The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Last minute hunt opportunities: Archery mule deer in AB OCt 12th Late season goat in BC Oct 20 Any weapon mule deer in BC Nov 23 email - jay@mindfulhunter.com   Finding the perfect early-season base layer has always been a challenge—too thick, too thin, too stiff, or not stretchy enough. But could the Kuiu Tiburon Hybrid Hoodie finally be the answer? In this video, I put Kuiu’s innovative design to the test during real-world field use. Discover why this hoodie stands out, how it performs in varying conditions, and if it’s the best base layer for early-season hunting and outdoor adventures.     📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation:   0:00 – Intro 2:03 – Price 2:13 – Weight 2:33 – Materials 4:19 – Warmth 4:46 – Breathability 5:35 – Durability 6:56 – Fit 11:53 – Options 12:11 – Packability 12:23 – Odor 13:11 – Final Thoughts & Conclusions   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.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

This week on the Mindful Hunter Podcast, I dive into the controversy surrounding hunting influencer Ryan Lampers and the recent wildlife violation charges filed against him. We’ll break down: - The details of the allegations (mule deer, mountain lion, wolf)  - What this means for hunters, conservation, and the companies who partnered with him  - Why integrity, responsibility, and transparency matter in the hunting community    ⚠️ Important: These are only allegations — Ryan has not been convicted of anything. This discussion is about principles, ethics, and the bigger picture of hunting culture.    I also cover your Q&A questions on gear, elk hunting strategy, backpacks, bullet choice, and more.    👉 If you value authentic conversations about hunting — not hype — hit subscribe and join the community.    0:00 – Intro: Mountain goat hunt recap & upcoming film 1:16 – Why I’m doing a Q&A episode 1:52 – The Ryan Lammers controversy & wildlife charges 3:24 – Breaking down the charges: deer, lion & wolf 7:08 – Does Ryan owe hunters an explanation? 11:02 – What this means for hunting companies & sponsors 15:23 – Incentives, social media & the pressure on hunters 18:36 – Do past accomplishments get tainted? 22:14 – Public figures, accountability & second chances 25:11 – My personal reflections on integrity & content creation 27:15 – Transition into Q&A 28:19 – Glassing tarps: waste or worth it? 34:01 – Best states to build elk points affordably 35:26 – Training & rehab after a torn meniscus 39:08 – Crossbows: ethical or unfair advantage? 41:51 – Best backcountry solar panels 43:42 – My elk hunting & calling strategies 48:09 – Prairie mule deer tactics in featureless country 52:01 – My current weight & fitness goals 52:30 – Storm-worthy backcountry tents 55:09 – Local vs overseas gear manufacturing 59:40 – Why my goat hunt partner bailed (coming in Full Circle film) 1:00:23 – Top gear surprises of 2025 so far 1:01:27 – Backcountry bathroom etiquette 1:03:07 – How the “Shoot to Hunt” course changed my shooting confidence 1:03:58 – Mental toughness vs physical fitness in mountain hunts 1:06:15 – Why I prefer highly fragmenting bullets 1:09:17 – Updated tent vs tent thoughts     Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools    

Rain gear is one of the most crucial and expensive investments for hunters, and finding reliable testing methods can be a challenge. After 2 years of field testing, I’m excited to share my comprehensive review of the Stone Glacier M5 Rain Jacket. This video dives deep into how it performs in real-world conditions, covering water resistance, breathability, durability, and more. I wanted this review to be as accurate and reliable as possible, and I’m pleased to finally share the results.   📌 Chapters: 0:00 – Intro 1:57 – Testing Protocol 3:15 – Bow Giveaway and Mindful Hunter Outfitting 4:29 – Comparative Review 4:49 – Price 5:24 – Material 7:32 – Fit 12:31 – Water Resistance & Breathability Ratings 15:45 – Durability 16:59 – Wind Protection 18:39 – Final Thoughts & Conclusions   Join me as I break down why the Stone Glacier M5 might be the rain gear you need for your next hunt. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts!   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/   Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/   Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop   Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact   IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/   Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast   Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Durston, founder and lead designer of Durston Gear, to dive deep into the world of ultralight shelters, backcountry design, and the future of small gear companies taking on the giants. We talk about Dan’s journey from long-distance thru-hikes like the Pacific Crest Trail and Great Divide Trail, to daydreaming gear ideas in the wilderness, to accidentally founding one of the most respected ultralight gear brands today. This conversation goes beyond shelters—it’s about innovation, passion-driven design, and how democratized manufacturing has opened the door for boutique companies to challenge industry leaders. If you’re into hunting, backpacking, or just geeking out on gear design, this one’s for you.   ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & guest background 02:00 – Discovering ultralight backpacking 05:00 – Pacific Crest Trail planning, logistics & lessons learned 08:00 – Gear philosophy: weight efficiency vs. pure ultralight 12:00 – “Death of the Giants” & rise of boutique gear brands 16:00 – Daydreaming gear ideas on long hikes 20:00 – The birth of Durston shelters 25:00 – Fly-first pitch design & real-world use 28:00 – Business journey: partnerships, contracts & independence 32:00 – Why SilPoly changed the shelter game 36:00 – Material battles: SilNylon vs. SilPoly 40:00 – The evolution of Dyneema and shelter construction 45:00 – Ultra fabrics, durability, and real-world tradeoffs 50:00 – Lessons from building a grassroots gear company 55:00 – The future of ultralight innovation Durston Gear https://www.instagram.com/durstongear/ https://durstongear.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    

