Hello world!

My hunting story began about 40 years ago in central Oregon. My maternal Grandfather took me deer hunting in the then-famous Ochocco Mountains. I hunted with my Grandmother’s rifle…an iron-sighted Savage M99 chambered in the venerable classic 30-30. I never saw a buck but I did have very close encounters with my first BIG bull elk and a doe that nearly sat on my lap. Shortly thereafter, my Mom’s boyfriend took me dove hunting with all his buddies. I was completely hooked!

Hunting became, and has remained, the driving force in my life. Ever since, I have read and watched everything hunting. When I was thirteen, I remember very clearly reading Death in the Long Grass cover to cover and KNOWING the one day I would hunt in Africa. Along the way I have been extremely fortunate to have had two great mentors plus a consistent group of guys I’ve hunted regularly with from here to there.

I’m so thankful to be a hunter. For me it’s a year-long pursuit with physical training, loading ammunition and prepping gear, applying for tags all over the West & anticipating draw results, researching & scouting new units, planning logistics for the busy fall season…and finally arriving in camp full of excitement and anticipation. And after successful hunts, processing all of the delicious meat ourselves.

The purpose of First Hunts is to pass my excitement and passion for hunting on to others. I’ve had a couple opportunities to introduce hunting to someone for the first time. Both were very rewarding experiences! Then I was watching a couple of my favorite shows – Red Arrow TV and Ridiculousness – and I had an epiphany. Why not do something on a bigger scale?

And so First Hunts was born…my plan and purpose is to help introduce people (kids, wives, husbands, grandmas, veterans) to my world by taking them on their first hunt. We won’t be focused on the biggest or best critters in the woods but rather the experience itself. The real value and enjoyment of hunting comes through comradery around a camp fire, the spirituality of the woods and the scenic splendor of nature.

Please reach out to me with questions or comments…and to submit an application if you know anyone we can help take on their First Hunt!