In the latest edition of The Hole Story, we had the chance to chat to hunter, guide, and family man Michael Waddell, best known for co-hosting Bone Collector on the Outdoor Channel. Michael talks about everything from his first hunting memory to why hunting, a little like chocolate cake, is something that's better when it's shared with your favorite people.

Do you have a first memory of hunting, and what was your first gun?

My first memories could easily be my best! I grew up hunting in Georgia with my Daddy and Uncle Morgan. Several other regulars would show up at Uncle Morgan’s barn before we walked to the stands. People like Scott Steiner, Uncle Rick, Uncle Jeff to name a few. We were just deer hunting, anything legal was what we’re looking for. It was a blast. I was twelve, my first gun was a rem model 742, 30–06 and I thought I was a pro! Looking back what made it special is just the laid-back environment of me feeling like one of the men even though I was a kid. It built so much character being part of the group. Anytime someone had success we all were so happy for one another.

Your show “Bone Collector” has become a staple in the hunting community. What inspired you to create it, and how has it evolved over the years?

Bone Collector was established more in celebrating hunting and that started around how I felt as a kid. Less about the animal as the trophy but the adventure of places seen, hunted and the relationships made. To me that is the real trophy, the animal is a great bonus. We have never tried to beat our chest and out hunt anyone, but we do try to out fun everyone. Bone Collector is a show that protects all hunters’ desires and ambitions. We have evolved into trying be a solid voice for the hunters.

Could you walk us through your current hunting setup? What firearms, ammo and optics do you rely on for different types of hunts?

My favorite rifle is an old Tikka .308. I’ve used it for everything including taking some great elk. I love the Hornady American Whitetail ammo, it just never lets me down. A 150-grain bullet and the rest is up to that taxidermist. I use Bushnell optics and scopes — mostly 10 by 42’s and 3 by 9 scopes. Very old school. It makes me feel like the same kid in the 80’s.

Do you handload your own ammunition? 

I used to do some handloading just out of high school. However, I haven’t in many years. Hornady does such an amazing job with the factory ammo loads and so many bullet options that I can always find a combo that shoots accurately and delivers tag filling power. I can use my time elsewhere, but I think once I slow down, I could see getting back involved with tinkering with hand loads. It could be just a fun hobby.

You’ve hunted various species across different terrains. Is there a particular hunt that stands out as especially memorable or challenging?

In general elk hunting is challenging. Super physical and elk just have a motor that can take you up and over many mountains. However, the most challenging and tiring hunt I ever did was to Adak Island in Alaska. Man, it was so desolate, we lived and camped out of a pack eating freeze dried meals — and caribou meat once we’d killed. Just the physical part of the hunt was crazy! Once we found the caribou, we made pretty short work of filling our tags but we all lost tons of weight being there for 12 days.

With advancements in hunting gear and technology, how do you balance incorporating new equipment while maintaining traditional hunting practices?

I’m for innovation but at the same time you have to keep a little nostalgia. Familiarity with gear, sounds, smells etc are important to me. However certain techniques and technology have made hunting more fun and brings more people to the table which I’m for. I’m not for hoarding up hunting and areas for myself; it has brought me too much joy not to share with others. The biggest thing I preach is to each his own. Make it yours! Hunt and use what you want and stay legal, because it’s your hunt and your tag.

Family seems to play a significant role in your life. How do you involve your family in your hunting adventures, and what values do you hope to pass on to the next generation of hunters?

Family, and I can add friends too, are everything to me. Hunting to me is like chocolate cake, it’s not as fun enjoying it alone. I love to have a good time, and I love to have my kids and family as a part of those good times. I’ve realized no one truly cares much more about you because you kill something big and they don’t necessarily want to be around you for that; however, if you focus on the fun, you will always have family and friends around. No one likes the asshole who just kills big stuff. They have lonely, dusty trophy rooms.

For those looking to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give to aspiring hunters aiming to make a mark in the outdoor industry?

Be you!!!! Don’t do anything that is out of your happy areas when hunting. Do it because it’s what you want to do, and people will see the sincere passion. Don’t cave to the industry or society in fads and what’s hot. Stay true to yourself and always try to make it fun.

Looking ahead, are there any new projects or hunts on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?

We are working on a podcast and I’m very excited about this. I feel like the hunting industry needs to have a louder voice in the mainstream and I think we can bring a lot of names and great conversation to the table here. I’m also excited about working on many affordable items in the Bone Collector line that hunters can buy for solid prices. I feel like many things are way overpriced. I enjoy more than ever being an ambassador rather than a hunting pro. As a matter of fact, I hate the term pro hunter. I just want to be a solid kind guy that promotes the joy hunting can bring to life.