The Sportsmen ’ s Alliance has thousands of hunter-conservation members nationwide , individuals that we highlight in the Member Spotlight . But we ’ re also supported by the industry , from small businesses and conservation organizations to the largest conglomerates and even other advocacy groups . The Sportsmen ’ s Alliance is truly an alliance encompassing the full spectrum of our community . The Supporter Spotlight profiles these companies , organizations and other Huntervationist supporters . Tell us a little about yourself and how you started hunting .
I grew up in Kentucky ’ s slice of Appalachia . I didn ’ t realize it at the time , of course , but those ancient hills rooted a lot of traditions in me . In addition to my work ethic , morals and passion for storytelling , I acquired a passion for the outdoors . I fished a lot as a kid , but I didn ’ t start hunting until I was around 12 . I still remember my first squirrel . Dad taught me to shoot and hunt small game , but
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it wasn ’ t until later in my adult life that I started pursuing big game . I got into whitetail hunting about 12 years ago and haven ’ t looked back .
Do you have a favorite species or part of the country to hunt ?
Today I mostly hunt whitetails and turkeys . Kentucky is an interesting state for deer , as central and western Kentucky have a strong population of deer , while eastern Kentucky ’ s population is more sparse . Over the last six years , I ’ ve mostly hunted the scenic rolling hills of central Kentucky , which are your stereotypical horse farm-esque properties and where the population is stronger .
While the rolling hills are closer to me now and more convenient , I still love getting out into the ancient woods of Appalachia to pursue mountain bucks . There is something about stepping on the same ground once hunted by Daniel Boone , the Cherokee and Shawnee near the Cumberland Gap that makes hunting even more special , if not outright spiritual
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. Last year I killed my first black bear in Appalachia in Virginia , which ranks high among my hunting memories in that region .
You ’ ve started multiple businesses , including GoWild and Holler Commerce , which powers the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance store . Tell us a little about them and the impetus for their creation .
We founded GoWild as a solution for hunters to be able to connect authentically , and share their story without repercussions from mainstream social media . GoWild is a social platform that has unique features built specifically for hunters and anglers . The more you share , the more you unlock rewards along the way , including free stickers , hats , shirts and discounts in our shop . We ’ re proud to offer something that ’ s not just a camo version of Facebook — it ’ s a unique product , specifically catering to the outdoorsman ’ s needs .
This year we launched Holler Commerce , which takes GoWild ’ s outdoors shopping technology and makes
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COURTESY OF BRAD LUTTRELL ( 5 ) |