23 Days Straight! - Traditional Bowhunting Elk 2022

Elk hunting season is here and for the Hayes Family that means it's time to head to the mountains in search of the winter's wild game meat supply. This year we're back in the Rockies living in a wall tent and traditional bowhunting elk with a fire hardened hickory selfbow. Liz is shooting her new compound bow and got out a few times but the hunting was tough this year. We called in several nice bulls and had several other close encounters with cows and rutting bull elk.
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#elkhunting #bowhunting #
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[@CRYPTID-COMMON-SENSE11]

Dude...I just discovered your channel...I'm 53 years old and have 8 Whitetail deer heads on my wall and 7 european mounts. I started hunting at age 11 and have taken many more...I hunt old school other than the weapon..no technology...no GPS..No guide Just the knowledge my father passed down..Track, look, listen, and walk like an Indian..But you my friend I give the utmost respect too..I love hunters that give the animal a sporting chance instead of hunting over a feeder on a deer farm. I have been binge watching your vids and just had to tell you how impressed I am my friend..Keep the old way alive..It's only fair to the Game...Can't wait for more episodes..I subscribed...Peace brother and safe hunting...

[@niksutherland4280]

Check him out on the show alone. He won because of it.

[@chiefqueef5712]

Yea he won season 8 of alone he is a beast!

[@hunterjordan4327]

Just so you know, the White man the original Biblical “Red” was just tracking, walking, looking, and listening to skillfully hunt way before the Indian. So it’s in Clay’s blood and biblical blessed heritage from The Word of God to hunt the old fashioned way.

[@WalkingCWild]

@@hunterjordan4327 Dude, you're just wrong on so many levels

[@skateboardingjesus4006]

@@hunterjordan4327 What a load of racially ignorant and religiously delusional bullshit. The genus Homo have been doing so in all our iterations since before we even left Africa. Pre-Clovis Culture led to American Indians, who diverged East over the Beiring Strait land-bridge from Asia, while us "white" men (who weren't very white at the time) spread West into Europe and filled every niche in between.

[@michaelgunter8193]

This is the best channel Ive found in a long time..Ive learned more watching u than in some classes I've taken..and it introduced me to the alone show .. the way u live is the way I wish I did

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@Baron-Ortega]

Hey man I'm British. We don't have such wonderful hunting available to everyone in the UK but I love your narrative. Hearing a real hunters thoughts. The ups. The downs. I am a keen fisherman and we have fantastic fishing here, so I can relate to the suspension. But sometimes it's just being there. Being in nature what counts. God bless. And also god bless America..love you folks

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Baron

[@jpg03a]

I love how you get the boys involved so much. You seem like a great father and they are lucky to have a dad that prepares them for manhood so well. My dad never did this kind of thing for us so I have been learning from you and am trying to put together my first trip so I can teach my son, River, how to hunt elk and hopefully have that as something we share as he grows. Thanks so much for putting out this content. Especially loved the tracking lesson.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks John

[@NeffTattoo]

It was just as cool seeing the kids find fossils as the elk encounters. Teaching your kids about he wilderness is just as good as filling a tag.

[@nznaturephotography]

Great hunt - it's not about tags in pocket, but the hunt. You had 23 days of that with your family. More than most.

[@stephenjohnson6841]

There is so much more to hunting than punching a tag! The close calls/encounters the camaraderie and the experiences is what gets me back out. Thanks for sharing!

[@martinschulz1524]

Greetings from Germany, thanks for giving me an impression of what bowhunting is like. Huge respect how you let your boy participate in this wild life. He will have this in his memory forever, the greatest gift you can make to him.

[@Zvanamen]

When that first bull came in my heart was racing, awesome footage clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Mine too😜

[@Zvanamen]

@@clayhayeshunter I'm guessing this message above is spam?

[@thegreasersoutdoors1572]

I have never sat in such still silence watching a video as I did around the 9 min mark of this one. Just an amazing sight. Thanks for sharing this experience with us all!

