Members of the Buck Gardner Pro Staff
Hopewell, Virginia
mallardman68@yahoo.com
DOB 4-15-1968
Children-1 son Layne
Dog-Black Lab/Rocko
Occupation-Painter and nuisance animal trapper
Hunting- My grandfather began taking me hunting when I was 7, we started off hunting squirrels and later moved on to deer. Later as a teen I began wingshooting and quickly fell in love with quail hunting.
I didn't begin waterfowling until I was in my twenties, I have a friend who had talked constantly about how addictive this sport was but I had always dismissed the idea, telling Gary he was crazy to go out in that kind of weather for a little bird. Fate stepped in and I ended up buying a lab and then learning the tricks of this sport and have been "addicted" ever since.
During the season when I am not out hunting waterfowl I can be found along field edges calling to some type of predator.
In the off season - I enjoy getting out to the seminars and helping the younger people learn about all types of hunting. I know from my own experience that the learning curve can be sharp when it comes to any type of hunting and I try my best to shorten that curve for others.
Some early mornings will find me running a buzzbait over the still waters of a pond trying to entice a bass into breakfast, or drowning a worm in the late afternoon for a bream.
I keep the dog in shape by constant training throughout the offseason, and when time permits I will train others dogs.
Brody Edmondson
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
(204) 471-7067
brodyedmondson@averyoutdoors.com
DOB: June, 2nd 1989
Marital Status: In a Relationship
Children: N/A
Occupation: Custom Tile Setter.
Number of Years Hunting: 6 years.
Occupation: After a few years working for Sir Mail Order (now Cabelas), Brody took on a Career that has run in his family for three generations. Brody Istalls tile for home's in his home town of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Hunting: Being born and raised in Manitoba gave Brody lots of hunting opportunities as a child. He started off going on deer drives with his uncle as a kid, but the first actual waterfowl hunt Brody went on when he was twelve gave him a whole new meaning of fun. As the years passed Brody's passion and respect for waterfowl hunting got more intense. He is known by his friends as the "every season, everyday waterfowler."
As to Buck Gardner Calls, Brody also Pro-staff's for Avery Outdoors and loves spreading his hunting knowledge to "up and coming hunters." Brody has been a DU and Delta member since his first youth hunt when he was thirteen. He has also volunteered as a vice-chairman to help out the Delta Waterfowl's Winnipeg Chapter. Brody has also taken the hobby of photography, to capture some of the great memories in the field. Besides waterfowl Brody also bow hunts whitetail, hunt's spring turkey , hunt's spring snow goose, winter predator hunt and goes on the occational upland game bird hunt's.
Contests: Brody is very anxious and is practicing hard to get in to the calling contest atmosphere and hopes to pursue some contests in 2008/09. Meanwhile Brody competes competitively in the game of international skeet and has recently won the Provincial's and hopes to have a good chance at Nationals this coming year.
Off Season: Like most Hardcore hunters there is always a game to pursue. Brody always practices calling as much as he can and if he isn't working shows he will be in the field looking for new places to hunt! "I'm so thankful that I can be outdoors and have a sport I'm passionate about. Try to get out in the great outdoors every season and every day you get a chance!"
Chris RedellDOB 7-10-71
Marital Status: Married for 13 years to wife Brenda
Children: daughter Annika 9 years old and daughter Alexis 6 years old
Dog: 8 year old yellow lab female - Macy
Occupation: I've been a jr. high teacher for 13 years in Pasco , WA and Spangle, WA
Hunting: Been hunting waterfowl and upland birds for 24 years.
Hunting History/Philosophy: I grew up in a deer hunting family in Illinois in the 1970's. When I moved to Washington state in 1981 my dad introduced me to waterfowl hunting. I have been hunting Washington 's Columbia Basin for ducks and geese ever since. I developed a passion for waterfowl the first time out. My first duck was a drake Canvasback. From that point on I was hooked. As the years have passed, I really get the most enjoyment out of waterfowl hunting from the calling aspect. It's hard to beat the feeling of coaxing a big honker or a fat greenhead into the decoys. Hunting also gives me an opportunity to spend valuable time with friends and my dad that I don't normally get. I have also been "stricken" with a little gobbler fever over the past year. I now live in an area abundant with merriam turkeys. I took the opportunity last spring and bagged my first tom.
Off Season: I spend my off season with the most valuable part of my life: my family. I coach my daughter's softball team in the spring. When summer rolls around, we are gone frequently camping along the Columbia and Snake Rivers . I also enjoy attending summer shows promoting Buck Gardner Calls. It is a lot of fun getting to talk with people about hunting and calling in general. I found that it was extremely satisfying meeting people new to waterfowling, young and old alike, and getting them set up with their first calls. It has been a very positive experience for me with BG Calls.
