Gila Monster: New Mexico Bull Elk | S4E15 | MeatEater

After four years of waiting, Steven Rinella draws a coveted, limited-entry public land bull elk tag for New Mexico’s Gila National Forest.
#fueledbynature #MeatEater Presented by @onX Hunt
Use code MeatEater for 20% off the Hunt App at www.onxmaps.com/hunt
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[@MrShroomed]

"they were like nuts on a dog, just hanging out together" LMAO.

[@ryankline2842]

I also greatly enjoyed that offhand comment he made.

[@nschepis]

That's classic.

[@VeganV5912]

@@ryankline2842 .. ... but we’re not cavemen. We have a phone and house and car. We don’t need cavemen. Saturated fat is animals, heart attack and cancer and diabetes and strokes and high blood pressure... 😵🦠🥓🥩🍖🍣🥩🍳🧀...... 51% death rate !!! That is extremely high !! Vegans have 4% cancer and that’s it. Scientific fact. KZbin Dr Greger. Actual pictures of blockages eating animals.

[@alecchapin9071]

@@VeganV5912 I'll be dedicating this year's elk tag to vegans everywhere. Wish me luck! END FACTORY FARMING!

[@VeganV5912]

@@alecchapin9071 .. Poor innocent animals. They did nothing wrong. They are innocent. Purely innocent. Over a burger et cetera. Five minute burger.... you can have vegan burgers and vegan chicken and vegan pizza and vegan tacos and vegan burritos and vegan curry....... and it’s good for you. Think about the victims. Not yourself..... It’s easy being a vegan. Don’t hurt animals. Simple. ✅👍 You can have vegan pizza and vegan curry and vegan burritos and vegan tacos and vegan ice cream............ delicious vegan food on KZbin.

[@tyedenshaw6721]

“Don’t pass up an animal on the first day you’d shoot on the last day” wise words I once heard lol

[@weekendgijoe4596]

These “Skunker” episodes are becoming my favorites to watch. Seeing others go through the same emotions we’ve all had as hunters is a humbling experience. I can feel all those same emotions again. I want Steve to narrate my every day life....

[@jacobweaver4523]

His episodes with Rogan and Callen where they didn't see success were my favorite. Not because they were skunked but because they were honest and examined all aspects of it. They still appreciated the experience, they still learned, they still enjoyed each others company, they maintained excitement for hunting. Meanwhile Steve acknowledged the pressure of "guiding", the guilt of disappointing hunters, and the ego of choosing locations from his desire rather than maybe the best place to teach beginners. Lots of humility, honesty and open minds to learn and be better. I love watching them bag a kill and get excited, but it was refreshing to show the less fun side and not sugar coat it or throw a tantrum. Very good example for young people or new hunters and how to be men in general. Failure is ESSENTIAL if you learn from it, and I felt they all took as much from that experience as possible...except meat. LoL.

[@fakedoug7414]

Much respect for not being afraid to be honest with your audience.

[@jacobweaver4523]

In a lot of their videos they talk about "I dont want a kill too fast. I need a few days to earn it and appreciate it." I agree with that attitude and I think posting videos of the struggle helps us all live vicariously. If all they did was edit together successful kills then we'd just be watching a highlight reel and I wouldnt feel engaged at all. I could search highlight reels of "best xyz kills" if I just wanted that. This channel really shares the experience and the mentality and I feel really connected because of their honesty. I grew up in the wilderness and despite many hours in the outdoors I never became a hunter. Steve has done more to make me appreciate, respect and become interested in hunting than 25 years living in the mountains did. That's because I've learned to respect the process of being outdoors and struggling to find animals instead of the kill. Everyone I knew growing up talked about the kill and that never did anything for me. I'm very interested in hunting now that I appreciate the whole process and I might be a late life convert.

[@fredcarter7003]

A bad day hunting is better than a good day in the office

[@Fuhrious]

Rinella is getting me through 2021 just as well as he got me through 2020. Awesome videos!

[@darkkightgaming]

Same

[@GR8-45]

True story ! Same with me

[@omarmaldonado6739]

He sure is he got me traveling during COVID-19 lockdown by seeing his shows beautiful thing bless him and all u guys feeling the way I feel god bless us all ✨🙏🏽✨🇺🇸

[@rawhstyles4305]

I bet you we know Steven Rinella because of Joe Rogan 🤣

[@andrewwilson561]

Raising my mug of 🍺 cheers to Mr Rinella.