[@charlesleblanc6638]

Couldn't agree more about how the hunt is not just about killing, but the whole experience involved ... Really enjoyed the video. The cameraman did good as well. It's obviously a lot of hard work for the both of you.

[@pxrdii7780]

He films these himself

[@charlesleblanc6638]

@@pxrdii7780 In this video he had a dude with him.

[@dankosek2355]

Clay, life is made of memories... I lived in Stevensville MT for 7years and loved ever minute of it minute of it. I miss it out their, but life has called me here for now... Your son is doing great at growing his hunting skills... Blessing to you and yours... It keeps me sane watching your channel... Great video work.

[@caseysmith544]

Where is here?

[@iCantPickaNamej]

That walk/stalk @ 6:44 was the fucking coolest thing I've ever seen. You sounded like a big ass bull trotting along the bush. The way u kicked ur feet and snapped a branch. I've never seen anything like that. You are a Master Hunter, sir. Also there's so much gold in this video. I didn't see failure. I learned so much.

[@davehood2534]

You’re not the only one who has tried and failed ,yet found all you were seeking. Thanks for the peek into your life, I learned a couple things,or I guessed you confirmed them. 3 weeks with a compound,all elk nearly silent,tag soup.

[@scottweagel5416]

This family in the woods together for a season is what life is all about. Warm tent, good food, excellent.memories. I'm going deep in your content library, outstanding footage and story. Just enough narration and always educational. A huge fan of your style.

[@455rockett]

Ok I know right where to start, it looked as tho you had your family with you, that is great! Now taking your son hunting with you, is so so Awesome, I did the same with my son started when he was about 5 years old, now I'm old and now my son takes me hunting, shows me a new trick or two , but I can never tell you the blessing untill you live and experience it your self, harvesting an elk is super fun , but the time with your family and your son, well, PRICELESS!! Son replied , Ya no elk in the cave, I love that on so many levels

[@cedric2186]

Man these videos are a credit to you. Bloody amazing. Your living the dream of a lot of people.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@marcos.maj.]

com certeza incrivel, é uma oena que aqui no brasil não se pode caçar, admiro muito e gosto de ver videos assim. abraço

[@amateurastronaut5006]

Dude I just finished the 8th season of alone. When I started watching I said to my wife, "wait a minute! I'm subscribed on KZbin to that dude!" I knew you were gonna win as soon as I saw you were on it! Congratulations man! You totally deserve it! Love your content! Keep it coming!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@user-eg8hb8xt3j]

These elk know exactly where you are when calling . It always amazes me how they can pin your location down so exact . All of the sudden there is that black face looking right at you lol . I’m a rifle hunter so I’ve got more shot opportunities but that’s some great elk hunting fells . Great understanding and respect for the wind too

[@lisamcqueen8509]

Awesome place and time! The shot on the grouse, was the icing! Hope you share the flintlock hunt, too! Thanks for sharing, Clay. Steve

[@Swamp-Fox]

That first bull had me mesmerized! Great footage. Glad you & the family got to spend that time together in the mountains. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Absolutely

[@michpatriot9097]

What a awesome time with family! Stalking around with trad gear in such beautiful country..

[@MarkSmith-qk2rl]

If anyone saw failure, they have no idea of the success you really had ! The experience alone was a win, but teaching your son the tracking signs of an elk is an epic win. One day he will have tears in eyes when you have left for the mountains in the sky, thanking you for teaching him how to find and elk he has shot with a bow, you have taught him to make, when the blood has run dry !

[@journeyman7189]

Always good lessons to be learned from every "unsuccessful" hunt. Not to mention great time with the family. Nate

[@joshnicholas124]

Thanks for sharing your family’s hunt experience!

[@Andysfishing]

I don't see failures, I see learning and adventure, if bow hunting was easy I wouldn't do it. Heck, that's why I don't hunt with a rifle. Great video and a good story.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Absolutely!

[@chris_1337]

This was beautiful and poetic - thank you for all you do Clay!

[@donaldturner5124]

Purest form of hunting which also takes the highest level of skill.

