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 shot opportunities — and explains why he's implementing mandatory pre-hunt shooting drills and what he expects from clients moving forward. They also get into the fascinating "heart shot phenomenon" where perfectly shot bears take off on a mindless, adrenaline-fueled dead sprint.

In the second half, Jay and Bo officially announce their new guided Mexico Coues deer hunts. Jay explains exactly why the DIY Mexico hunting model is flawed, why it often costs just as much as a guided hunt for a subpar experience, and how they've secured three premier ranches for the 2027 season. If you want to hunt the rut in January/February with incredible food, dialed logistics, and giant deer — this is the hunt for you.

🎁 GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry earns one entry to win an all-expenses-paid custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting (valued at $10,000).

🏕️ 2026 BC OPENINGS: Jay just opened four new spots — Archery Mule Deer, Early Season Alpine Mule Deer, Alpine Black Bear, and a late September Float Bear hunt. Email j@mindfulhunter.com to book.

0:00:00 Intro & Catching Up with Bo Campbell

0:02:28 Bo's First BC Bear Hunt: Expectations vs. Reality

0:05:55 The 49-Day Bear Season Wrap-Up

0:08:44 Why Jay is Implementing Mandatory Pre-Hunt Shooting Drills

0:13:36 Bo's Bear Hunt Story: Spotting from Camp

0:16:43 Sizing Up Bears & The 20-Year-Old Toothless Sow

0:19:52 The Brutal Pack Out & Why Bear Hunting is So Physical

0:26:00 Jay's Client Hunt: The Bear Spotted from the Road

0:28:47 The Heart Shot Phenomenon: Why Dead Bears Sprint

0:32:48 The Brutal Truth About Client Marksmanship & Missed Shots

0:38:23 How to Build a Better Shooting Position Under Pressure

0:44:46 Why You Need to Stay in the Scope After the Shot

0:48:46 The Big Announcement: Mindful Hunter Outfitting South (Mexico)

0:51:09 Why DIY Mexico Hunts Are Overrated & Overpriced

0:54:55 The Details: What a Guided Mexico Coues Hunt Looks Like

0:56:46 The Reality of Glassing for Coues Deer (The Hardest Animal in North America)

1:02:38 Giveaway Details & 2026 BC Hunt Openings

Jay Nichol

jay@mindfulhunter.com

https://www.mindful-reviews.com/

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

Forged In The Backcountry

https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

Merch

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Newsletter

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https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/

Podcast

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast

Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide

Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting

https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes

No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

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 Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.

📥 Download my full 2026 gear spreadsheet at: https://www.mindfulreviews.com

🎯 Everything here has been tested across multiple seasons. I also cover what’s getting replaced, what gear disappointed, and what I’m still evaluating. If you want the raw truth about what’s worth your money, this video is for you.

👇 CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro & Spotting Scope Giveaway 00:13 - Backpacks (XO K4, Initial Ascent, Kifaru) 00:58 - Rain Covers & Pack Rain Strategy 01:30 - Shelter Options (X-Dome, TP, Zpacks) 02:23 - Sleeping Pads (Big Agnes Zoom vs Therm-a-Rest Xlite NXT) 03:45 - Sleeping Bags & Quilts (EE Enigma, Outdoor Vitals) 05:02 - Ground Sheets, Pillow, Base Layers 06:20 - Hunting Pants Overview (Stone Glacier, Outdoor Vitals) 08:13 - Boots (Hanwag, Meindl, Scarpa) 09:21 - Hat, Socks (new project announcement) 10:01 - Trekking Poles, Gaiters, Watch (Bridger Rec) 11:01 - Knife (Benchmade Mini TaggedOut) 11:16 - Active & Static Insulation (Outdoor Vitals, Stone Glacier) 12:31 - Rain Gear (Sitka Dew Point) 12:55 - Puffy Pants, Gloves, Beanie 14:35 - Crocs 14:44 - Spotting Scopes (Kowa TSN-88A, Maven S.1.2) 15:36 - Binoculars & Harness (SIG Zulu, Maven B.5, Stone Glacier Sentinel) 17:13 - Rangefinders (SIG Kilo, Gen 2 pending) 17:24 - Tripods & Pan Heads (Asiack, Wiser Nighthawk) 18:11 - Digiscoping (Mountain Mag vs All-In) 18:40 - Rifle System (Tikka 6.5 PRC + Upcoming Core Ax Rifle) 20:04 - Sling, Shooting Bags, Tracer Bipod 21:00 - Water Purification Systems (BeFree, SteriPen, Pump Filters) 22:11 - One-Offs: Glassing Pads, Knives, Game Bags, Messenger, Batteries 24:52 - Cooking Stove Update (Rough Ridge) 27:04 - Headlamps (Fenix, Petzl, Peaks) 27:51 - Final Thoughts + How to Win the SIG Oscar6 🧠 Get More Reviews & Deep Dives: Subscribe to the channel and explore gear, mindset, and performance from a critical, mindful perspective. 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

No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

🎯 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 by research and years of personal experience in training, backpack hunting, and bodybuilding.

