Trevon Stoltzfus is a lifelong outdoorsman who has been able to pursue his love of the outdoors and turn it into a career. He has served in the past as research editor and field editor for Eastmans Hunting Journal and Eastmans Bowhunting Journal as well as filming for the television show Eastman’s Hunting TV. Currently he serves as the archery co-host
and advertising manager for the show The Best of the West , on Men’s Outdoor and Recreation channel. He has also been featured on Double Bull Archery’s TV show and the new Muzzy Big Game Extreme’s 6 DVD. He maintains a website www.westernbiggamehunter.com , and has a blog called Campfire Camraderie.
Trevon was also a professional bull rider in his younger years and can be seen making this bull ride in 1994 in Winslow AZ.
Trevon exemplifies the spirit of the western hunter in everything he does. Recently he had the honor of having his song, The Western Way, used in a promotional video by Mile High Outfitters. If you listen to the words, I think you will agree that Trev has expressed it well.
So I thought it would be worthwhile to hear from Trevon on how he has been able to make his outdoor passion into a career and some of the barriers he was able to overcome to accomplish his goals.
How did you get started hunting?
My Grandad, Uncles, and older Cousins are really the ones that got me started hunting and fishing. They really instilled in me a respect and love for the outdoors.
What made you think that the outdoors could be a career for you?
Well, I have always loved the outdoors and when I had the opportunity to 0hunt and fish as a I grew up in NM, the desire to make it a fulltime job continued to grow. I also had the privilege of guiding other hunters for Elk, Mule Deer, and Antelope as I grew up. Uncharacteristically I also loved to write and when I moved to Colorado the two passions merged and I started writing for some different publications.
What was your first “big break” ?
My first big break was getting to work with Eastmans Hunting Journal as their research editor and the Eastmans Bowhunting Journal as a field editor. I learned a ton from Mike Eastman, Guy Eastman, and Cameron Hanes. It was tough but they are the best at what they do and I really went to school under their tutelage.
What opportunities are there for outdoor careers?
My suggestions for those who want to break into the outdoor industry is learn the sale process. What I mean by that is the easiest way to get involved in the outdoor is in sales. Outdoor manufacturing companies always need good sales reps and that can open doors to other opportunities. I would also take some writing and field videography classes at your local community college. If you have a skill level in those areas it can make an easy transition from sales to writing outdoor article or filming fishing/hunting trips for TV shows!
What obstacles did you have to overcome, and what sacrifices did you have to make to get to the point you are at now?
The biggest obstacle was that nobody knew me, who I was, or what I could do
so I had to prove myself. I spent a lot of time behind the camera before I ever had the chance in front. As far as sacrifices….. I would have to say time away from my lovely wife and daughter, but they are very supportive and I am truly blessed.
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