[@mikesmith6838]

Never, ever, EVER pass up on the first day that which you would be thrilled to take on the last day!

[@Thisismycomment.]

Words to live by

[@ogoe_joeoutdoors1088]

I can't tell you how many seasons have ended on opening day for me. No regrets here, I enjoyed the rest of the season keeping my dad company and my friends when they came along. I miss those days

[@leebaker2588]

@@ogoe_joeoutdoors1088 you and me both, brother.

[@bridgefour5061]

I learned that lesson the hard way during whitetail last year. I’m still kicking myself months later.

[@leebaker2588]

@@bridgefour5061 the stories I could tell but won't. That is why it is called huntin'

[@wesharris07]

Steve let me tell you there is nothing more beautiful than a New Mexico sunset. One of the things I appreciate the most about being from there.

[@b.f.skinner4383]

No one: Rinella: I smell elk

[@caseyrags229]

You can definitely smell them

[@janispayne5570]

Got home from a stressful night at work and watching Steve hunt elk totally helps me forget the past eight hours. He’s such a dude!😁

[@calineman]

" I go home to relax" Rinella. Never a statement made so true. Related to backcountry elk hunting. Then a year of planning and training to do it again year after year.

[@puprilla]

Rinella is a badass honorable man! He makes me proud to be a outdoorsman. Lately ive been cleaning up trash at my local fishing spots! Feels great to be part of the solution not the problem

[@PahaPoniesSpanishMustangs]

New Mexico......truly the land of enchantment

[@petehoward8494]

Much respect to this guy for his brutal honesty. It's so very rare these days.

[@cobydebruin5580]

These got me through a whole ass deployment and this is still my comfort show

[@cassandradiaz7651]

Thank you for your service 🌼

[@jayrobertson232]

Thank you for your service!....US ARMY 1969-75

[@TheGenerationX894]

His narration is calming, I feel you.

[@tavish4699]

@@jayrobertson232 NAM .... im not from the US but thanks for doing what you had to i wish the goverment would acually care for you Vets

[@kellymahan861]

Beautiful country! In 1974 I spent 5 months working for the USFS as a fire fighter in the Gila Wilderness. For 30 days I camped with 3 other young guys and repaired existing trails above Glenwood, NM. I lived on the 'Kelley' ranch for almost a year as a ranch hand. Love that area...My sister and her husband live above Cuba, NM in a huge log cabin, he is a hunting guide and my sister shot her first elk 2 years ago. One of God's wonders!

[@musicman123ization]

Damn I’m jealous, I really gotta get out there. I’m sure it was an an awesome experience. How old were you at the time?

[@alwaysbeglassing]

Whoever was behind the camera 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@alwaysbeglassing]

And props to the editor too!

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

Probably Janis the Latvian eagle putelis🤘🤘

[@Beavis.]

I’ve grown up in the gila and have lived here my whole life and it’s a gift from God

[@cattleranch1430]

This show has got to be some of the best hunting filming I have seen in a long time !!! Thank you for taking my mind off this freakishly weird US we live in right now.

[@DJ-kg6zq]

I’m always in the mountains by myself, doing activities and exploring. Sometimes it’s a real lonely grind lol. I appreciate your deep and sincere connection with these places and animals. It reminds me that there are like-minded people that are more than happy to just experience this great land. These episodes and your podcast mean a lot to me, thank you🙂

[@bikesareprettycool4886]

Is it just me that remembers, but didn’t he say that his favorite animal to hunt is mule deer?

[@Swollenfishy]

Was thinking the same thing

[@iceymedia21]

Yes but he had to hunt one thing it would be elk probably because of the challenge hunting mule deer is like hunting squirrels compared to elk

[@307fishing]

He said on the bear and turkey video turkey was his favorite to hunt lol.

[@mtguy234]

I was just going to say that but I saw your comment!

[@pkhjdlkfjandljfn]

His favorite thing to hunt? Whatever he is currently hunting for...lol

[@shanerichters8633]

Love to hear hunters bring up sunsets!! The awesome sunrises and sunsets along with all the natural beauty make an empty tag day, still worth it!!