[@gileswitcomb8273]

Enjoyed every minute of this film, from quality time with family, passing on wisdom to new generations, learnt a few new things myself - tracking especially Thank you

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@user-hx9cv3uv7n]

You could tell watching you on the show alone. You are a legit bow hunter. Those other contestants didn’t stand a chance. I’d like to see a season with all hunters and bushcraft specialist.

[@normankaster917]

The old ways will never be forgotten if we show others how it's done.... My old man would of been 75 this year and he would of tipped his hat to you... Nice job brother

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Norman

[@mikkokettunen3455]

That was one of the best hunting films in a long time. Great job and greetings from Finland🔥🍁

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Mikko

[@wrwarnerhall]

8:30 into this video... man, been there.. so much fun! That's what bow hunting is all about! Cheers from Genesee!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Right down the road

[@wrwarnerhall]

@Clay Hayes Yup! Let me know if you need a hand packing out! Happy to help..

[@chattahoocheeoutdoorsman4865]

Loved it all! Filling a tag is just a nice bonus. Nothing better than being out in the wilderness enjoying it all.

[@calebhumphreys7872]

These videos are so awesome!

[@bullseyedixon5660]

THANK YOU SIR!!!! I STOPPED BREATHING WITH THE FIRST BULL. THAT WAS SO INTENSE. SHALL CONTINUE SEEING YOUR ADVENTURES

[@tradmanmike3360]

Your last statement nails it all. Another great video adventure, loved it all.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@GQ3MindSpeaks]

Just came across this video. I’m 51 and I have just begun my hunting journey. I thoroughly enjoyed this video.

[@kenhuckins6189]

Fantastic video! I'll be watching it multiple times. You are definitely one of the most ethical hunters I've ever watched.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Ken

[@bentpolski]

Well Done Clay! A GREAT Family Experience!

[@darienk3998]

Love listening to the boys, you can really tell how much they are enjoying being out there and seeing all the beauty. That cave comment had me laughing. I know my boys would have kept asking to see that.

[@cindyfisher3149]

My husband has been hunting this same valley for 30 years, me for the last 10. He was just down the valley from you when you filmed this and recognized your camp. It’s fun to watch your videos because we can pinpoint exactly where you’re at. We love exploring the caves up in that area. There are really cool coral fossils in the area and Im constantly picking up rocks with cool minerals (😊). Tip: those mahogany patches are impossible to get through. Anyway, we loved this video and share the sentiments that you expressed. My husband hikes miles and miles in that country and this year, too, his tag was unfulfilled. But honestly, being in the most beautiful part of Idaho and being so close to nature is really what the experience is about. Meat on the table is just icing. ❤

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Cindy, we’ll be back down that way for the muzzleloader season. Stop by if ya see us.

[@antonylund241]

Ah man, that was just a beauty trip. Your son will have those memories for ever. Well i so appreciate you sharing all these with us, always such a wealth of experience and know how. Cheers from your northern neibours

[@Kito66j1]

I loved every minute of this hunt/family outing.

[@nicholasfimbinger3253]

Your the first you tube hunter that I feel like I can learn from! Good job your badass!

[@clayhayeshunter]

I appreciate that!

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Elk or not, I'm with Fin and checking out the cave. I can never pass one up😁 I know good memories were made you can't capture on film. Great effort Clay 👌

[@d.b.hemlock]

Beautiful land, beautiful family, learning and loving nature. Absolutely awesome video brother loved it!

[@3passa]

Maaan! That encounter! Did not dare to move when the elk looked right at me 😁 I thought youtube was a waste of time, not since I watch your videos. Great atmospheric footage, you bugling was great fun to watch! And your voice-overs take one right into the place and time, that´s a very nice thing for better understanding what´s going on, and it frames the whole experience. Shame there was no elk in that cave... but the grouse looked delicious!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed

[@douglasgreaves1137]

Not envious at all mate..! Awesome place and really cool that you got your boy out with you..!

[@FBDerringer]

My worst day hunting with my bow or my frontstuffer is a million times better than my best day workin. Great vid brother. Family time at its best.

