Hunting for a career?
 

I was bored the other day, and found myself surfing various hunting industry websites (mossy oak, HB, Drury Outdoors, Rutjunkies, etc) reading the Bios of the staff members. It got me thinking whether or not I would ever want to enter into a career in the industry of hunting. Granted, I know many pro staff aren't full time, but given the opportunity, how many of you would enter the industry if you could make a fulltime career out of it? Obviously, hunting is a passion for all of us here, so it would be somewhat safe to automatically assume doing this as a career would be the ultimate life, but there's other things that came to mind that made me question it:

1. A career which finds you on the road a large portion of the year.
2. One in which may lead you into mostly hunts done on paid "ranches" where they just plop you in a tree and wait for the 160 class to come along.
3. The potential for your dream job to turn your passion into just another "job" with all of the associated stresses, etc.

Now, a couple of things I feel I need to mention. I know I mentioned a few companies that are very prominent on here with pro staff members as part of our community here at Hunting.net (HB, rutjunkies). Now I know these and many other companies hunt primarily or completely in fair chase non-guided situations, so please don't think I'm anyway implying that ALL of the pros fall into the above observations, it's just my opinion from watching various TV shows that many "pros" careers wouldn't appeal to me.

Ok, so, now am I nuts? What's everyone else's opinion? Given the chance, would you hunt for a career?

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I've had the chance to and at one time seriously thought I wanted to work in the hunting/archery industry as a career path. Not in a "Pro Hunter" role, but in other aspects involving marketing/sales. I turned the opportunity down and now after knowing several people that have been there......I've decided a normal 9-5 job that pays me well enough to hunt hard now, and to retire young is really the best fit for me. I wouldn't change anything, except I'd love maybe another week of vacation per year to help better balancevacation between family/hunting.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

MHensler...I agree with you. I don't think I could do it full time, I think I'd lose the passion for it. Now, part time pro-staffer probably would be pretty cool. One of my good friends got on with Primos a few years ago. He isn't in the inner circle, but still really likes it. Plus he gets some nice perks.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Yeah, I have a very similar philosophy. I'm a first year teacher (hired right of college, so I'm very fortunate). The pay is very good, the cost of living in this area is relatively low, and I get plenty of time off (including my whole summer:D). Only downfall, is a I really can't take weeks at a time off during hunting season, but I still am able to hunt most evenings after school.

What do you do Matt? I've often wondered, and I actually thought you did work in the archery industry, but I guess I was mistaken.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

When you have to do something full time to make money, it is no longer a passion but the source of continuing your lifestyle. That puts pressures on that would take enjoyment out. Then I have to consider the fact that hunting for me is partly going out with an unknown (ie will the deer be moving down through this area today?). When you hunt private ranches, a lot of that is gone. Personally, I would like to see more hunting companies use more beta testers and less paid staff.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Yeah I feel many of the guys on Rutjunkies and HB are part-time pro-staff (correct me if I'm mistaken), and I wouldn't mind that. As Matt stated above, I wouldn't want to be a "pro" hunter, but moreso involved in the industry, even if it was on the video production side of things.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I'll be the minority, yes, I would do it in a heartbeat.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I think getting paid to hunt/fish would be be a lot of fun, it might get old after a while but if I ever had a chance to work in the hunting industry I would do it.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

In a heartbeat. I'm not a fan of going to work. Many people look at it with the perspective of if its your job, then you won't like it as much. But I think I'd look at it as I'd finally be doing something I like so I wouldn't view it as a job. I think people whose job is thier passion are very lucky.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

You know, it's easy to say "yes" to that question before significantly giving it very much thought. Matt (RJ) hit the nail on the head though, as I too am affiliated with enough manufacturers to know that if you love to hunt, don't go to work full-time for them (and I'm not referring to myself; I'm talking about my friends and acquaintances that work for those companies full-time).

Those guys' busy seasons always seem to peak when they'd love to be out hunting, but unfortunately can't because that's when they either need to be in their offices or out working the circuit making hay when the sun is shining...