[@alecchapin9071]

Sunrises, like the milky way, are an experience we as a species mostly ignore and forget about, yet we benefit from both biologically and spiritually.

[@braxtonwriston9722]

I’m more impressed he got any elk tag in New Mexico. Let alone a trophy unit in 4 years

[@robtrujillo2910]

That’s what I’m saying. When I can’t draw a tag In over 10 years

[@johnathannelson6195]

A clean miss is always better than a dirty hit.

[@scottmorgan701]

Amen Johnathan. Blessings

[@bluepower1177]

No joke

[@jesseknox9322]

Amen brother

[@SnailHatan]

Yeah I’d rather miss than shoot em in the asshole. Gives the meat a funky taste

[@micjam1986]

@@SnailHatanyucky!! Lol

[@mosin9105]

Love the real side of the hunt…decisions, shots, etc., we are rarely perfect, and hunts like this make the next one sweeter!

[@BossMan_Jerm]

Started watching for the hunting, stayed for Steven and his attitude toward the hunt

[@thomholio]

Thank you Mr. Rinella and the Meat Eater crew! This show is a gift to humanity.

[@thelarko16]

This man has gotten me so interested in Hunting that I have applied for a gun licence and I am joining my local hunting club when it comes through. Can't wait to get started.

[@freedomforamericans1174]

Applied for a gun license?? Sounds like you don't have the freedom to exercise your rights where you live I would be moving out of there asap

[@tavish4699]

@@freedomforamericans1174 its called europe my friend and most of us should be greatfull we are still even allowed to get guns

[@alwaysbeglassing]

“People talk about going hunting to relax, man I go home to relax-Hunting Kills Me” Same here

[@ogoe_joeoutdoors1088]

But it's a good death

[@ultimatedriversofmachinery]

*doesnt take shot to get most out of it*

[@magnumarrowarchery155]

Hunting kicks your butt if your doing it the right way 💪🏽🇺🇸

[@bedford4383]

Knackers you physically but definitely clears your head.

[@andytrujillo8923]

I've lived in New Mexico all my life and have never hunted the Gila but everyone I know that has says it's one of the best hunts they have been on.

[@nicholasblancett5704]

He says we never talk about sunsets. Personally, if I spent half the time hunting that I do simply admiring nature with a weapon in my hand I’d have a lot more harvests

[@ericwheat9540]

My grandfather had a ranch over there. The Gila Cliff Dwellings were on his ranch, and also lake Roberts. It was a big ranch. Deer and elk everywhere.

[@kevinfransen7008]

Great cinematography, great cameramen

[@jdsrcs8061]

Love the Gila!!!! We have only drawn there once, 3 tags in one elk out. Lots of walking but amazing at the same time. 400am is the best to hear the bugeling everywhere!!!

[@colinbell2983]

The great thing about this show and what makes it better is that it shows the failed hunts as well.

[@marketshare5273]

No hard Hunt is a failure some just end with added bonuses. 👊👍😎

[@davejack8973]

Steven Rinella is the Anthony Bourdain Of hunting . clear concise and gives me goose bumps at least a couple times a show : MUCH LOVE FROM CANADA BUDDY

[@bmonty1915]

This show is so much more than a hunting show. God Bless you Steve.

[@bthorn5035]

It's good that he shows the failures. That's the way it is. This is real. I hate it when the shows only display the highlights of hunting. The viewer should see the hardships and the heartbreak.

[@jasonl5041]

New Mexico’s state motto is the Land of Enchantment. When you’re hunting in the Gila National Forest, you can see why. I had a chance to turkey hunt there in 2004. I hope to get back there one day. It’s a very unique place.

[@thisguy5542]

anyone else hit the like button on meateater videos before they even start?

[@phredrocks]

Steve thanks for being an honest hunter. This video proves to me your salt! well done sir. Mad respect!

[@outdoorswithjt6652]

It's fortuitous to say but I live my dreams through this guy.

[@chadh7005]

I too share the passion for elk. I've ate tag soup a couple times just cause I wasn't ready for my hunt to be over. Thats one of the biggest lessons I've learn is never pass a good shot. Or most likely your headed home light.

[@chadh7005]

Side note this comment was pryor to watching lol there's definitely something bout elk that's so amazing. Even after all that you can still smile when you get home.

