why the loft of your sleeping bag matters more than you think. I also break down the rest of my gear, including Stone Glacier apparel and my Durston shelter.

Whether you are a backcountry hunter, an ultralight backpacker, or just someone who wants to know their sleep system won't fail when it matters most, this test reveals the truth about using down insulation in wet conditions.

Gear Featured in this Video:
Outdoor Vitals 15° Down Quilt
Exped Expedition 7R Mat
Durston Tent X-Dome 1+
Stone Glacier Dehavilland Pants
Marsupial Sun Hoodie
OV Hybrid Fleece
Stone Glacier Grumman Puffy

Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more extreme gear tests and backcountry hunting tips!

Timed Chapters

00:00 - The Problem with Down Sleep Systems
00:32 - The Gear: Outdoor Vitals Quilt & Setup
01:34 - My Custom Quilt Modification
02:26 - Jumping into a Freezing River
03:15 - The Hypothermia Survival Plan
04:49 - The "Danger Zone" of Getting Warm
06:02 - Checking Quilt Loft vs. Wet Clothes
07:50 - Prioritizing Survival in the Backcountry
09:06 - 2-Hour Check-In: Is the System Working?
11:10 - Final Results: Can Down Survive a Wet Out?

Jay Nichol
[email protected]
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

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

18 min
September 15 EP 331 – The Truth About BC Elk Hunting, Injury, and Falling Back in Love With the Process with Kevin Toye
🎁 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/

In this episode, Jay sits down with a longtime buddy for a wide-ranging conversation about elk hunting, parenting, fitness, content creation, guiding, and what it really takes to become consistently successful in the field. They start with early-season hunting updates, family time in the outdoors, and the reality of trying to balance hunting with work, kids, and the rest of life.
The conversation gets blunt when it turns to elk hunting. Jay explains why he no longer believes backpacking as deep as possible is an effective elk strategy in many places, why you cannot start hunting elk until you find elk, and why YouTube, podcasts, E-scouting, and fancy gear are not a replacement for actual days in the field. They also talk about aggressive hunting, understanding regional elk behavior, recovering wounded animals, learning not to give up too soon, and why BC may be some of the toughest elk country on the planet.
Later, they get into the mental side of injury and fitness, how identity and ego can get tied up in training, the pressure of making hunting content, and why the best content often comes from simply being yourself. Jay also shares why guiding continues to be so meaningful: helping someone experience their first animal and seeing familiar country through the eyes of a hunter who has never been there before.
🏔️ THE ALPINE MULE DEER + FLOAT BEAR HUNT: This was one of the best BC adventures Jay has ever put together, and it is now being offered every September as an extended 8–9 day hunt. Email [email protected] for details. One guided Coues deer spot remains for early February 2027, and 2027 Spring Bear openings are also available.
Chapters
0:00:00 Catching Up: New Shop, YouTube Grind & Family Hunting Season
0:08:39 Early-Season Elk Action, Heat & Hunting Aggressively
0:13:18 How to Structure September: Day Hunting vs. Taking a Full Week Off
0:18:37 The Biggest Predictor of Hunting Success: Time in the Field
0:19:00 Forest Fires, Pivoting a Goat Hunt & Why Pre-Season Scouting Matters
0:21:18 You Cannot Podcast Your Way to Dead Critters
0:24:59 Recovering a Bear in Rain, Thick Brush & Crocs
0:27:00 Perspective, Tenacity & Why You Should Not Give Up Too Soon
0:29:40 Why BC Is Some of the Toughest Elk Hunting in North America
0:31:45 Hunt the Hunt You Actually Have—Not the One You See on YouTube
0:33:21 Why Backpacking Deep Is Often a Terrible Elk Strategy
0:36:32 Finding Elk vs. Getting Lucky: How Successful Elk Hunts Actually Happen
0:42:49 Injury, Losing the Ability to Run & the Mental Side of Fitness
0:48:58 Fitness, Ego & Learning to Be Okay With Changing Priorities
0:53:37 Content Creation, Motivation & Finding Your Own Lane
1:01:57 The Ethical Tension of Hunting Content & Why Guiding Matters
1:04:39 Why Jay Still Guides Despite the Time Away From Family
1:06:18 Most People Love the Idea of Hunting—Not the Reality
1:09:08 Why Being Yourself Is the Only Sustainable Content Strategy
1:10:51 Returning to Solo Podcasts & Making Content That Feels Natural
1:15:52 Closing Thoughts: Perspective, Discipline & Doing What You Love
Jay Nichol
[email protected]
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
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

