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
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[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!😁

[@fredcarter7003]

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

[@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.

[@petehoward8494]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@BossMan_Jerm]

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

[@PahaPoniesSpanishMustangs]

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

[@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🙂

[@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

[@Beavis.]

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

[@alwaysbeglassing]

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

[@alwaysbeglassing]

And props to the editor too!

[@ADVENTURESOFBZ]

Probably Janis the Latvian eagle putelis🤘🤘

[@friedrice69]

Rinella is a Legend.

[@b.f.skinner4383]

No one: Rinella: I smell elk

[@caseyrags229]

You can definitely smell them

[@mosin9105]

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

[@thomholio]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Dixiecraftsman]

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]

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

[@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!!!

[@phredrocks]

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

[@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

[@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

[@kevinfransen7008]

Great cinematography, great cameramen

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@josephhathaway5053]

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

[@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😎

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jeffharper6259]

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

[@outdoorswithjt6652]

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

[@type1outside802]

Lunch break MeatEater episodes are the best!

[@thisguy5542]

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

[@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.

[@LetsGoAlready]

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

[@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

[@CarlosGarcia-507]

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

[@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

[@jamestimmerman7519]

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

[@jacovandenberg7152]

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

[@jakefarmer3122]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@earlshaner4441]

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

[@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!

[@michaelrodriguez1244]

Incredible show like always. I love New Mexico

[@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.

[@underdogoutdoors]

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

[@damianrodarte7727]

Native New Mexican here. There is a reason our state is called the Land of Enchantment and most people here never know what that means because they never get out. Just tagged out with my Pronghorn and have had my deer and elk and even an oryx. Getting out in the real wild west out here in vast valleys and deserts is the real treat. Even hunting back east has no comparison and is still detached from real hunting. I have never sat and waited. Over here you gotta do exactly what he does and hunt your ass off. Not pretentious just appreciative of living in the best hunting state the country has to offer. Only place you can hunt oryx, ibex, and javelina all in one season within 100 miles of each other. Come out here if you wanna earn your stripes baby. Montana knows whats up lol

[@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'

[@Линчик-ю1и]

Just wow. The music in this episode is spectacular.

[@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

[@MagicXike]

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

[@illhano12345]

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

[@rickmcninch7100]

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

[@tyronesmith3121]

Dont knock yourself too hard Steven. I missed a 6x6 at @30yds while Bowhunting on the Navajo Reservation. And that hurt!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@holymolydonutshop3449]

I grew up in ohio and never hunted a day in my life. Im talking about never even a fly with a flyswatter but for some reason I love watching his videos and the ones with Rogan and Callen always have me laughing. Much respect because at the same time I see how tough it is just from the videos so could only imagine in real life.

[@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

[@enolawolf4705]

The "lightning bug" analogy is on point.

[@alainderoulette]

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

[@AsaPhelps]

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

[@Wyklow]

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

[@AlaskanFalcon]

"Bummed and embarrassed" ~ I can relate to that, last hunting season I missed a moose around 126yards. I can easily shoot to 300. It would've been my first moose, I think my nerves got to me. I went and searched the area for nearly 5 hours. I was in disbelief that I had missed him, especially cause he had stumbled after I shot but after scouring the hillside I think he had stepped in one of the many holes I had. the grass was about 4ft tall as well which made searching difficult.

[@ar21angler76]

That is gods country right there. Just beautiful thank you for producing this content that lets average joes like me experience just a bit of this experience.

[@SWPG]

*Welcome to NM ! Love and Light ! HOOOAH*

[@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.

[@zekestube]

Steve is the Anthony Bourdain of the hunting world. Reminds me of his shows which are my all time favorite tv shows. Not the cooking Steve the story telling. Cooking ain’t bad though.

[@oditzki27]

if i'm not mistaken, they're both under the same production house. Zero Points Zero production who also produce cooks tour, no reservations, the mind of a chef, and also parts unknown...

[@cassandradiaz7651]

Good vibes

[@jacobweaver4523]

@@oditzki27 I did not know that and it makes so much sense. I've loved Bourdain for 15+ years and I've been a cook in a past life. I've never been a hunter but both shows connect to something that transcends the actual topic. Not to sound over the top, but they find the human aspect, the primal aspect, the part we all have and appreciate. Historically any contact I've had with hunting always seemed to center around "the kill" and I just dont connect with that. I dont enjoy the kill. I eat meat and I respect where it comes from, but I'll never enjoy that. Steve focuses on the other side of hunting and I've come to really respect and appreciate hunting because of him. Yes the kill and the meat is the goal, but the kill is not hunting. Like he said "once I pull the trigger the hunts over". I dont need to enjoy the kill to appreciate hunting and I'm grateful to Steve for showing me that.

[@nickreynolds8391]

Agree!!!! In a different way it does remind me of bourdain's shows. You need to check out the 3-part Bolivia episodes

[@PumpernickelPele]

Such a compliment and so true

[@ericharrington2509]

Got my first Bull elk with a bow this past year with a bow . Not just any elk , but a beautiful Royal 7x7 . One thing I would recommend when hunting during the rut is a Hooche Mommy....Enjoy watching MeatEater to keep me fired up

[@bornhunter2885]

Even though you missed a majestic bull there will be other opportunities for another shot. Hey great video's and love the effort, time and dedication you put into your hunts. Good luck on you next hunt dude👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍.

[@marcosbustamante8907]

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

[@philiphahn6086]

I love Steve, he's the captain America of the hunting industry

[@WenisincTM]

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

[@hunters1372]

Just in time for my lunch break.

[@treebuster93]

Perfect timing

[@CRonoldo7]

Right there with ya lol

[@johngoodman7160]

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

[@MrJmd116]

Steve, I thought you’d be eating a lizard in this one 🦎

[@daffyduck5351]

Just workin on my guns when I thought - “maybe there’s a new meat eater?” Rinella always delivers

[@paulsinger2539]

Wait...did you say it only took you 4 years of applying for an out of state rifle bull hunt in the gila?

[@mitchdroese84]

Start putting in fellas!!

[@cervuscanadensis5634]

It’s random

[@ManWithGoodHands]

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

[@mr.romero4799]

I hope 🤞🏽 I draw out for archery Elk and deer this year.

[@greerww2]

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