Michael Waddell is a well-known name in the hunting industry who got his start by winning a turkey calling contest. From there, he went on to guide and film many hunts and eventually founded “Bone Collector,” his show on the Outdoor Channel.

He recently took a break from hunting turkeys in his home state of Georgia to talk with us for a few minutes about his passion for hunting and wildlife.

If it gobbles, quacks, bugles or grunts, chances are Michael has hunted it more than a time or two. He got his start hunting small game with his dad and from there he’s had the opportunity to hunt in plenty of other states, including Pennsylvania.

Michael and host, Matt Morrett, have been friends for a very long time; they’ve hunted together many times and even competed against one another in turkey calling contests.

He shares about what it means to be a hunter, why he’s proud to be one, and how hunting is what made him appreciate wildlife conservation. Hunters are the largest group of conservationists; we feed those in need, we fund conservation, we do a lot of good and it’s time to celebrate and share that message on a broader scale.

Michael commends the work done by state wildlife agencies to manage our wild species to ensure we’re leaving it better than we found it, so future generations of hunters and wildlife lovers can enjoy the natural resource, too.