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I'm a Regional Sales Manager for a software company, and part time staff at a local pro shop. I do a lot of other things on the side as well including a lot of online sales with archery related stuff, and this does keep me involved to a certain degree. To be honest I don't think I'd want to be involved any more than I am now on a professional level and I certainly wouldn't consider it as a career path anymore, it's just a method for me to supplement my archery habit,pay for some toys, and spend time with friends..........but that's where I draw the line.

Anything revolving around retail/consumer type products is a tough place to make a good career for yourself these days. Just my opinion.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

For those who said "yes", would you rather be involved in the industry/sales/management side or actually hunting? Reason I ask is, you do see a lot of the Full-Time pro's hunting ranches and guided outfits. I know many of you on here take pride in pursuing game 100% fair chase, doing the scouting and legwork in the preseason, etc, so in theory, wouldn't it be logical to consider this aspect of the career before you automatically say "yes"? Just stirring the pot a bit;)

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Since I was sort of mentioned I'll TRY to give my .02....

Hunting is not a career for me....close, but not. Full time I own a bear hunting and fishing camp in Ontario Canada. Its balls to the walls in the outdoors 16 hrs per day from Mid April to the end of September....I don't consider it a job, more of a lifestyle. Doing this has provided me the opportunity to hunt a ton in the fall....my passion.

This year, after Joey asked me, I decided to throw another challenge into the mix and begin filming......for fun.....not looking to gain anything monetarily (yeah I can't spell) I have found it to be an absolute blast! Not only will I have the memories on film, but I will get to share my experiences and knowledge with others.

I don't and won't consider it as a career.....more or less a lifestyle. It wouldn't be for everyone and it takes a lot of questioning yourself to determine if you really want to do it. I wouldn't have it any other way.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Excellent post dan. I hope you weren't offended by anything I said, because I have the upmost respect for most industry pros, and I know many of them don't fall into the "high fence" hunters like some TV shows/industry pros do.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Well, I hope you aren't calling me a "pro".....I'm the farthest thing from it.....I'm just a guy that loves to hunt.

Edited: No worries about offending me and none taken. Also, 90% of my hunting is done DIY....if its not, I don't try to make it look like it is...I give credit where its due.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I think as far as I would go is to be part of the management staff. This would only be because I would be around several hunters like myself, which is not a common occurance in the accounting industry.

I think being a guide would only be as good as long as you had good clients. I dont think I would enjoy guiding someone who bought his gun and clothing at Cabelas the night before for some outragous amount of money. Filming for person enjoyment would be enjoyable because there is no pressure. When $$ are on the line, some of the fun is taken out in my opinion.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Right now, I do make a fair amount in the fishing industry. I still work 40hrs a week at my "job", and its mainly for the benefits, retirement (almost my entire checks go straight into the bank), and something to do in my downtime. Would I like to make it big time enough to not work, of course, but at the same time, I'm happy where I am now. I'm not exactly sure I would like it in the hunting industry as much as the fishing. I like the commodery of a blast off at 6 am, and the weigh in of 200 other fellow anglers. Hunting in my escape, and I much prefer to do that alone, or with just a few close friends with no pressure to succeed.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I totally agree, Dan. In no way, shape, or form am I a pro. I'm a guy that loves to hunt. When I'm at home, my life revolves around figuring out what deer are doing - and shed antlers are at the top of my list with my family, life, and job. I really don't like the term, "pro staff" because it's so overused. I'm speaking for Joey and Troy here too, but I'm sure they'll feel the same way. That's why we call ourselves "junkies" because we're totally addicted to deer. Rut Junkie was born to share that passion with others. All of my hunting is DIY, and I've never hunted with a guide. I teach high school science and write a few magazine articles on the side to maybe help other hunters become more successful at what they love to do. I'd love to hunt for a living, but I know it's a long shot. In the mean time, I'll continue to film my hunts, put our video together, and pat other hunters on the back for their continued support of the sport we love so much.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I would NOT want to be on the business side of things.