Jason PattersonJackson, TN
(731) 499-2787
DOB: October 2, 1972
Marital Status: Married, Wife: Kim, Two Boys, Devin 15, Oakley 8
Occupation: Outdoor Writer, Videographer, Truck Driver, Guide
Number of years hunting: 20
Hunting: Jason began hunting whitetail deer in Southern Indiana where he grew up. At 20 years of age he moved to Jackson TN, and started waterfowling on Kentucky Lake and the addiction set in. You can find him during the season on various blinds at Kentucky Lake and Reelfoot. Most of the time he is on a writing expedition or a video trip. "Writing and video production is my main objective during the season and taking my two boys, Devin and Oakley." Jason said. "Bucks calls have always produced meat on the table and it was a perfect fit to join his Pro Staff in 2006. I wouldn't be caught without my Double Nasty Spit Tech."
Occupation: Jason has been a freelance outdoor writer for over 10 years and is currently writing for several publications covering both fishing and hunting. Jason is also set to start up his own DVD series on waterfowl. During Waterfowl season you can find him guiding for waterfowl in West Tennessee. Dabbling in video production over the last few years has really fired up an interest and I look forward to helping out Buck in the future on some video projects. During the off-season I am driving an 18-wheeler over the road. You wouldn't believe how good a scouting tool this is; I usually always know where the birds are!!
In the off-season: Jason spends his off season tournament bass fishing and turkey hunting. Jason's weekends are mostly taken up coaching his son's baseball teams. "My older son, Devin plays high school baseball and we do a lot of traveling, needles to say my bass fishing career took a big hit when the boys came along, but that is what life is all about, keeping them in a duck blind or a ball field keeps them out of a lot of trouble. My younger son Oakley is a baseball fanatic and a hardcore hunter and it looks like it will be all I can do to handle him." Jason instills God and the outdoors to his family and believes that teaching the younger generation is very important.
Raymond Jackson New England Pro-Staff Director
rjbadfish@hotmail.com
Marital status: Single
Children: One son, Kyle (16)
Dogs: Max, a monster 6 year old yellow Labrador Retreiver
Occupation: Ray has been employed as a police officer since 1986. He is currently a Detective Sergeant in a growing southern New Hampshire community where he supervises Investigations, Juvenile Division and School Resource Officers
Hunting: Ray has been hunting waterfowl for over thirty years. He hunts throughout New England for puddlers, divers, geese and seaducks.
For Ray the last few years have been the most rewarding, introducing the addiction of waterfowling to his son and many friends.
Calling Contests: None yet, however there are a few planned for 2008.
Off Season: In the off season Ray can be found working on his duck boats or carving up some fresh decoys. Ray does a lot of fresh and saltwater fishing during the spring and summer. He enjoys doing shows and seminars for Buck.
The enjoyment of introducing many new people to the world of hunting and helping other hunters improve themselves is a fantastic opportunity for Ray.
Shane RossenBothell, WA
(425) 481-2710
callersforchrist@yahoo.com
DOB: May, 21st
Marital Status: Married to his loving wife Jackie
3 children his 2 Sons Chase and Drew and his daughter Alaina
Duke- yellow lab, Stitch- Black lab/pntr. And Bean German Shorthair pointer
Number of years hunting: 30 years
Occupation: As a teenager Shane worked in sporting goods retail for 2yrs out of high school then went into the Armed Forces. Then after getting out Shane worked construction and eventually owned his own construction business and was in addition working sporting goods retail.
I am currently a full time Dad and Founder of "Callers for Christ" in addition Shane Pro-staffs for Buck Gardner calls, Avery Outdoors and Wing waver Decoys. Shane is also a guide for North Sound Waterfowl located in North Western WA, adjacent to Puget Sound waters.
Hunting: Shane's father Vern Rossen started his love for hunting and the outdoors when he was very young. Shane grew up in the Midwest as a native Minnesotan hunting the Mississippi river bottoms and western sloughs and lakes for water fowl in addition to fishing, bow hunting whitetails and trapping furbearers as a young man.
Water fowling was number one on his list of passions and Bow hunting a close second.
He started competition duck and goose calling as a young man working at Joe's sporting goods in St.paul MN. Mr. Pat Riemer got him started by borrowing him one of his coca bola R.N.T duck calls and he has been at it ever since.
The adventures of growing up duck hunting the Mississippi river bottoms with his Dad and his dads best friend Joe Marquardt and son Bob, he says is what sealed the deal concerning his love for water fowling! Those memories will be forever etched in his mind and will always fan the flames of his burning passion for the awesome sport we call Water Fowling!
Coming from Minnesota then going to Wisconsin, he is currently chasing our web footed friends in the great state of Washington!
