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Michael Lee grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Flint River in South Georgia, where his love for the outdoors was cultivated.
Guided by his father and grandfathers, he learned the art of hunting and fishing from an early age.
A proud graduate of Valdosta State University, Michael earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems—earning him the fitting title of “high-tech redneck.”
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When you think of groundbreaking tech entrepreneurs, Amish Country in Holmes County, Ohio, isn't the first place that comes to mind. Yet, Mike Yoder, CEO of Drone Deer Recovery, proves innovation can thrive anywhere. Raised in a tech-free Amish community, Mike developed a unique perspective that would later fuel his entrepreneurial journey.
Before founding Drone Deer Recovery Media, Inc. in 2022, Mike was captivated by drones. Inspired by a hunter using drones for game recovery, he realized they offered an efficient, less disruptive alternative to traditional tracking methods.
Combining his Amish upbringing's values of hard work and ingenuity with his passion for technology and hunting, Mike launched his business to redefine game recovery. His story shows how unconventional roots can lead to extraordinary innovations.
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Lauren Schaefer is an outdoor enthusiast and photographer who has turned her passion into a thriving social media presence and budding photography business.
Originally from Florida, she grew up exploring the Rocky Mountains with her family and continues to find inspiration in nature.
Her love for dogs led her to create an Instagram account for her Australian Shepherd and Large Munsterlander, which has since blossomed into a platform for her captivating landscape and wildlife photography. -
Graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska in 2002, Chuma began his “jump” into BASE with a solid skydiving career beginning at the age of 16 in Caldwell, Idaho. In 2007, after completing over 700 skydives, Chuma made the move to Twin Falls, ID where he now runs a very successful BASE Jumping School – Inter-Demented BASE.
Chuma’s impressive athletic background in gymnastics, skiing, and pole-vaulting has provided him with the necessary skill set and physical fitness to successfully perform complicated aerial maneuvers in BASE Jumping. He has become well known for his originality and style within this arena and is responsible for several world recognized BASE Jumping tricks, as well as pioneering many unpacked jumps and refining the “game over”. Chuma is responsible for making the “tweener,” named by Chuma, famous amongst jumpers by successfully performing this trick off multiple BASE exits. Chuma’s background in gymnastics gives him a unique kinesthetic awareness that sets him apart from other BASE jumpers, when it comes to tricks, solid exits and landings.
In 2009, Chuma and his former business partners developed the world’s first commercial Tandem Base Jumping operation. During the experimental phase, Chuma personally performed many test jumps with experienced BASE jumpers acting as passengers. Since 2009, he has completed over 500 tandem BASE jumps without incident, and currently holds the record for the most tandem BASE jumps completed. Recently, he has completed a tandem jump off all four objects in the word BASE. It is believed that he is the first and only person in the world to have done this. His company, Tandem BASE LLC, has performed tandem BASE jumps at bridge day in Fayetteville, West Virginia for the past 4 years. Chuma was the first person in the world to complete a tandem BASE jump from the Menara KL Tower, and the Wisma Sanyan in Malaysia, 2013. In 2014, Chuma became the first person to perform a tandem BASE jump in Zakynthos, Greece at Shipwreck beach, and later that year in Arco, Italy at Monte’ Brento. Later in 2014, Chuma finished in the top 16 at the Red Bull Aces Wingsuit race, an event where the world’s best wingsuit athletes completed in a slalom course held in place by helicopters. In 2015, Chuma performed the first quadriplegic tandem BASE jump with passenger Pete Bonser. The following year, Chuma took the first person with cerebral palsy, Marlena Katene, on a jump from the KL tower in Malaysia.
One of his favorite achievements includes taking 102 year old Dorothy Cluster on a tandem BASE jump from the Perrine Bridge in June 2013. Being able to travel the world, meeting like-minded people, and BASE jumping in incredible places is Chuma's biggest joy.
Currently, Chuma is moving towards a career in television and film, and has made several television appearances in the past 4 years including: the Travel Channel’s Ride-iculous, Trip Flip, and MSNBC’s Caught on Camera. He is currently working with producers and colleagues on a documentary that highlights the type of lifestyle he enjoys – being a professional “fun maker”. Despite this very impressive professional history, Sean remains grounded and humble regarding his achievements and always stresses the importance of planning, experience and guidance in all areas of BASE jumping.
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Hi! My name is Trish, I'm the founder of and event organizer for Women in the Wild.
I've been an athlete my whole life, starting out as a gymnast around ages 5-14 and a competitive cheerleader ages 10-16. After that I took up a passion for body building, martial arts and hiking (shocker, I know). Now I work full time in the forestry industry as a tree climber and a faller-in-training. Naturally, hiking lead to backpacking and climbing trees led to climbing rocks. Between high-risk sports and a high-risk job, safety has been an underlying fundamental throughout my life. Counterintuitive as it may seem to some, the risks I take are calculated and based on my own body, experience, knowledge of the subject and a willingness to say "not today." I came to the realization that not everyone has the risk tolerance or physical base that I do, which is one of the reasons I started WitW.
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William was born in Colorado and skiing at 1.5 yo. He was born to adventure and loves being able to take the family on the road.
Meeting his wife in Aspen, CO in 2014, has led them to becoming adventure buddies from day one.
They started climbing, skiing, and traveling together and fell in love with each other over their mutual love for the outdoors. They've even taken their dog to multiple countries along the way. Fast forward to 2022, they added their daughter, Rowyn Rose, to the mix and now they are living fulltime in their RV. They have put down ~20k miles in their 4x4 converted class C motorhome, with many more to come.
