The Mindful Hunter Podcast

Sean lives on Maui but makes travelling on adventure hunts a priority. I’ve been wanting to have this conversation for a while. I love following along on Sean’s IG stories when he goes on hunts. We had a great chat where we covered some technical archery info and Sean told a couple badass hunting stories as well. Sean Curran https://www.instagram.com/missions_hawaii/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Monday Night Live Q&A EP 05 On this week’s live podcast, I discussed a warranty issue I’m going through with Zeiss, my thoughts on the latest goat hunting film from Kifaru, an update detailing progress towards my bodybuilding show, quilts vs. sleeping bags, and a whole lot more! Tune into YouTube every Monday at 8:30 pm PST for the live show. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Jeff is one of my best friends and likely the most impactful mentor I have had during my hunting journey. It all started with my first archery hunt for black bear up at his camp. So, I could not think of a better topic to invite Jeff on to talk about than how to kill big, mature boars. He certainly did not disappoint. Jeff Lander http://www.primitive-outfitting.com/ https://www.instagram.com/primitve/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

A weekly hunting-focused live stream where I answer listener questions. This week we're joined by Greg Johnston @johnston_outdoors

This week Dan Staton aka @elkshape joins us on the podcast. Dan is someone I have followed for a long time and one of the things that I respect about him is the consistency of his message. He has been saying the same things for years and with good reason. They’re true. I also admire that Dan doesn’t offer to sell a quick fix. In his own words – Dan sells hard work. We had a great chat covering things like exercise physiology, the mental challenges of solo hunting, and how to have a long career in the mountains. Dan Staton https://elkshape.com/ https://www.instagram.com/elkshape/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

On this week’s live podcast, I give some updates about changes in my diet and the results you can get when you’re extremely disciplined. After that, I dove straight into the Q&A addressing the following questions. Why did I enter a bodybuilding show? What to do when you’re hunting in Grizzly bear country? Do I use zip-off base layers? How should I stalk Black Bears? Do I wear ear pro when hunting with my rifle? What battery packs am I going to use on my sheep hunt? Tune into YouTube every Monday at 8:30 pm PST for the live show. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Simon joins us for his second appearance on the podcast. We get into the story of how Simon shot his first archery buck this fall. In addition to that, we cover a variety of topics including why we love the backcountry, is a nose button worth it and what Simon’s archery practice regime is. Simon https://www.instagram.com/backcountrybloodline/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

On this week’s live podcast, I cover the potentially controversial changes to the moose and caribou regulations in the northeast. I also answer some listener questions including, best beginner bow, tips on archery practice, which scope I’m putting on my 300 PRC, and some bino and shelter recommendations. Tune into YouTube every Monday at 8:30 pm PST for the live show. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Greg is well known for both his illustrious career in adventure racing and his popular hunting show Greg McHale’s Wild Yukon. Greg has a wealth of experience in the backcountry and has really dedicated himself to achieving excellence for not only himself but for everyone around him. I really enjoyed this conversation and found Greg to be a smart, self-aware, and humble guy. Greg McHale https://www.instagram.com/gregmchaleswildyukon/ https://www.gregmchaleswildyukon.com/ Greg’s DIY Sncaks https://www.kuiu.com/blogs/hunting-tips/nutrition-for-mountain-hunting-eating-on-the-go Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Weekly Q&A focused on hunting, fitness, videography, cooking, and a variety of other topics. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

The last time Jordan was on we focused the discussion solely on elk. This time we flipped the focus to mule deer. Jordan has taken some very impressive bucks out of some very challenging country, and he shared a wealth of his experience and favourite tactics. If you are even remotely interested in hunting mule deer then I highly recommend you give this episode a listen. Jordan https://www.instagram.com/bcbackcountry Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

This week I sat down with Hap from Nano Hone to really nerd out on sharpening and the science of abrasive surfaces. Hap is deeply passionate about his work and has built a business specializing in innovative abrasive surfaces used to sharpen various types of steel. Not only was Hap full of knowledge but he was able to communicate it in a very digestible way. I highly recommend taking a look at some of his products the next time you’re in need of some sharpening tools. Hap Stanley https://www.instagram.com/nanohone/ https://nanohone.com/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

