Catastrophic Failure on My Wyoming Horseback Elk Hunt - The MH Podcast EP 194

[@13hawks32claws]

Putting this podcast out that could have easily been swept under the rug show your ability too stay true to yourself and mindful hunter/review. Lessons learned and Growth go hand in hand. 💪🏻

[@MindfulHunter]

Thanks brother!

[@Rokslide]

Dang Jay, you still done good despite the conflicts, and you walked away a better hunter & horseman. “Nothing risked, nothing gained.” Thanks for sharing-robby

[@MindfulHunter]

Thanks Robby!

[@christophervanlerberg4149]

Appreciate you sharing this story. Lotsa value.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@Yomamasllamas]

I’m a llama guy and had some rough trips with green llamas. A green animal can ruin a trip. Sorry you experienced that on such a special hunt. Thanks for sharing this. I guarantee it will help folks down the road. Lessons learned for sure.

[@MindfulHunter]

Thanks!

[@Westtxhunt]

Great perspective! Seems sometimes we get focused on the end goal and not the steps that come to create the end goal! Success is measured by the individual! The goal is to be better than the last time! Taking the steps needed to ensure a harvest! To a degree you could say your hunt was successful in putting you on the right path/mindset to harvest in the future! Each adventure is a building block! A learning experience. It is up to the individual to learn from him/her experiences. You are on your own path and you compare to no one but yourself. Something that I know but struggle with myself!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@fb1273]

Thanks for sharing Jay. As always you do a great job! Obviously not the best scenario but you tried to share the good and bad. IMO the best part of this video is the self reflection and lessons learned. We learn more from our mistakes than from our successes. Keep up the great work! Can't wait to hear about your next hunt/adventure!

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@matthewfoote5631]

I too have been on two hunts that showed me my partner and I weren't the same type of person. Luckily we were able to backout unlike your situation. Sorry you had to go through that, but with that experience much of life is similar to that. You end up in situations where there's no going back and you just roll with it and learn from it. Best of luck on the rest of your season

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@RT-gv6us]

As stated in the video, when hunting in wilderness in Wyoming a non resident must be accompanied by either a guide or a Wyoming resident. So there was no other option available for Jay on this hunt. But, as a general rule, I pretty much always hunt alone (even when I backpack in). I realize that it is not as safe, and YES my wife gets worried. It can also get lonely at times, and packing out the meat is more work. But, I wait all year to hunt and don't want it ruined by someone who I end up being non-compatible with. I have two sons that are grown and sometimes one of them will accompany me, but other than family I hunt alone even when I am in Grizzly country.

[@MindfulHunter]

Yep. Nailed it.

[@ronladuke7235]

Every body makes mistakes, the bad thing is if you don’t learn from them? Don’t beat yourself up over it.😊

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@jamesmooney5348]

16:25 -The best part of this story so far! Too funny! "Here we go"

[@MindfulHunter]

🤣

[@marksmith1143]

40 year licensed wyoming guide here. Bud, you went with the wrong outfitter. Sounds like a renegade/illegal outfitter to me. Inexperienced at the very least. Nobody wants to pay legitimate outfitter fees these days but its worth it. That was a great learning experience. Hope you got some good outfitter names while you were there.

[@MindfulHunter]

It was not an outfitter. He was just a resident hosting me.

[@lynnadamson5564]

After the 2000 dollar license 500 dollars in gas to get out there how much can a blue collar guy afford. You must be guiding white collar guys. He's not trying to reach your audience.

[@kel9796]

My elk hunt this year didn't have any partner or horse drama but I think I felt the same frustration and sentiment. Fire closures, crowds in the mountains, etc. Usually I come out of the mountains more ready to tackle everyday life but this year I came back low and frustrated. The fun factor is getting tougher and tougher to find for me.

[@MindfulHunter]

Good insights man.

[@refugium.backcountry]

Been there. That is why I’m stoked Colorado is finally dialing back on the unlimited archery hunts. Quality over quantity.