He is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Washington Water Fowl Assoc. and is the founder of "Callers for Christ"
A duck and goose calling ministry where they teach and share the art of competition and field water fowl calling as well as other game species! They also share a wonderful place to discover Salvation and grow in faith through the wonderful Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and this is all done through state chapters and the venue of there website www.callersforchrist.com
Contests: Starting in competition duck and goose calling in his late teens and then taking a break for 10+ years and picking it back up after getting right with God.
The record is as follows:
Championships (11)
2008 - Illinois River Regional
2007 - Skagit Ducks Unlimited Two Man Goose
2007 - Skagit Ducks Unlimited Open Goose
2007 - Final Approach Two Man Meat Duck
2007 - Washington State Duck Calling Contest
2007 - Snake River Two Man Duck
2006 - Washington State Duck
2006 - Cabela's Rogers, MN Open Duck
2005 - Cabela's Owatonna, MN Open Meat Duck
2005 - Cabela's Owatonna, MN Two Man Goose
1991 - Minnesota State Novice Goose
Runner up (12)
2007 - #6 at the World's Championship Duck Calling Contest
2007 - #2 at the Skagit Ducks Unlimited Two Man Goose
2007 - #2 at the Skagit Ducks Unlimited Meat Duck
2007 - #2 at the Snake River Meat Duck
2007 - #2 at the Snake River Open Duck
2006 - #4 at the America's Master Duck
2005 - #2 at the Wisconsin State Goose
2005 - #5 at the Cabela's Owatonna, MN Open Goose
1993 - #2 at the Minnesota State Goose
1992 - #3 at Minnesota State Duck
1992 - #3 at Minnesota State Goose
1992 - #3 at North Star Regional Duck
Off season: First of all Shane says "I am constantly deepening my relationship with Christ and my family that is first place!"
Second there really is no off season for the hard at it Water Fowler who is always trying to improve his skills and his canines skills as well as equipment and deepening his ethics!
When he dose find spare time he likes to first spend time with his family and then do a little fishing and camping or something in Gods great out doors!
Thanks to my God for all that he has created that I so enjoy! Thanks to my understanding and loving wife Jackie and my Sons who have supported me through it all as I chase my water fowling dreams!
God Bless and please leave the outdoors better than you found it for the generations to come?!
Sincerely yours in the Faith
Shane Rossen
Age: 35
Hometown: Oakley, California
Marital Status: Married - Wife Isa
Hunting: Pursuing Waterfowl and Big Game for over 25 years
Children: 4 year old daughter Taci with son Colton due in June of 2008
Dogs: Black Labs Deets 2 years and Drake 16 years.
Occupation: Tommy's full time job is that of a police sergeant for one of the local police departments. Tommy is assigned to the patrol division and is currently the SWAT Sniper Team leader and Lead Firearms Instructor. If Tommy is not working or hunting he is spending time with his wife Isa and 4 year old daughter Taci. Taci is already sharing her Daddy's love for the outdoors and loves working with the dogs, stringing decoys and is learning to fish.
In the Off-Season: When it comes to enjoying the outdoors Tommy really does not have an off-season and his passion for hunting is not just limited to waterfowl. In the spring he hunts turkeys with his bow and fishes for black bass in the vast delta near his home. He hunts the elusive Columbian Blacktail deer throughout the summer and early fall and if lucky enough to draw an out of state tag, you can also find Tommy pursuing elk with his bow or hunting big mule deer or antelope with his rifle.
Hunting: Tommy was introduced to the outdoors by his father and grandfather at a young age. From the time he was 10 he began to follow his father into the marshes and woods of Northern California.
Tommy typically starts his waterfowl season in the Sacramento Valley hunting flooded grain fields primarily for his favorite goose the speck. As the weather turns cold or if the fields are not producing you can find Tommy in the California Delta or wherever he can find a place to navigate his mudboat.
Tommy is also a member of the Drake Waterfowl Field Expert team and enjoys introducing children to hunting and fishing. At one time he was part owner and operator of Webfoot's Waterfowl Adventures. However due to family and work obligations both Tommy and his partner now only volunteer as guides for the California Waterfowl Association Youth Hunting Program.
Tim Fanning Webster, MA
(508) 949-3464
mojotized@gmail.com
DOB: December 14th, 1984
Marital status: Married - Wife: Jenny
Children: One girl, Jolene - 1 years
Occupation: Splice Service Tech - Verizon
Number of years hunting: 15 - Waterfowl, Deer, Turkey
Interest: Duck Hunting, Outdoor Videography, Web and graphic design, writing
Favortie BG Call: Kryptonite--- I have never heard a louder call than this one. Simply Awesome.