[@hitnorcal]

Cinematography is amazing in this episode.

[@Roman-tj4bl]

Production in general was top notch on this episode. The music was so relaxing and beautiful New Mexico did its part as well. Hope this continues in Season 5.

[@thisisntbobby]

@@Roman-tj4bl these are old episodes. They’re on season 9 now

[@jameshampshire1295]

There is nothing like a high dessert southwest sunset, I’ve lived all over the world and I still miss northern Arizona and New Mexico sunsets

[@jonvia]

That area of the US is such beautiful country. Cant wait to live, hunt, and fish in Southern Colorado in the near future =) Looks very similar to this area of NM. Mix of trees and rock formations. Very cool stuff.

[@rogerramjet7567]

Elk have been my go to animal for most of my life. My last hunt will probably be Arizona. Been lucky enough to hunt most of the Rocky Mountain states. Done mostly on my own. Never pass on the first day what Mother Nature is handling you. She may not do it again.

[@Wyklow]

The editor really stepped up their game. The tent montage was sick.

[@t.j.poductions6462]

I missed a world class bull in the gila from about 10 yards back In 2016. Arrow smacked a branch and skipped over his back. Still haunts me to this day.

[@aidanbond9934]

Steve isn’t even a hunter. He is a true outdoorsman and sportsman. He appreciates nature just as he appreciates every other aspect of hunting

[@thewadebloodgoodjourney552]

I love the honesty and truth of hunting. Hunters understand but non Hunters have no idea it not easy and success is not guaranteed

[@bradbo3]

I hate episodes where they come up empty....BUT....it shows how real this show is. Its what actually happens....none of that last second appearance of a Elk with a shot and a happy ending.

[@thomasnielson8579]

i should be in college algebra rn, bbuuuuuuuutttttt new episode takes priority

[@wesleylamphere6327]

Same lol 😂

[@treebuster93]

Hell yeah

[@reyboy4284]

As an undergrad I skipped class ALOT to hunt and fish because of this guy years ago. Now as a professional and graduate student, I still out hunting and fishing as my top priority.

[@danielbyars6]

Dont let school get in the way of your education

[@wesleylamphere6327]

@@danielbyars6 that’s the best thing I have ever heard

[@jamestimmerman7519]

This is why I like your vids. You are real.

[@dirtclodaz.1161]

Great attitude and mindset for others to learn from, especially our youngsters.

[@randysparks1271]

He's a good role model, hell I'm almost thirty and I still look up to him.

[@tavish4699]

yea he seems to acually have respect for the animals unlike most us hunters ive seen on youtube

[@makapa2u]

Watching the sun rise in the morning and set is always the best being out hunting or fishing and I try and share that with my family or whom ever is with me at the time. Sunset cheers 🍻 are the best😎

[@robertbratty2588]

I understand the need to feel that you earned the moment. I once passed up a book antelope on my first hunt for them. My friend got him and asked why I did not shoot. I said I just couldn't spend all that time dreaming of a hunt and then have it done that quick. I harvested a smaller one and was more than pleased. I got to experience more.

[@underdogoutdoors]

We all miss. Just don't do it enough where your called Miss Rinella! Great video as always.

[@LetsGoAlready]

Steve hunted down south and up north New Mexico that is awsome , being from New Mexico 🌶

[@MagicXike]

There’s no sunsets like a New Mexico sunset 🙏🏽

[@chriscolwell2691]

Getting a quality elk tag every 4 years is a cake walk...lol....most quality tags are 10 plus years! Great video...I like the end comparison of knowledge learned and knowledge forgotten...only to be learned again...so true.

[@CarlosGarcia-507]

Good ol’ New Mexico sunsets, makes everything better. Best in the world

[@DgDanger72]

It's nice to know that even guys like SR miss their shots at times. I no longer feel less of a hunter/man about missing that 75 yrd'r two season's ago... lol

[@josephhathaway5053]

Appreciate you sharing the REALITY of hunting. Including when we miss.

[@tymesgale6205]

Super cool that he’s hunted in my home state. NM does have good game hunting.

[@goggy28]

It’s been 30 years since I drove through NM at night, it grave me a creepy feeling. I would love to hunt it through!

[@friedrice69]

Rinella is a Legend.

[@ryanmoscato7010]

I wish Netflix had more than 4 seasons

[@type1outside802]

Lunch break MeatEater episodes are the best!