[@kel9796]

@@refugium.backcountry I would be willing to hunt archery elk every other year if there was half the competition. I guess they would charge us double though to get the same revenue.

[@refugium.backcountry]

@@kel9796 see my other comment about a point share/point pool system. I think states should open up to allowing shared or pooled points across states rather than stay siloed by state. This would help alleviate the casino style system we have today.

[@MikeJones-vb1me]

Wow what a nightmare! And the hardest way to learn some big lessons. Years from now it will be a good story of a bad hunt.

[@MindfulHunter]

💯

[@thomasestep7377]

Hey your podcasts are always inspiring and i truly appreciate your outlook on life and the hunting adventures, i can always take something from listening to you!, as a family we drew 3 elk rifle tags 1 for colorado for me, and my wife and son drew NM 1st rifle elk tags for 2024, so we are pumped for october, keep putting out awsome podcast, wishing you the best hunting season jay!

[@MindfulHunter]

Good luck!

[@NeilRoss-p3m]

Wow, I have so much respect for you. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@MindfulHunter]

💪

[@blackcopperadventures1983]

Home run on this one man, thanks as always for sharing.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@rayst.pierre163]

Quite enjoyed the podcast. I'm a BC boy having to live in Alberta these days. I miss my life there.

[@MindfulHunter]

I’m on my way to Alberta!

[@greasemonkey4god]

Fantastic podcast. Much appreciated! Hard lessons that run parallel to my last few years as well - mostly due to my own inexperience. This year planning on hunting “my way” or at least learning that that is.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@brianrobinson1975]

appreciate the reminder ,,,, hunting is much better enjoyed alone

[@MindfulHunter]

Definitely has its perks.

[@jamesmooney5348]

Sadly

[@LukePendergrass]

Super helpful stuff. Was just in WY for an elk hunt. Sounds like we had some similar lessons learned. Fortunately my hunting partner was an established friend, so I didn't have some of those struggles.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@timferguson593]

I had a similar experience years ago. I almost forgot about it.

[@MindfulHunter]

Yeah those ones stick with us.

[@timferguson593]

Mile high outfitters. Challis Idaho. ❤

[@MindfulHunter]

I just guided two guys from Challis. They got a moose each.

[@GettingToHeaven]

Got to have some bad ones, to appreciate the GOOD ones.

[@MindfulHunter]

Great point

[@backcountrycanuck2029]

It is easier to find a wife than a good hunting partner, straight up. I had a similar experience on an archery elk hunt. Me and a couple guys had been shooting 3d together and did a couple short scouting trips. We seemed to have good chemistry and be on the same page. But when the actual hunt was on the wheels fell off immediately. Talking at full volume, complaining about the terrain, trying to force set ups when we hadnt seen or heard any elk. It gave me a really bad vibe. I hit my wife on the inreach and told her how i was feeling. I wanted to try another spot solo for mule deer. She layed it out for me "Do it, its your hunt too, its your season. Dont waste what you have been waiting for and planning and practicing for because you dont want to hurt someones feelings, its YOUR hunting season" I ended up pulling out and going off to arrow my first ever mule deer solo the next day. Sometimes you just gotta go with your gut.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@jamesmooney5348]

47:09 Calls the b.s.'r out on his b.s.! -Nice, finally calling him out. We need to do that with each other -Thanks for sharing this! Yeah, he kinda did deserve to hear the truth! The truth didnt care about his feelings.

[@MindfulHunter]

You bet man.

[@rustybarbacles355]

For only 10k subs you have a great platform! First time here, listened until 58:00 Great story.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@chalkrockranch]

Man... I'm sorry your experience was so rough here in Wyoming. Unfortunately there's too many folks who think taking stock into the backcountry is something to be taken lightly. I have the opposite problem. I'm an experienced horseman and packer, with a well-trained string, but I'm a pretty sorry elk hunter. :)

[@MindfulHunter]

I’ll be back!