1 hr 20 min
September 08 EP 330 – A Velvet Mule Deer Buck, a Giant Cinnamon River Bear & Why You Can’t Hack Hunt Prep from Home
🎁 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/
Can a 500-yard shot actually be easier than a 150-yard shot? And is all the E-scouting, gear research, and hunting content in the world just an illusion of preparation if you never put boots on the ground? In this first guided-hunt recap, Jay breaks down a brutal but unforgettable BC combination hunt: an alpine backpack mule deer hunt followed by a float trip for black bear.
Jay’s client Matt came in looking for his first mule deer and first black bear. After forest fires forced a last-minute pivot, the two relied on months of prior scouting, camera intel, route planning, shooting practice, and fitness to make the hunt happen. The result was a velvet mule deer taken at 496 yards from a perfect prone position, followed by a black bear on a river float hunt in a much harder, faster-moving shooting situation
This episode is a full behind-the-scenes look at what actually made the hunt successful: knowing the ridge before the hunt started, understanding when mule deer are visible, trusting intuition while glassing, building a stable shooting position, staying calm around a client at the moment of truth, and having the Zone 2 capacity to grind through a 10.5-hour, 10.5-mile pack-out with a boned-out buck. Jay also explains why he will never blindly take a different route out of a basin again, why an unsupported 100–150-yard shot can be far more difficult than a prone shot at distance, and what made recovering Matt’s first black bear in driving rain and thick river-bottom brush so intense.
🏔️ THE ALPINE MULE DEER + FLOAT BEAR HUNT: This was one of the best BC adventures Jay has ever put together, and it is now being offered every September as an extended 8–9 day hunt. Email [email protected] for details. One guided Coues deer spot remains for early February 2027, and 2027 Spring Bear openings are also available.
Chapters
0:00:00 Introducing the New Guided Hunt Recap Series
0:01:49 The Ultimate BC Combo Hunt: Alpine Mule Deer + Float Black Bear
0:02:36 The Truth About Hunting Success: You Cannot Hack Preparation from Home
0:05:27 Treat Yourself Like a Guided Client: Scouting, Cameras & Backup Plans
0:06:29 Hiking into the Alpine Mule Deer Basin
0:07:36 Why We Saw Nothing on the Evening Glassing Session
0:08:26 The Morning Window: 35 Deer, 18 Bucks & 4–5 Shooters
0:09:57 Why Boots-on-the-Ground Scouting Beats E-Scouting Alone
0:11:42 The 4.5-Mile Move to the Deer
0:12:23 Why Some Ridges Hold Deer and Others Don’t
0:15:14 The Backside Bench: Trusting a Theory About Evening Mule Deer Movement
0:16:11 Wind Management: Backing Out Before Ruining the Morning Play
0:17:04 Finding the Perfect Glassing Perch
0:18:50 Intuitive Glassing vs. Methodically Gridding a Hillside
0:20:07 How Jay Finds Bedded Mule Deer in the Evening
0:21:26 The Bedded Buck Debate & Finding a Shooter at 496 Yards
0:21:56 Matt’s 22 Creed Setup, Practice & Long-Range Readiness
0:23:35 The Perfect 496-Yard Prone Shooting Position
0:24:18 Why a Lightweight Shooting Bag Matters
0:24:38 Mindful Munitions, Forged in the Backcountry & Kowa 88 Giveaway
0:25:59 Guiding the Moment of Truth: Calm Beats Urgency
0:27:44 The 496-Yard Heart Shot on a Velvet Mule Deer
0:29:30 Processing the Buck & Planning the Pack-Out
0:29:53 Why Zone 2 Training Is the Best Mountain Hunt Preparation
0:31:18 The Mistake: Never Take an Unproven Route Out of a Basin
0:32:07 The 10.5-Mile, 10.5-Hour Mule Deer Pack-Out
0:34:31 Fitness, Attitude & Why Matt Was Able to Finish the Grind
0:35:25 Turning Around for the Float Bear Hunt
0:36:16 Float-Hunt Logistics & Finding Fresh Bear Sign
0:37:19 Why Float Hunts Are One of the Coolest Ways to Hunt
0:37:41 A Black Bear on the Riverbank & a Fast 22 Creed Shot
0:38:42 Why the 150-Yard Unsupported Shot Was Harder Than 496 Yards
0:39:57 How to Tell Whether a Bear Was Actually Hit
0:40:40 Wasp Nests, Driving Rain & Beginning the Recovery
0:41:57 Finding Matt’s First Black Bear in the River Bottom
0:44:28 The Work After the Kill: Rafts, Trucks, Trophies & a 4:30 AM Finish
0:45:25 Pushing the Limits of a Grinder Hunt
0:46:36 Why This May Have Been Jay’s Best Guided Hunt Ever
0:47:06 Making the Alpine Mule Deer + Float Bear Hunt an Annual Adventure
0:48:51 2027 BC, Mexico Coues Deer & Spring Bear Hunt Openings
0:49:50 Outro & Kowa 88 Giveaway Reminder
Jay Nichol
[email protected]
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
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

