The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 855: Clay's Utah Mountain Lion Hunt | 12 in '26
Mar 31, 2026
Clay Newcomb, experienced hunter and filmmaker who led the Utah mountain lion hunt in the 12 in '26 film, shares first-person tales. He discusses hunting with hounds and mule travel in steep, rugged terrain. He breaks down dry-ground versus snowline lion hunting, dog traits that matter, and conservation and management trade-offs in Utah.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Dry Ground Lion Hunting Is Exceptionally Hard
- Dry ground lion hunting is far harder than snow hunts because scent degrades and dogs need an exceptionally cold nose.
- Clay explains snow acts like a refrigerator for scent; Utah dry-ground dogs need elite detection and endurance to trail without visible tracks.
Riding One Mule 80 Miles In Rugged Utah
- Clay rode one mule more than 80 miles across steep Utah country during the hunt.
- The mule was 25 years old and carried cameraman Lauren Moulton through long up-and-down terrain with heavy elevation change.
Use Mules And Britchin For Steep Backcountry Riding
- Use mules instead of horses for steep, technical western country because they are more sure-footed and saddle fit differs.
- Clay details britchin usage: mule shoulders are narrow so britchin prevents the saddle from sliding forward.