Hunting, filming, guiding and I'd go for it.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I will stick to my 3rd shift job and as of Jan 1st I will have 33 days vacation due to my 10 yr anniversary.
I am taking up filming next season.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Hey Tony I think we should get together and film. We can call our Show...TnT Hunting, Blasting the competition away! lol.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I like that with a Wisconsin style only.;)

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I had a 2 year stint as a pro staff shooter for a local outdoor shop. I am real tight with the owners and knew how the bow companies and sales groups put demands and order requirements that were super hard to meet. Couple that with Hoyts unbelievably sloth like customer service and order fill time and you get a company that was helped out of business. I lost a lot of respect for the bow industry leaders after that experience. I do miss my discounts a ton though. Oh yeah... Hoyt is still the bow I shoot... why change from the best there is?

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I thought I loved Golf until I became a PGA Professional and it became my JOB. I spent 5+ years as a teaching professional and played in sectional tournaments when I could find time.

When I left the business in 1995......I didn't touch a golf club for NINE YEARS. I LOATHED the game.

No way I'd do that with hunting. No way.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Jeff brotha I had the same issue with softball. Before I married I stated I would never give up 12" softball or deer hunting. Well softball became to much when you play 4 nights a week plus weekends. Finally I told me wife when I am 40 I will retire from softball which I did. (41 now) As for hunting she understands especially my vacation
every year the week of thanksgiving. Its a time my side of the family gets together in the great Northwoods of Wisconsin and hunt and just plain have a blast. With us having a cabin now it is that much better and of course
cheaper.;)

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

First impulse is of course "great" but even with all their shortcomings I think those TV guys have to put in a lot of time and effort to come up with enough footage to do a show never mind a season.

Even on a guided high quality low fence hunt I can't imagine it's a sure thing. I for one would love to "plop" myself down in a stand with a real chance at seeing never mind killing a 160 class deer. Can't fault them to much for havingopportunity.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Been there, too, Tony. 250+ games in '99 and '00. Class "C" national Champions in ASA ('99) and 5th in class "B" ASA in '00.

WAYYyyyyy too much softball.....but it was fun while it lasted. I gave it up before 40, though.;)

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Who did you play for in B? We won the SW region and were at nationals in 98.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

When I was in college, my buddy and I had a pretty solid turkey guiding business going. Not enough dough to make a livingbut god was it fun. We sunk so much time and effort into it, I have no idea how we ever graduated. I'd swear, I knew every roost within 20 miles of State College and Westmoreland County.

It was tough at first, b/c really - who trusts a 19 year old kid to "guide" you to your first trophy tom. LOL We got customers mostly through referral and our pricing system (no kill, no pay).

I think we spent every penny we ever made on wild women and gasoline. Undoubtedly, the best "job" I ever had. Even on days when we didn't have anyone slotted in, I couldn't wait for that alarm to go off at 5:00 and hit the pavement just to nail down a new roost location. My fraternity bro's thought I was certifiably insane.

So yeah, if the opportunity ever arose, I'd be all over it - even if it was on the "business" end of things.

I'm one of those people that has a very obsessive personality, and if I'm focused on doing something that I enjoy, there aren't enough hours in a day for me to sink into it.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

When I was younger and single I would have loved to be one of the Pro Hunters, I even gave it a try one year, but now that I'm older and have a family I wouldn't want to be away that much. I grew up in a navy town and I saw guys going away for as long as six month cruises and that lifestyle sucks. I'd love to be a guest hunter every now and then but weeks/months on the road don't appeal to me anymore, unless I could have my family with me. Another thing I have to be honest about myself is that I'm too much of a free spirit to be tied down to shilling one product or another. If I ran the show and could chose which product I wanted to "soft sell" (meaning no "I couldn't have done it without my xxxx" but just using the product and listing what I use at the end) I may be willing to represent some things I actually would use and find helpful. But I like to have the freedom to say that you can use another camo pattern, or even plaid, if you want to and they work too, etc. Just too much integrity to be a product wh*re.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

T.R. Mulligan's / Bulls out of Charleston, SC. Same team that played "C" in '99.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Right on. For me it's not about making it a career or even make money. Just like most of the average Joe hunters, i've neverhunted with guides, don't own big farms or even hunt on leases... It's about doing what I love to do with what I'm given. It has been my passion for a long time and my lifestyle even longer. Filming the hunt brings a whole new aspect & challenge to hunting that I enjoy. And since my wife is with me 95% of the time when I'm hunting, it's makes it that much more enjoyable, since i'm able to spend quality time with her in the outdoors.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I would like to get involved in engineering analyses for hunting companies such as broadhead manufacturers, bow manufacturers, etc. I do weapon lethality and target (including humans)vulnerability analyses for the government so it wouldn't be much of a stretch and how much fun would it be to get to test everything!!!!

