Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures Season 8 Episode 15 Hunting the Jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
- January 1, 2010
- 18 min
Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures follows renowned outdoor adventurer and professional hunter, Jim Shockey, as he travels the world in search of some of the rarest and most exotic game on the planet. In season 8's episode 15 titled "Hunting the Jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico," Jim journeys to the dense jungles of Mexico in search of a unique and elusive quarry.
The Yucatan Peninsula is a diverse region with tropical rainforests spread over vast areas. Jungle animals like cougars, jaguars, and wild boars can be found in dense numbers throughout these forests, and it is Jim's aim to hunt one of the rarest species in Mexico's jungle. At the heart of the jungle resides a unique and dangerous species called a Tapir.
Tapirs are not only elusive but have a harsh and tight ecosystem, the dense jungle they inhibit makes for a difficult hunt. Tapirs are also nocturnal, which creates a challenge for hunters. But Jim Shockey has navigated some of the most treacherous terrain on the planet, and preparing to hunt these rare beasts isn't going to be any different.
Starting early, Jim and his team head deep into the jungle before dawn in hopes of capturing a Tapir in its natural habitat. Jim had already done his research and learned that these animals have a unique look, making them easy to spot amidst the dense foliage of the jungles. The hunt would not be easy, but Jim was confident in his abilities and knowledge of the beast they were after.
As the day progresses, the hunting party becomes elated when they finally spot a Tapir traversing through the dense jungle. Trying to get closer to the animal proves to be more difficult than anticipated, as the jungle underbrush and vines make quite an obstacle course. However, Jim is not afraid of the challenge and moves through the jungle with ease using his previous hunting experiences to manoeuvre through the worsening jungle terrain.
As the sun sets, the hunting party finally gets closer to the Tapir, but spooking the animal has become a considerable hurdle. Hunting the Tapir, as Jim explains to the camera crew, isn't about just taking down prey but also about observing their characteristics and potential behaviours to understand the animals better.
The hunting party has a hit-or-miss spree of spotting the animal but can never get close enough for a shot. The day wears on, and as the rainforest begins to quiet down as the night sets in, the Tapir disappears yet again. It becomes evident that hunting these elusive creatures is far more complicated than picking up the trail.
The hunt for a Tapir has Jim calling on years of experience to track this animal, but despite their efforts, and the cooperation of the Tapir itself, success eludes the party. Even though they could not secure a grand prize on this occasion, the excursion was an adventure worth remembering. Jim and his team departed the jungle, spirits high, as they take in all the sights and sounds of one of the most biodiverse areas of the world.
Through "Hunting the Jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico," we get an insight into the challenges of the Yucatan Peninsula rainforest and the Tapir, as Jim and his crew experience the environment in their search for some of the rarest animals on earth. The dedication required to get the perfect shot is evident, and this adventure is one of the many that leave viewers patiently waiting for the next Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures season.