Welcome to the Back Country, my name is Justin Thompson. I was born and raised in Michigan, Grayling to be exact, the original home of Bear Archery and Fred Bear.
I am an all around sportsman, I hunt, fish, trap, hike, shoot, 4 wheel, snomobile and anything else that takes me outdoors. I think growing up on the banks of the Manistee river molded me into the person I am more than anything, besides the Corps that is. Our cabin had a bath on a path, no electricity, no running water, no tv, phone or internet, and we loved it.
As I said I am a United States Marine, I had a total of 10 years of service, but called it quits. I do not have the luxury of dedicating all of my time to hunting and fishing, I am just like 99% of the rest of you. I hunt, trap, and fish when I have time and can afford it!
I can’t take 15,000 dollar hunting trips to Alaska, I don’t get to have the best guides, or the best gear. I have a 12 year old bow, a ten year old fly rod, some of my traps are 30 years old, and my favorite rifle was made in the 60′s. I don’t go in much for the commercialism of hunting but I understand it. I do partake a little considering that I am a die hard Realtree guy. Other than that though I’m not particularly brand loyal.
I am a huge proponent of youth hunting, fishing, and trapping. I take my boys everywhere I go. I like seeing young boys and girls in the back country with a parent learning life skills that will help keep them grounded for the rest of their lives. I also like to help educate adults who may not have had the good fortune to be outdoors as a child.
I see many adults these days who do not understand trapping, and I make every effort to explain in great detail what our intent and purpose is as trappers. There are a lot of people out there who are willing to write us off as cruel, or inhumane and think that trapping should be done away with. I am a proud member of the National Trappers Association, Michigan Trapper and Predator Callers Association, Fur Takers of America and a lot of other national organizations that help protect the rights I fought for.
As you can see I have many interests and passions and I want to share them with you. So I hope you will all come along with me on the trail, and wander with me through Backcountry USA.
