My lifelong love for the great outdoors was sown by my father, an avid outdoorsman who imparted in me a deep appreciation for nature. Thanks to his employment with the U.S. Forest Service, my childhood was an adventure, as we moved from the forests of North Carolina to the vast landscapes of Texas, the rugged wilderness of Alaska, the pristine expanses of Wyoming, and the tranquil shores of the Florida Keys. At the age of two, my father introduced me to handguns, and by the time I was four, he had already initiated me into the world of camping and fishing. By eight, I was navigating the art of fly fishing, and at ten, I ventured into the realm of hunting. These early experiences set the course for my life, and to this day, I seize every available moment to immerse myself in the wonders of the outdoors. My passions encompass firearms, hunting, fly fishing, surf fishing, kayak touring, camping, and wilderness survival.

My profound connection to the wilderness and a wide array of outdoor experiences have provided me opportunities to hone my expertise as a fly fisherman, hunter, and firearms enthusiast. Beyond my personal pursuits, I have embraced a career as a professional outdoor writer and author, sharing my knowledge and adventures with others. My journey into professional guiding and instruction in the art of fly fishing began at the age of 25, and for over two decades, I had the privilege of teaching the delicate craft of fly fishing on the serene small streams of western North Carolina.