NEW MEXICO ANTELOPE WITH THOSH COLLINS

The plains of New Mexico offer some of the most scenic views in the country. The horizons seem endless and are only occasionally broken by glimpses of the Rockies peeking through. These plains host a variety of game; they are the lands where the deer and antelope roam. In a recent YouTube video, Hunter McWaters takes viewers on a journey through this stunning landscape. But he isn’t alone; he is joined by his friend Thosh Collins (Check out this podcast episode for more on Thosh).

Every hunt begins with countless hours of preparation and scouting. This includes glassing, finding points of egress, and potential landmarks. But what makes the experience unique is Thosh, a leader in the Indigenous American community. Exploration of public lands by hunters often involves acknowledging that Indigenous cultures originally inhabited and cherished these trails and wild places. Respect for these cultures is essential, as there is a belief that America lost something by not learning to coexist peacefully with them. Sharing different spiritual and cultural practices surrounding hunting can foster understanding. For example, Hunter and Thosh each share their pre-hunt ritual of prayer and meditation, thanking the creator of the land and stating that their intentions are peaceful. Thosh describes it as a way to introduce yourself to a land you’ve never been to. For Hunter, it’s about giving thanks to God for His creation, for stewardship of the land, for safety, and for fellowship. It’s these moments that are powerful and reflective on our own lives.

To demonstrate the power of these prayers and divine protection, a rattlesnake was sleeping where Hunter stood, only waking when Hunter moved away. It’s a miracle that the hunt didn’t turn into an emergency trip to the ER. What’s interesting is that avoiding a rattlesnake is considered a miracle in one culture but seen as an omen in another. Whether that omen is good or bad depends on the interpretation.

For gear, Thosh is using a Tikka rifle with a Vortex Viper optic. Hunter, however, is using a carbon-barreled rifle in an MDT HNT26 chassis with a Leupold VX-6HD optic. It always pays to use top-quality gear in Western hunts.

This experience was more than just hunting; it was an opportunity to build connections, exchange cultural insights, and learn from one another. The outcome included a new friendship, sharing healthy, delicious meat, and a deeper appreciation for both cultures. Whether or not the hunters were successful, make sure to check out the video. And if you are interested in what it takes to hunt antelope, check out this article by MDT Managing Editor Thomas Gomez. For more epic hunting videos, check out the >Hunter’s Quest YouTube Channel.