Late season whitetail hunting in sub-zero temperatures can be tough, especially when it comes to keeping your feet warm. After testing multiple solutions, I found these heated insoles to be the best option for staying comfortable during long hunts. In this video, I break down the benefits of these insoles, how they compare to other market options, and why they’re my go-to for late-season hunting.   0:00 – Intro 1:39 – Other Options Available 4:24 – Testing Protocol 5:57 – Bow Giveaway 6:21 – Benefits Of Heated Insoles 8:33 – How The System Works 11:51 – Pros & Cons https://www.motionheat.ca/     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  

This episode is a deep dive into field judging, DIY hunting adventures in Mexico, and the development of the Horn Score app with veteran outfitter Jay Scott and Blake Cannon.   We cover: What makes Coues deer hunting in Mexico such a unique adventure The logistics of crossing the border and hunting DIY ranches Why field judging is such a challenge for both new and experienced hunters The evolution of the Horn Score app: from proven scoring methods to building a massive public database of measurements, photos, and scores How the app helps hunters sharpen their skills, make quick shoot/no-shoot decisions, and set realistic expectations in any unit The future of field judging and the role of AI in hunting technology   Whether you’re a seasoned guide, a DIY backcountry hunter, or just getting started, this conversation is packed with insight on how to hunt smarter, field judge more accurately, and enjoy the process along the way.   👉 Learn more about the Horn Score app: https://hornscore.com/   Jay Scott Outdoors https://jayscottoutdoorspodcast.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    

Looking for the best compact spotting scope? This comprehensive comparison of the Swarovski, Kowa, and Vortex compact spotters will help you make the smartest purchase decision. Over the last month, I’ve rigorously tested all three models to assess their performance, build quality, and value for money. From price and brand reputation to weight, glass quality, and weather resistance, I provide detailed, unbiased insights and my personal opinion to help you choose the right scope for your hunting needs and budget. 📌 Chapters for Easy Navigation: 0:00 – Intro 1:38 – Scoring System 2:57 – Giveaways 5:01 – Price 5:23 – Resale/Brand Power 6:40 – Weight 8:17 – Size 9:29 – Descriptive Totals 9:47 – Origin 10:42 – Warranty 11:50 – Weather Resistance 13:37 – Frame Material 13:43 – Rubber Coating 14:17 – Mounting 14:45 – Ergonomics 17:26 – Construction Totals 17:40 – Field of View 19:39 – Eye Relief 21:39 – Exit Pupil 22:42 – Glass Quality 28:16 – Viewing Performance 30:37 – Focusing Ability 32:58 – Eye Box 33:50 – Final Score & Conclusions   Jay Nichol jay@mindfulhunter.com https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.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

Alright folks, elk season is just around the corner, and to help us all get ready, I am reposting some of the best elk hunting episodes I have done in the past. If you have never listened to these episodes, they are full of great tips, and if you have, it never hurts to get a refresher right before the season.   This originally aired as episode 132 Typically, I have John on to do deep dives on gear setup and discuss backcountry mission planning. This week, however, we focused intensely on the elk talk. John is a very blue-collar elk hunter, and sometimes I think those are the best guys to learn from. Plenty of useful info in this week’s episode.   John Barklow https://knowledgefromstorms.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jbarklow/   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

