The Mindful Hunter Podcast

In this episode, I sat down with Nick Trehearne. Nick is a very intelligent guy with some unique perspectives on hunting and photography.  I was really impressed with his focus and clarity of vision for what he creates and how he builds relationships.  If you don’t already follow Nick his info is listed down below.

Nick Trehearne

@nicktrehearne

www.nicktrehearne.com

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

0:00 – Intro

3:00 – Nick’s background

9:58 – The resources to follow your passion

12:50 – Nick’s start in photography

15:45 – Nick’s philosophy on photography

19:30 – Nick’s camera setup

20:30 – Advice on gear for a beginner

23:50 – Why Nick shoots Nikon

27:20 – Nick’s workflow

31:20 – Recommendations on how to build a reputation

39:04 – Gear chat

46:35 – IG Q&A

In this episode, I sat down with Aron Snyder from Kifaru International.  In addition to being an absolute killer, Aron does a lot for the hunting community through his Q&A’s, the Kifarucast, and general availability and engagement.  We covered a wide range of topics including Aron’s upbringing and how that shaped him into the man he is today, a deep dive into some sheep hunting gear and a sneak peek at some products Kifaru will be releasing shortly.

Aron Snyder

@aron_snyder

www.kifaru.net

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

0:00 – Intro

0:48 – New Kifaru dealer in Canada

4:15 – Aron’s upbringing and how it molded him

8:42 – How Aron become confident

15:02 – It’s important to be a dick sometimes

17:19 – Mental toughness

19:13 – Aron’s unintentional path to where he is now

21:57 – Why Kifaru felt right

24:10 – Aron’s insane availability as a marketing tool

29:21 – Reasonable expectations of customer service

37:00 – Goals for Aron and Kifaru

39:26 – Feedback on some sheep gear

53:00 – Zoleo review

55:49 – Hiking in the dark

58:15 – How quick bears show up at kill sites

59:00 – Favourite animal to hunt in BC

59:20 – Favourite game meat

1:02:15 – 2021 hunt plans

In this episode, I sat down with renowned outdoors photographer and bowhunter Adam Foss.  I have wanted to chat with Adam for some time because he embodies the intriguing combination of a hardcore back hunter and the sensitive aesthetic of an artist.  This is one of my favourite chats I’ve had the opportunity to have on this podcast.  We got a little deep and talked philosophy, gave some technical gear tips, and lots in between.  If you do not already, go give Adam a follow.

Adam Foss

@fossman8

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

0:00 – Intro

2:00 – How Adam grew up hunting

7:40 – Where Adam’s drive and discipline came from

11:17 – Reflections in the mountains

14:31 – How Adam thinks about photography

22:06 – Approach to storytelling on different hunts

26:07 – Adam’s current photography setup

34:32 – Adam’s preferred lenses

42:33 – Principles of gear prep

52:03 – Testing the Sitka Dewpoint rain system

In this episode, I sat down with my buddy Tim Winslow who is an Alaskan hunting guide and outfitter.  He is also the owner of Arizona Trophy Outfitters where they specialize in archery Mule Deer and Coues hunting in Southern AZ.  We had a great chat covering topics from OTC deer opportunities in AZ to a deep dive on gear selection for sheep hunting in AK.

Tim Winslow

@aztrophyoutfitters_dch

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

0:00 – Intro

3:40 – Guiding system in AZ

5:25 – How I met Tim and what an ATO hunt camp is like

14:51 – OTC opportunities in AZ

21:45 – Drop camp hunting service

23:20 – Guiding in Alaska

26:34 – Tim’s advice for Jay’s sheep hunt

33:28 – Gear discussion

42:35 – Sheep behaviour and the daily routine

46:00 – Glassing techniques

47:53 – Common mistakes

50”15 – Training advice

52:00 – Footcare and moisture management

57:30 – Unexpected gear tips

1:05:45 – Ageing tips

1:11:45 – How to find Tim

In this episode, I sat down with my buddy Adam who is a great representation of a skilled, humble BC hunter.  We talked about our backgrounds, told a couple of good hunting stories, and even got into some gear and LEH tips.  Great listen.  You can follow Ada on IG at the link below.

