It's GO TIME! Flintlock ELK HUNTING 2023

The late season in the Rocky Mountains is a special time. By now, most other hunters have either punched their tags or long since thrown in the towel. But for those stubborn enough to brave the winter storms and rugged country, the late season offers some fantastic hunting. This week I'm joined by Xander Budnick, fellow KZbinr and new hunter, on a late season flintlock muzzleloader elk hunt. Xander is interested in learning more about self reliance and what better way to do that than to gather your own free range wild meat from the mountains!
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Surviving Alone by Clay Hayes - amzn.to/3Qqou3l
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[@artemduda8359]

was hoping for more videos with xander! you guys complement each other very well! a very pleasant watch!

[@clayhayeshunter]

More to come!

[@soonerfrac4611]

Same here! I’m really glad to see him starting his own adventures in hunting.

[@TheMountainManBC]

I just happened across this. I hunt flintlock myself so very wicked. And I love your gun. I’m hoping to upgrade this year to a Kentucky 50 cal. I’ve always heard and seen video of these alpine elk herds, but one only seen timber elk (due to where I live and hunt), so this is amazing. Hopefully one day I’ll do some mountain elk hunting. Great stuff 👍

[@mooseknuckle8334]

If anyone were to get into hunting with little to no experience, you are the man I'd recommend to teach. Xander should be very grateful.

[@silvermediastudio]

Just learn how to properly load a muzzle loader from someone else.

[@ericbutch3542]

What a nice surprise to see Xander! Excited for Pt 2!

[@WanderlustmanC]

Oh look, it's an actual hunter! Bravo for not having a scope and tree stand setup 30 feet from a watering hole.

[@lonnygehring3043]

Fantastic hunt! Love the long range spot, long sneak and stalk. Xander did an awesome job capturing the sights and sounds. I felt like we were right there with ya. Hats off to Clay for wanting to get close. I like the hunt part way more than equipment for extended range shooting. Well done, guys!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks

[@Thisismycomment.]

These hunts with 2 of my favorite outdoor/survival channels never fail to make me happy. Beard looks good Xander

[@reddirt5489]

What a great team the two of you make! I was shivering setting here just watching. A lot of miles walked in a very difficult environment stalking, moving slow, removing and adding clothing to regulate your body temperature the whole time just trying to get in position for that one shot! Wow I want to experience that. I can’t wait for the next video! Thanks Clay and Xander!

[@rodwoods2108]

Hey Reddirt, you just gotta' jump in. Apply for tags and go do it. Try to put a team together of like minded. Start by calling Colorado, Nevada, NEw Mexico and ARizona Game Commissions. Start researching now. In a few weeks Arizona starts accepting applications. Then NM, later Nevada and Colorado. You can buy over the counter in Colorado. Do all the homework you can. Yes, after you get your equipment , it still takes a two too three thousand dollars for tags and food and gas to do it yourself from red dirt country. All the states I mentioned are for long term tags. I derw a Nevada Bull after 17 years. But I have hunted elk every year since 1978. Mostly Colorado. Use Colorado as your training ground. When you get a tag like Arizona , NM or Nevada think about hiring help, they can make the difference. Some of the west is so huge it is hard to go it alone. I made a couple hunts on my own successfull without hiring help. But when you got a great rare tag you better think abut it. You hear storys like a guy in Nevada driving 75 miles on a flat tire to get too help. Take a couple spares where ever you go, especially Nevada. In the beginning try to start on cow elk tags, learn to elk hunt.

[@reddirt5489]

@@rodwoods2108 I really appreciate all of your guidance and your years of experience. I will definitely start looking into this and start doing some research. Thank you for taking the time to help me and share your knowledge!

[@lewisvillalta2492]

Good morning Clay and hello Xander great to see both hunting Elks stay safe out there

[@barrydismukes7601]

I’m a flintlock hunter and like your hunts! I have taken a lot of Mississippi white tails and squirrels with my flintlock but no elk . Still my dream one day to go west and get a elk! I love the elk meat!

