Ep 11. Backpack Mule Deer

The Western Hunter season 1 episode 11, titled "Backpack Mule Deer," follows the experienced hunter Chris Denham as he embarks on an eagerly-anticipated backpack mule deer hunt in the rugged wilderness of the Western United States. Throughout the episode, viewers will witness Chris' deep appreciation for the wilderness and his respect for the animals he hunts.

The episode begins with Chris and his crew driving up to the mountainous region where they will set up camp for their hunting expedition. The team quickly gets to work, unpacking and organizing their gear and getting their horses and mules settled in. Chris spends some time admiring the beauty of the surrounding landscape, commenting on the privilege of being able to spend time in such a remote and pristine environment.

As the first day of the hunt begins, Chris and his team set out on foot into the mountains, hiking through the rugged terrain in search of mule deer. Along the way, Chris stops to admire some of the rugged beauty of the landscape, pointing out unique rock formations and remote water sources. Despite having hunted in this area many times before, Chris seems never to tire of the challenges and rewards of this hunt.

Eventually, the hunters spot a large mule deer buck in the distance and begin stalking him stealthily. The safety of their backpacking gear relies heavily on their ability to stay quiet, so the team moves slowly and stealthily toward their target. Chris provides a running commentary on his thought process throughout the hunt, demonstrating a careful and thoughtful approach that maximizes his chances of success while still respecting the animals he hunts.

As Chris closes in on the mule deer, he must move carefully and quickly to get into a good position for the shot. While the goal of the trip is to bring home a trophy animal, Chris places a strong emphasis on making clean, ethical kills that minimize the animal's suffering. His expertise, honed over many years in the wild, shines through as he prepares for the shot.

Once the mule deer is down, Chris and his team set to work breaking down and preparing the animal for packing. Throughout this process, Chris emphasizes the importance of using every part of the animal, explaining that this is not only respectful but also essential in the context of a remote backpacking hunt where every ounce of weight counts.

The remainder of the episode features Chris and his team packing up the mule deer and hiking back to their base camp, where they will spend the rest of their hunt. Along the way, the team talks about their deep appreciation for the wilderness and the importance of responsible hunting practices for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Overall, "Backpack Mule Deer" is a thrilling and engaging episode that showcases the beauty and challenges of remote mountain hunting. Viewers will appreciate Chris' deep knowledge of the land and his commitment to ethical hunting practices, as well as his obvious reverence for the natural world.