Holy Smokes, WHAT just Happened! FLINTLOCK Elk Hunting 2023 Part 2

Last week Xander Budnick and I snuck in on a big elk herd but, with the limitations of my flintlock rifle, they were just a bit out of range. This week, we're back in the mountains for part 2 of our late season flintlock #muzzleloader elk hunt. Late season hunting can be a challenge. The weather this time of year can be nasty, with temperatures dropping well below 0. Add to that the wind wide open country and you might be facing some miserable winter weather. But there's plenty of elk around and a wall tent with a wood stove makes winter camping pretty comfortable. But when there's a flintlock involved, anything can happen. Join us on our winter camping and elk hunting adventure to see how things turned out.
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[@andymicka9065]

Muzzleloader hunting for elk in the winter is such a challenge. I overshot a nice 5 point bull this year as well. Open sights and exposed ignitions always add an element of difficulty. Much respect for using the flintlock.

[@clayhayeshunter]

many thanks, we'll get'em next year!

[@DeeMoback]

Should have gotten closer

[@jeffmertens9790]

​@@clayhayeshunterjust making that frontstuffer go bang in those elements was epic...and you did it twice!! Next year go for the one with the biggest grin!

[@nevar108]

Stinks you didnt get your tag, but i cant thank you enough for bringing us along on this trip. My 12 year old always watches your vids with me... Your persistance and humility are fantastic reinforcements of lifes lessons for him. Keep teaching... our new generations are in desperate need of the lessons you provide.

[@clayhayeshunter]

I'm glad you two enjoy them!

[@silvermediastudio]

He did get the tag, it's required to hunt legally. He didn't fill the tag.

[@robertmooney1492]

​@@silvermediastudioyeah man, good job for calling people on their semantics 👍, big difference....

[@silvermediastudio]

@@robertmooney1492 It isn't semantics. "Getting" a tag and "filling" a tag mean entirely different things.

[@robertmooney1492]

@@silvermediastudio actually, it is, thanks so much. The guy accidentally used the wrong terminology in the wrong context in a KZbin comment. But thanks to highly intelligent folk such as yourself for protecting the dialogue thread 😂

[@matteldridge9367]

Lots of respect for owning up to your mistakes! You're a hell of an Outdoorsman and a great inspiration

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks

[@Steve-en8if]

“Things don’t always, and shouldn’t always, work out in our favor.” says it all. Excellent video, thoroughly enjoyed both parts. More videos with Xander would be greatly appreciated..!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PBAdventures146]

Man, my heart is sick for you!! I was upset! Not at you, but for you 😂 ... But as far as entertainment and videography value, this elk hunt start to finish was youtube gold! I very much enjoyed coming along!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jeffmertens9790]

Your whole video was so mesmerizing that when you missed your shot it felt like it was me! Outstanding videography! I am in complete awe at the effort you put into your hunts. Definitely no pessimism in your feet Clay!! So enjoyed Xander too!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks much

[@1990westfalia]

Clay, As I watched, wait let me start again. As we watched you and Xander during this hunt, we were all waiting for you to make that shot that would bring an end to a long and drawn out hunt. We all saw both of you celebrating in the harvesting of an elk. The shear enjoyment of the success of the hunt. The breaking down of the animal and cooking up the first meal. In our minds eyes, we also saw your family benefiting in your energy to attain the meal that would feed the for many meals to come. And when it didn't happen, you showed us, that life doesn't always have storybook endings. We also saw what people for generations did in their search of food for their people and tribe. Princes don't always get the pretty girl. The victory doesn't happen with celebrations. But sometimes life wins, and we move on. Thanks for the humility and suffering for us. I've been the Sherpa of many hunts, carrying the prize home only to continue to work to get it cut down, package and stored in the freezer, so it could be celebrated later, with each meal. Thank you for bring us along. Skillet

[@mikemcdonald2755]

The hardest thing sometimes is to, "embrace the suck"! It never fails when things suck the most, its the turn of the tide!!! Everytime it sucks the most is when your biggest accomplishment is about to happen! God bless

[@clayhayeshunter]

Well said

[@jacksorum6437]

Love this muzzleloader series. Clay does it the hard way and I have so much respect for him and his hunts. Keep em coming!

