Exo Journal — Mindset

I drew for a New Mexico archery elk tag in March 2015. It was my first elk tag. I worked my tail off in the gym, at the range, and in my garage bow shop, determined to hike into the mountains a predator. It took over 5 months of preparation and a full workweek of high-country hiking, with several tough lessons learned on the job to accomplish the goal...

Confidence is something that is developed over time, by experience. Attempting new things often feels difficult and awkward. But with some experience, these new pursuits become comfortable, and we become confident. You don’t have to think about walking any more, you just do it. Having a conversation with someone is commonplace, and you rarely need to think about finding the right word to convey your thoughts and then strategically try to pronounce that word correctly. Talking just happens. It wasn’t always that way though. It takes time to develop competence and confidence in all skills, including hunting.

The mental game of backcountry hunting, and just hunting in general, can really be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. The ability to grind through tough situations is going to be what either sends you back up the mountain after that elk, or sends you back to the truck to head home. Let’s take a look at a few bumps in the road that we all might encounter from time to time.

The thought of hiking into a wilderness area with nothing but a backpack, bow, and a whole lot of hope truly did consume my thoughts for some time.  No vehicles, no people, and a rugged but simple way of hunting was something that I knew I had to experience in the future.  Finally, after much day dreaming and probably annoying my wife with way too many adventure/bowhunting stories, I decided that I NEEDED to try this backpack hunting thing out.  I am so glad that I did and I would like to share with you why I think YOU should...