SCOUR THE EARTH - A New Mexico Archery Mule Deer Hunt 2024

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I drew a late-season archery mule deer tag this year in New Mexico. This hunt turned out to be much different than I expected. And although I love a challenging hunt this was not my ideal scenario by a long shot. However, every hunt provides an opportunity for adventure and growth. As usual, I did my best to capture it all on film. I need to give a special note of appreciation to my friend Hayden who was local to the area and spent a ton of time helping me out on this hunt.
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[@dirtfishingdad_2_34]

15:16-17:18 Wise words. Grinding is type 2 fun which sometimes leads to type 1 fun, and sometimes comes with failure. Two years ago I was failing miserably and gave up and went home early on a hunt. Lack of buck sightings and cold wet rain sent me packing with my tail between my legs. The feeling I had after that has stuck with me and I have vowed from then on to just keep grinding. Rewarded this year with my first bow mule deer in AZ on the last day in the last hour. It was just a spike, but as a newer western hunter I was very happy. Next season I will be holding out for finding and killing a mature buck. Great vid man!

[@MindfulHunter]

💪

[@hunt1198]

What unit is this in

[@Elkslaya1]

Love that country! I used to draw that unit every year until about 4 years ago. Love hunting mulies in the rut! Hopefully i will draw again this year along with a sheep tag! And we don’t call them a “wash” in NM. We call them draws ;) and absolutely right. Even when you aren’t seeing much or having any action, things happen fast and suddenly that you would never experience if you are back at camp. Roy Roth mentioned that in an interview once that i saw. Things happen for no other reason than you being out there and being in the moment.

[@MindfulHunter]

Great point!

[@vancejohnson1778]

Hell ya brother another bad ass inspiration film, definitely dug deep to keep after it, nd sometimes that's literally all u can do it just keep grinding nd trust the process! Hopefully 2024 is record breaking man 👌

[@MindfulHunter]

Hell yeah!

[@frankmadero9395]

Are you not using binoculars on your tripod to glass?

[@MindfulHunter]

I use a tripod for my binos all the time

[@rbljackson]

I finally got to sit back and enjoy this episode. Like we talked about before the hunt....that unit is so why open in some areas its hard to sneak up on em. Wind wind wind.....UGGG>...thats always a challenge. Tring to bowhunt an area like that is a huge challenge. I was actually surprised though....in the earlier portion of this, you were in some thicker spots from what I expected to see. I expected that most of the country would be like it was at the 30-45 minute portion of the video. And yep...all that area looks the same and the deer can be anywhere. SO close on that Audad though!! I like the fade out of light on the last evening of the hunt. Isnt that the way it goes more often than not...LOL. On my elk hunt in WY in 2018, on the last evening, I could hear shots going off about 3/4 of a mile or so from where I was, and I was just hoping the elk would come down to my position as the light faded and the moon came up...UGGG. Those memories do last though.

[@MindfulHunter]

💯

[@13hawks32claws]

The mental time clock is set on most hunts because you have a definite departure date. I’ve tried to approach hunts in the same manner as I do jujitsu. Don’t worry about the time or being uncomfortable just make sure you are ready when your opportunity present it’s self. 💪🏻

[@MindfulHunter]

Great perspective.

[@Darianparsi]

Jay is a great guy. He put in a lot of time sending me a list of his gear and answered a few questions for me. Gave me his time, even though I am a stranger to him, respect... I have become your fan Jay. Keep up the good work.

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@jaimelujan1212]

Looks like unit 32 it’s a rough rough hunt. I’ve hunted it in the rifle and was successful but it really really tested me. Definitely a truck unit. If you want to see big mule deer in the january rut hunt in New Mexico. You need to put in for the unit I live in. 180+ deer all over the place! Love the content!

[@MindfulHunter]

Damn close my friend!

[@RobDigital_OutDoors]

Wow that sucks you didnt have good hunt with a nice animal at the end but i am glad that you put this out the way you did. Every one else shows a the wins. You brought out the true experience of just being out there. Ultimate win.

[@MindfulHunter]

💪

[@symetryisoverated]

Some of the best hunts I've ever had have come out of busted plans. So much so that when it happens I start feeling lucky... Nice video, nice pace. I can't tell you how many hunting videos I've clicked off due to the obnoxious, out of place "soundtracks". This blended well too. I connected to your commentary regarding the struggle. Go long enough, go hard enough, go deep enough, go to places others don't want to go, go to places you don't want to go, go to places you've already been, go there again. Thanks for taking me a long

[@MindfulHunter]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback.

[@symetryisoverated]

@@MindfulHunter too easy. Keep up the good work.

[@danieljordan2012]

Hell ya beautiful bear jay!, respect to everything you said at the end of the video!

[@MindfulHunter]

💪

[@jasonfox8020]

Another cool hunt. Love these hunting vids and most everything else on this channel. Mindful Reviews Lifer here. Request; you post links to your gear lists down below for each hunt. We all recognize and LOVE the Ambient. Also I would love to see a vid of how you clean your gear once you return home and a comparison of the cleaning agents and techniques you use to keep your gear working as closely to optimum as possible. THANKS. I’ll also take a pair of Swaro 10*42s to “test” if you have some layin around. ❤️

[@MindfulHunter]

🙌

[@bruceculberson610]

Tough stalking in that wide open country! I was pulling for Hayden on those sheep! Aoudad are intriguing….

[@MindfulHunter]

Yeah I’m going back for one for sure

[@harrymax8072]

Oh shit yeah new vid. Will hook into this after work - good stuff Jay

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@Benjacques1173]

Awesome work brother. Great effort & never give up man. Love your videos 🤙🏼

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@tanneralford7671]

deer will definitely move in the wind some people say more so in heavy wind than low wind. they were born in that wind

[@MindfulHunter]

👍

[@CD02]

Were those aoudad at the beginning?

[@MindfulHunter]

Yep!

[@nissan180sexy]

Great video Jay looks like a heck of a hunt in some great country. Ive been following you a long time. If I could say one thing though there was alot of music in the video. Thats just not my cup of tea.

[@MindfulHunter]

Fair point man. Each to their own.