Since I started hunting in 1999, I was infatuated with hunting shows in exotic locations or out west. Chasing whitetails in KY was awesome...but I wanted to travel. I wanted to hunt Africa, Wyoming, Alaska, and Texas. I wanted to hunt lions and tigers and bears.
But, my family was going through a rough time. My dad, who started hunting the same time I did, left us and I took up with a group of old guys from church. The old fellas taught me to shoot and track and hunt. One guy even let me hunt his place for a while. Home life was flat out sucky. Mom was a wreck and dad was pretty much gone. I took every minute to fish or hunt the local state park, Taylorsville Lake WMA. I killed some good deer there and turkeys too. It was a nice retreat. But inside I still had that desire to get out and hunt.
In 2003, I was working part time for a taxidermist. I knew I couldn't afford to mount anything, so I wanted to learn. the local archery shop owner set me up with great mentor taxidermist. Through him, I got hooked up with SCI. I saw an ad for a Safari Club apprentice hunter essay contest. I wrote an essay and applied. The grand prize was a 2 week hunt in New Zealand. I was so excited even though I knew I wouldn't win. My mom and dad thought it was a scam. That is until July when I got a letter in the mail saying "Congratulations! You have been selected" Out of nearly 5000 essays, they picked 12 and I was 1! I got to go on that hunt/apprenticeship in 2004 and had the time of my life. All we killed were feral goats and pigs, but I learned so much!
In January of 2004, I met a hunting guide from South Africa at a local hunting show. After a series of emails and phone calls, I was given the opportunity to be an apprentice Professional Hunter. I spent 4 1/2 months in Africa learning from the best and hunting every day!
Those experiences were priceless. In '05 I moved to Ohio for college and due to the fact that my mom inherited a house up here. In 2009, life got hard. I was just married and lost my job. And when you lose a job in my business, it's hard to recover. I sunk into depression and didn't even enjoy hunting. I remember January 2010 I made a grand total of $89.oo on my month's paycheck after screwing up a job. Thanks to my wife and old hunting buddies from Ky, I started snapping out of depressed mode and back into life. It was hard and I can't say I'm totally better to this day. Certain circumstances just take a toll on you.
In 2011I met a guy in NC, who took me bear hunting. That guy has changed my life. I won't get sappy, but just a nice person. Genuine hard working and a man's man. He told me something along the lines of "If you wanted to X,y,z you'd be doing it." He called me a few times that spring and really helped me realize I'd be ok.
I got back into my profession in 2012 and stuff started looking up. It was a stepping stone job but my wife graduated college and money wasn't so tight. And by money not being tight, I mean most of my bills got paid!
In 2013 I began writing again. I kinda forgot how relaxing writing was. I had a few articles published in SCI, websites and other small stuff. I sent in an application to write for a website and got hired. The fall of 2013 I began to advertise myself a little and try to "Pro-staff". mainly just because I thought it'd be fun...and boy is it. I began making acquaintances in the industry. I started getting some cool free stuff in exchange for writing or taking photo's. I bear hunted the next 2 years and planned a Wyoming hunt in 2013 that I got to go on in 2014.
This year I really worked the phones and email. So far I've booked a Texas Axis-hog-javelina hunt, NC- Bear, Maryland Sika-Whitetail, and VA Whitetail. I've got a few more too that haven't been set in stone yet. And to be honest, much of these hunts I've traded for or got discounts in exchange for advertisement.
I say all this not to toot my horn. I say it to encourage you all. If you want to do something....DO IT.
I've read hundreds of stories on this forum. You guys are good writers! Use your talents and find something you want. My Virginia hunt was a matter of calling someone I found online and saying "Hey man, I see you kill some great deer. Wanna swap an ohio hunt for a va hunt?" After a bunch of talking, we traded. All we both have to do Is buy tags. Its really that easy. I needed a new bow last year and by emailing a company, telling my story, and telling them I'd write and provide them with a ton of pics. Wouldn't ya know it, I got a free bow!
The opportunities are out there. Sure, taking 4 1/2 months to go to Africa isn't realistic, but save some cash and pick a hunt.
A member on another forum- JUST HUNT- says it perfectly in his signature line.
Life is too short. Live your dream...just Hunt
Last week I was talking to a buddy of mine who was pretty down and explained my background in the hunting world. (the above is a very brief summary) He asked how to get into the business, how to hunt more, and get to do some stuff I do. I summed it up like this:
Write or take good pictures. Work hard and represent yourself professionally. If you're filming, don't try to be a movie star. Companies want pictures of their stuff not your ugly mug. Do your best and believe in yourself! Make friends everywhere you go and don't be afraid to ask.