[@joshcarney9067]

Exactly why we watch. Real hunting as it happens to all of us. The good and the bad. Hits and misses. Highs and lows. Regardless of a kill what a fun thing to talk about years from now.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Agreed 👍

[@jamieschardt9127]

wow, thanks for taking us along. I feel exhausted... :)

[@clayhayeshunter]

lots of work but well worth it for those views!

[@Backyard.Archery]

What a great film - a challenge, effort, and hunt worth watching - don’t always and shouldn’t always work out in our favor - that is what makes you special - the deeper sense of being and respect.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamesa.rodriguez8598]

God willing, brother. For He is the Provider of all things. Amen. Merry Christmas!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@edvinaberg3381]

Xander seems like the guy you'd want to have with you when camping. Patient and optimistic!

[@rupertbezuidenhout7455]

This video meant allot to me. I missed 2 years in a row to be successful on a bow hunt. As you said being the predator is hard in many ways. Thanks for being authentic in your highs and lows. It still is an amazing journey Altogether! We will keep on keeping on.

[@ericbrabham3640]

Oh wow, I feel for you. Great video. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks for watching!

[@JuliaJulia007]

On the edge of my seat, every hunt.

[@jadersaid50]

Brother, your videos are the best from survival experts

[@clayhayeshunter]

I appreciate that!

[@timwarnecke9889]

Merry Christmas, thank you for taking us along!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Happy holidays!

[@Zubeneshemali]

Thanks for the memories of slogging MILES across the hills for a shot at a wintering elk herd!!

[@lonnygehring3043]

Excellent hunt! So fun to follow along. The cold, snow, elk, big country, and the close calls. Xander has a great attitude and that will benefit him well when he starts hunting. By following along, he got years of experience on this trip. Well done guys!

[@zebulunturner2974]

Thank you for your honesty in your videos sir. It speaks well of your character and reflects well on the community you align with. God bless

[@N0_Murphy]

What a cool hunt. I’m sure yall had a great time and made some good memories. It’s not all about the kill but sure helps when you get one. That’s why it’s called hunting and not killing. Awesome video! Can’t wait for more.

[@timothylongmore7325]

My last day I stalked into a spot behind my house. Spotted a little guy and let him feed on past and 3 doe came up and out straight for me and mama busted me fifteen feet away cause she saw my gun and or rubber boots. There was three more behind her that I didn't see that flagged and hopped away and then they all stopped and watched my way before slinking off. Best hunt of the year. And I tagged a buck about 100 feet from that spot a couple weeks before. I went back to pick up the casing and a big boy had horned up the tree about three feet away from where I found it. I don't usually watch hunting videos but really enjoyed watching you work.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ronbiggin7861]

Starting to look forward to this hunt specifically please continue every year with this hunt. Good stuff.

[@clayhayeshunter]

More to come

[@GiftedOutdoors]

Been waiting for part 2! I get to watch it on my lunch break😮‍💨

[@clayhayeshunter]

Enjoy

[@blaahster]

Doing the same, good stuff so far!

[@eddiec4058]

Enjoyed it. You made the comment "living the dream". Right then I thought ' yes, I'm jealous 😊'

[@clayhayeshunter]

😁

[@robertslusser6753]

That's why they call it a hunting license and not a killing license. As an old hunter (73 years old) I feel your pain. I started hunting at age 12 (well, officially anyway) and I probably had more seasons than not end without deer meat in the freezer. I usually hunted whitetail deer with a Marlin 336 but also tried the 50 cal. flintlock for a few years but never drew blood with one. Then one day I came to the realization that our forefathers developed smokeless powder for a reason and went back to the 30-30!! Loved this video.

[@Nunya_Binness]

I feel your pain buddy! My muzzle loader season went even worse! I don’t want to talk about it though.😣

[@joshcline8764]

I dare you to relive it all and tell us what happend.

[@darrellperkins3625]

Following this elk hunt using a flintlock is amazing every day up to the last day 110 yards first shot wow getting another shot reloading prone position amazing open sights wow! Shooting down at an angle cold windy tiredness and exhausted. Thanks clay the 😮

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks ☺️

[@pastorpfp1]

It’s good to see the big boys miss every now and then!😎

[@lobopropredatorcontrol]

Sure liked that setup while you was shooting with them trade blankets as a rest, nice touch 👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

Had those blankets for a while!

[@stephenthompson640]

Clay moves like a big cat. This may be the best hunting video I've seen this year. Awesome job guys!!

