Born in 1953 and raised in a small town called New Knoxville, Ohio. I have lived my whole life, within 1 mile of where I was born.

Dad always had guns, but they were off limit to us to even look at. I heard he had hunted some as a kid, but I don't ever remember him hunting. He still has guns, but if they are shot, it is me doing the shooting. I got my first 22, a 39A Marlin, in '67, still have the gun. I did not hunt at all until I was about 25. I picked up a bow and have been a avid bowhunter ever since. Bought a Rem. 870 in 1980 and though it was a excellent gun, just never really had the attraction for me. Got into muzzleloaders about the same time as archery. That has held a strong interest for me ever since and lead me into SxS's. In around 2001, I bought my first "modern" SxS. An "A" grade Baker. I off course still have it and several other Bakers.

Hunting here in the farmland of Ohio,was already down hill when I started. Deer hunting was growing though. Rabbits are something you seldom see, but squirrels are common and great 22 or small bore muzzleloader fun. I an not a waterfowler, so all my bird hunting is doves and I look forward to it every year.