[@Windds]

I love that Xander and You have become buddy’s and that he’s going on hunts. Also this is my first year bow hunting/ hunting in general my dad’s been doing it the past 30+ years. The first white tail I watched him get and we were still hunting. It was awesome I’m hoping I get one before the seasons over.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good dude

[@mountainmuleman9429]

Flintlocks and old trucks man I love it

[@jimf1964]

Clay, did you have to discuss the mice? I’m trying to convince the mrs that she can enjoy cold weather camping! 😀. And Xander, I’m so glad you’re getting into the hunting thing. So many bushcrafty channels are too afraid to go down that road, or just against something that is so natural. I enjoy your videos, with your honesty, humility, eagerness to learn, and humour. This adds a whole new, albeit seasonal angle to your videos……though I’m highly jealous you get to hunt with clay. 🙂

[@NHBackcountryGuide]

No BS, my two favorite KZbinrs collaborating together is more than I could ask for. 2nd time watching this video and really enjoying it.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Many thanks 😊

[@mervjb809]

Wow, that was cool!! That is the beauty/heartache of elk hunting in the Rockies! Looking forward to the next episode.

[@TyeChannel]

One of my favorite Clay Hayes hunts of the year!

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank ya

[@offtimefisher7974]

👏👏 Final the Late season Elk video starts!!! Can’t wait for next week 🫡

[@franciswashack89]

I am a muzzleloader inthuseist, and I really enjoy your rifle elk hunts. I also started practicing with my 60lb horse bow again because of your channel, I plan on going bear hunting with it next season. It will be the first time in many decades I will be bear hunting again, your videos have reignited my passion, thanks.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good luck

[@littlemiss8603]

Awesome! Super glad you and Xander filmed another together!

[@clayhayeshunter]

More to come!

[@mikewolfe6496]

Love the late season flintlock hunts! I understand the powder charge getting damp. Here in WV, I tend to not charge the pan until an opportunity presents itself . Lol. Looking forward to part two!

[@willong1000]

Had to 😁😂🤣 LOL at 10:13! Knew what you were up to! Those critters can be downright cute, but not when they are chewing up provisions and gear and using a guy's bedroll for their toilet! I was pleasantly surprised to see Xander photo-bomb the intro! That lad can teach us a thing or two about traveling boreal forests via canoe. Glad to see that he is interested in hunting too, and getting a good intro to the Shining Mountains!

[@hy42]

Always a 10/10 Clay. Goes without saying, (this goes for Xander as well) but thank you making an enjoyable watch. From one editor to another. In so many of these hunting vids, people feel the need to put in so much unnecessary dramatic background music. It genuinely ruins the video for me sometimes. Your actions, dialogue, and the hunt are interesting enough! Thanks for all this awesome content 👏 You too, Xander!

[@andrewlewis9832]

Nice to see Xander back on the channel. My daughter and i really enjoy both of your guys videos. Thanks again.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks for watching!

[@skipper9400]

I have been watching Xander for a while now, and really enjoyed this vid with the BOTH of you Clay....thanks for doing this !! and do some more with him, as he's quite the Canoe guy, and it might be mutually beneficial.....OnWard......

[@clayhayeshunter]

Our pleasure!

[@-Master_Of_Disaster]

Can't wait for part 2. Thanks for taking us with you Clay and Xander!

[@JuliaJulia007]

❤ my favorite collaboration 😊 waiting for part 2

[@tonyserbousek8367]

Xander rocking about as an epic beard as you Clay! Thank again for another great video!

[@mehranyoungmhn6658]

god knows how much I miss hunting. thank you

[@jonathanjoyhill6500]

Such a cliffhanger... Cant wait for part two :)

[@CrimeVid]

Clay, that looks like my style of camping, makes me smile seeing people pitching camp who actually know what they’re doing, just getting it done. Years ago we’d get to a campsite and by the time the tent was fully pitched my girlfriend, later wife would have a cup of tea ready and have pumped up the airbed, and have water for food on the boil, all in the tent, under cover.

[@journeyman7189]

Great start to the season. 200+ elk! That is incredible. Good to see Xander up with you again. You are a great mentor for him. Nate

[@skeetermalcolm1655]

Glad to see you back with xander brother,you are a good teacher for him, good luck

[@jonathanbennison9220]

What state Claye? 0:57 Haha. Crusing down the highway, with a couple Flint lock rifles in the front seat. Hello Officer. It is a very nice rifle thank you. I'm quite happy with it. You should take the weekend and come join us. Bring home some Elk for the family. Thanks for patrolling the highways. Stay safe Officer. Hahaha

[@andreasweber7828]

Oh look, Xander’s back.Yeaaaay

[@gunawanawang3661]

This is the content I have been waiting for. I would rather watch your content

[@paulharding1621]

Great adventure, very much looking forward to part two.

[@frankintessimoni6422]

Stoked to see Xander out and about!

[@calvinruggles732]

Excellent video! I have often hunted with a 54 caliber percussion, but i recently built a 50 cal flintlock, and will be using that for a nevada pronghorn hunt this fall

[@christiankammer2379]

Super cool. Thank you!

[@guitarmanplayzloud936]

Mountain men!! Amazing video fellas keep up the good work!

[@RjP303]

Excellent film guys thanks for the adventure

[@cwalther04]

Cliff hanger! Great video I’ve been waiting on this since you mentioned it in bow season. Thanks for sharing.

[@brianzoromski227]

Great video. Thank you Clay and Xander

[@heinerbuck3934]

hot damn, nice video clay👌

[@jefflink4671]

Love this Clay, can not wait to see the next vid, you guys do it the best. That truck rocks

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

It's cold, but it's a dry cold, lol. Western PA flintlock season is usually damp, making the experience quite "interesting." Enjoying the channel. Keep up the great content!

[@richardmonson8657]

Good video Clay. You are always able to capture the true nature of elk hunting.

[@blaahster]

Good stuff, Xander is good company. Love the video.

[@xcracer311]

Do you have a video on your flintlock setup?

[@clayhayeshunter]

Not yet

[@xcracer311]

@@clayhayeshunter these late season cow hunt videos are awesome, glad to see something different than the " big bull down".

[@elyoutdoors9984]

Excellent adventure! Always the best Clay. ThankYou

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@brentthebloodhound]

Clay I need this content everyday. It relaxes me. Thank you.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@efxanim8tor]

Clay - you might do well to make a leather sling for the flintlock for toating while hiking...? What's the back story on the busted stock? Misfire at a bear, then beat the bear off with it? True grit hunting - love it.

[@Mossyrock6]

I love watching videos with you and Xander. They have a very Jedi and Padwan vibe to them! :-D

[@robertslusser6753]

I loved that brief shot at about 4:00 minutes in of the beautiful slope with the morning sun on it.

[@peterparsons7141]

Isn’t it something that as your hunting years progress, some of the most exciting days you have and top rated are by the cool things you see and unique experience’s you have. I’ve found that I seem to get the most from the very late season days, when most sensible hunters have long retreated and you don’t see another hunter. Big game is usually more wary, but are returning to more normal patters. Some really nice camera footage.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Agreed

[@maximbudnick]

Great stuff clay! I was watching you guys on Xander's Garmin during the hunt. I have been looking forward to seeing this.

[@clayhayeshunter]

We covered some country!

[@maximbudnick]

@@clayhayeshunter Indeed you did!

[@mattwhite9046]

*Click* - Yep. Been there. Can't wait to see the next segment.

[@to8860]

Good stuff as always!!

[@reecedobson4740]

Love the adventure buddy!!!

[@shaynew7899]

Looking forward to part 2 !

[@withoutfurtheradoforever]

Pretty awesome hunt, guys!

[@MichaelWilliams-to3cj]

That old truck brings back a lot of memories 😊

[@lemarkelly38]

That looks very fun!

[@sniperkota428]

Amazing hunter ❤

[@donphillips7329]

Gotta love it !!!

[@huntertpj731]

Love that old Dodge...very cool

[@thistledewoutdoors3331]

Awesome thumbnail brother ....!!!...... Flintlocks are also for felons like myself... Lets keep getting at it in the great outdoors!!!

[@fishmaniachannel]

Cold ❄️ n hunt wow👌

[@dannydavis6834]

I’m liking your guys truck

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

Looking forward to part 2

[@gtchalie5038]

Cool! Yeah it's cold!

[@Donkey_Balls]

Very cool

[@johnd0e25]

Looking forward to the next one! I have a feeling that packing that back to camp will be rough 😅

[@esi1559]

Ohhh very nice😮

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Try some G-flex epoxy on that rifle stock. I use it for knife scales. It's incredibly tough stuff.

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Havent watched it but already liked it , sure i will i always do

[@donwaldroopoutdoors3665]

Had a family Christmas event and finally got to watch , cant wait , and love you got xander along

[@mountainmonkey76]

I am a ford truck fan but I must say I do like your old ram, BA.

[@shorelineshrine9666]

Yep this guy is good great video

[@yann6867]

Hello from France. Nice vid as usual. Thank you for this moment of dream and merry Christmas.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Happy holidays!

[@fredcarter7003]

Xander on a new horizon, nice

[@viktors4804]

Sweet chocolate baby jesus! Clay and Xander making videos together, christmas came early this year.

[@clayhayeshunter]

🤣🎄

[@MUSCLEJESUS-js6ch]

Xander makes a good wing man. 😄

[@12ernie]

Great video!

[@trevoror8668]

Well you had the fun of small game hunting in the tent

[@ddoherty5956]

You guys are awesome, I wish I had half the thirst for life you have. 👍🇬🇧

[@rjchandler6477]

Great content

[@andrewboore3899]

Can you show skinning/tanning small game and squirell hides and maybe showing what some uses for small hides are?

[@davidfleer5307]

I have to agree cool adventure, Clay is this hunt in Montana I saw the state line sign 👍✌🏻🇺🇸

[@Harshit-qy5vl]

I am here within 30 min after your upload I love your contant . I have something to say is your English accent is so understandable I am from India and English is not my first language but I understand every single word you say. Thanks For everything I have learnt from you.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thank you so much 😀

[@1990westfalia]

Clay, it's very cool and cold, that you're taking Xander out with you to film the adventure. My definition of an adventure is, "something that very difficult when you're doing it, yet revel in it afterwards as you relive the story." Best of luck and we're all right there with you... looking over your shoulder. Skillet

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good definition!

[@multiversevariant4944]

Hey Clay awesome video, I was wondering if you ever tried to build a bow with teak wood or black locust???

[@clayhayeshunter]

No personally

[@jakeblack4095]

I must live in a cave. Just ran onto your channel. BaddA$$! Right up my alley.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Welcome aboard!

[@The_Northerner]

Very cool to see how these elk move when you hunt them and have to sneak close to them, quite similar to what reindeer hunting in Norway is like!

[@mmnatural262]

well done

[@voiceforthevoicelesstruth5480]

That’s one bad truck!!

[@janbastein7355]

Real hunting!!!! Not 6.5 Creed BS!!! Awesome!

[@dw6090]

Love your vids , but I don't know if I ever heard what state your in , all I can do is guess, also was cu r iuos what state your early archery hunt was in , love your vids keep up good work, and you keeping us all envious of your life style

[@eldonrizzi3860]

Great video. I was wondering what you hooked to your generator and your battery?. I run a similar style camp.

[@caseyssoldier6738]

Hey Clay, I have a black powder rifle that looks just like the flintlock that you elk hunted with only mine is a percusion. I broke my stock in the same place. What do you recommend using to fix itt?My wood looks the same as well

[@allancunningham6019]

Quality boys ❤😊