Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in Texas, spending my early years in Austin and later in Grapevine, which sits between Dallas and Fort Worth. My childhood was spent exploring woods, creeks, and lakes—chasing reptiles and shooting a bow and arrow. I was obsessed with Robin Hood, which probably explains my love for traditional archery today. I played many sports, with lacrosse and football (real football, not American) being my favorites, and I still play them when I can.

I attended the University of Southern California to study film, photography, and creative writing. Moving from the suburbs to downtown Los Angeles in 2002 was a cultural shock, but it broadened my perspective and ignited my love for travel. After graduating, I landed a job in Tanzania filming for a safari company. I sold most of my belongings, moved back to Dallas, and then flew to Tanzania, where I lived in the bush for five months, filming hunts. It was a life-changing experience that shaped both my personality and career. Over the years, I’ve filmed for various outfitters, TV shows, organizations, and brands in over 35 countries. Eventually, I launched a freelance career in photography, writing, and directing, built on the adventure travel portfolio I’d developed.

Where and when did your passion for hunting begin?

Growing up in Texas, hunting was around me, but it wasn’t a central part of my life. I do remember my first pheasant hunt when I was about 10 or 11, and I still have that taxidermied rooster at home. I started fly-fishing at an early age and spent many summers in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.

My real connection to hunting didn’t develop until I went to Africa. Though I was holding a camera, I was still “hunting” in a way—tracking wildlife alongside some of the most skilled hunters I’ve ever met in Tanzania. They taught me to read blood signs, follow tracks, tell time by the sun, and rely on instinct rather than logic. It was all in Swahili, of course, so it took a while to translate that knowledge to more domestic hunting settings. My journey into hunting was somewhat backwards: I could track Cape buffalo and kudu but knew next to nothing about hunting white-tailed deer or turkey. Over time, I realised that an ethical thread runs through every hunting culture I’ve encountered, and it’s a concept I’ve been exploring and trying to articulate ever since.

What inspired you to start your own publication, and what’s the philosophy behind Modern Huntsman?

The creation of Modern Huntsman stems from two main experiences. First, when some of my friends in Los Angeles learned I was going to Africa to film hunting, many of them turned on me—some got angry, called me names, or even cut ties. I wasn’t prepared for that reaction, and it opened my eyes to the emotional disconnect many non-hunters have with hunting, often based on sensationalised media rather than fact.

On the flip side, I noticed many hunters and hunting organisations were terrible at communicating with non-hunters about the role hunting plays in conservation. So I set out to create a platform for more constructive conversations—one that highlights the cultural and ethical traditions of hunting globally and showcases a more diverse, thoughtful array of hunters, anglers, artists, and thinkers than the mainstream industry often features.

Modern Huntsman has since grown into something remarkable, attracting incredibly talented photographers, writers, and filmmakers. We’ve just finished our eleventh volume, we’re working on our first wild game cookbook, and we’ve expanded into experiential trips, educational workshops, and creative retreats.

What drew you to Scotland? Now you’re bringing guests annually—what sparked that connection?

I have Scottish heritage on my father’s side, and like many Americans, my early fascination was sparked by Braveheart—the first “bloody” movie I was allowed to watch as a kid. I suppose everyone has that one uncle who wears a kilt now and then, so Scottish stories were always on the periphery.

Ultimately, it was my friend and collaborator, Byron Pace, who convinced me to visit. He called me within days of launching Modern Huntsman on Kickstarter and invited me on his podcast, Into the Wilderness. I accepted and spent a week with him visiting estates, learning about grouse and deer management, and, of course, arguing over whether Land Rovers or Land Cruisers are better. I fell in love with the Highlands—the traditions, stories, and wild spirit of the land.

After writing and photographing the region many times, people started asking, “When can we come with you?” So we decided to make it happen. We hosted our first Scottish Highlands trip through Modern Huntsman, with 18 guests enjoying stag stalking, salmon and trout fishing, wing shooting, Scotch pairings, and wild game cuisine. It was such a success that we’re planning two trips next year.

How did you first hear about Campbell’s of Beauly? Do you think there’s an appreciation for heritage businesses like ours where you’re from?

Byron introduced me to Campbell’s—I believe he did some filming at your shop a few years ago. I’ve always been drawn to tweeds and classic menswear, though living in Texas means I only get a few months a year to wear them. When I visited last year, Byron suggested we detour to visit the shop, and of course, we wanted to feature Campbell’s in Modern Huntsman's Volume Ten.

It was a dream come true to have a three-piece tweed suit made. The suit turned out perfectly and is now the pride of my wardrobe. Beyond the craftsmanship, I love that it has a story—the story of the tweed, the style selection, the shop’s history, and its mission. It often sparks conversations back in Texas, especially among hunters and wing shooters who value heritage and craftsmanship. My fiancée Caris jokes that I need business cards with the story printed on them to save time when chatting with strangers, but I don’t mind sharing a good story!

Having been on the hill in the Highlands, how do you view the traditions of the stalkers—the tweeds, the ponies?

I deeply admire it all and wish more of that heritage was preserved elsewhere. While there are historic re-enactments and period costumes, it’s remarkable that Highland culture and tradition are kept alive through the work of estate stalkers. There’s something magical about stepping back in time, especially in a modern world that often tries to suppress such traditions. I hope our trips to the Highlands help introduce more people to this rich and vital way of life.

You’ve traveled to some extraordinary places. Which destination stands out?

I’ve been fortunate to visit some truly remote and remarkable places. Tanzania holds a special place in my heart and is my favorite destination. However, one of the most unique places I’ve visited was Pakistan. In 2009, I spent nearly five weeks there filming a TV show, mostly in rural villages. The people were incredibly kind and hospitable, the food was amazing, and I witnessed unforgettable moments—like a Sufi mystic performance and the energetic flag-lowering ceremony on the Pakistan-India border. I still cherish that experience and the photographs I took.

You recently got engaged—congratulations! Did it happen in some remote corner of the world?

Thank you! Yes, I proposed this past July in Tanzania to my amazing partner Caris, an incredibly talented artist and designer. I’d always said I’d propose there, and with help from friends, we made it special. I sourced a rare Tanzanian Tsavorite for the ring and surprised her during a “photo shoot” at sunset in a Maasai dry riverbed. Afterward, we celebrated with a week of hunting and a visit to Lamu, a beautiful Swahili beach village in Kenya. It was perfect.

Finally, your last supper while watching your favourite film?

This is tough because my inner geek has to show—I’m a massive Star Wars and Lord of the Rings fan. If I had to choose one, it would be The Return of the King, with a mezcal negroni as an aperitif. For dinner, I’d mix the fresh, simple style of Japanese food with the hearty roots of Mexican cuisine: fresh fish or sashimi with spicy salsas folded into tacos, slow-cooked carnitas or barbacoa with sliced hot peppers and Togarashi spices over udon or cilantro rice. Add Shishito peppers, guacamole, a roasted salsa trio, a spicy margarita, and a frozen glass of Kirin Ichiban. That sounds like heaven.