🎁 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 Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.

👉 Shop the Forged Base Series Socks: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/collections/forged-base-series

🕒 Chapters (Timestamps) 0:00 - Intro & why I don’t do BS supplement reviews 1:06 - The criteria for this list (what actually works) 2:04 - Why protein is #1 for hunters 5:38 - Why creatine is tied for #1 9:19 - Electrolytes: the most underrated supplement 12:44 - Fish oil: joint support + inflammation 15:09 - EAAs vs BCAAs — why BCAAs are trash 20:00 - Optional: Pre-workouts (and what to look for) 22:51 - Final thoughts + giveaway info 🎁 GEAR GIVEAWAY + OUTFITTING DISCOUNT 👉 Join https://www.mindful-reviews.com and you will be automatically entered to win a Sig Sauer Oscar6 Spotting Scope.

For the month of December all Mindful Hunter Outfitting bear and deer hunts are discounted by $500 and an additional $250 if two people book together. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com for more info. 🧠 Get More Reviews & Deep Dives: Subscribe to the channel and explore gear, mindset, and performance from a critical, mindful perspective. #SupplementsForHunters #HuntingFitness #BackcountryHunting #ProteinForHunters #Creatine #Electrolytes #FishOil #EAAvsBCAA #MindfulHunter

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

Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

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 Giveaway 00:22 – Why Boot Reviews Are Personal 01:00 – First Impressions & Fit 02:00 – Toe Box, Heel Lock & Sole Width 03:00 – Fit vs. Scarpa & Schnees 03:45 – Weight, Build & Durability 04:30 – Stiffness Rating (3 of 4) Explained 05:00 – Use Cases: Mountain vs. Moderate Terrain 05:35 – High-Cut Ankle Support 06:00 – Full Leather Performance & Fit Molding 06:30 – Crampon Compatibility (DIY Mod) 08:30 – Guided Hunt Sale 09:30 – Pros & Cons Rundown 11:05 – Who This Boot Is (and Isn’t) For 12:35 – How to Win the SIG Oscar 6 Spotter 13:01 – Final Thoughts on Fit, Terrain & Boot Choice

🧰 Gear Mods: I modified these boots to accept fully automatic crampons using a Dremel. It’s a niche trick, but if you’re chasing goats in steep glacial terrain, it might be a game-changer.

🎯 Who Should Watch: • Mountain hunters chasing sheep, goats, mule deer • Hunters comparing Meindl vs. Lowa, Scarpa, or Kenetrek • Anyone debating stiff vs. more flexible mountain boots

🎁 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 Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.

🇺🇸 US CUSTOMERS: We now have drop shipping set up in the United States — no duties, no customs fees, and faster shipping. If you've been holding off, now's the time.

📌 Affiliate Disclaimer: No sponsorships. No affiliate links. Just real gear reviews based on hard field use.

#MeindlGlockner #HuntingBootReview #MountainHuntingGear #MindfulHunter #GoatHuntingBoots #AlpineHunting #FullLeatherBoots #BootReview #BackcountryHunting

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

Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes

No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

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: • The importance of hunting the same ground repeatedly • Why “don’t leave animals to find animals” is a golden rule • How pressure and system one thinking can sabotage success • Cognitive biases that hurt decision-making in the field • How to plan hunts to reduce mental fatigue and improve outcomes 📍 Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Background: My First Year Outfitting 00:43 – How I Got Started (Alberta & BC Concessions) 02:35 – 2026 Hunts & Booking Info 04:42 – Lesson 1: Know Your Ground 07:17 – Lesson 2: Don’t Leave Animals to Find More Animals 09:48 – Lesson 3: Just Go to Work 10:23 – System 1 vs System 2 Explained 13:13 – Heuristics & Hunting Biases 15:22 – Choice Fatigue in the Field 17:06 – Pressure vs Performance: Managing the Mental Game 18:18 – Final Thoughts & Thank You 19:07 – SIG Oscar6 Spotting Scope Giveaway 20:00 – Subscribe & Support Mindful Reviews

🎁 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 Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.

🇺🇸 US CUSTOMERS: We now have drop shipping set up in the United States — no duties, no customs fees, and faster shipping. If you've been holding off, now's the time.