[@randalltom9750]

It’s been years since I hung up my self bow. A 65# snakey yew. It’s killed its share of game. It was nice to watch from the comfort of my man chair. Although I miss the smell of sage, the nocking of my hand-fletched arrow… the quivering shaky footsteps of the sneak. I don’t miss the humpin’ meat back up and over the mountain. There’s two pieces of advice, I can offer. The first is an observation: ‘The elk are where you find em’. And the second is a rule: “Nothin’ flies, nothin’ dies!” Take your best shot! I’m sure, you know these by now… Have fun, and make treasured memories with your family!

[@ndhunter621]

Am I the only one looking forward to a flintlock elk hunt video!? Clay please do a short video on your flintlock setup and load info.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’ll do that. Just shot with the boys yesterday!

[@ianowens21]

That was a beautiful encounter with that first elk!

[@atate208]

I recently had this same experience in the elk woods. It was fun watching it with my wife so she could see some of the challenges of chasing elk. Especially since it is nearly identical to where I hunt. Only thing missing was taking everyone along with me like you do.

[@devinmckee5463]

You finally dropped your elk hunt video, thank you for sharing!! Man, my heart was beating so fast during that star down with the elk at the 8:00 minute mark! That was an amazing video, Mr. Hayes. Amazing content to watch after my first deer season this last August/September. Thank you for sharing.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad ya liked it Devin

[@Ps2352]

Good times, making memories and passing along skills to the next generation. Time well spent.

[@neilyakuza6595]

Elk, or no Elk, what you are doing with your family there is the reward. The Elk is just the bonus!

[@mountainlifewithdavidkelsie]

Every video that you put out is so informational! Thanks Clay hopefully you get some meat for the freezer soon! As a native I donated the last of deer and elk meat for a dinner after a funeral and it was down to the wire of my elk season and got blessed with a beautiful bull and to put icing on the cake my whole family was standing 20 yards behind me when I sent a true arrow and the bull tipped over within 30 yards! Video is up on my channel is you would care to take a look… I also live a subsistence life style and make my living from cutting timber and selling firewood stay safe my friend and thanks for all the videos! We wish you good health and happiness

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@paulharding1621]

Great film, fabulous family time, beautiful scenery.

[@lukebonagurio4503]

Favorite video of the year always looking forward to see your elk hunt. Love to see some flint lock hunting.

[@robshipley7543]

That’s gods country right there awesome hunt my brother

[@gc641]

Amazing

[@filosalvini2081]

This guy would not be scared in a zombie apocalypse, the zombie apocalypse would be scared to have this guy in it

[@ItsAnnapalooza]

I just saw your win on season 8 I knew you were gonna win!!😊 I am so happy for you!🎉🎉it’s so much more than out starving another! Your the man!!😎

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@brandyhouston2105]

Thanks for making the video. Nice family! Thanks also for the hunt'n tips as videos like this bring back a ton of outdoor memories of successful hunts and family times. Enjoy your good times!🇺🇸😎🙂👍

[@woodsy3495]

Thanks for taking us along Clay. Love how you stress the importance of handing down your woodsmanship skills to the family. It's very refreshing what you're doing on this channel.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@Max-wd8ox]

Now this is hunting! congrats man I was so pumped you brought him next to you that close AMAZING. I was cheering for you while watching it

[@mikebalos4749]

Another great video Clay! I have always enjoyed bow season the most. Weather or not I connect with a deer at that time. There is always the gun season and for me it’s a Marlin 1894 .357 with iron sights. Bow season is always traditional bows only for me. Bow season is out for me this year as I heal up from a deer taking me out on my Harley Davidson breaking my scapula and 5 ribs among other things. There’s always next year. I hope I can be healed up and shooting strong by the time Compton’s is here.

[@sbsaxb611]

Love your videos, that show the essence of hunting.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

I was out sighting in my bow with training wheels yesterday and looked to my right to see a couple of does staring at me sending shafts into my 3D buck target. Opening Day is today. I think I'm ready to make the transition from compound bow hunter to traditional bow hunter. I have no problems with getting whitetails in close enough to practically trip over me. I'd love to eliminate all the complexities of a compound bow and be able to be a good shooter with a simple bow.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Have fun

[@marksmallman4572]

With a real bow, good luck.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Thanks@@clayhayeshunter. And by the way, I saw zero failures in your hunt. I just saw one successful hunting day after another. Good stuff.

