EP 21 – How to Identify Mature Rams with Clay Lancaster

In this episode, Jay sits down with Clay Lancaster.  Clay is one of the most widely regarded sheep outfitters in North America and is considered to be an expert in field ageing mature rams.  Although the purpose of the podcast was to focus on field ageing Clay and Jay dive into several different aspects of sheep hunting.  You can find out more about Clay and book a hunt with him at the links below.   Clay Lancaster IG: claylancaster_300 Outfitting https://lancasterfamilyhunting.com/   @mindful_hunter [email protected] www.mindfulhunter.com       0:00 – Intro 3:27 – Call with Clay 8:18 – Going after the right sheep 11:23 – The willingness to walk away 14:36 – 90% of the sheep are killed by 10% of the hunters 15:53 – Crown method of aging 19:35 – Decipher false annuli 23:05 – Importance of a Roman nose 25:07 – Benefits of phone scoping 27:43 – Behavioural indicators of mature rams 31:34 – Full curl complications 33:27 – Double checking broomed rams 40:02 – Ideal optics setup 42:33 – Lowering your pack weight on the way in 45:14 – If solo be prepared to pack 125lbs on the way out               48:40 – Tent condensation 49:56 – Fire tips for winter hunts 50:43 – Three most important pieces of gear for a sheep hunt 55:40 – Outfitting plans this year  58:20 – Clay’s closing thoughts