Something I've learned, and begun to notice more and more often, is the mentality that people in the hunting industry have. Most of the people that are highly successful are extremely genuine and will tell you first hand that if everything, (the cameras, the sponsors, the fame) were to go away; they would still be doing what they're doing because they love it. They have a true passion for what they do and can not imagine their life without being in the woods and being an advocate to get more people to start hunting and enjoying God's creation.
Now, notice I didn't say money, or land. Why? Because these people aren't making a fortune hunting, and you can say "they get paid to hunt", but let's take a much closer look. Most states have a one to two buck limit, yet on these shows, they kill two, three, sometimes even five bucks in a single stretch. Ten episodes and they have a kill on just about every one of them. How? They travel to other states! Sure, that's the simplest answer, but let's look further. They only have one state that's their home, so that's only one resident state, meaning they have to purchase non-resident hunting licenses for the year along with non-resident tags, not to mention the fuel to drive to these states, the food and drinks for not only their hunt, but the road trips and every additional cost along the way. Some of these people have families, so they not only have multiple mouths to feed, but also have to buy their family members' licenses and tags, and if there are children, they have to find some time for school, unless their homeschooled and even then, that's more time and money spent, on top of trying to pay the bills for their own home, land, and even all the different hunting leases they might pay for. Not to mention, travel to all the different trade shows and hunting expos to promote themselves and their product... you can see where I'm going with this. It costs millions of dollars just for travel and expenses to be able to travel and hunt, but let's add in the TV show aspect.
On average, it costs close to $4,000 to edit a single episode, then they have to pay the network close to $120,000 an episode just so they can air it, and that's even if the initial pilot episode get accepted! Sponsors are there, so they can help afford all this, which is why most hunting shows sometime feel like an extended infomercial. However, sponsor money can only take you so far; these people have outside jobs, their farmers, UPS drivers, steel workers, pipe fitters, engineers, welders, the list goes on. Trust me, there's no one getting rich quick.
Why am I writing about all this? Because I've been fortunate enough to talk or listen to people who have "made it". I never thought that these people live their lives with this much on their plate on a daily basis, just for our entertainment. I was ignorant to much of what goes on, and I still am. However, I want others to learn how much actually goes into being a part of this industry, even on this minor scale.
Now, there are multitudes of other jobs available in the industry, but you're not going to be rich and famous, and most likely, you may end up hunting less than you do right now so before you decide to pursue a "hunting career" just keep this in mind. With all this TV show nonsense, there's needs for cameramen, editors, graphic designers, administrative assistants, marketers, advertisers, game wardens, conservationists, biologists, land management specialists, you see where I'm going with this? Just because you see a face on the big screen doesn't mean that's the only job, with every personality there's a team of people working day in and day out to make sure they all still have a job come next season. In some aspects it's extremely trying on their family life, they're always away from home meaning their spouse is left to take care of the house, the bills, the kids, the land, etc.
So why? Why do these people do it? What could be so great about putting your family through all that stress? And I wish I could give you an answer for that. From what I've seen, these families are closer than ever. They have a deep set of values and cherish each and every moment they get to spend together. Their spouse understands why they do what they do; they understand what it takes and what the ultimate goal is. These people love the outdoors. They love God's creations and want to make sure that hundreds of thousands of others get to cherish and enjoy His works.
So, before you decide to try to pursue a career in this field, please realize, it is one of the most difficult career fields in the world. No one has a set formula on how to get to where they are because everyone has had a different path that led them there. But, no matter who you ask in this industry, if you ask them "is it worth it?" You won't hear a single person say "no".
Thank you all for reading, please let me know what you think in any comments below, good luck this year and God bless!
-Chris Johnson