51 min
August 28 EP 329 – Why Kifaru’s Meat Shelf Sucks & I Don’t Shoot ELDM Anymore: Q&A
🎁 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/

Jay is back to finish the unanswered questions from the last Mindful Hunter Q&A, and this one gets blunt. From Kifaru’s overly complicated meat shelf system to the hard truth about showing up six weeks before a sheep hunt looking for a miracle training plan, this episode is about separating what actually matters from the stuff hunters tell themselves matters.
Jay covers late-season muzzleloader mule deer tactics in old burns, calling black bears back after a miss, his favorite hunting-gear organization setup, and when Mindful Munitions will begin offering gunsmithing, Cerakote, Tikka pre-fit barrels, and Raven-action builds. He also covers early-season sleep systems, wide-foot hunting boots, the Aziak Vantage pan head, 6.5 Creedmoor Peak Alloy cartridges, the future of Forged Base Socks, tripod binoculars, and his first impressions of the Kifaru Arc.
The second half gets into ELD-X versus ELD-M hunting bullets, why switching gear does not mean the old product failed, real prep for a Yukon Dall sheep hunt, hot-weather hunting pants, peptides and mountain performance, boot fitting, and the one thing that actually makes hunters consistently successful in a given area: spending consistent time there.
Chapters
0:00:00 Intro, Kowa 88 Giveaway & Mindful Munitions Update
0:02:07 Late-September Muzzleloader Mule Deer: Stalking an Old Burn
0:05:21 Using a Predator Call to Stop or Bring Back a Spring Bear
0:07:42 The Best Hunting Gear Storage System for Home and Travel
0:10:32 When Will Mindful Munitions Offer Gunsmithing, Cerakote & Raven Builds?
0:15:23 My Go-To Early-Season Sleep System for Deer and Elk
0:16:30 The Best Morning Routine for Productivity and Deep Work
0:25:00 The Best Hunting Boots for Wide Feet
0:27:55 Aziak Vantage Pan Head & 6.5 Creedmoor Peak Alloy Cartridge Thoughts
0:30:53 Are Forged Base Socks Lightweight or Midweight? Future Sock Plans
0:36:58 14x52 NL Pure Binos vs. Maven B.5 15x56s for Tripod Glassing
0:37:54 Kifaru Arc First Impressions: Great Suspension, Bad Bags & Meat Shelf
0:40:36 ELD-X vs. ELD-M: Which Bullet Am I Hunting With?
0:46:37 Why I Keep Changing Rifle Stocks
0:48:31 Long vs. Regular Quilts for a 6'1" Hunter
0:49:26 Last-Minute Yukon Dall Sheep Hunt Prep: The Brutal Truth
0:55:37 Rough Ridge Stove Review Update
0:56:02 The Only Two Hot-Weather Hunting Pants I Recommend
0:56:20 Why I Am Not Elk Hunting This Season
0:56:56 Zeiss Conquest Gavia 65, Manners Stocks & MOA Rifles
0:57:23 Do Peptides Help Mountain Endurance?
0:58:41 The Key to Consistently Killing Bears in the Same Area
0:59:44 How to Research and Fit Hunting Boots Before Buying
1:01:50 Building a Budget Backcountry Hunting Gear System That Doesn’t Suck
1:02:13 Outro & Kowa 88 Giveaway Reminder

Jay Nichol
[email protected]
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

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

1 hr 4 min
August 26 EP 328 - Canning, Sausage & Smoking: The Ultimate Wild Game Processing Guide
🎁 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
[email protected]
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
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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
29 min
August 11 EP 327 – Are You Wasting Your Time E-Scouting? The Truth About Hunting Sows & More: Solocast Q&A
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 [email protected] 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
[email protected]
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

1 hr 1 min
July 17EP 326 - The Truth About Training for Mountain Hunting
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
[email protected]
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
34 min
July 10 EP 325 – 25 Creedmoor, Negative Comb Stocks & The Future of Precision Hunting Rifles with Jaden from West Elk Precision
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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/

[email protected]
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

1 hr 35 min