This week I sat down with Tanner Dannish, the founder of Frontiersman gear which is a local BC custom knife and leather goods shop. Tanner is not only a skilled craftsman but an accomplished hunter as well. His unique take on custom knives was quite refreshing to hear in an era when we are surrounded by disposable products. We covered a variety of topics including blade selection, aspects of different metals, sharpening techniques, and much more. Tanner Dannish https://www.instagram.com/frontiersmengear/ https://frontiersmengear.ca/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

I had the opportunity to sit down with Rachel Ahtila this week. Rachel has been guiding mountain hunting for over 10 years and has a wealth of experience across all areas of hunting. She has recently taken joint management of a fantastic bear area in Saskatchewan and was down in Reno when we spoke to help support conservation efforts and set up a booth for Bear Pro Safaris. It was a pleasure to talk with Rachel, I highly recommend giving her a follow if you don’t already and if a giant Saskatchewan bear is on your hit list shoot her a message. Rachel Ahtila https://www.instagram.com/rachelahtila/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC67yOXGIYLLK2xtUvohSA6A Bear Pro Safaris https://www.instagram.com/bearprosafaris/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Well, it’s that time of year again to layout the calendar and start booking some time off work. In this podcast, I go over my hunt plans for 2022 and get into why I decided to cancel my goat hunt for this winter. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

I’ve been wanting to have Nolan on the podcast for a while and the conversation we had didn’t disappoint. Nolan was the first guy I called when I first started planning my winter goat hunt and considering we had never met he was extremely generous with his time and experience. Nolan is also the co-host of the Beyond The Kill podcast and is a sound voice for hunters across BC. I’m grateful for the insights he shared on this episode and I think there is something in here for everyone. Nolan Osborne https://www.instagram.com/nmo/ Journal of Mountain Hunting & Beyond The Kill Podcast https://journalofmountainhunting.com/category/podcast/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

I’m down in Mexico with the family on vacation so I snuck away for an hour and recorded a solocast breaking down my recent whitetail hunt. I go over the gear I used, the lessons I learned, and the outcome of the hunt. I hope everyone is having a great holiday season. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

I just got back from my late-season archery whitetail hunt and while I was in camp I had the good fortune to sit down with my buddy Bob Stecher. Bob is a hockey coach who dove back into hunting about 5 years ago and is about as obsessed as I am. We had a great chat and Bob shared an awesome story about recently getting his first whitetail. Bob Stecher https://www.instagram.com/hankmoody5 Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff Agostinho. Jeff has made a name for himself in B.C. for being not only a legitimate backcountry hunter but also a stalwart conservationist. We got into Jeff’s background, some gear recommendations, and a deep dive on social media and the role it plays in our hunting culture. Jeff is an intelligent guy with some very interesting perspectives, if you don’t follow him already I highly recommend it. Jeff Agostinho https://www.instagram.com/jeffagostinho/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Cooking was a big reason why I started Mindful Hunter. I love cooking for my friends and family and there’s no better way to expose people to wild game than a phenomenally cooked creative dish. My friend Garth epitomizes this value and is an absolute master with the Traeger pellet grill. Even if you don’t consider yourself a serious cook, you’re going to get something from this episode. Go give Garth a follow, he’s always posting great ideas and recipes. Black Friday sale is on. Use code BLACK20 for 20% off all merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Garth Tolmie https://www.instagram.com/garthsoutdoors Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

I’m back with another solocast this week. This one was a quickie but a goodie. I give my thoughts on sleep systems and what choices I’d make under a variety of different conditions. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

I’m back with another solocast this week. As always, I touch on diet, training, and some cool gear info but the big topic this week is shelters. I get into all the details about what types of factors affect which shelter you should use and give you some recommendations around which shelters I would start with and then how I approach adding to the collection. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

This week I got to sit down with John Barklow. John is well known in the hunting industry for his vast knowledge of technical apparel, alpinism, and the time he spent in the Navy at the Special Warfare Center teaching Navy Seals how to survive in the cold. While the two main topics we dove into were risk mitigation and winter mountain goat hunting the conversation diverged across several interesting subjects. You might need to listen to this one twice to catch all the info. If you don’t already follow John on IG I highly recommend you start immediately as the quality of information he puts out for free on a regular basis is impressive. Also, John’s new website, Knowledge From Storms is a great place to find a wealth of backcountry guidance for free. John Barklow IG https://www.instagram.com/jbarklow/ Website https://knowledgefromstorms.com/ Apparel https://www.sitkagear.com/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

