This week on the Mindful Hunter Podcast, I dive into the controversy surrounding hunting influencer Ryan Lampers and the recent wildlife violation charges filed against him.

We’ll break down:

- The details of the allegations (mule deer, mountain lion, wolf) 

- What this means for hunters, conservation, and the companies who partnered with him 

- Why integrity, responsibility, and transparency matter in the hunting community 

⚠️ Important: These are only allegations — Ryan has not been convicted of anything. This discussion is about principles, ethics, and the bigger picture of hunting culture. 

I also cover your Q&A questions on gear, elk hunting strategy, backpacks, bullet choice, and more. 

👉 If you value authentic conversations about hunting — not hype — hit subscribe and join the community. 

0:00 – Intro: Mountain goat hunt recap & upcoming film

1:16 – Why I’m doing a Q&A episode

1:52 – The Ryan Lammers controversy & wildlife charges

3:24 – Breaking down the charges: deer, lion & wolf

7:08 – Does Ryan owe hunters an explanation?

11:02 – What this means for hunting companies & sponsors

15:23 – Incentives, social media & the pressure on hunters

18:36 – Do past accomplishments get tainted?

22:14 – Public figures, accountability & second chances

25:11 – My personal reflections on integrity & content creation

27:15 – Transition into Q&A

28:19 – Glassing tarps: waste or worth it?

34:01 – Best states to build elk points affordably

35:26 – Training & rehab after a torn meniscus

39:08 – Crossbows: ethical or unfair advantage?

41:51 – Best backcountry solar panels

43:42 – My elk hunting & calling strategies

48:09 – Prairie mule deer tactics in featureless country

52:01 – My current weight & fitness goals

52:30 – Storm-worthy backcountry tents

55:09 – Local vs overseas gear manufacturing

59:40 – Why my goat hunt partner bailed (coming in Full Circle film)

1:00:23 – Top gear surprises of 2025 so far

1:01:27 – Backcountry bathroom etiquette

1:03:07 – How the “Shoot to Hunt” course changed my shooting confidence

1:03:58 – Mental toughness vs physical fitness in mountain hunts

1:06:15 – Why I prefer highly fragmenting bullets

1:09:17 – Updated tent vs tent thoughts

Jay Nichol

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