Cliff Gray

Date: 2023-03-15 | Duration: 2h 42m

Episode Overview

Cliff Gray shares his journey from a background in finance to running an outfitting business in Colorado, blending his passion for hunting with entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges and rewards of managing wilderness expeditions on vast federal lands, emphasizing the importance of permits and logistics when operating in remote elk habitats. Cliff also reflects on his upbringing around cattle ranching and veterinary medicine, which shaped his deep connection to the outdoors and wildlife. A significant portion of the conversation delves into wildlife ecology, particularly the role of predators like wolves in Colorado’s ecosystems. Cliff offers nuanced insights into wolf behavior, their impact on ungulate populations, and the complexities of rewilding efforts. He challenges common perceptions about wolves, highlighting their intelligence and the realities of predator-prey dynamics. Additionally, Cliff recounts vivid experiences with mountain lions, black bears, and other native species, illustrating the raw and unpredictable nature of hunting and conservation in the wild. The episode also touches on hunting culture and ethics, including the skills required for responsible marksmanship and the pride that comes with teaching hunting to younger generations. Cliff’s stories reveal a deep respect for nature and the balance needed between human activity and wildlife preservation, making this a compelling exploration of life in the American wilderness.

About Cliff Gray

Cliff Gray is a former financial trader who traded the bustling stock market for the serene wilderness, becoming a renowned outfitter and hunting guide. With a passion for adventure and survival, he has built a reputation as a trusted resource for outdoor enthusiasts through his engaging YouTube channel, where he shares expert insights on hunting, nature, and wilderness skills. Cliff's unique journey from Wall Street to the great outdoors showcases his commitment to living life to the fullest, inspiring others to connect with nature and embrace the thrill of adventure. Tune into his insightful perspectives shared on the Joe Rogan Experience, where he discusses the transformative power of outdoor experiences.

Key Moments

– Wilderness Outfitting
– Amish Culture
– Federal Permitting
– Elk Habitat
– Wolf Ecology
– Mountain Lion Hunting
– Black Bear Behavior
– Hunting Ethics
– Wildlife Conservation
– Bow Hunting Techniques
– Animal Behavior
– Fishing Practices
– Game Cooking
– Predator-Prey Dynamics
– Land Management
– Wildlife Reintroduction
– Outdoor Survival Skills
– Hunting Education
– Animal Tracking
0:00:21 – Reflecting on first interaction years ago
0:04:44 – Discussing responsibilities and dependents
0:06:17 – Buying and reviving an outfitting business
0:10:56 – Federal permitting for wilderness operations
0:14:25 – Setting up wall tents with horses and mules
0:16:18 – Amish community work ethics and church rules
0:19:09 – Education perspectives and alternative schooling
0:21:00 – Teaching jiu-jitsu and learning pride
0:24:18 – Amish restrictions on technology and media
0:26:11 – Hay fermentation for livestock nutrition
0:31:20 – Wolves as dominant, intelligent predators
0:34:42 – Debunking myths about wolves rewilding
0:40:41 – Wolf pack communication and hunting strategies
0:43:25 – Describing wolf agility and hunting prowess
0:46:36 – Livestock protection dogs against wolves
0:47:15 – Debate on predator reintroduction benefits
0:50:19 – Ecological impact of predators on ecosystems
0:54:12 – Animal size variation in cold climates
0:57:50 – Moose behavior and scent strategies
1:00:04 – Moose extinction and rediscovery stories
1:02:40 – Bear study and wildlife observations
1:05:34 – Encounter with a dangerous animal and handgun use
1:07:09 – Black bear dangers and recent attacks
1:10:19 – Legal restrictions on bear hunting methods
1:13:21 – Mother bear calling to her cubs
1:15:05 – Community attitudes toward wolves
1:16:02 – Voting and public opinion on wildlife issues
1:17:11 – Understanding predator and prey relationships
1:20:15 – Anatomy of deer and elk joints for hunting
1:22:19 – Impressive forearm strength of lions
1:26:21 – AI understanding of memes and humor
1:28:59 – Tarpon fish eating challenges
1:31:10 – Plastic kid figurines versus photos
1:34:24 – Discussion on meat eaters and hunting ethics
1:36:57 – Creating quality YouTube hunting content
1:41:35 – Emotional satisfaction from catching fish
1:42:50 – Sensory experience of burning wood and cooking meat
1:45:19 – Hawaii gun laws affecting hunting
1:48:25 – Avoiding sketchy hunting shots
1:51:21 – Confidence in prone shooting position
1:54:19 – Mountain goat hunting experiences
1:58:22 – Wolves' impact on elk populations in Yellowstone
2:02:55 – Eating deer meat regularly
2:05:05 – Statistics on hunting participation rates
2:07:42 – Getting started with hunting dogs
2:09:33 – Killing mountain lions with hounds
2:14:00 – Female lions with kittens observations
2:18:23 – Aggression among wolves
2:20:12 – Wolves as nature's cleanup crew
2:22:19 – Using cast nets for bait fishing
2:26:17 – Physical benefits of fencing exercises
2:30:23 – Lifestyle changes required for serious hunting
2:33:02 – Excitement of rattling in thick cover
2:35:10 – Hunting not for everyone but valuable for many
2:37:23 – Importance of cooking techniques for game meat
2:38:24 – Closing remarks and appreciation

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Joe Rogan Experience. Starting point is 00:00:21 You know, it's funny, I was looking at it, I think it's been like five or six years since our first interaction. Starting point is 00:00:49 But when my dad was an adult, he was a cattle rancher, and then he went back to vet school. Starting point is 00:01:31 And we can get deep into why that didn't last. Starting point is 00:02:11 But he's doing okay. Starting point is 00:02:28 If you're happy, you chose the right thing. Starting point is 00:02:44 Unless you have a fucking time machine. Starting point is 00:03:06 You would be constantly filled with this anxiety of making sure that you don't do the thing that you have already done Starting point is 00:03:28 That makes sense. Starting point is 00:03:38 Right. Starting point is 00:04:10 you would never i would have never imagined this in the my wildest dreams that's funny but i meant Starting point is 00:04:44 You have so many dependents. There's so many people depending upon you. You have so many responsibilities. Starting point is 00:05:13 to great success as a finance guy. And that's when I met my wife. And then I like, I tricked her, Starting point is 00:05:40 you know, nor did I, but they kept me comfortable. Starting point is 00:06:17 bought an outfitting business that had been you know pretty much run into the dirt you know and Starting point is 00:07:02 guy that just said, Hey, I'm going to do something cool and independent. Starting point is 00:07:35 an undergrad in school, I hunted all the time and I had done a bunch of guiding and I was exposed to Starting point is 00:08:27 was young at a business school, me and my brother started a financial company and it changed, Starting point is 00:09:05 to get, to go back to Colorado. I was born in the area, you know, where, where I did most of my Starting point is 00:09:44 I'm like Bob we shouldn't talk about it man he's like all right dude go for it well that's great so literally like a w...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #1955?

Cliff Gray was the guest on JRE #1955. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #1955?

On Joe Rogan Experience #1955 with Cliff Gray, topics include Wilderness Outfitting, Amish Culture, Federal Permitting, and Elk Habitat.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #1955?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #1955 with Cliff Gray is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.