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
https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/
Forged In The Backcountry
https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/
Merch
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/shop
Newsletter
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/contact
IG
https://www.instagram.com/mindful_hunter/
Podcast
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/podcast
Free Backcountry Nutrition Guide
https://www.mindfulhunter.com/tools
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.