EP 315 - Hunting Smarter, Not Harder: 3 Important Lessons Learned My First Year of Outfitting
About this episode
Jay Nichol shares important lessons learned from his first year as an outfitter in Alberta and British Columbia, focusing on hunting strategies and decision-making.
In this video, I break down the most important lessons I learned during my first full year as an outfitter across Alberta and British Columbia. From scaling my business to guiding 12 clients across three different territories, this year taught me more than I ever expected—about hunting, decision-making, pressure, and staying focused under stress. Whether you’re a new guide, an aspiring outfitter, or just a dedicated hunter looking to level up, this video offers real-world insight, hard-earned advice, and a deep dive into the psychology behind better hunting decisions. 🔎 What You’ll Learn:• The importance of hunting the same ground repeatedly• Why “don’t leave animals to find animals” is a golden rule• How pressure and system one thinking can sabotage success• Cognitive biases that hurt decision-making in the field• How to plan hunts to reduce mental fatigue and improve outcomes 📍 Chapters:00:00 – Intro & Background: My First Year Outfitting00:43 – How I Got Started (Alberta & BC Concessions)02:35 – 2026 Hunts & Booking Info04:42 – Lesson 1: Know Your Ground07:17 – Lesson 2: Don’t Leave Animals to Find More Animals09:48 – Lesson 3: Just Go to Work10:23 – System 1 vs…
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