This week I got to sit down with Tannis and discuss her successful 2021 BC Goat hunt. We also discussed how she hiked in 50kms with her husband for her ram and how having brothers focused on hockey she was able to nudge her Dad to first get her into hunting. Tannis is a great example of a thoughtful, driven hunter and I had a great time talking with her. Tannis IG https://www.instagram.com/tannisrae Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Spencer is back from wrangling for the season, and I got him down to the studio for a catch-up. We go over our last sheep hunt, his experiences up north this year, and the mule deer hunt that we’re heading out on. Spencer Miller IG https://www.instagram.com/spencergordonmiller Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

I’m heading out on Sunday morning with Spencer to chase Mule Deer for a week in the alpine. It’s a new area for both of us and the weather is looking terrible. The perfect recipe for a great hunt. In this episode, I go through my entire gear list and get into the rationale for most of my decisions. I’m going to be trying out the new Aerolite sleep system from Sitka on this hunt along with some other new gear so it should make for some good reviews when I get back. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Mike Glover is the founder and CEO of Fieldcraft Survival. He spent 18 years in the military and served as a SGM in the special forces and worked for an OGA. I have wanted to get Mike on since I started this podcast as I believe his philosophies on mindset and preparedness can be extremely useful for hunters. It was a pleasure and an honour to have this conversation. Mike Glover https://www.instagram.com/mike.a.glover/ https://www.instagram.com/fieldcraftsurvival/ https://fieldcraftsurvival.com/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intros 1:15 – Mike’s recent mule deer hunt 7:49 – The journey of creating Fieldcraft Survival 18:12 – Acclimating to the real world after combat 20:14 – Learning resources and mentors 23:25 – The business of building community 34:45 – Maintaining commitment in the face of adversity 42:10 – Lessons in discipline from the tomb of the unknowns 47:07 – Self-awareness during fight, flight or freeze 1:02:00 – Where to start with preparedness 1:07:08 – How to bring the family into preparedness 1:11:36 – Mike’s reading list 1:14:46 – Bare essential med kit for hunting 1:16:55 – Strategic planning for hunters Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Well, I decided to take a hard left turn this week and discuss crypto currencies. If you’re curious how I tie this back into hunting then have a listen. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools Newsletter https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

I had the pleasure to sit down with Nathan and really dig into his background, how his outlook on hunting has changed over the years, his deep technical knowledge of aging sheep and a variety of other topics. Nathan has a great ability to be objective about his own development over the years and I learned a lot from this conversation. Nathan French IG https://www.instagram.com/nathanfrench7/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

This has been one of the most widely requested topics to date. I get into a deep dive focused primarily on TRT but also giving some context by discussing other compounds in the steroid family tree and the role HGH plays in longevity and physical performance. I am not a doctor, and this is not medical advice. I am not giving recommendations of any kind and I am only sharing my own experience and research. Always consult a medical doctor before considering any of the therapies discussed on this podcast. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 2:10 – Training and diet update 5:45 – weBoost Drive Reach signal booster review 7:32 – Disclaimer 9:11 – Ancillary supplementation 11:25 – TRT Overview 26:45 – Aromatase Inhibitors 32:00 – UGL vs. Pharma 36:32 – The Steroid Family Tree 47:32 – Growth Hormone 57:20 – Recap Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

This was one of my favourite podcasts to date. I’ve been wanting to chat with these guys ever since I started following them on IG over 5 years ago. To me, Jordan and Ryan epitomize what it means to be a true BC hunter. They go into some of the toughest spots in BC and regularly come out with respectable elk. That is one of my own goals that I have yet to achieve so I was personally very interested in this conversation. If you ever have plans of elk hunting in BC then this podcast is a must listen. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 2:08 – Jordan and Ryan’s background 12:28 – Applying traditional strategies to BC terrain and dense undergrowth 19:06 – Challenges with the 6-point limit 25:25 – Ideal scope magnification 27:38 – Underage sheep and how to approach killing the right animals 35:56 – Camping and hiking strategies 50:30 – Calling strategies 1:04:40 – The strategy for the @bcbackcountry IG page 1:11:11 – Jordon’s opinion on trophy hunting 1:13:00 – Who’s the better hunter? 😊 1:14:40 – Identifying new hunt areas 1:16:51 – Bino recommendations Jordan and Ryan on IG @bcbackcountry Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Back with another bi-weekly solocast. This week I dive into the difference between Myofibrillar and Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy and get into a handful of listener questions. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 0:22 – Sheep Hunt film update 3:06 – Myofibrillar vs Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy 11:07 – My current training split 19:32 – My current diet 21:25 – New gear highlight: MSR Dromlite 6L 23:25 – Cost of a sheep hunt 30:28 – My thoughts on trail cameras 35:02 – Vitamin suggestions 42:25 – Biggest challenge when hunting solo 45:17 – Limited to bodyweight training 48:49 – Kelvin active jacket vs Kelvin active hoody 52:02 – Best way to hunt cougars without dogs 53:26 – Pack weight for a 5 day late season alpine mule deer hunt Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

