Keepin’ It Realtree
An Interview With Michael Waddell
Courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation
Michael Waddell, Host of REALTREE® ROAD TRIPS™
Click image to download | Credit: NWTF
Michael Waddell, the star of REALTREE® ROAD TRIPS™ on Outdoor Channel, has become hugely popular over the past few years. This longtime National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) member’s show is in its fifth season and picking up steam every year, and each seminar Michael speaks at is packed with autograph-seeking fans. It seems as if sportsmen and women just can’t get enough of this country boy from Booger Bottom, Georgia’s homespun humor.
But there are no signs of Waddell ‘going Hollywood.’ “I still get a little embarrassed when I see my big ol’ punkin head on the TV screen,” he admits. In fact, his down-home, everyman demeanor is one of the keys to his success, besides lots of hard work. Viewers want to see the screw-ups, the mishaps, and the jokes of regular everyday hunting situations, not a perfect hunt every time. Waddell’s regular guy nature resonates with his audience. At the NWTF’s Annual Convention and Sport Show, he is just as comfortable rubbing elbows among the crowd as he is on stage speaking and giving demonstrations. Although he’s been known to pursue lots of different quarry, “turkey hunting is what really tripped my trigger,” he says. Here’s what he had to say about his quest for gobblers and the role the NWTF has played in the wild turkey’s conservation success story:
Tell us about the first time you heard about the NWTF and what it stood for.
I was about 15 years old when I first found out about the NWTF’s calling contests and convention. It was great to realize that there were all these other people out there who were as into turkey hunting as I was, and were into protecting and promoting America’s hunting heritage. At 17, I went to my first NWTF convention, and I haven’t missed a year since. It’s great to meet so many people who share the same passion as I do- turkey hunting!
What are some of the most important things you’ve learned about wildlife conservation by being a member of the NWTF?
Respect for the wild turkey is first and foremost. Respecting bag limits, hunting regulations and habitat all come to mind. But for me, the NWTF is also about celebration of the wild turkey and relishing the excitement of the hunt.
Turkeys are found in 49 states, five Canadian provinces and Mexico. Michael, of all your travels, where is the most intriguing place that you have chased turkeys?
I’d have to say hunting the Gould’s in Mexico. It truly is like hunting big game down there because of what you have to go through to get to the turkeys.
How do you deal with the pressure of continually producing solid new products and creative television shows without blowing a gasket?
There’s no doubt there is pressure to produce. I try to forget the fact that there is a lot of money riding on every shot. That’s why I surround myself with people I enjoy. My number one goal is to be the hunter I was raised to be and to have fun.
Speaking of pressure, what was it like when you stepped out on stage for your first NWTF wild turkey calling contest?
I used to get nervous, but I was able to put it past me. Reason being, I knew that any nervousness would cause the turkey call to react ever so slightly and affect my score — whether my hand trembled just a bit when using a box call, or my tongue became dry when using a mouth call. I wanted to call like I knew I was capable of doing, so I mentally blocked out the audience.
What is the biggest professional risk you’ve ever taken?
I was turkey hunting in Tennessee and a gobbler was hung up behind some brush 60 yards away. He eventually flew onto a limb about 15 feet above me and started strutting. I knew the rules set forth by the state, so I shot him. I didn’t want to appear like a hypocrite and try to pretend like I didn’t do it, so it aired on Realtree Road Trips. I want to be successful in the field while abiding by the rules — and have fun doing it. I want to show that I’m just like you. I’m just a hunter, not a professional.
If you only had one hunt left in your lifetime, what animal would you pursue and where?
I would want to go Texas after a good Rio hatch with four tags and four of my closest friends. I’d want to mash some beaks and pray the Texas Parks and Wildlife would feel sorry for me and give me three more tags.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
From a hunting perspective, definitely my dad and uncle. They always took me along and taught me how to hunt. As far as someone to look up to in the industry — Paul Butski. I thought he was the turkey calling god.
How do you cope with being away from your family for weeks on end?
That’s the toughest part of my job. Both of my boys love being outside, and I look at my six year old and see the same characteristics I had at that age. It’s the simple things you miss when you’re on the road. So when I’m home, I catch up with honey-do’s and spend time with my family.
How many days did you spend in the woods last year?
Over 120 days, easy. I’d spend every day in the woods if I could.
People want to know how to bag more turkeys; what is one tip you can give them to help accomplish that?
Have an open mind when it comes to hunting turkeys. Know the laws of the state and abide by them, but don’t fall into the trap of being a certain type of turkey hunter– just be a turkey hunter.
If you could call up a gobbler for any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I have two different thoughts on that. I’d love to call in a double for my Paw Paw and Granddad. I’d also like to call in one for Fred Bear, so he could shoot it with a recurve or longbow. It would be really cool to do that.
What is the best camp prank you’ve ever played on someone?
Getting Jeff Foxworthy arrested in Texas. We took his hunting license from his wallet after he killed a good buck. We then called the game warden and told him what was going on. It was great to see him stutter when the warden asked for his license.
What advice would you give for a lady who just started dating a man who is a turkey hunter?
Participate and give it a try– you might like it and understand why he enjoys spending so much time outdoors. When my wife comes along with me, I know she appreciates just having a chance to sit down and relax in the woods and let the stress melt away. Some of our best conversations come as we’re sitting at the base of a tree, whispering to each other.
Is there such a thing as a casual turkey hunter, or are people prone to becoming consumed by it?
I tell beginner turkey hunters that if you have other hobbies, you’d better get rid of them because turkey hunting is addicting. The interaction of calling back and forth and having a “conversation” with the bird makes it like a chess match. During turkey season, I’m always trying to utilize any extra free time to get some hunting in. Even if I only have twenty or thirty minutes, I know that I have a chance to bag a gobbler if he’s lovesick enough. It can become an obsession.
Ultimately, how would you like to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone who was real. I want people to know I celebrated the culture of a hunter and country boy, and showed others there was a place for that in America.
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