Discover Clay Hayes, traditional bowhunting influencer and survival blogger. Learn about his primitive hunting techniques, handcrafted bows, and off-grid lifestyle in Idaho. Who is Clay Hayes? Clay Hayes is a renowned traditional archery influencer, survivalist, and outdoor blogger who gained national recognition after winning Season 8 of the reality show Alone on the History Channel. Known for his expertise in primitive bow building, traditional hunting methods, and self-reliant lifestyle, Clay has built a substantial digital presence and loyal following across Instagram (@clayhayeshunter), YouTube, and educational platforms. Background and Lifestyle Raised in the rural pine woods of northwest Florida, Hayes developed early proficiency in hunting, fishing, and trapping. With a formal education in wildlife ecology, he worked for over a decade as a wildlife biologist in remote areas of the American West. In 2017, he pivoted from science to pursue his true calling—primitive archery and outdoor education—as a full-time influencer and blogger. Currently based in North Idaho, Clay lives off the land with his wife Liz and two sons, Coye and Fen. Their homestead lifestyle centers around bowhunting, foraging, fishing, and cultivating a self-sufficient home environment deeply connected to nature. How Clay Hayes Prefers to Hunt Clay Hayes is a strong advocate for traditional bowhunting. He hunts exclusively with self-made wooden bows—crafted from natural materials like osage orange and yew—rejecting modern mechanical aids. His minimalist and ethical hunting philosophy emphasizes stealth, patience, and mastery of woodsmanship. Hayes documents his approach to hunting through educational video content, blog articles, and long-form tutorials. Preferred Hunting Styles and Game As a traditional archery hunter, Clay focuses on: Big game hunting: mule deer, elk, and white-tailed deer Small game: squirrels, rabbits, and upland birds Fishing and foraging: trout, bluegill, and wild edibles Hayes combines archery with primitive survival techniques, which he demonstrated to national acclaim on Alone by harvesting a mule deer with his handmade longbow. Where He Hunts Clay's primary hunting grounds include the dense forests and rugged terrain of northern Idaho. He also hunts in various Western states and previously showcased his skills in the wilderness of British Columbia during his time on Alone. His ability to adapt to diverse ecosystems—from alpine ridges to dense woodlands—positions him as a top-tier survivalist and outdoor influencer. Signature Trophies and Hunting Success Mule deer: notably harvested during Alone Season 8 Elk and white-tailed deer: taken with traditional archery gear Sustainable harvests: reflecting ethical practices and deep ecological knowledge Clay’s most prominent trophy—a mule deer taken with a self-bow in the Canadian wilderness—has become a symbol of his skill and authenticity as a hunting influencer. Weapons and Tools of ChoiceHayes builds and uses: Self-bows (longbows and recurves) made from native hardwoods Primitive arrows with wooden shafts and natural fletching Traditional tools: draw knives, scrapers, and sinew bindings His educational platform, Twisted Stave Media, and the Master Bowyer’s Course teach thousands how to build and use primitive archery equipment. Online Presence and Influence As a respected survival blogger and outdoor influencer, Clay Hayes maintains a strong online footprint: Instagram (@clayhayeshunter): behind-the-scenes homestead life and hunting content YouTube: tutorials, bow-making videos, and long-form storytelling Courses and books: including The Traditional Bowyer’s Handbook and Traditional Archery Hunting Through these channels, Hayes introduces tens of thousands to traditional bowhunting and self-reliant living. His blend of education, storytelling, and field experience makes him one of the most authentic and impactful voices in the traditional hunting community. Clay Hayes stands out as a traditional archery influencer and primitive hunting blogger whose credibility is rooted in decades of field experience. His dedication to ancestral skills, ecological respect, and hands-on education positions him as a key thought leader in the global bowhunting and survival space. Clay Hayes's Instagram (76,7k followers): @clayhayeshunter