This week I got to sit down with my good friend Adam Janke. Adam is not only a dedicated life-long hunter, but he also founded the Journal of Mountain Hunting online magazine and the Beyond the Kill podcast. Both of which are staples of the BC hunting community. We had a great chat about how he got both those projects off the ground, some of the challenges he faced, and we even dove into his most recent sheep hunt. If you don’t follow the Journal or BTK already I highly recommend both. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intros 5:42 – Adam’s hunting background 16:25 – The founding of the Journal 46:25 – The founding of the BTK podcast 54:30 – Sheep hunt updates Adam Janke https://journalofmountainhunting.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/journal_mtn_hunting Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

It’s time to get back to my roots. Just me, a mic, and you folks. After the sheep hunt, I wanted to take the time to share my plans for the channel and where I see things going from here. I also get into my own fitness and nutrition plans and give a high-level breakdown of how the sheep hunt went. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools IG https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/ Podcast https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

In this episode, I sit down with my sheep hunting partners Tristan and Spencer. With only 48 hours until we leave on our Stone’s hunt in the Northern Rockies, we thought it would be fun to answer some questions and talk about our final preparations. Podcast will be taking a two-week break following this episode while I’m in the mountains. Tristan Bucchiotti @tristan_bucchiotti Spencer Miller @spencergordonmiller Jay Nichol @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com

In this episode, I sit down with my vegetarian wife Noa, @vitadaily.ca Over the years I’ve been asked what it’s like to be a hunter who is married to a vegetarian. I figured it would be more interesting to ask the vegetarian what it’s like to be married to a hunter. My wife is a very intelligent, thoughtful woman and we had a great conversation. Noa Nichol @vitadaily.ca Jay Nichol @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:30 – How we met 7:00 – When and why Noa became a vegetarian 9:00 – Noa’s opinion on hunting before we met 11:10 – Noa’s reaction when I started hunting 23:29 – Our kid eating meat 26:07 – Our kid and hunting 27:45 – How we negotiate time away and finances 32:50 – Being present before and after hunts 38:00 – Restarting Mindful Hunter 43:09 – Making space for each other 45:10 – Has meat hunting changed the perspective of hunting? 49:25 – How can a vegetarian be married to a hunter? 51:10 – How do you manage cooking in your household? 55:48 – Taxidermy in the house

In this episode, I sit down with the owner of Arcadia Outfitting Ben Stourac. Ben’s entire base camo was recently destroyed in the McKay fire that swept through a large section of country north of Lillooet. We had a great chat about Ben’s history, what it took to build Arcadia in the first place and what Ben’s plans are to rebuild after the devastation of the fire. If you’d like to support you can go to Arcadia’s IG page and hit the GoFundMe link in the bio. Ben Stourac @arcadiaoutfitting Jay Nichol @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 2:45 – Impact of Covid on Outfitters 8:00 – The devastating force of a forest fire 11:46 – Ben’s background 15:38 – How much is an outfitting concession worth? 20:54 – Movi, covid and fire 24:30 – The species that Arcadia hunts 26:45 – The impact of Movi on sheep populations 33:15 – Ben’s personal hunting intersts 44:09 – Ben’s tips for sheep hunters 54:00 – Insuring a remote camp 59:20 – Challenges with relocating and rebuilding Arcadia 1:20:00 – Ben’s closing thoughts