[@silvermediastudio]

Wish he had laid down like one on that first group. Go prone behind that log and tree and just wait on that small group that was 60yd down the hill. Calling Xander up so quickly when he clearly doesn't have experience in stealth movement was a huge mistake, they were likely already alerted to Clay moving in and hearing Xander was the second trigger that got them to move. When you stalk, you want to be still at least ten times as long as you move.

[@hayd243]

Finally nice to see a hunt that is in the real world. Love the videos, keep up the great work

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks, will do!

[@gregor4976]

Really enjoy all of your videos, can't wait for the next one.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad to hear it!

[@stephenbrooks4715]

I hate that for you. I appreciate the fact that you were so honest that you told why you missed. Most people would have kept that to themselves.Love your channel.

[@karenwebster9957]

Love watching both of your vids. Xander cracks me up

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yep, he’s a good dude

[@Hanslongand]

Clay.i also had uphills with my muzzle loader this year.was super frustrating almost wrapped it thourouly around a tree.I feel you

[@lukebonagurio4503]

Man it happens. You're still my favorite hunter alive. You videos are the best.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank ya

[@jowhi9296]

You were right the more times you go out the closer you get!!! Awesome adventure!

[@Poordevil]

My pockets are full of tags...damn that was a fun adventure to follow. At least you filled your mouse tag! Thanks for the inspiration, as always.

[@caincuevas3654]

I love hunting that unit I was up there for a week and just couldn't seal the deal good job man you're a lot smoother then I am

[@clayhayeshunter]

Next season!

[@caincuevas3654]

@clayhayeshunter yes sir. Keep the content coming through I love the chanel

[@russhayes4882]

I won't get burned again watching a no kill hunt !

[@MsCas3]

Clay thanks so much for posting this vid! Oh man I feel for ya! I have been in the same situation and completely missed with my flintlock as well. Mad respect to you for posting and also on not taking that last 60 yard shot that you didn’t feel 100% with. That was a sick vid and those conditions looked hard core gnarly. That makes that tool even harder to hunt with. You’ll smoke one next season with the flinter no doubt. Best wishes on the upcoming late deer!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank ya

[@OutdoorsAllie]

That was intense! I have a lot of respect for what you guys do. Great video, and better luck next time!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks so much!!

[@westerncoloradohunter]

For those of us out west (CO for me) that have cut our teeth on public land elk hunting, these two videos are some of the most enjoyable hunts on YT to watch. Loved the country, the wind, the frozen snot dragons in your mustache, all of it. Thanks for the content.

[@clayhayeshunter]

😜we had a great time

[@stevesmolik24]

Although you didn’t fill your tag, you took me on my dream hunt - elk with my flintlock rifle. Thank you!

[@matthewfordham1781]

My experience was very similar this year. It happens sometimes I had tons of fun and finally had my wife out on the mountain for the experience. Thank you for sharing your hunt I enjoyed watching and look forward to your next hunt.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you

[@stanlong-rangepensionerman3363]

🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 living in Australia your an inspiration merry Christmas 🎄

[@clayhayeshunter]

Happy holidays!

[@janbastein7355]

A real hunting video!!!! Awesome!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

many thanks

[@jimwall5350]

No disappointment here Clay, very tough with a flintlock. Great video!!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks 👍

[@Clark42EoC]

Thank you for the great video Clay.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Clark42EoC]

@@clayhayeshunter Still got half to watch but I absolutely loved the slow stalk. Especially walking on the edge of your feet and I think you approached in your socks?

[@anthonyromeo2130]

Great video. You have my respect for not taking that 3rd shot.

[@mattwhite9046]

Great episode!

[@davidbrand5326]

That was a pleasure to watch. Nice to see big herds again too. Thanks for taking us along. Can’t wait to watch you switch back to the bow to go after Whitetail. My muzzleloader hunt was canceled this year but I enjoyed yours and I am looking forward to next year.👍👍👍

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JY-sea-fishing]

Am from uk and honestly just seeing the country you get walk is amazing never mind 200plus elk to munching away Another great video clay

[@mr-oq2kq]

Thanks Clay for this video, bet ya get one next season.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You bet

[@3passa]

What a THRILLER! Oh man you look so crushed. Don´t we all screw up sometimes when we think we know what we´re doing. BUT here´s looking forward to the white tail hunt. Good luck, or as we say, Waidmannsheil! And thanks for the epic footage, howling winds included.