[@Deathxcore1]

Awesome vid man, thanks for sharing this adventure!

[@to8860]

Thanks Clay!!

[@stevebostic9812]

Top notch production Clay! That, my friend, was awesome! Congrats on a great hunt and excellent time spent with the family!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Steve

[@timbuffington5717]

You and that animal just staring at each other was awesome.

[@colehudson6062]

Would love to see you on Meateater podcast talking about bows and your hunting experiences.

[@stockischeap7328]

here here Clay- Well Done! God Bless

[@tonymaccabee3094]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks!✊🏾

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kaomsheart1290]

Beautiful video! It warms my heart seeing how you spend time tracking with the boy. I'm sad i never got to make these memories with my father. Keep it up!

[@wilfordeaston9609]

Great way to hunt and teach. I am a avid bowhunter ( compoundbow) well said, its about the hunt, making memories and stories harvesting is only a small part of it. Best of luck on your next hunting adventure from Alberta Canada. Great video cheers.

[@labtrainer09]

Hi, ,Clay. As I've commented before, even though it's vicarious, hunting with you is a true pleasure and honor. Nine minutes in, during that stand-off with the bull, I could feel my muscles cramping, just as yours probably were. It never even occurred to me that your trip was a failure because you didn't tag out. Those of us who have followed you know better-and witnessed so much more this time around. Thank you, as always, for sharing your hunt and your family with us so openly and generously.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Chris, my bow arm was killing me by the time I could drop it down!

[@Ranaji-yh9mj]

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge with us really appreciate it

[@georgemorrison1888]

Well said. I have had many elk seasons where all I brought home were the memories. That's good enough for me. Love September and love chasing elk with my recurve bow.

[@mikewyd53]

I use to hunt with a long bow in Wyoming. Love your videos, brings back great memories.

[@frankieg9585]

That is what I call a great time! And making memories with family ;)

[@armaximus]

I've been waiting for this video. As usual, it was awesome!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@duffy1298]

Looked like an awesome trip. I love seeing an arrow connect. Nice shot on the grouse.

[@chriscraft1245]

Great commentary. Love your perseverance and your love of the hunt.

[@CanadianHunterQuest]

Fantastic Adventure … one for the books

[@PocketKnivesBlog]

Absolutely love this!!!!!!!!!! TY!!!!!!!!

[@joelmeeter849]

Hunting elk on public land is hard, hunting with a trad bow is harder, filming while you hunt is even tougher. You have my sincere respect. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Joel

[@danielwardle5374]

Great watch thanks for sharing 👍

[@genewentz9906]

Absolutely the best hunting video I've watched in ages. Yes an unfilled tag usually means another hunting opportunity later in the season. Best wishes to you and your family.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks Gene

[@hottempo]

I've been watching your video and learned a lot bow and arrow stuff. finally I'm going to first deer hunting in my life as my recurve bow tomorrow. it will be my first time hunting field. I'm so excited!!

[@kevinw7441]

Great video “It’s about the entire experience” … well stated

[@luiscrespo9902]

Just that one standoff with the bull was worth the hunt, not to mention the awesome family time in the woods! Well done!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks 👍

[@curtisgore1611]

I can't believe yall held it together while face to face with the elk

[@xtremefloridasportsman1666]

Awesome hunt.. I love your videos brother... And your hunt camp setup is tough.. Headed out tomorrow morning with Deer on the menu wish me luck 🤙

[@clayhayeshunter]

Heck yeah!

[@vanislandsteve]

Amazing video, What an education for those boys. 👍🏻🇨🇦

[@whistlingbadger]

9:45 My kingdom for a decent shooting lane!!! Great hunt. Thanks for sharing it.

[@huskaoutdoors333]

Top notch job guys!