For decades, Jim has shared his hunting adventures in every corner of the world with viewers and followers, and it was a privilege to sit down and chat to him for the Hornady blog.

Can you tell me about your earliest memory of hunting and the first gun you owned?

My earliest memories are of whitetail deer hunting with my dad. He’d take me with my uncles to push the bush for deer in Saskatchewan. I must have been about five-years-old. I can still picture the deer running by and my dad taking a shot — it’s as vivid as if it happened yesterday.

I was 14 and working as a laborer on my father’s road construction crew. I saved all my summer earnings and bought myself a Remington 700 BDL in 270 caliber. My father, a huge Jack O’Connor fan, always believed the 270 Win was the way to go, although I’ve fixed my preferences since then.

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in hunting and outdoor writing? Were there any mentors you looked up to?

At 10-years-old, I read Hunter by J.A. Hunter, an African Professional Hunter in Kenya back in the day. That book set my path — I knew I’d write a novel, become a writer and one day have a museum filled with wild animals.

As for mentors, Jim Zumbo was a hero of mine. Judd Cooney was another and was a huge star when I started out. And Larry Wysh, I think he was 100-years-old back then and must be 150 now! These guys guided me as I entered the industry.

Over the years, how have you seen hunting gear and in particular ammunition evolve?

Hunting has become a lot more sophisticated, especially for whitetail deer. My dad and uncles saw deer as “hamburgers running across the field” whereas nowadays, people use trail cameras and know which animal they’re after. I’ll spend a month hunting a single deer on my ranch in Saskatchewan.

Ammunition has seen incredible advancements with years of R&D ensuring they expand properly and don’t blow apart. The technology behind optics has transformed hunting too. Back in the day, a 200-yard shot was considered long — now people shoot a mile. It’s a different world, from the camouflage that we use for mountains or forests etc, to titanium actions, carbon fiber barrels and digital maps that show me the topography in the remotest part of the Yukon.

When did you become a Hornady sponsored shooter and what brought you and the brand together?

I’ve admired Hornady since the beginning, they have great products and it’s been a pleasure watching this family-owned company grow to where they are today. About eight years ago, I became one of their ambassadors — one of the best decisions in my career in the outfitting or hunting world.

What’s at the top of your Hornady shopping list now, the ammo you really rate?

The 212gr bullet I shoot from my 300 PRC is my favorite. Guiding Steve and Jason from Hornady on my bear territory on Vancouver Island, I learned about the science behind this bullet, and it’s proven itself time and time again. That’s my go-to round.

What has been the most challenging hunt you’ve experienced?

One of the toughest was a 23-day polar bear hunt with a dog sled on the Arctic ice in March. We only had four or five hours of daylight, and temperatures were 40 below, with wind chills at 100 below. You’re slowly dying the moment you step on that ice. After nearly a month, I had to turn back without a bear.

What legacy do you hope to leave in the hunting community? Have you got any advice you’d like to give to aspiring hunters?

If I can help the non-hunting public understand what hunting and hunters are truly about in a positive way, I’ll feel my time in the industry was well spent. For aspiring hunters, I’d say right off the bat that it’s not about killing an animal. It’s about why you hunt. It’s the camaraderie, the fresh air, the connection with nature. Set your goals to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family, not just to make a kill.

Beyond the hunt, have you had any wildlife encounters that stand out as particularly memorable?

I’ve had countless unforgettable encounters — bull moose displaying 10 feet in front of me when all I had was a boat paddle, elephants bluff-charging, lions and hippos surrounding me in Africa. I could spend a week sharing stories about my wildlife encounters.

What future projects or hunts are you most excited about?

Any hunt with my family… so many loved ones are gone now, and so I cherish the closer family I have. Any hunt with them in the future would be my greatest desire. You know, family and close friends, those are more important than any hunt for a world’s record.

I’ve also signed a two-book deal with Simon and Schuster. The first book, CALL ME HUNTER is out, and I’ll be working on the sequel this winter. But I’m headed to the Yukon today as we’re doing this interview. In fact, I need to go catch a plane. There’s a moose waiting for me right now…

If you could share one piece of advice with someone who would love to forge a similar career but starting in today’s world, what would it be?

It’s simple: start working toward your goal right now, and don’t stop. Work the first 24 hours, then the next seven days, then 52 weeks and keep at it for the next 40 years. Never take a side road. It’s a lifestyle, not a nine-to-five job. If you do that, you’ll find yourself in the same chair, answering the same questions.