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I don't know guys, I sit here at work all day thinking about hunting, posting on this forum, and thinking about the next time I'll be able to hunt. I put in countless extra hours preparing to hunt, taking time away that I could spend with my family. Then while hunting I put countless hours in on stand taking more time away from the family. If you told me I could take all of those hours that I currently sacrifice willingly from my family and not have to schedule them around a full-time job, and that you would pay me for it, and send me to places that I otherwise would never get to hunt. Well, I'd jump on that opportunity in a second.

I'm glad to seethe rest of you wouldn't because that'll be less competition for the job when it comes around.;)

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

You make some great points. I also believe we are looking at 2 totally different aspects of the industry...the technical and the hunting part. Personally, the technical...no thanks. Hunting....hell yeah.

Here was my revelation today......

My family owns 3 grocery and 2 hardware stores. I was sitting in my brothers office and people were coming to him with all sorts of different questions and problems.....I looked at him and said "Damn, am I glad I moved to Canada."

There is no way I could sit indoors. When I am having a bad day and I start to feel like camp and the outdoors are becoming a job......I call my brother, talk hunting for a bit, hang up and grin from ear to ear....

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I am going to make a distinction with the question originally posed.I would not want to hunt for a living if I had to do so under someone else's terms.if I had to promote products I didn't believe in or pass up shots at once in a lifetime animals because the camera person can't see the animal in the same manner I can.Go to camps I didn't want to go to,hunt with folks I may not want to hunt with etc..Scouting and Hunting is my time and I want to do it in the manner that Ichoose to.
I believe that when something becomes a have to it loses a lot of it's appeal.Like others here I had been involved in competetive athletics for a lot of my life,I was a three night a week and tournaments on weekends modified fast pitch softball player.When it got to the point where I was changing my clothes while driving to the games because of my business committments being what they are,I said to myself this is crazy,this isn't fun any more!
If I was Wealthy and single I would scout and hunt two to three times the amount I do now which for deer is about 30 days a year.As it stands though I can't in good conscience take that time away from my family,or my business.
If I could put in the same 50 to 55 hours a week that I work nowhunting locally and see my family at the beginning and at the end of every day and accomplish financially what I wished to than I would do it in the blink of an eye.

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

I firmly believe if you truly love what your career is (not just like or like alot) I mean TRULY love what your doing, you'll never work a day in your life. Sure it's alot of work, if you will, but well worth the effort. I would jump at an opportunity in a heartbeat if it was something that I could do to support my family and be happy doing it!!:D

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

In a heartbeat if I ran the show or if it was my style of bow hunting!!!

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Earlier in the thread people said it would get old....HOW?

Isn't hunting an adventure everytime you go out?

I'ld love to host a show.You get to hunt all year around for more things than just Deer....heck you can hunt so much that you couls go for a Super Slam!!

I film,produce,and edit and I'm 14.I even made of list of cources I'm going to take after H.S for filming.I've talked to big names like Scott Peterson of Backland Experiences,Micheal Waddell of Realtree Roadtrips,Paul Biggs of Big Time Outdoors and Own The zone TV,and Steve Scott of Safaris Outdoor Journal.I've been filmed by Reality Outdoor Productions..Knights Reality Check TV.I've met Harold Knight and David Hale.I'm also going to Realtrees Shop this summer to mee Bill,David,Micheal,and T-Bone.
I've gotten into hunting mainly myself and If I can accomplish that then everyone else could!
I think hunting is a passion...and doing it everyday is fine by me...who wants to sit in a office all day?? NOT ME
All I'm saying is being in the Outdoor Industry is morethan a job..its an adventure!!

Thats my 2 cents!

RE: Hunting for a career?
 

Couldn't have stated my own opinion better!