Welcome back to the Mindful Hunter Podcast! In this episode, Jay sits down with Robbie and Lindsay Clunes, the husband-and-wife team behind the new platform Let's Go Guided. We dive deep into their personal hunting journeys, from Lindsay’s transition into hunting for self-sustaining meat to their ambitious plans for chasing big game across North America.
The conversation quickly turns to some of the most debated topics in the hunting world. Are combo hunts actually worth your time and money, or are they just a way for outfitters to cash in? Jay also challenges the gear-obsessed hunting culture, explaining why spending $1,500 on new binoculars won't make you a better hunter—and what you should be doing instead. We also tackle the stigma surrounding guided hunts, the difference between "canned" hunting and true backcountry experiences, and why the DIY public land movement might be making hunters miss out on the value of fellowship in hunting camps.
Robbie and Lindsay also share the inspiration behind Let's Go Guided, a platform designed to help hunters connect with outfitters on a personal level before booking their dream hunts. Whether you're a seasoned DIY hunter or looking to book your first guided experience, this episode is packed with unfiltered opinions and actionable advice.
Timed Chapters
00:00:00 - Intro & Catching Up: Goat Hunting Prep & Spreadsheets
00:03:23 - Lindsay's Hunting Journey: From Non-Hunter to Bear & Sheep Goals
00:09:41 - The 6.5 Creedmoor Debate: Why It's Still the Best Starter Cartridge
00:15:47 - The Emotional Reality of Your First Kill: Expectations vs. Reality
00:19:02 - Robbie's Hunting Background: Reconnecting with the Backcountry
00:23:34 - The Birth of "Let's Go Guided": Fixing the Outfitter Booking Problem
00:26:09 - The Truth About Guided Hunts: Do Outfitters Actually Teach You Anything?
00:31:15 - Why Outfitters Need to Stop Relying on Trade Shows & Start Using Social Media
00:35:59 - The Stigma of Guided Hunts vs. The DIY Public Land Movement
00:40:07 - Missing Out on Fellowship: The Hidden Value of Guided Hunting Camps
00:46:17 - Robbie & Lindsay's 2026 Hunting Calendar: Spring Bear, Hogs, and Stones
00:51:24 - Why You Should Stop Buying Gear and Spend That Money on Scouting
00:53:28 - The Curse of BC Hunting: Why You Shouldn't Try to Hunt Everything at Once
00:54:56 - Why Combo Hunts Are a Terrible Idea (And Maybe a Cash Grab)
00:56:15 - Outro & Where to Find Let's Go Guided
Let’s Go Guided
https://www.instagram.com/letsgoguided_/
https://letsgoguided.com/
Jay Nichol
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