Adam

@4pointoutdoors

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

0:00 – Intro

2:10 – Adam’s background

8:34 – Adam’s first sheep

19:23 – Blacktail chat

28:40 – Processing tips

32:44 – Gear discussion

51:05 – Goat chat and  LEH discussion

In this episode, Jay sits down with Clay Lancaster.  Clay is one of the most widely regarded sheep outfitters in North America and is considered to be an expert in field ageing mature rams.  Although the purpose of the podcast was to focus on field ageing Clay and Jay dive into several different aspects of sheep hunting.  You can find out more about Clay and book a hunt with him at the links below.

Clay Lancaster

IG: claylancaster_300

Outfitting

https://lancasterfamilyhunting.com/

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

0:00 – Intro

3:27 – Call with Clay

8:18 – Going after the right sheep

11:23 – The willingness to walk away

14:36 – 90% of the sheep are killed by 10% of the hunters

15:53 – Crown method of aging

19:35 – Decipher false annuli

23:05 – Importance of a Roman nose

25:07 – Benefits of phone scoping

27:43 – Behavioural indicators of mature rams

31:34 – Full curl complications

33:27 – Double checking broomed rams

40:02 – Ideal optics setup

42:33 – Lowering your pack weight on the way in

45:14 – If solo be prepared to pack 125lbs on the way out              

48:40 – Tent condensation

49:56 – Fire tips for winter hunts

50:43 – Three most important pieces of gear for a sheep hunt

55:40 – Outfitting plans this year 

58:20 – Clay’s closing thoughts

In this episode, Jay shares his thoughts about getting prepared for his first sheep hunt.  He also discusses a recent minor tear in his calf and his thoughts on IIFYM.

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

0:00 – Intro

7:00 – Torn calf

15:46 – If It Fits Your Macros (IIFYM) revelations: science vs results

24:36 – Thoughts on my upcoming sheep hunt

In this episode, Jay spends the entire episode digging into audience questions. We’re going to make this a regular occurrence so feel free to email questions for future episodes anytime.

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

In this episode, Jay hangs out with Simon aka @backcountrybloodline and they talk about Simon’s background then get into some great bear hunting stories.

@backcountrybloodline

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

0:00 – Intro

3:23 – Simon’s background

6:17 – Archery community in BC

10:55 – Simon’s first bear hunt

22:54 – Hunting with your kids

26:40 – Simon’s second bear hunt

36:18 – Simon’s third bear: shit gets western

49:06 – Spring bear hunting tips

In this episode, Jay dives into  the second half of his thorough post-hunt review of the gear he used on his recent solo mountain goat hunt in northern B.C. 

Gear Covered:

Sitka Blizzard GTX Gloves

Sitka Stormfront GTX Gloves

Zeiss Optics

AGC Bino Harness

La Sportiva Nepal GTX Boots

WHOOP

Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

Kifaru Gunbearer

Thermarest z-lite foam pad

MSR Reactor

Black Diamond Revolt and New Revolt 350

Dyneema Cord

MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes

@mindful_hunter

[email protected]

www.mindfulhunter.com

01:26 – Training and diet update: discussion on periodization

11:08 – Sitka down clarification

12:08 – Sitka Blizzard GTX and Stormfront GTX

19:04 – Optics and AGC Bino Harness

23:10 – La Sportiva Nepal GTX Boots

24:39 – WHOOP

26:28 – Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles

28:46 – Kifaru Gunbearer

30:27 – Thermarest z-lite foam pad               

34:00 – MSR Reactor

35:23 – Black Diamond Revolt and New Revolt 350

37:37 – Dyneema Cord

40:20 – MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes

43:37 - Food