Tim was born and raised in Calhoun County, Illinois. He grew up chasing everything from deer and turkey to squirrels and ducks. In his late teens and early twenty's he became a waterfowl guide at his fathers club. He also worked on sites such as dedduck.com and huntonly.com while getting his Journalism degree at Western Illinois University. Not much later he learned that his wife was pregnant and they decided to move out east so the Ms. could be close to family. Tim currently stays busy working with Buck Gardner Game Calls, Drake Waterfowl, Muddy Dog Lanyards and producing a New England based outdoors show. "Oh, yeah and raising a baby."
Jorge Gutierrez, Jr.Wife: Nichol
Children: J.P. & Ellie
Occupation: Attorney
Hunting: Since age 6.
Hunting: Jorge is a native South Floridian whose love of duck hunting began at an early age after being introduced to it by his grandfather who hunted the flooded rice fields located in the agricultural areas of South Florida. After attending Florida State University, Jorge later rediscovered waterfowling while in law school which was located a short drive away from the Florida Everglades. This same area now serves as his "home marsh" between November through the end of January where he targets Ringnecks, Teal and Mottled Ducks.
Jorge has hunted waterfowl throughout Florida and Texas and well as in Argentina. In addition to being a Buck Gardner Pro-Staffer, Jorge currently serves as a South Florida Regional Director for United Waterfowlers of Florida, a statewide organization geared towards the improvement of duck hunting opportunities within the state. He also serves on the Everglades Coordinating Council, an umbrella organization for a number of sportsmen organizations.
Off-Season: When he is not duck hunting, Jorge also enjoys other types of hunting including dove, alligator and turkeys. Jorge also likes to fly fish for saltwater species off Florida's coast. An avid cook both in and out of the duck blind, Jorge has combined his love of the outdoors and cooking by making breakfast sausage made from harvested ducks for family as well as members of his hunt club.
Jeremy Romain Memphis, TN
(913) 244-7390
jeremy@buckgardner.com
DOB: June, 1981
Marital status: Single
Children: Yellow Lab, “Scout”
Occupation: Videographer, Tuning Technician, and ProStaff for Buck Gardner Calls.
Number of years hunting: 19
Occupation: In 2006 Jeremy moved to Memphis and took a full time position with the Buck Gardner Team. During the spring and summer months Jeremy can be found either at the shop tuning calls or on the road working shows and contests. Hunting season is another story. If you find the ducks, that’s where you’ll find Buck, Jeremy, and the rest of the crew burning tape and powder for the up coming video!
Hunting: Jeremy’s interest in hunting started at a very early age when he collected the wings of ducks and geese that his father brought home. It wasn’t long before he was tromping around the marsh himself. After his first day in the marsh with Dad there was no looking back. Jeremy cut his teeth on the waters of Eastern Kansas, chasing mallards every moment he had away from school. Since then Jeremy has chased waterfowl around the U.S. and Canada with an undying passion for working waterfowl. He has two major beliefs that are responsible for his success. They are “Location, location, location” and “The Devil is in the details”. Through out the season you might find Jeremy in his layout boat hunting a back water hole, packing decoys into a remote river or stream location, or setting out a huge open water spread on a variety of major reservoirs. Jeremy is a firm believer in getting where the birds want to be and then giving them what they want to see and hear. The desire to give ducks “what they want to hear” is what drew Jeremy to Buck Gardner Calls.
In the Off-season: When Jeremy isn’t aggravating his friends and family by tuning calls and practicing his contest routine, he is either in the turkey woods or on the water with a rod in his hand. Jeremy spends the majority of his spring chasing big gobblers and walleye! He spends his summers pursuing a variety of game fish all over Canada and the U.S. Jeremy is also very active with Ducks Unlimited. He has served in a variety of executive committee positions for his local chapter. Jeremy enjoys taking advantage of his opportunity to give back to the ducks and get kids involved with the outdoors.
Contests: Jeremy started duck calling at a young age by listening to his father and the ducks themselves. Following the advice of several friends, Jeremy kicked off his contest career in 2004. Since that time, he has had several top five and first place finishes including a championship at the 2007 Show Me Regional. That win qualified him for the World Duck Calling Championship where he went on to finish 10th runner up! With the help of Mr. Gardner, Jeremy is working hard to continually improve his skills and success on the contest stage. Jeremy is looking forward to another great contest season!
Dave WoodDOB: October 1977
Marital status: Married, wife Crystal
Children : Corrine 4, Griffin 2
Occupation: CNC Programmer / Set-Up Tech on 5-axis CNC machines
Number of years hunting: 22 years
Hunting: I got into hunting when I was 7 years old. My brother introduced me to the sport. My dad was never the hunting type of guy. By that age I got my grandfathers .410 that's been past down from generation to generation. I can still remember my first time rabbit hunting w/ my brother and his friends. That beagle running the rabbit around the thicket and seeing it pop out and shooting my first ever wild game.Then from that day on, I've been blessed to experience allot in the outdoors. From hunting crows to deer and ect. there's nothing like being out in the woods with family and friends. My passion of hunting has really taken off to new levels in getting hooked on waterfowl hunting!!!
