Keep up to Date on John by reading his online column WESTERN WANDERER on the Skinny Moose Network. www.skinnymoose.com/racktracker

John Martin is an Animal Nutritionist from Petaluma, California. After growing up on a small family dairy, he escaped to the University of Idaho. During summers he lead pack strings, wrangled dudes, and cowboyed throughout Idaho, Oregon and California. John received his bachelors in Animal Science-Range Livestock management from the U of I in 1997. He put that degree to use on a ranch in Northeastern California, managing stocker cattle and dairy heifers, and assisting in the range cattle operation. Now a Petaluma feed and supply company, employs John where he manages the retail store, and assists in feed formulations. John, his wife Natalie, and their children, also operate Spear Six Cattle Company. The business includes a herd of commercial beef cows, stocker cattle, and custom dairy heifer raising.

He has hunted since he was 12 years old throughout California, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming for a variety of game large and small. John began his archery hunting and competitive career in 2004. Since then he has competed throughout the state of California, and even at the World Archery Festival in both the Vegas target and 3D venues. John shoots his hunting bow, currently a Hoyt Ultra Sport at 65 pounds and 65% letoff in the Bowhunter Freestyle division for all his competitive pursuits.

In preparation he will continue to shoot at the various competitive venues throughout California, as well as physically train. In preparation for the physical nature of his spot and stalk hunts he has joined with the group, Team in Training,for the second year in a row to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society, while training for a the 26.2 mile Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego, California June 1st, 2008.

When not hunting, shooting or working, John regularly speaks to groups on a variety of topics. As well as addressing young people in an advisory role, he performs cowboy poetry at numerous events throughout California. He has recently published a book of his original poems, Rancher’s Rhymes. Look for John at your next 3D Shoot, on the shooting line in Vegas, or in a wilderness a long way from the road. He is always eager to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or just talk about hunting, horses, cattle, archery and fitness.