Exo Journal — Mindset

If you asked 1,500 hunters about specific ways to make the most of shot opportunities, and ethically and effectively kill their target animal, what do you think they would say matters most? We asked those hunters, and we have those answers. As part of The Experience Challenge, we had 1,500+ hunters complete a detailed Hunt Reflection. Their answers inspired this new series, The Backcountry Blueprint. In each installment, we distill key takeaways from 1,500+ hunters to help you master the backcountry. Today, we're looking at how to make the most of each shot opportunity, including what hunters have learned from...

This year, for the first time on an Exo Death Hike, the entire hike took place on an established trail. We embarked upon a Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim hike of the Grand Canyon. Starting at the South Rim, we descended more than 4,700' in elevation down the South Kaibab trail. Crossing the Colorado River, we continued putting on miles in the depths of the Canyon before ascending more than 5,800' up the North Kaibab Trail to the Grand Canyon's North Rim. From one side of the Grand Canyon to the other. And back again. In total, we hiked more than 50 miles, climbed...

We had been hunting hard for seven days, but no arrows had taken flight. With 45 minutes left of light, we spotted a great bull about a mile out. Like hungry coyotes, we quickly moved through the dense high desert to close the distance before nightfall. As the sun dipped into the horizon, we were presented with a great shot opportunity. We heard the arrow hit, watched the bull run off, and decided to give it time. After a frosty night, we picked up the blood trail, but couldn't find the bull. The search continued until we found ourselves with...

Living in the backcountry can be dangerous — especially for hunters. In addition to hiking in treacherous terrain and dealing with difficult weather conditions, backcountry hunters deal with the potential of unintended harm from firearms, broadheads, and knives. Here is what you should know, and have, to be prepared...