Alright folks, elk season is just around the corner, and to help us all get ready, I am reposting some of the best elk hunting episodes I have done in the past. If you have never listened to these episodes, they are full of great tips, and if you have, it never hurts to get a refresher right before the season.   This originally aired as episode 132 Joel has been a good friend ever since I took his Shot IQ controlled process online program 4-5 years ago. I have always been intrigued by Joel’s somewhat unconventional approach to elk calling and finally sat down with him to pick his brain about it. As a previous world champion caller and absolute killer in the elk woods, Joel brought a ton of experience and unique opinions on strategy to this conversation.   Joel Turner https://www.shotiq.com/home https://www.instagram.com/joelturner_shotiq/ 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

Alright folks, elk season is just around the corner, and to help us all get ready, I am reposting some of the best elk hunting episodes I have done in the past. If you have never listened to these episodes, they are full of great tips, and if you have, it never hurts to get a refresher right before the season.   This originally aired as episode 131 This week, I had the opportunity to sit down with a man I have admired for many years. Dirk Durham, also known as The Bigler, has established a reputation not just as a competitive elk caller but also as an exceptional elk hunter. We discussed his upbringing as a hunter and then focused on various tactics, particularly covering some useful techniques for navigating thick brush and dealing with low elk densities typical of the Pacific Northwest. Dirk Durham https://www.instagram.com/thebugler/ https://www.youtube.com/@THEBUGLERBRAND https://www.phelpsgamecalls.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  

This week we’re going deep on PEDs. I opened up a Q&A on IG and got a ton of great questions about TRT, Peptides and PEDs. I start by sharing my personal experience with these compounds over the last 10 years, then do my best to answer as many questions as possible. I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice.   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

Not a lot needs to be said about this one. Buckle up for the story of how we got Vance his first Billy in the mountains of BC after a year of struggle and failure.   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

In this special on-the-road episode, Vance and I hit record while driving deep into goat country. With the truck packed and tags in our pockets, we tackle a pile of listener questions ranging from ethical shot distances and when to use a tripod, to the age-old debate of who gets first shot. We also break down whether a 6mm Creedmoor has any business being pointed at a moose.   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  

The My First Elk Series is focused on conversations with elk hunters who have killed their first elk in the last couple of years. The goal is to break down their experience and see what changed that allowed them to end their losing streak and finally put an elk on the ground. This second episode features my buddy Tim and dropped a ton of useful insights that will come in handy this September.   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    

The My First Elk Series is focused on conversations with elk hunters who have killed their first elk in the last couple of years. The goal is to break down their experience and see what changed that allowed them to end their losing streak and finally put an elk on the ground. Up first we’ve got my buddy Bo Scott Campbell and this episode is full of helpful insights for the up and coming elk slayer. Bo Scott Campbell https://www.instagram.com/boscottcampbell/   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    

While I’m out in the mountains scouting for an upcoming mountain goat hunt, I didn’t want to leave you hanging. So in this episode, I’m sharing the audio from two recent YouTube gear reviews: the Argali Absaroka Tent and the Prime RVX 34 Bow. 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  

I sit down with the boys this week to discuss our upcoming archery elk hunt in Montana. We go over how we drew the tags, what our strategy is, how that’s changed along the way and what gear we are planning to bring.   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  

I just got back from the intro 600 yard course from Shoot2Hunt and it absolutely blew my mind. In this episode I go over the entire experience, provide my critique and then I answer listener questions. Shoot2Hunt https://www.instagram.com/shoot2hunt/ https://shoot2hunt.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    

I just wrapped up six intense weeks of guiding and outfitting bear hunts here in British Columbia. It was my first season running a full-time outfit in this new territory, and it delivered everything I hoped for—hard lessons, great people, and unforgettable adventures. A lot of you had questions, so I dropped a Q&A post on Instagram and used this episode to dive into your biggest asks. I break down what I learned, what surprised me, and how I’m already planning to level things up for next year.   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    

This week I’ve got my hunting partner Vance on the show, and we’re digging into last year’s goat hunt that didn’t go as planned. We talk about what went wrong, the key lessons we took away from the experience, and how we’re changing things up for this season. We also walk through our updated gear lists — what worked, what didn’t, and what’s getting replaced. From layering systems to optics and boots, we break down what we’re packing and why. It’s a raw, honest chat about failure in the mountains, learning the hard way, and dialing things in for a better shot at success this year. Vance Johnson https://www.instagram.com/aim_for_the_alpine/ https://www.youtube.com/@aimforthealpine   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