Episode Details

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 you aren't doing boots-on-the-ground validation), the exact paperwork you need to bring wild game meat across the US/Canada border, and why the Outdoor Vitals box-baffle down jacket failed the wash test. Finally, Jay drops a huge announcement about the official launch of Mindful Munitions and the final open spot for the 2027 Mexico Coues deer hunt.

🇲🇽 MEXICO COUES DEER: One spot left for a guided Coues deer hunt in Mexico in Jan/Feb 2027. All-inclusive, fully guided. Email jay@mindfulhunter.com to claim it.

🇨🇦 MINDFUL MUNITIONS: Launching next week! Rok Stocks, EXO packs, Wiser Precision, ASC, Full Frame Outdoors, and more — all shipping within Canada with no duties. Stay tuned for the massive launch giveaway.

Timed Chapters
0:00:00 Intro: Where I've Been & The "Feel It To Make It" Rule
0:01:10 Mexico Coues Deer Hunt Update (1 Spot Left)
0:02:06 BC Bear Outfitting & Mindful Munitions Launch Announcement
0:05:12 The New Arrow Ballistics Study: Does It Actually Matter?
0:09:05 Fall Bear vs. Spring Bear: Which is Better?
0:10:22 The Best Spotting Scope for High Country Mule Deer (Kowa 88 vs. Swarovski)
0:13:18 How to Tell a Boar from a Sow (The Ankle Test)
0:14:42 The Controversy: Why Bear Hunters SHOULD Be Shooting Sows
0:18:20 The Best BC Towns for Raising a Hunting Family
0:19:46 Why Every BC Hunter Needs Top Notch Navigator
0:21:50 Mule Deer vs. Whitetail: Which Would You Choose?
0:22:36 The Best "Stupid" Gear: Flextail Pump & Yates Jack Pad
0:26:28 Tricer Bipod: Why I Switched Back to the Short Legs
0:28:33 The Outdoor Vitals Down Jacket Wash Failure Explained
0:31:11 How to Legally Bring Meat and Skulls Across the US/Canada Border
0:34:58 Bullet Velocity vs. Weight: 130gr TMK vs. 250gr SPT
0:36:09 Why E-Scouting is Overrated (And What You Should Do Instead)
0:40:09 Do You Actually Need Cushion in Your Hunting Socks?
0:44:11 Solo Shelter Recommendations for Alaska Moose/Caribou
0:46:36 Spring Bear Elevation Strategy: Chasing the Snow Line
0:53:01 Looking for Aoudad Leases in Texas & Mexico
0:53:53 Will I Keep Using the MDT Carbon Stock?
0:54:59 How to Shoot RAW Video for Digiscoping
0:56:08 My Favorite Sleeper Gear: The Zpacks 7x9 Tarp
0:57:59 Will I Ever Design a Hunting Boot?
0:58:39 Best 65mm Spotting Scope Recommendation
0:59:09 Outro & Upcoming Content

Jay Nichol
jay@mindfulhunter.com
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/

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