In this episode, I sit down with my good buddy Dylan Drego. We’ve known each other for a few years now and have been fortunate to chase some elk together. We got into a great chat about what hunting means to us and even share a couple good stories. Dylan Drego @dylan.drego @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com 2:00 – Intro 2:53 – Common connection – Joel Turner 9:13 – Dylan’s hunting history 15:40 – Practical steps to start hunting 22:47 – New game cam laws in AZ 30:25 – More practical insights 51:14 – The role hunting plays in Dylan’s life now 1:03:49 – Our elk hunt together 1:26:11 – Dylan’s hunt plans this year

In this episode, I sit down with Lyndsey Kotrla. I have followed Lyndsey on social media for quite a while and I have always been impressed with her work ethic and the way she carries herself as a woman in the hunting space. We get into her family’s background in farming and hunting, her views on women and hunting on social media, and a variety of other interesting topics. If you do not already follow her, I highly recommend it. Lyndsey Kotrla @lyndseykotrla @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 0:42 – Jay's Texas story 6:20 – Lyndsey’s background and the importance of work ethic 14:34 – History of hunting in the Kotrla family 25:10 – Whitetail and yearly hunting plans 32:00 – Hunting on Molokai 41:45 – Discussing women in hunting

Welcome back to another semi-live hunt podcast. For those unfamiliar with this style of podcast, I bring an audio recorder with me on my hunt and do my best to break it out a few times a day and tell the story of the hunt in audio format as things unfold in real-time. On this particular episode I find myself up north in the Prince George region hunting bears and I can say I definitely saw my fair share of action. @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro day 1 2:28 – I love the drive 6:31 – The impact of language in hunting 28:40 – Wrap up of day 1 37:20 – Day 2 42:28 – Thoughts on logging roads 48:07 – Wrap up of day 2 59:30 – Day 3 1:03:50 – Wrap up day 3 1:09:06 – Day 4 1:15:01 – Day 5 telling the story of the doubleheader 1:26:26 – Thoughts on the drive home

In this episode, I sat down with Petra Hilleberg, the CEO and daughter of the founders of Hilleberg Tents. We had a great discussion covering topics like what it was like to grow up a Hilleberg, how Petra brought Hilleberg tents to North America and the technical differences between their product offerings. Petra is an incredibly intelligent and thoughtful leader, and it was a pleasure to talk with her. @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com @hilleberg_hunting https://hilleberg.com/ 0:00 – Intro 2:14 – What it was like growing up a Hilleberg 5:15 – Petra’s passion for the outdoors 7:18 – The growth of Hilleberg 9:00 – The importance of quality 14:50 – Petra’s career path 16:25 – Bringing Hilleberg to North America 21:45 – Problems with Canadian distribution 25:00 – Petra’s transition to CEO and thoughts on leadership 28:30 – Goals for the next 10 years 31:20 – Covid’s impact on the outdoors industry 34:20 – Hilleberg supporting hunting 37:20 – The 4 different tent labels: Blue, Black, Red, Yellow 49:20 – Pick a tent game 56:00 – Repair times 58:43 – Surprises

In this episode, I sat down with my hunting partners for my upcoming sheep hunt Tristan and Spencer. We did a deep dive into our gear lists and figured out what we’re still missing and what we may leave behind. @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 2:50 – Packs 8:57 – Camp and sleeping gear 13:30 – Worn clothing and gear 23:16 – Packed clothing and gear 31:50 – Optics 39:10 – Weapon and camera gear 45:42 – Miscellaneous gear 53:37 – Cook kit 58:26 – Safety gear 1:03:00 – Food 1:15:00 – Training updates

In this episode, I sat down with Kevin Guillen from Wilderness Athlete, and we had a great conversation about nutrition and supplementation for the hunting athlete. Regardless of what products you choose to use there are tons of nuggets in this podcast highlighting ways you can increase your performance and recovery for both training and backcountry hunting. Kevin Guillen @wildathlete @wildernessathlete www.wildernessathlete.com @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com 0:00 – Intro 1:54 – Kevin’s introduction to the outdoors 4:50 – The evolution of Wilderness Athlete 7:11 – WA’s approach to marketing and brand identity 17:10 – The importance of the non-hunting outdoor enthusiast 27:56 – Training protocols 35:20 – Training supplementation 43:10 – The importance of hydration 51:50 – Backcountry supplementation 1:03:05 – New products and nootropics

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