Podcast · Sport

The Mindful Hunter Podcast

by Jay Nichol · English · Sport

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

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 31 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 23 minNew

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…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E340 · 25 Sep 2026 · 18 min
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…
E339 · 22 Sep 2026 · 17 min
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…
E338 · 15 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 19 min
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…
E337 · 8 Sep 2026 · 50 min
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…
E336 · 28 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
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…
E335 · 26 Aug 2026 · 29 min
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…
E334 · 11 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
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…
E333 · 17 Jul 2026 · 34 min
EP 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…
E332 · 10 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 35 min
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…
E331 · 7 Jul 2026 · 13 min
EP 324 - Outdoor Vitals Hybrid Pursuit Fleece vs. Sitka Ambient: Field Tested Review
There is only two weeks left in The Ultimate Custom Guided Hunt giveaway from Forged In The Backcountry. Head on over to https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ and for every $5 you spend, you will get one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting In this final instalment of the Outdoor Vitals Mountain Pursuit series, I review the Hybrid Pursuit Fleece, a dynamic insulation piece designed for all-season use. How does it stack up against the Sitka Ambient—my long-time favourite? I dig deep into warmth, layering performance, sizing tips, and long-term…
E330 · 3 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
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…
E329 · 30 Jun 2026 · 11 min
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…
E328 · 26 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
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…
E327 · 23 Jun 2026 · 18 min
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…
E326 · 19 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
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…
E325 · 16 Jun 2026 · 29 min
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…
E324 · 12 Jun 2026 · 25 min
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…
E323 · 9 Jun 2026 · 15 min
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 Giveaway00:22 – Why Boot Reviews Are Personal01:00 – First Impressions & Fit02:00 – Toe Box, Heel Lock & Sole Width03:00 – Fit vs. Scarpa & Schnees03:45 – Weight, Build & Durability04:30 –…
E322 · 2 Jun 2026 · 22 min
EP 315 - Hunting Smarter, Not Harder: 3 Important Lessons Learned My First Year of Outfitting
In this video, I break down the most important lessons I learned during my first full year as an outfitter across Alberta and British Columbia. From scaling my business to guiding 12 clients across three different territories, this year taught me more than I ever expected—about hunting, decision-making, pressure, and staying focused under stress. Whether you’re a new guide, an aspiring outfitter, or just a dedicated hunter looking to level up, this video offers real-world insight, hard-earned advice, and a deep dive into the psychology behind better hunting decisions. 🔎 What You’ll Learn:•…
E321 · 29 May 2026 · 8 min
EP 314 - North Arm Lynx: The Most Intuitive Knife I’ve Ever Used
After testing half a dozen knives this season, the North Arm Knives Lynx rose to the top. With its wide sweeping belly, full-size G10 handle, and tough Magnacut blade, this fixed blade knife proved itself in the field during multiple big game breakdowns. In this review, I walk through what makes this knife exceptional, what it’s not ideal for, and why it’s earned a spot in my kill kit. Whether you’re a backpack hunter or a guided client looking for reliable gear, this review cuts through the noise and delivers real-world insight. 🎁 GEAR GIVEAWAY + OUTFITTING DISCOUNT👉 Join…
E320 · 26 May 2026 · 13 min
EP 313 - Wiser Ridge Warden – Finally a Tripod Head That Can Do Both
Is this the ultimate tripod head for hunters? The Wiser Precision Ridge Warden might be the most practical hybrid tripod head on the market — lightweight, strong, and uniquely capable of both glassing and shooting with its pan, tilt, and cant functionality. In this in-depth review, I test it with a Kowa 88 spotter and my rifle setup to see if it really replaces the need for separate glassing and shooting heads. We break down what works, what doesn’t, and who this product is really for. 👉 Wiser Ridge Warden: Full specs, features, and practical insights🔭 Kowa 88 Testing – How the head handles…
E319 · 22 May 2026 · 34 min
I Spent a Year Designing a Better Hunting Sock and I am Launching.a Huge Giveaway to Celebrate!
Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay gives a raw update from the middle of a wild spring bear guiding season — six bears down, two clients still in the field, and some honest reflection on wounding and misses that's worth hearing if you're planning a guided hunt. Then we get into the real reason this episode exists: the official launch of the Forged Base Series Socks. Jay breaks down exactly why he spent a year designing a backcountry hunting sock from scratch — and why, after nearly a decade of using merino-based socks, he came to the conclusion that merino fails…
E318 · 5 May 2026 · 31 min
EP 311 - Kimbo Camper 3-Month Field Review | Is It Worth It for Hunters?
Final clearance sale of all lifestyle apparel at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ ovber 50% off! Last 2 weeks any of these items will be available. After spending three months hunting out of the Kimbo truck camper, I’ve got strong opinions—not just about the unit itself, but about whether campers make sense for serious hunters. In this deep dive, I cover loading and unloading, road performance, fuel economy, interior layout, and real-world pros and cons. 🔍 Truck Setup: 2022 GMC Sierra AT4, 6’4” bed🎯 Testing Locations: Montana & British Columbia📦 Key Use Cases: Solo hunting, family trips,…
E317 · 1 May 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
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…
E316 · 28 Apr 2026 · 20 min
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…
E315 · 23 Apr 2026 · 57 min
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…
E314 · 21 Apr 2026 · 15 min
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 Answer00:46 – 1. Layer in the Proper Order02:13 – 2. Manage Moisture from Sweat03:32 – 3. Don’t Stop for Too Long05:01 – 4. Fuel the Furnace06:09 – 5. Block Wind Ruthlessly07:16 – 6. Insulate…
E313 · 17 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
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…
E312 · 13 Apr 2026 · 23 min
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…

About The Mindful Hunter Podcast

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

The Mindful Hunter Podcast is a English sport podcast from Jay Nichol. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Jay Nichol
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 31 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1542906783

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