[@frankieg9585]

Highs and Lows of hunting! What a great adventure Clay and Xander ;) Wonderful content and footage. Cheers!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks 😊

[@Halligan515]

Awesome set of videos! Kept it real and showed how Mr. Murphy always has a say in the outcome of any endeavor.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Always!

[@Halligan515]

@@clayhayeshunter oh, is that a Siberian deadfall trigger you used for mitigating Mickey's cousin?

[@cuntpunter35]

51 minutes of uninterrupted elk hunting. Thanks for this.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Absolutely 👍

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Humbling indeed

[@montanaoutdoorsman2300]

Excellent hunting video. One of the best I have seen. Watched both parts. Thank you.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank ya much

[@cornholio8098]

I hated hunting before i came across your channel. What impressed me with your style of hunting where the shots u didnt take. You re amazing and i love all your stuff. All the best to you and your family!

[@clayhayeshunter]

I’m glad you’re enjoying them!

[@brookejaden]

Thank you for bringing us all along. You are a very humble man. I feel your pain on the bad luck. Good luck moving forward.

[@The_Preacher_LLC]

Legit- best content on the tube. Love the Rinella quote.

[@gravityalwayswins1434]

I was yelling "SHOOOT! SHOOOT! SHOOOT!" at the tv while pointing my .54 MZ ramrod at the last few that stopped on that third shot opportunity. lol Too bad bad Clay that's why it's called hunting and not killing. Thanks for the two vids. And Xander, you did a GREAT job of filming. Thoroughly enjoyed these two vids.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@waruikazi]

That was a great hunt. We know it's more about the effort that you put in than the kill. It's the hard work that make it satisfying.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Absolutely

[@SingleDadHomesteading]

Great hunt Clay shit happens your reward this year was taking a new hunter with you maybe he learned enough to to carry on this wonderful tradition and blessing of hunting that God gives us! Much love and Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@clayhayeshunter]

To yours as well

[@skeetermalcolm1655]

Damn brother that really sucks but you helped teach a hunter a lot about hunting,that's why it's called hunting

[@Spaceman_Spiff_74]

Clay, a real American man

[@user-yd8cc1cy9s]

Even tho you didn’t get that tagged filled, i learned a lot from this video. That’s why they call it hunting instead of killing.

[@TheMaineWoods]

Awesome hunt

[@Parfashrek]

Incredible to watch, massive respect for not taking that 3rd shot

[@chipslater3729]

Can't thank you enough for your effort!

[@clayhayeshunter]

My pleasure!

[@muzzl-rip-4518]

From a fellow flinter, much respect!

[@vikingslayer34]

Thanks for the great footage fellas. It felt like we were right there with you. And restraining on taking that third shot shows what a good hunter is. Our youth should take notes on that. Till the next one! 🍻

[@brianh1161]

This was very interesting and entertaining. Thanks for the effort in bringing this to KZbin. Hats off on the persistence.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@EdmundManfredMaurer-vd3ky]

I have never seen more cracy hunters than you with an antique rifle from a museum. I am sure you were even better of with a modern compound crossbow. I even had stayed in a small tent among the few trees or rocks for overnight to save precious time for chasing. Congratulations for your endurance, passion and power

[@donthornton7528]

The only thing I know about hunting is you can't kill them on the couch great video.

[@clayhayeshunter]

many thanks

[@wesleygiddings893]

Thanks for sharing. Love the hunting content you’ve been sharing this season beginning with your family in the early season all the way to here.

[@ericlecko]

Great video and great work. Thanks. Merry Christmas!

[@user-jq3lw2zm3r]

Awesome hunt, an a great outlook on life

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks 👍

[@YeahBuck36]

Watched this video while getting my possibles bag set up for PA’s late season flintlock opener on the 26th. I’ve hunted with strictly black powder and stick bows for the last few years and I really enjoyed watching this while tinkering with my own primitive gear!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Tons of fun!

[@chuckmorgan3049]

Unbelievable experience Clay and well documented by you friend, this is something to remember and good luck next season. Thanks for sharing!

[@richardvoss1158]

Great video thanks for posting

[@clayhayeshunter]

You bet

[@stevesouthard_572]

Hi Clay I enjoyed the Elk hunt, definitely a challenge in the wide open tundra, thanks

[@Picard80]

Good to see it can also happen to the best :). Truly appreciate your ethics making sure it is the right animal and ensuring you won't wound two by not shooting an isolated one.

