I grew up hunting rabbits and fishing as a kid, spending my days running through the woods and learning by doing. That freedom to explore and develop outdoor skills was a huge part of my childhood, and I’ve seen fewer kids getting that experience today. It feels like a dying tradition—one I want to help keep alive. That’s why making Atlas Backcountry family-friendly is so important to me. I want kids to have the same opportunity to hunt, fish, and learn real outdoor skills in a way that’s safe, hands-on, and rewarding.

As I got older, my time in the military reinforced and expanded my skills, teaching me the value of planning, preparation, and resilience in unpredictable conditions. That foundation gave me the confidence to take my backcountry abilities further, pushing into hunting, fishing, and spending more time in the wild with a more structured and self-sufficient approach. But even with that experience, I still had to learn a lot the hard way—through trial and error, mistakes, and plenty of frustration.

That’s why I started bringing others along, including my brother-in-law, who had little hunting or fishing experience. At first, he wasn’t sure if it was for him, but as we spent more time out there— tracking, shooting, harvesting game, and exploring the backcountry—he found a deeper connection with nature and encouraged me to share my knowledge with others.

That’s what led to Atlas Backcountry. I wanted to create the kind of mentorship I wish I had when I was first figuring things out—a space where beginners of all ages can get hands-on experience, ask questions, and build confidence in real-world conditions. Most guided trips take you into the wild, but they don’t teach you how to do it yourself. That’s what makes Atlas Backcountry different. The goal isn’t just to give you an adventure—it’s to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to plan your own.