At times you will be rejected and ignored, but its worth it for that "yes" you finally get.
It's all out there for the taking- get off your butt and get at it!
-GG
But, my family was going through a rough time. My dad, who started hunting the same time I did, left us and I took up with a group of old guys from church. The old fellas taught me to shoot and track and hunt. One guy even let me hunt his place for a while. Home life was flat out sucky. Mom was a wreck and dad was pretty much gone. I took every minute to fish or hunt the local state park, Taylorsville Lake WMA. I killed some good deer there and turkeys too. It was a nice retreat. But inside I still had that desire to get out and hunt.
In 2003, I was working part time for a taxidermist. I knew I couldn't afford to mount anything, so I wanted to learn. the local archery shop owner set me up with great mentor taxidermist. Through him, I got hooked up with SCI. I saw an ad for a Safari Club apprentice hunter essay contest. I wrote an essay and applied. The grand prize was a 2 week hunt in New Zealand. I was so excited even though I knew I wouldn't win. My mom and dad thought it was a scam. That is until July when I got a letter in the mail saying "Congratulations! You have been selected" Out of nearly 5000 essays, they picked 12 and I was 1! I got to go on that hunt/apprenticeship in 2004 and had the time of my life. All we killed were feral goats and pigs, but I learned so much!
In January of 2004, I met a hunting guide from South Africa at a local hunting show. After a series of emails and phone calls, I was given the opportunity to be an apprentice Professional Hunter. I spent 4 1/2 months in Africa learning from the best and hunting every day!
Those experiences were priceless. In '05 I moved to Ohio for college and due to the fact that my mom inherited a house up here. In 2009, life got hard. I was just married and lost my job. And when you lose a job in my business, it's hard to recover. I sunk into depression and didn't even enjoy hunting. I remember January 2010 I made a grand total of $89.oo on my month's paycheck after screwing up a job. Thanks to my wife and old hunting buddies from Ky, I started snapping out of depressed mode and back into life. It was hard and I can't say I'm totally better to this day. Certain circumstances just take a toll on you.
In 2011I met a guy in NC, who took me bear hunting. That guy has changed my life. I won't get sappy, but just a nice person. Genuine hard working and a man's man. He told me something along the lines of "If you wanted to X,y,z you'd be doing it." He called me a few times that spring and really helped me realize I'd be ok.
I got back into my profession in 2012 and stuff started looking up. It was a stepping stone job but my wife graduated college and money wasn't so tight. And by money not being tight, I mean most of my bills got paid!
In 2013 I began writing again. I kinda forgot how relaxing writing was. I had a few articles published in SCI, websites and other small stuff. I sent in an application to write for a website and got hired. The fall of 2013 I began to advertise myself a little and try to "Pro-staff". mainly just because I thought it'd be fun...and boy is it. I began making acquaintances in the industry. I started getting some cool free stuff in exchange for writing or taking photo's. I bear hunted the next 2 years and planned a Wyoming hunt in 2013 that I got to go on in 2014.
This year I really worked the phones and email. So far I've booked a Texas Axis-hog-javelina hunt, NC- Bear, Maryland Sika-Whitetail, and VA Whitetail. I've got a few more too that haven't been set in stone yet. And to be honest, much of these hunts I've traded for or got discounts in exchange for advertisement.
I say all this not to toot my horn. I say it to encourage you all. If you want to do something....DO IT.
I've read hundreds of stories on this forum. You guys are good writers! Use your talents and find something you want. My Virginia hunt was a matter of calling someone I found online and saying "Hey man, I see you kill some great deer. Wanna swap an ohio hunt for a va hunt?" After a bunch of talking, we traded. All we both have to do Is buy tags. Its really that easy. I needed a new bow last year and by emailing a company, telling my story, and telling them I'd write and provide them with a ton of pics. Wouldn't ya know it, I got a free bow!
The opportunities are out there. Sure, taking 4 1/2 months to go to Africa isn't realistic, but save some cash and pick a hunt.
A member on another forum- JUST HUNT- says it perfectly in his signature line.
Life is too short. Live your dream...just Hunt
Last week I was talking to a buddy of mine who was pretty down and explained my background in the hunting world. (the above is a very brief summary) He asked how to get into the business, how to hunt more, and get to do some stuff I do. I summed it up like this:
Write or take good pictures. Work hard and represent yourself professionally. If you're filming, don't try to be a movie star. Companies want pictures of their stuff not your ugly mug. Do your best and believe in yourself! Make friends everywhere you go and don't be afraid to ask.
At times you will be rejected and ignored, but its worth it for that "yes" you finally get.
It's all out there for the taking- get off your butt and get at it!
-GG
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