[@MindfulHunter]

Almost every person I’ve met from Wyoming has been the salt of the earth type folk. I love it there.

[@blakekinney8455]

Great podcast. I can't even imagine what you went through. Sounds like a nightmare. It's a shame you used 6 years of points just to have that happen. Live and learn I guess. Keep up the great work

[@MindfulHunter]

Hard lesson learned man

[@jamesmooney5348]

Yeah, that guy been on those trails a thousand time, only in his day dreams....

[@MindfulHunter]

💯

[@adamvisser9815]

Sorry that your elk hunt wasn't as good as you hoped for. There are a lot of good takeaways. #1 Knowing who you are hunting is key. It's hard to find not only one good hunting but multiple partners. #2 priorities of the hunt, and making sure you put enough time to it to be successful on the hunt that you REALLY want. It's a good reflection season for you. I have always found that the more confident I am in the beginning of hunting season the more the season kick my ass hahah. Keep up the hood content this was a good one for everyone!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@timbelski5645]

When you combined the words "3.5 year old gelding mustang that hadn't been ridden" I was pretty sure where that part of the story was going to end. And even though you hadn't met him, HE should have had a good idea about YOU and how you prefer to hunt. it's clear you and he don't hunt the same, which as you mention, is fine. But HE should have been able to figure that out from your social media videos/posts/podcasts.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@waltweaver7297]

Choose your friends wisely especially hunting friends.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@rbljackson]

Yeah well people are people right? we cant all click and get along well. Sounds like you have refocused though and are back on track. Always enjoy the content and reflections you do. There is a lot to learn from it. Good luck on your upcoming hunts. You make your way back down here to Texas or New mexico...let me know and we can meet up for lunch or dinner. Your not a vegetarian right? LOL....j/k.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@bmills3252]

I get rattled by a trailhead full of cars. Good on you.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@jameshurd4815]

I'm with you bro...small talk bla bla bla sucks!!

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@maliadog]

Yep. Some people just clash. Tough situation. All you can do is agree to some give and take and make the best of it. Frustrating for sure. 21 elk in 11 years sounds unlikely from the description of some of his decisions.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@RonaldColeman-ef2rc]

Hard hunts are tuff. I have hunted with my good friend my entire life and some time we don’t agree.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@jjjohnston54]

We all fuck up. Its easy to criticize. Jay asked for it and welcomed the criticism. Engaging with the crazy that is the Internet may be the real mistake. We live in a world full of people full of shit. Making real connections in real life is risky and doing it online is even more complicated. It takes a level of crazy and braveness to really put yourself out there. And again, online is next level nuts. People will take you for granted and take advantage of you. They will lie to elevate their status for false clout. This other dude lied about his credentials and didn't think his ass would get called out on social media. Fucking goofy. Our decisions are our own though. This is a story about doing due diligence. Thank you for posting.❤

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@rayst.pierre163]

Every time you wing it, fingers crossed, it may work out, but the odds are against you. Elk hunting partners are sacred. You don't gamble with new partners. It is a spiritual union. No words need be exchanged. You just know. You connect and above all, you know they have your back. WHATEVER the happens.😊

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@TCB77]

Wow, what a contrast to the last adventure story. Reaffirming why J likes to hunt alone.

[@MindfulHunter]

🤣

[@paigetatom9975]

Because he is an ASSHAT

[@paigetatom9975]

He definitely has an EGO problem

[@refugium.backcountry]

Your experience exposes an issue with the way Wyoming manages these wildernesses units and the current state of the point system in general. As well intentioned as it may be, the Wyoming regulations encourage non-residents to take unnecessary risks, in this case going into the wilderness with a “guide” who has no credentials and no liability for anything that might happen. I’m convinced there is a better way for Western states to share the wealth of hunting opportunities rather than be siloed. I’m thinking a western states co-op/partnerships or regional point system. Sorry you had to burn your points. It is basically a gamble and the house (the state) always wins!