👉 Shop the Forged Base Series Socks: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/collections/forged-base-series

🦉 Hunt with Me: Interested in booking a 2026 hunt? 📧 Email me at: jay@mindfulhunter.com 💥 December Booking Discount Ends Jan 2! ✅ Support Independent Content: No sponsors. No hype. Just honest reviews and real-world experience. Subscribe on MindfulReviews.com starting at $5/month. 🔔 Like / Comment / Subscribe If this content brings you value, hit like, leave a comment, and subscribe to the channel. It helps me keep producing videos with zero sponsor bias. #Outfitting #HuntingLessons #MindfulHunter #Guiding #System1Thinking #BackcountryHunting #BCHunting #AlbertaHunting #SpotAndStalk #DecisionFatigue #HeuristicsInHunting 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

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 https://www.mindful-reviews.com and you will be automatically entered to win a Sig Sauer Oscar6 Spotting Scope. For the month of December all Mindful Hunter Outfitting bear and deer hunts are discounted by $500 and an additional $250 if two people book together. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com for more info. 🗒️ GEAR SPECS COVERED: • Blade: CPM Magnacut • Handle: G10 • Knife Weight: 4.8 oz • Sheath Weight: 1.6 oz (no belt loop) • Application: Skinning & quartering large game ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 - Intro & Field Testing Recap 01:12 - Why This Knife Stood Out 02:38 - Blade Design & Ergonomics 04:50 - Strengths, Weaknesses & Ideal Use 07:18 - Final Verdict & Who It’s For 08:36 - Giveaways, Outfitting Deals & Community 👍 Found this helpful? Like, comment, or subscribe to support honest gear reviews with zero sponsorship bias. Your engagement helps hunting content rise in the algorithm — and I appreciate it. #NorthArmKnives #LynxKnifeReview #MagnacutBlade #HuntingKnifeReview #MindfulHunter #FieldTestedGear #BackcountryHunting #HuntingGear2025

🎁 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 Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.

👉 Shop the Forged Base Series Socks: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/collections/forged-base-series

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 Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

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 big glass 🎯 Tripod Shooting Demo – Using cant in real-world scenarios 💬 Join the conversation: How are YOU setting up your tripod for shooting? 🎁 SIG Spotter Giveaway details inside

Chapters 00:00 – Intro: The Problem with Most Tripod Heads 00:23 – What Makes the Ridge Warden Unique 00:49 – About Wiser Precision & the Nighthawk Legacy 01:08 – Ridge Warden Specs: Weight, Price, and Features 01:25 – Pan, Tilt, and Cant Explained 02:03 – Long-Term Durability Test 02:27 – Quick Note: Mindful Hunter Hunt Discount 03:03 – What I Like: Weight, Size, Handle Storage 03:36 – Glassing Performance with Kowa 88 04:30 – Shooting Setup & Canting Demo 05:03 – Quick Plug: Forged in the Backcountry Boxers 05:28 – What I Don’t Like: Lever Placement 05:52 – Mounting Issues: Small Base + Threading Problems 06:45 – Lack of Independent Pan/Tilt Locks 07:47 – Binocular Glassing Advantages 08:19 – Who It's For (and Not For) 09:13 – My Tripod Setup: Ridge Warden vs Nighthawk 10:01 – Final Thoughts: Precision vs Practicality 10:26 – SIG Spotting Scope Giveaway Info 11:07 – Outro: Join the Discussion & Support the Channel

🎁 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 Mexico. This is not a sponsored giveaway. This is me giving directly to you.

👉 Shop the Forged Base Series Socks: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/collections/forged-base-series

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 Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026

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 in more ways than it succeeds. The three core problems: it doesn't evacuate moisture fast enough, it isn't durable enough for hard daily use, and it loses its shape within a couple of days of a backcountry hunt. He also calls out the lifetime warranty model used by most hunting sock companies, explaining why it's a business strategy built on the assumption that most customers are too lazy to actually claim it — and why he chose to put every dollar into the design instead.

You'll get a full breakdown of the six-fabric construction — CoolMax, Reprieve XS cross-sectional polyester, a wool/acrylic blend, polyamide, and spandex — and why each one was placed exactly where it is. Plus, Jay shares the story of iteration number six, the one that was almost perfect before a single seam flaw sent him back to the drawing board days after placing the final production order.

🇺🇸 US CUSTOMERS: Drop shipping is now live through Unknown Munitions in Idaho — no duties, shipping is about 30% cheaper, and you'll get your order faster.

🎁 THE GIVEAWAY: Every $5 spent at Forged in the Backcountry between May 17th and July 17th earns you one entry to win a fully custom, all-expenses-paid guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting — valued at roughly $10,000. Jay will personally work with the winner to build their dream hunt: Coues deer in Mexico, Black Bear or Mule Deer in BC, Archery Mule Deer in Alberta, or something completely custom.

Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/

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 Free Training Guide For Mountain Hunting https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools

Forged Ultimate Guided Hunt Sweepstakes No purchase required. Contest begins on May 17, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on July 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of 1 prize available to be won consisting of: (i) A custom guided hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting including travel and tip (APR) $$10,000.00 CAD); Skill testing question required. Open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, The District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), United Kingdom, New Zealand, Finland, France and Switzerland. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received before contest closes. No limit on entries. For full rules and entry details visit: https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/blogs/resources/the-ultimate-custom-guided-hunt-giveaway-open-until-july-17-2026