[@TheMrMused]

Absolutely living with intention. Thanks for taking us along! Also, I took your advice and changed some of how I layer footwear before last year's season. The difference was huge. In > 50 years of being outdoors all year long (and I live in the north, so that means actual winters), I have never been more comfortable in the most miserable weather. Thank you!

[@clayhayeshunter]

That is awesome!

[@huntman834]

Youre videos are amazing clay! You are a perfect example of what the sportsman channel and shows are missing. The true excitement of the uncertainty of hunting

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you 😊

[@TheMrMused]

I absolutely feel your unfilled tag. I don't remember the last season that happened. This year I had a new rifle in the field. I shot it for 3 months straight prior to the start of the season so I knew how it felt. I was confident about the sighting. Modern rifle. Modern cartridge. Outstanding optic. First (and turned out to be the only) opportunity for the season came at 300yds, 20 minutes before the end of the day. Rock solid position. Little bit of a wind. I second guessed everything I was confident about and cleanly missed. Went home, sat in front of the fireplace with a beer, a steak, and the dogs. Spent the next two days at the range, confirming that I had, in fact, completely fucked it up and the gear was working flawlessly. Spent a couple days after that chasing, landing, and releasing steelhead. Put a few pheasant in the freezer. Added a goose. Now to add some ducks and more geese. We've got a couple week, one-off antlerless management season at the end of January, so if I don't fuck that up, I'll put a few whitetail doe in the freezer. 🤣

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good luck

[@zacktaylor3441]

Great Video Clay. Quick note for others who may not have experience shooting elk with a muzzleloader- it is critical to follow up every shot and look for blood, follow the elks exit trail for a while as though you wounded it. Most traditional muzzleloaders at 100yds are generating well under 1000fp of energy and it is common to shoot an elk but see zero evidence that you hit though the elk may be mortally wounded. I would always assume the elk was wounded until proven otherwise.

[@blakebarber8290]

I missed a Whopper muley with a percussion cap muzzleloader on a restricted tag in new Mexico at 110 yards. It stuck with me for years. Only good news is that after that I put in so much work that I extended my range and confidence after the fact. I'm sure you'll come back stronger.

[@clayhayeshunter]

100 percent

[@moneyandtimefreedom3352]

Rule is shooting down hill you shoot low. Shooting uphill high. Down and under up and over. But adrenaline you thinking it’s hitting high, holding until that powered is lit and ball on its way. Props for doing things the hard way and humble enough to show us, but your boys who will undoubtedly learn too.

[@jonathanbennison9220]

Thank you for showing, the good and the bad. Fortune to find elk. Fortune to get into range. Misfortune when winds change, or other animals bump. Ultimately too, that the shot is not guaranteed. Responsible, early in Part 1? When you could not be certain, you had a cow in your sights, rather than a bull. Responsible, with your range. Optimistic, to keep tracking, gassing, hiking. Ultimately not butchering an elk this week, but... A great video. Thanks again.

[@nohillforahighstepper]

I enjoyed this even though you didn't fill. I used to hunt like this a lot but my age, strength and lungs prevent me from going anymore. I haven't been elk hunting in several years. Thanks for letting me tag along! I sure miss elk season. Enjoy every second you get to be out there. You never know how many days God will allow you to be on the mountain... 😊😊😊

[@stevebostic9812]

Aww! Sorry Clay. I feel your pain. I missed a doe whitetail with my smoke pole at 40 yards in a cut cornfield!! Ugh!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yep, it happens from time to time

[@peasant1381]

Outstanding education and entertainment in these videos. Well done Clay and Xander.

[@journeyman7189]

Great season/video. So interesting, full of tips and tricks and always remember to be humble cause its never a sure things. I got skunked again this year for whitetail but learned a lot more so I'll take it as a win. You and Xander make a good duo. He is taking what you have taught and putting it in practise back here in Canada. Awesome to watch as well. Thanks Nate

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

My wife and I enjoy watching your hunts. My wife's favorite thing to do is, "See.. he does this", or "See.. he doesn't think the elk are gone ." It becomes a battle between what I think I know, and what she sees from your hunts. All in good fun of course. I loved the quote about being negative in attitude but not your boots. I got some justification from that one. Anyway, I've got nothing but respect for taking on a hard hunt with one of the hardest weapons in that environment. When the flint went click, and nothing happened, I said out loud, "and that's why i'm sticking with an inline..." Anyway, great video, we enjoyed it a lot. Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas.