Clay Hayes

Hey folks, my buddy ‪@XanderBudnick‬ just released a new video y’all might like. I thought it was fantastic!

https://youtu.be/xpXni4CQXJk?si=tmxVb...

1 month ago | [YT] | 201

Clay Hayes

I quit my job in November of 2017. Why? Because I wanted to be free, because I hated reporting to someone, because I wanted to build something for myself and my family. At that time, I had about 20K subscribers here on YouTube. Some of you have been with me for that long and longer (give me a hand raise if you were)! It was a leap of faith, leaving behind the security of a steady paycheck and affordable family health care to step into the unknown. It was also one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

Unlike other "careers", there was no path to follow, no trail blazed ahead to make things obvious, easy. Liz and I had to figure out how to make a living on our own. We tried many things, most of which failed or were untenable, but a few stuck. We did bow building classes for a while, published a few books, wrote articles for magazines, did some freelance videography and production, and started a Patreon page. Heck, we even screen printed our own t shirts for a little while!

Today, it's ad revenue, book sales, and sponsorships that keep us afloat (paying off all our debt with the half a mill from Alone didn't hurt either). The book sales have always been good. YouTube ad revenue hasn't really been a significant portion of our income until just the last couple of years. But it's increased steadily, bringing back a little of the security we walked away from in 2017.

Our sponsors have been great as well. Companies like Vortex and 3Rivers Archery took a gamble on our YouTube channel way back in 2015 when we had less than 7K subs! Even back then, they could see we were doing something different and chose to support us even though we didn't have the numbers we do now. They've been awesome! And the more recent additions, Kifaru, MKC, & First Lite have allowed us to increase our range a bit, going on more, and more diverse, adventures (this year's trip to Alaska for example).

There are other ways to make money. You wouldn't believe the number of offers I get daily to pitch things to all of you, my audience - everything from crossbows to e-bikes to dietary supplements! So far, I've turned them all down even though some of them offer to pay very well. With that said, there are some other fantastic channels who do go that route, and good for them. Figuring out how to make a living on your own isn't easy and those ads are a viable option. They're just not for me at this time.

There are those who will criticize any mention of a product or link to a sponsor. That's fine, I can see where they're coming from, and they've made up their minds. This message isn't for them. This message is for all of the rest of you, all the folks that follow along on our adventures, who enjoy watching what we love to do. Thank you for watching, liking, commenting, sharing. Thank you for your shared interests! Just wanted to give you a little background on how we got to where we are and let you know that, on the rare occasion I mention a product or gear, that it's something I actually use and believe in. And that those companies below, our sponsors, see enough value in my content to help support the channel and bring it to all of you. If you get a moment, stop by their websites and drop them a line. That simple act helps more than you know!

ch

First Lite rb.gy/u1oniy
Montana Knife Co. www.montanaknifecompany.com/
Kifaru kifaru.net/
Vortex vortexoptics.com/
3Rivers Archery www.3riversarchery.com/

5 months ago | [YT] | 4,720

Clay Hayes

Just got back from an awesome 10 day wilderness backpack hunt with the flintlock! Next video will most likely be a gear overview, then the full hunt will come after that. Stay tuned, it should be a good one!

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5 months ago | [YT] | 2,030

Clay Hayes

This year I’ve got a couple late season #flintlock hunts on the list. After last year’s embarrassing misses I’ve committed to putting in some serious range time with the .50 cal. It’s starting to come together. After a bit of fiddling with loads and iron sights, I was able to get the group shown here at 100 yards. I’m holding about a 6” group at 150 with a 12” drop. 100grains FFg pushing a Great Plains 385gr conical bullet.

6 months ago | [YT] | 552

Clay Hayes

Fen got a great start on filling the freezer this year, and learned some life lessons in the process. This is kind of a special video as you'll see in the last third or so. Please share it if you can! Thanks friends, CH

8 months ago | [YT] | 222

Clay Hayes

Spent a few days with my buddy Mickey and knocked out a friction fire vid a few days ago. Check it out and give him a follow.

10 months ago | [YT] | 95

Clay Hayes

Hey folks, I wanted to let you know that the Marshall Bushcraft Knife I’ve been using in my recent videos is back in stock but they’re going fast. Here’s the link. Might still be able to snag one before they’re all gone. www.montanaknifecompany.com/collections/the-marsha…

11 months ago | [YT] | 355

Clay Hayes

After Liz’s first solo outing, she realized she needed to work on some basic outdoor skills. Let’s start with fire!

https://youtu.be/ReWW_kKVCnU?si=SoP3c...

1 year ago | [YT] | 99

Clay Hayes

It's almost that time! We'll be pulling out just after thanksgiving for late season muzzleloader hunt. Last year the temps were well below 0F with windchill much colder. That's frostbite territory... With that in mind, the latest vid explains how I pick the right clothing and layer for those all-day excursions. I wear a lot of wool, mostly merino which feels like cotton against your skin. It's the same stuff I wore on Alone. Anyway, the company that makes that stuff is having a big sale right now. You can check it out at the link below.

www.firstlite.com/collections/black-friday/?lang=e…

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1 year ago | [YT] | 1,189

Clay Hayes

Hey folks, Fen just posted another catch and cook vid over on his channel. Pop over and watch!

1 year ago | [YT] | 152