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@jamesmooney5348]

Man, I hope this dude responds to this story. Being prior law enforcement, I would love to hear his side. Blahahahahahaha blahahahahahaha blahahahahahaha I bet he has the greatest b.s. defense story ever!

[@MindfulHunter]

💯

[@Dahbz14]

Honestly - this one’s on you brother. You made too many bad decisions - clearly didn’t understand who you were going into the back country with and snowballed from there.

[@MindfulHunter]

100% man. Didn’t do my due dilligence and paid the price.

[@kentcoen672]

I enjoyed it much

[@rileymod6541]

If you want a hunt that will hold your hand, find the elk for you, tell you how big the bull is, how many yards, and how to stalk to get a shot this obviously wasn't it. You were getting into elk above camp you needed to go for it.

[@MindfulHunter]

@@rileymod6541 and exactly how could I go for it when the resident I need to accompany me to hunt legally refuses to hunt?

[@rileymod6541]

@@MindfulHunter What??

[@MindfulHunter]

@@rileymod6541 you said I needed to “go for it” it is illegal to hunt without a resident in the wilderness in Wyoming. The guy I was with decided to leave after 3 days. So how exactly was I supposed to “go for it”

[@pecosray]

OMG..... Having the Right Hunting Partner is Tough, Then you add the stress of having issues with the livestock and that's a recipe for a nitemare right there. IDK how you kept it together, you must be a better man. Peace better luck next time.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@NHBackcountryGuide]

That Wilderness Area Wyoming law is ridiculous. I'm sure residents love it, but it's overly burdensome. I just started listening to this podcast, but right off the bat, I can foresee some problems.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@baileysharp6734]

That’s a crappy and at the same time cool story man, sounds like you had some great opportunities that you could’ve capitalized on under different circumstances. But like everything else in life it’s a great learning lesson that will pay dividends in the future. I’ve always been curious about how you deal with predators when tying pack animals up at camp while hunting especially for us here in BC with the higher grizzly and wolf population?

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@ldvan100]

Shame on you, shame on outfitter.. I have plenty of horse experience to say YOU NEVER take an untrained animal on a serious ride/hunt/pack train etc.. You should've said Hell No right out of the gate.. A serious ride requires serious planning and reliable animals not to mention an outfitter that knows WTF he is doing, YOUR life depends on it, YOUR success on the hunt depends on it.. Expensive lesson learned not to mention the frustration created that WILL effect your overall performance in the hunt.. I could carry on and on but I think I've made my point..

[@MindfulHunter]

🫡

[@enidwatne2231]

You should set up a hotline for future generations of hunters to learn how to hunt horseback. Your knowledge & delivery is impressive.

[@refugium.backcountry]

This has more to do with Wyoming allowing residents to essentially act as unregistered outfitters with no regulation or liability. No shame on you dude.

[@jestonjump5647]

Engagement

[@MindfulHunter]

Algorithm

[@jestonjump5647]

@@MindfulHunter he wasn’t in as good of shape as the competitive body builder on juice? Just being a smart ass. Love the vids

[@nickgarst7535]

Your horse story matches with bird hunting with untrained dogs. Untrained animals can totally ruin a hunt

[@MindfulHunter]

💯

[@timferguson593]

You’re a good hunter. Try again.

[@MindfulHunter]

I plan on it :)

[@CD02]

Total clown show.

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@paigetatom9975]

The only clown present was you buddy J who was upset because he wasn’t allowed to hunt where the customers hunt. 😂

[@muleskinner485]

This guide has almost no equine experience or very little and wants to take an untrained 3 yr old mustang on an 18 mile pack-in hunt, your gut told you no but you did it anyway. He was planning on training the horse on your dime. beware of added circumstances that will hinder the hunt, he had your money and really didn't give a shit about getting you in range of a bull. When you don't call these guys out they just find another victim. I have been in your shoes, sorry this happens too often............

[@MindfulHunter]

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[@bz9138]

Good podcast story and lesson

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@billthomas6327]

Jay is high maintenance ! I would pass

[@MindfulHunter]

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