In the Off-season: When not spending time with my family, you can find me in the outdoors. Turkey hunting and fishing take up most of my time in the off season. I get great joy out of doing semeniars and teaching the youth fowl language. Also it’s a great time of the year to start getting ready for the up coming season. You can never have enough toys to support your passions in the outdoors. off to new levels in getting hooked on waterfowl hunting!!!
Cory Dukehart DOB: May 23, 1984
Marital status: Single
Occupation: Sales
Number of years hunting: 14 years
Hunting: I come from a 3 generation deer hunting family, and my first trip in the woods was with my father when I was 5 years old. My first goose hunt was a few years later on Maryland’s eastern shore. Of course at this age I was just a retriever and not a shooter. I started bow hunting for whitetails in 1994 and went out for rifle season just a year later. My first duck hunt was not much longer behind, we didn’t harvest any birds that day but I have been hooked ever since. I didn’t start hunting waterfowl religiously until later on in life when I got a little older and began to teach my self the ins and outs of calling. I have become fascinated with the art of calling waterfowl and I am constantly trying to become better at it. Watching birds react to you calling is one of the most rewarding aspects of waterfowl hunting in my opinion. I have hunted the Atlantic, Mississippi, and Central flyways, from Saskatchewan, Canada to Maryland’s legendary eastern shore.
I started calling contests in the summer of 2006. Some of my results are as follows.
Championships:
2007 Virginia Waterfowlers Association Open Duck Champion
2007 Cabelas Hamburg, PA Novice Goose Champion
Runner Up:
4th place- 2006 Delaware Bay Open Novice Duck
7th place- 2007 Delmarva Invitational Two Man Open Goose
3rd place- 2007 Delmarva Invitational Open Meat Duck
3rd place- 2007 Delmarva Invitational Two Man Open Meat Duck
5th place- 2007 PA Waterfowl Expo Two Man Duck
3rd place- 2007 Cabelas Hamburg, PA Novice Duck
3rd place- 2007 Gander Mountain Salisbury, MD Open Meat Duck
3rd place- 2007 Virginia Waterfowlers Association Two Man Duck
In the Off-season: In the off-season you can find me working at a hunting show or at a calling contest. I am the Atlantic Flyway Pro Staff Manager for Mossy Oak Brand Camo’s waterfowl division. I really enjoy going to stores and shows to put on seminars. I love getting to meet new people from around the country, hearing their hunting stories and the things that they come across throughout the season. Any weekends that I have nothing planned you can find me on my boat, fishing or crabbing out in the Chesapeake Bay. I also try and do a lot of scouting in the off-season. Pre hunt preparation is just as important, if not more important, as decoy placement and calling strategies in my opinion.
Robert Weishaupt Hardin, IL
drum_bangin@hotmail.com
DOB: April 30, 1986
Marital status: Single
Occupation: Kallal Concrete
Favortie BG Call: Fowl Mouth II
I've been hunting since i was old enough too hold a pop gun. Taggin along in the duck blind or the deer stand. Hunting has become my life and only concern. My passion for the outdoors keeps me busy during fall and winter sittin in flooded cornfields shooting greenheads or laying in dry fields shooting honkers.
In the Off-Season: Otherwise known as "preseason" involves preparing for next season. Painting old decoys, fixing sinkers, planting crops, working on pumps or whatever else needs done at the hunt club.
Mike MillerMike was born in Pennsylvania where he began waterfowl hunting at the early age of 8 years old. After high school he joined the U.S. Army where his passion for hunting waterfowl grew even stronger due to being able to hunt in different parts of the country. When Mike was stationed at Ft. Carson, CO he knew he would be back. As of Dec 2004, Mike medically retired from the military after twelve years and made Colorado his home. Mike is also a fly fishing guide on the Arkansas River where he is usually found fly fishing daily during the waterfowl off-season.
Mike has a wife, Janell, and son, Brady, who are a very important part of his life. Mike hunts Colorado, Maryland, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and makes trips to Canada to get an early start to on the season yearly. In 2005, He started competition goose calling, finishing higher with each competition he attends. Mike also enjoys getting new hunters and youngsters involved in the sport of waterfowl hunting whenever possible. Drawing upon his experiences hunting waterfowl & other game, and interacting with fellow hunters, Mike can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Buck Gardner Pro staff and the public.
