Exo Journal — Mindset

Many hunters love the idea of hiking deep in the wilderness to experience a hunt of their dreams. But you don't have to pack-in 10+ miles deep into the backcountry to find success, or to experience and adventurous backpack hunt. Let's consider the reality of packing-in deep...

I was two days into an archery elk hunt in Arizona. As I sat under the tree, I questioned all of my life choices leading up to this moment. What was supposed to be an epic two-week hunt was ruined by choices and circumstances leading up to hunting season. Learn from the mistakes I made that ruined my hunt...

The phrase “life changing” is cliché, but that is the only way I know how to describe what it has been like to participate in the Exo Death Hike over the years. If I had not participated in these events, I would not be the man that I am today. Here are the 6 biggest lessons I have learned in 6 Death Hikes...

The challenges of bowhunting can lead one to doubt. If you're in a slump and struggling to fill your tag, it may feel like you're doing nothing more than taking your bow on nature walks. I have been there before and I know what that feels like. Here is how I battled my way back to becoming a successful bow hunter...

Should you sacrifice time where you could be hunting for yourself to go on a friend's hunt with him? I mean, with time being such a valuable commodity for most of us, are there good reasons (other than being a nice guy) to dedicate some of your time in the field to help your buddies? I would argue an emphatic "yes" to that question, and in no particular order, here are some of my reasons for saying so…

Bowhunting is an art. You can't expect to pick up a brush for the first time and paint the Mona Lisa. Stick figures are more like it. As a newer bowhunter, you're going to fail most of the time — and that's ok. After a rough start, you just need a lot of persistence and patience, and you'll make things happen...

Is it possible to maximize every day you have in the backcountry by quickly and confidently making choices without agonizing over the potential pros and cons of each one? I believe it is, but it’s going to take some forethought. Here is how I battle against "paralysis by analysis" during my hunts...

While newer hunters “don’t know what they don’t know”, experienced hunters often know more than they may be able to communicate effectively. This gap between the experienced and the beginner is something we explore in this episode covering “What I wish I knew when I started” lessons.

There are a lot of variables and added layers of difficulty that come with solo hunting in the backcountry. The questions you may consider include — Is solo hunting actually a good idea? Is it worth it? And is it right for you? I believe a strong case can be made that solo hunting is, in fact, a good idea IF you...

The 2021 Death Hike began with a flight into a remote airstrip, deep in Idaho's Frank Church "River of No Return" Wilderness. Two groups landed at two different airstrips, and upon waving goodbye to the Cessna planes, each group had the goal of hiking out of the wilderness over the next 48 hours.