[@jakefarmer3122]

Watching those elk fighting in a hunting situation must have been a surreal experience. Awesome vid! Unfortunate outcome. Love the philosophy though.

[@charlie21gunner87]

Damn dude, #MeatEater, I've never seen you miss before. At least you got a beautiful sunset and a VERY expensive tag soup!!! LOVE IT!

[@jeffharper6259]

Steve remember that old saying: a Bull Elk in my sights is better than two larger bull elk in the bush :)

[@benwinstanley101]

That’s amazing getting a elk is the bonus . What a great country you have

[@jacovandenberg7152]

Thats why it's called hunting and not shopping! Thanks for another great episopde👍

[@michaelrodriguez1244]

Incredible show like always. I love New Mexico

[@illhano12345]

"People talk about, going hunting to relax, man i go home to relax hunting kills me." - Steve Rinella

[@alainderoulette]

I love all your beautiful scenery , your commentery and off course your hunt . Cheers !

[@jamessala10]

From Grand Rapids area and these videos started my love for hunting. Thanks, Steve and friends, for all you guys do!

[@WenisincTM]

I live in New Mexico and the elk are very nice 👌

[@coondogsoutdooradventures2484]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that misses occasionally.

[@ericpitre4031]

Love the face he makes when shootin that bear. Like a quirky smile🐻🐻

[@ManWithGoodHands]

Pretty sure Steve has said the same thing about mulies and turkeys... gotta love a guy who loves hunting

[@marcosbustamante8907]

The sunsets in New Mexico are beautiful that’s why it’s called the enchantment state

[@edwardgibstein8449]

I've missed plenty of makeable putts 50 yrs into golf-you know that sh-t happens but you just keep chasing. Love your series Steve.

[@rickmcninch7100]

We've all had hunts like that. It's not if you're gonna miss but when

[@enolawolf4705]

The "lightning bug" analogy is on point.

[@comedickunt]

25 more seasons please & thank you 🙏

[@jonruger]

As a man who has been desleeved I’m surprised to see Steve wearing a metal ring. It happens so easy I was climbing off my tractor and it caught the step when I went to leap off skinned my finger easy as pie.

[@crangs8142]

said in a podcast he's swapped to a silicon one now I believe

[@greerww2]

Just coming out of surgery and being layed up for spring bear season. At least I get live vicariously though Steve's hunts

[@julianpalmer-smith5765]

Making plans for my family’s first deer season ever, watching this almost makes it impossible to wait for the winter

[@phoenixmastm]

RIGHT?! I'm sitting here trying to plan out vacation times and bugging various relatives and friends to let me hunt their property, all the while watching this and getting more and more freaking anxious! LET IT BE FALL ALREADY DAMMIT! XD

[@andyhobaugh3104]

The best part about this show is the failures. It's a beautiful realism that other shows just don't understand.

[@txtpqb]

I totally agree too. Its what intrigued me about Steve from the get-go. Just real scenarios for everyone that hunts can apply to, quite the opposite to the fantasy hunt shows and guys that walk around bragging about stuff they never do.

[@user-vs2fx3ng5w]

Just wow. The music in this episode is spectacular.

[@earlshaner4441]

Thank you brother and sharing your thoughts and adventures no matter where you are at brother

[@ogjoseywales1823]

These videos have inspired me to dream more than I have ever dreamed before. Thank you for uploading these please continue it.

[@skydiver6711]

Everyone misses now and then. But you are Steve Rinella! I've never seen you miss! Oh well, everyone misses now and again. Thanks for all the hunting vids Steve. They always make my day.

[@myfarminmybackyardgunners636]

Steven rinnela you have been one of my inspirations to hunt. So thank you🙏

[@AsaPhelps]

Guy just lives it, one of the most real existences a human can have.

[@diarmok1549]

i’m listening to American bison written by steven rinella also read bye Steven rinella it was €13 which i though was a lot but only being on chapter 5 it’s already worth every penny Steven is definitely the most interesting, inspirational, coolest guy out there. mad respect

[@johngoodman7160]

Keep up the hunts for the ones of us that can't inspiration hope is still out there thank you

[@ravashsphinx]

Keep uploading here, thank you so much to the meateater family you guys rock!!💕