Jeff Maidens DOB: March 1975
Marital status: Engaged... Bridget
Children: Two sons... Ricky & James
Occupation: Team Lead at Bass Pro Shops, President and Founder of the Mid South Predator Callers Association, and moderator for the Internet's largest predator hunting site: Predator Masters.
Hunting: 24
Hunting: I grew up in the hills of West Virginia, following my father and three older brothers on whitetail and small game hunts. I spent most of my summers honing my shooting skills hunting groundhogs in the fields surrounding my home town. I am now an avid predator, turkey, whitetail, and small game hunter. With my main focus on predators, I have truly found my passion.
Off Season: I enjoy fishing with my oldest son and fiancée Bridget, or just getting out in the woods with them. I am called upon year round by the public and conservation groups to give seminars and for help with predation problems on domestic and game animals.
Travis Bullock DOB: December 30, 1977
Marital status: Married to Chrissy since 1996
Children: Kaylee, Kennedy and Karson
Canine Kids: Cami, Jersey, Blitz, Timber, Stone, Indy & Coal (labrador Retrievers)
Occupation: Owner of Bullock Outdoors, Law Enforcement & Security for the Dept. of the Army.
I was born and raised on a ranch in Benson, a small farming community in the heart of beautiful Cache Valley located in Northern Utah. My family has loved and raised Labrador Retrievers since before my time and we continue to this day. Thanks to my father Richard I have been hunting since I was old enough to carry a gun.
I met my wife Chrissy at Logan high school and we were married in 1996. We have three beautiful kids; Kaylee who is 11, Kennedy who is 6 and Karson who is 1. I currently produce hunting videos, run a hunting & outdoor gear online store, website and forum, professionally train & handle retrievers, breed Labrador Retrievers and work for the Department of the Army.
Off Season: I don't have an off season operating Bullock Outdoors, if we aren't out filming & hunting birds I am either training dogs both my own and clients or running in Hunt Tests. Chrissy and the kids know once the waterfowl season is over things do slow down some and we spend a lot of time together going to the cabin, hiking, training dogs, running in Hunt Tests and just hanging out together.
Tony Russell Tripoli, Iowa
jtrdrakeslayer@hotmail.com
DOB: October 27, 1981
Marital status: Married, Jessica
Children: Sadie, Kirby, and Jazz all three of his German Shorthair Pointers
Number of years hunting: Since the age of 10
Occupation: I work as a painter for Terex Cranes prepping and painting booms, prostaff for Buck Gardner Calls, and shortly I’ll be starting to do some of my own taxidermy work out of my home.
Hunting: I do most of my hunting in local marshes, fields, and rivers. However, I venture out to various parts of Iowa, North Dakota, and Oklahoma. I enjoy getting groups of friends together to go out hunting. I feel that hunting is not only a time to connect with the outdoors, but is also a time to get closer with friends, family, and others who share the passion of hunting. I love to take kids out hunting during Iowa’s youth duck season. It gives me a chance to pass on my passion of hunting to the next generation of hunters. My wife has started to take an interest in waterfowl hunting, so it has been a pleasure to get her outdoors with me to enjoy my favorite type of hunting.
In the Off-season: When hunting isn’t on the forefront, I enjoy fishing, boating, and being with friends and family. Summers are often jam-packed with social events and free time to go out on the water. During the off-season, I also feel it is important to take time to work with my dogs. Another major part of my off-season is getting prepared for the seasons to start up again. I enjoy having my friends come over to shoot clays as a way for us all to practice. The off-season also gives my friends and me time to plan future hunting trips and practice on our duck and goose calling which we take very seriously.
Jeff Bauler DOB: May 1980
Marital status: Married, Wife, Nikki
Children: Savannah 2
/ Dogs...Abby, Yellow Lab 5 and Keesha, Golden Retriever 7
Number of years hunting: 16 years
Occupation: Tow Truck Operator. We have Police contracts, State Patrol contracts and we also do Private Property Impounds and Repossessions.
Hunting: I was introduced to waterfowling by a friend at the age of 12. I remember it like it was yesterday. I shot my first duck....Drake Wood Duck. In-fact, we shot our limit. Plus pulled a pretty neat sneak on some Geese that landed in the field near the pond we were set up on. We shot 1 goose each. Seeing the ducks and geese react to the calls and the magic they can do in flight, keeps me hooked year after year. I am also an avid Deer and Grouse hunter. I prefer to hunt Deer with Bow.
In the Off-season: I spend my off season spending time with friends and family and riding my motorcycle.
Rob Bevins DOB: March 10, 1981
Marital status: Single
Children: 0
Number of years hunting: 17 years
Occupation: I am currently in the United States Army, for the last 6 years. In 2003 I deployed to Afghanistan for 12 months. In 2005 I went over to Germany for a year, from there I deployed to Iraq for 12 months. I am planning on working for Buck when I get out of the Army.
