Big Game Hunting with Jason Mitchell
Jason Mitchell, SCHEELS Pro Staff, is well-known for his passion for fishing, but he’s also an avid hunter. As the hunting season draws near, Mitchell reflects on his early experiences in big game hunting and how having the right gear and clothing helped him make the most of his hunt.
“My interest and passion for hunting might surprise some people,” says Jason Mitchell, “but I often joke that I fish all year so I have time to hunt in the fall. I love hunting, and over the past ten to fifteen years, I’ve enjoyed big game hunting. My first experiences hunting western big game were probably typical for what many new hunters experience. I wanted to see the vast country and test myself both mentally and physically, but I didn’t have any idea or clue as to what western big game hunting encompassed.”
“At the time, I didn’t appreciate a lightweight, short-barreled mountain rifle, ultra-light camping gear, or tactical hunting clothing. I didn’t understand the importance of quality hunting boots. Those first big game hunts, my gear and equipment were mediocre to poor for the task at hand—I lugged a sleeping bag the size of a check-in suitcase up the mountain! But, with big game hunting, I knew I had to have the right mindset—be comfortable while being uncomfortable.”
“Over time, I began to invest in quality gear that works better, makes me more comfortable in uncomfortable situations, and lasts for several years. After a sheep hunt in the Yukon, I bought an ultra-light rifle because I now understood that a six-pound gun feels unbearably heavy when crawling up a mountain with fifty pounds on your back. In hindsight, the guides and other hunters probably thought I was a Cub Scout Master going for a little field trip to the city park when they saw me show up. This was the first time I saw people cutting the handles off of their toothbrushes to save room and weight. A day later, when I was climbing up that mountain, everything made a lot more sense.”
“I have slept on the hard ground and rocks without a pad, wrapped in a blue tarp, as snow fell on top of me. I shivered from being soaking wet. I have been miserable on the hunt, but I was younger and full of unbridled desire to experience western big game hunting. Now, with plenty of experience and mistakes, I make sure my boots are broken in and I have the gear and clothing to make these adventures more enjoyable. I’ve learned that if you buy the right equipment and take care of it, you only have to buy it once.”
“The good news for hunters is that the clothing, in particular, keeps getting better. Before my upcoming hunt this year, I went to SCHEELS and spent time with their Hunting Clothing Experts to get properly fitted with the right technical hunting clothing. There are many very high-quality layering systems all with leading technologies and innovative fabrics. Plus, the selection of hunting packs and frames is popular with many of the guides I know.”
“When big game hunting, you might be required to pack an animal or use a spike camp, and there are some incredible pieces of equipment featuring technologies that just were not available even a decade ago. I always prepare for the hunt by spending time talking to some of the SCHEELS Hunting Experts to educate myself on these new tools. I recommend you compare brands and products as well as educate yourself so that you can purchase the right items for what you need to accomplish.”
“This type of hunting will test you, but this isn't a toughness or misery contest. These tools that are available can make your experiences so much richer and more enjoyable when you can elevate personal comfort.”