Hunting: I started duck hunting with my dad when I was 5. I did not start carrying a shotgun until I was 10. From when I was 11 to 16 years old my dad would take me down to Missouri duck hunting in flooded timber during Thanks Giving. That experience spoiled me for life. It wasn’t until I started hunting a local marsh 5 miles from my Parents place. When was 16 that I relailzed how hard it was to land large groups of mallards in my decoys, with public pressure. That made me practice calling more. Since then I have been hunting and “studying” ducks every chance I get. In Iowa we usually freeze up around mid November. Most of the time about a week before the ducks come down. So we have to chase pheasants the rest of the year.
Contests: I started competition calling in 2002, I competed in the Iowa State. Shortly after that I joined the Army. In between deployment I competed in a few contests. In 2007 I finally had a chance to compete in more competitions. I started using Buck’s Calls. I stopped by the shop and picked up a Kryptonite, the next day I won the Kentucky State. Since then I have been on a roll.
In the Off-season: During the off season I try to stay busy hunting pheasants and deer. After all of that is over I like to go fishing for bass in local farm ponds. During the spring I sit out at my local marsh and call ducks in while bull head fishing. I spend a lot of time practicing for competitions and going to competitions.
Leslie Hutson
DOB: 3-2-73
Marital status: Single
Children: (son) Aiden 3; (daughter) Gabby 8
Dog: Jessie, black Lab
Occupation: Offshore oil and gas production operator
Number of years hunting: 25 years
Favorite Buck Gardner Calls: Double Nasty Poly Wood, Buck Brush, SS1 Goose Call
Leslie lives in Woodville, Mississippi and has been hunting for 25 years. He hunts deer, turkey, ducks and enjoys bowhunting wild hogs. His passion is duck and goose hunting. In the offseason he enjoys competition duck calling and shooting archery tournaments. Any other time you will find Leslie and his son Aiden out on the lake fishing for bass or catfish.
Leslie is a Regional Pro Staff Director for Buck Gardner Calls and is also on the pro staff for Ameristep Blinds and Treestands.
Mario Friendy
Sherwood, Oregon
(503) 209-2763
mariocrd@comcast.net
DOB: April, 1969
Marital status: Married to wife Amy
Children: 4 Year Old Daughter Gianna, 1 year old boy Cole, 10 year old Black Lab—Onyx.
Occupation: National Pro Staff Director for Buck Gardner Calls, Mossy Oak Regional Pro Staff Director—Pacific Flyway, Owner of Columbia River Decoys
Number of years hunting: 28 years
Occupation: After 14 years of Radio Broadcasting and moving from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles and everywhere in between Mario finally found his home in Oregon. Mario manages the Pro Staff for Buck Gardner Calls Inc. He coordinates and schedules our staff to visit events to help our retailers and our customers get what they need. He also helps with sales, marketing, promotions and more for the company. He is the Regional Pro Staff Director for Mossy Oak Brand Camo. He is in charge of the waterfowl staff for the Pacific Flyway. He is also the owner and manufacturer of Columbia River Decoys Inc., which is one of his full time jobs. He handles the day to day molding and painting of every decoy that leaves the shop. He has his own line of accessories to go along with the decoys. When the hunting season starts he gets even busier, with seminars and outdoor shows. He guides at Pacific Wings Waterfowl Adventures in West Richland Washington, and for Ducks & Dogs LLC in Monmouth Oregon. He also guides for and manages the Amstad Duck and Goose Clubs in Sherwood, Oregon.
Hunting: He is a native of Pennsylvania and now makes his home in Sherwood, Oregon. He grew up in a hunting household with his father and grandfather taking both his brother and himself hunting for Pheasants, Ducks and Geese. “I have to say that I have been hooked on the waterfowl tradition ever since the first early morning of setting up decoys, using a duck or goose call to bring a bird in range then having your dog retrieve that bird to make the cycle complete”, Mario says. “There is nothing like it in the world.” “I feel that we are all so fortunate to be able to enjoy something that we have such a passion for that it only makes sense to give back to this great tradition.” Mario is a member of Delta Waterfowl. He has also been a Ducks Unlimited member since his dad started a chapter in Pennsylvania when he was a kid. In Oregon, he has been a D.U. member, an Area and District Chairman. He has also been the president, volunteer and a member of the Board of Directors for the Oregon Waterfowl Festival.
Contests: Mario just started getting into the Duck calling contest circuit. It is good practice in the off season and sharpens your skills, plus it’s a lot of fun, Mario says.
Off Season: If you are a hardcore waterfowl hunter there is no “Off Season”, says Mario. He spends all summer getting decoy inventory up, and getting out to as many outdoor shows to “pimp” all the products he is affiliated with. When hunting is not consuming my life, I try to spend as much of it with my family as I can. “I want to thank my wife Amy, daughter Gianna, and son Cole for being so supportive and both my family in Pennsylvania and my family here in Oregon for letting me do what I love.”
“Be thankful that you get to enjoy the outdoors every chance you get, and remember…………By the time they figure out they’re decoys……..It’s Too Late!
Matt Haase Age: 34
Marital status: Married, wife Mandy
Children: 5 children, Katherine, Andrew, Nathan, Lauren, Joseph
Occupation: Self-Employed, General Contractor
Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Photography, Golf
Number of years hunting: 18 years
Occupation: I grew up in the construction industry, working for my grandfather and dad during summers in high school. I attended IUPUI majoring in construction management, and also worked for a residential remodeler while going to school, eventually working full time at this job helping with estimating and job supervision. I worked for a home builder as a superintendant and also ran a few framing crews. After all of these years of experience, I started to take on side jobs which eventually led to starting my own contracting business in 1996. It has been a rewarding experience being my own boss with the flexibility it has given me concerning my love of hunting. I also prostaff for Buck Gardner Calls and several other outdoor suppliers and vendors. And of course very busy with the day to day operation and promotion of the HOOSIER H.I.T. SQUAD LLC, www.hoosierhitsquad.com.
Hunting: I grew up without a father or male figure to introduce me to hunting, and got into hunting out of my own curiosity and desire. I learned where I could from hunting, friends, and from the school of hard knocks. This is why I have such a desire to pass on the knowledge I have learned to my own children and youth in general. I am always anxious to encourage fathers to get involved with their youth and introduce them to the wonderful world of the outdoors. Deer hunting was my early obsession which eventually led into many other outdoor pursuits like: upland game hunting and sporting clays, small game hunting with friends, turkey hunting, dove hunting, and my #1 pursuit waterfowling. I enjoy the comraderie with friends and family, and the opportunities to share time with my family outdoors.
Eric Rogge Springfield, Missouri
(417) 894-7177
honkerh8r@yahoo.com
DOB: December, 1976
Children: Colin: just arrived
Dogs: two labs, Ben and Bailey
Occupation: Police Officer
Number of years hunting: 25
Hunting: I began tagging along with my father, hunting quail on our north Missouri farm and hunting ducks on Truman Lake when I was barely old enough to walk. Once I could drive, I packed my old Ford Mustang full of decoys and my lab and headed to nearby conservation areas with my buddy Ed and his uncle Emmett, who didn’t miss a Missouri goose opener until he passed away at almost 80 years old. Years of drawing pills in the “poor line” and hunting crowded private marshes taught me the value of paying attention to detail and “sweating the small stuff.” I was introduced to Buck by my good buddies Patrick and Brad Gardner, and I became a pro-staffer in 2005. Since then, I have hunted many of the best waterfowling spots North America has to offer and made many good friends along the way.
Most valuable hunting tips: Focus on brushing up the edges of your layout blind. A grassy box still looks like a box if you don’t break up the outline. Don’t pay too much attention to any type of pattern in your decoys. Ducks and geese don’t have assigned seats, so you decoy spread should look more random and less manufactured. And finally, get that darn robo duck out of the middle of your landing hole!
Occupation: I have been a police officer with the Springfield Police Department for almost ten years. I am a field training officer and have been named as Officer of the Month twice for exceptional service.
In the off season: When I’m not hunting or preparing to go hunting, I can most often be found fly fishing for trout in Missouri streams, riding my Harley through the Ozarks, or getting to know my brand new son, Colin.
Patrick Carlson Patrick Carlson is a native of Wisconsin and an extreme waterfowler hunting, Lake Michigan, Lake Winnebago and its surrounding lakes, as well as following the migration from Manitoba to Arkansas (time permitting).
Patrick has two sons, Sawyer 6 and Hunter 3, who he is introducing to the adventures of waterfowling and it's many rewards. He also works closely with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in directing youth programs, teaching our youth to be the future in conservation.
Patrick is affiliated with such organizations as Ducks Unlimited, Delta Waterfowl, and Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. He runs a well-rounded business dedicated to waterfowling in Wisconsin, called Whistling Wings Outfitters. They offer guided waterfowl hunts (field or water), gun dog breeding/training and cater to our youth's every need.
Besides being on the ProStaff for Rig'Em Right Waterfowling, G&H Decoys, Hevishot Ammunition, he has been affiliated with Buck Gardner Calls for the past 5 years. "When Buck asked me to be Prostaff, I jumped at the chance. Calls that don't stick when I'm guiding are a must up here in the cold weather of Wisconsin. Bucks calls have proven elements can be beat by an excellent designed call." Patrick Carlson......Whistling Wings Outfitters Oshkosh, WI