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Sean Frado's journey began in Framingham, Massachusetts, where he was immersed in martial arts from a young age, thanks to his father, a fighter and gym owner. Initially training in boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, Sean's passion for combat sports grew, leading him to transition to mixed martial arts (MMA) after moving to Texas in 2003. As he honed his skills in striking, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling, Sean competed in numerous MMA fights before retiring in 2018 due to injuries.
Following his retirement from fighting, Sean found a new passion in fishing. What began as a hobby soon turned into an obsession, with Sean applying the same discipline and strategic thinking from his martial arts background to fishing. He quickly gained recognition in the fishing community, sharing his catches on social media and partnering with various brands. Today, Sean balances a full-time job with his love for fishing, aiming to compete in top tournaments like the Bassmaster Classic. His journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of passion, both in the ring and on the water. -
Amos Rodriguez is a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental stewardship, sharing a life story shaped by resilience and a deep connection to nature. Born in 1979 in El Salvador, Amos grew up amidst the turmoil of military regimes and violent conflict. His family, heavily involved in the church, faced brutal repression, with his mother imprisoned and tortured and his uncle killed for his activism. At just 10 years old, Amos fled from soldiers and found refuge with a compassionate stranger, eventually seeking help for his mother at a local church. Despite the trauma and hardships he endured, he remained committed to education and community service, later working in social services to support impoverished communities affected by the conflict.
Inspired by his encounters with American social workers, Amos relocated to the United States to pursue higher education. His experiences have shaped his understanding of global social issues, prompting him to advocate for awareness and empathy regarding complex conflicts, particularly those similar to his own.
His journey also involves a profound relationship with nature, where he learned survival skills such as hunting and fishing as a means of healing. These practices not only provided sustenance but also fostered a deep connection to the environment, reinforcing his commitment to teaching others about responsible hunting and sustainable living. In the U.S., Amos has transitioned to educating others about nature connection through classes on bow building, foraging, and outdoor skills. He is dedicated to creating a healthy farm environment that promotes wildlife and responsible practices while encouraging stewardship of the land. -
Cody Idol is a passionate advocate for the hunting tradition and the son of renowned outdoor figure Dick Idol. Growing up in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana, Cody was heavily influenced by his father's legacy, which includes assembling the Legendary Whitetails collection and co-founding North American Whitetail magazine. With a deep respect for outdoor activities, Cody's childhood was filled with hunting and fishing, experiences that shaped his appreciation for nature and wildlife.
As a young adult, Cody began to fully recognize his father's groundbreaking contributions to deer behavior analysis and outdoor writing. He embraced his own artistic pursuits and established a successful art business that sells work nationwide and internationally. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Cody has cultivated a significant presence on social media, where he shares insights on preserving hunting traditions and engages with a growing community of outdoor enthusiasts.
Currently residing in Nashville and Naples, Cody remains deeply connected to his Montana roots, prioritizing time spent in nature and with family. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and dedication in his pursuits, encouraging others to celebrate every achievement in the outdoors, no matter the scale. Through his journey, Cody seeks to inspire the next generation of hunters and outdoor lovers, all while honoring the legacy of his father. -
Hunter and Hannah Adams are adventurers and van life influencers who travel the U.S. in their beloved 1974 Volkswagen van. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, feeling confined in downtown San Diego, they bought the vintage van for short camping trips but soon fell in love with outdoor living. Despite initial concerns about breakdowns, they’ve embraced the hands-on work of maintaining and repairing the van themselves. Their travels have led them to explore 36 national parks, while they’ve built a successful brand as influencers, sharing their journey on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube under the handle @packthebus.
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Bob Reece is a passionate fly-fishing guide and coach who transitioned from a career in education to pursue his lifelong love for the sport. Growing up in Nebraska, Bob was introduced to fly fishing by his father during trips to Wyoming, sparking a passion that would later define his professional journey. After drifting away from fishing due to sports and college football, he rediscovered it post-graduation and began guiding clients in Colorado and Wyoming while still teaching.
As he became increasingly disengaged from teaching, Bob made the courageous decision to follow his passion full-time, emphasizing the importance of planning and addressing fears associated with such a significant change. His experiences with successful guiding companies laid a strong foundation for his own business, where he values client relationships and logistical management.
Bob's journey has taken him internationally, including notable fishing trips to South America, where he explores unique fishing environments and engages with diverse clientele. He combines his guiding work with coaching and counseling, aiming to provide emotional growth through outdoor activities like fishing. Bob is committed to making the counseling process approachable and engaging, envisioning retreats that connect therapeutic practices with the joy of fishing. -
Stephen Jiroch is a passionate travel blogger and content creator based in California. He met his wife, Giselle, while running a martial arts studio in Santa Barbara, where she was studying at UCSB. Their shared love for adventure led them to blend Stephen's outdoor interests with Giselle's international travel experiences, culminating in the launch of their travel blog during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially hesitant, Stephen embraced the journey as they began documenting local walks with a used camera.
As restrictions eased, they embarked on road trips across the U.S., quickly gaining a significant following on social media through their engaging content and consistent posting. In just three months, they amassed 100,000 followers, showcasing beautiful landscapes and providing itineraries to inspire travel. Stephen manages video editing for their content while Giselle focuses on photography and blog writing. Together, they emphasize the importance of organization and strategic planning in content creation. They also run a coaching business, helping other creators succeed by sharing insights on consistency and effective content strategies.
A dedicated martial artist, Stephen has recently earned a gold medal in Taekwondo sparring and is preparing for his sixth-degree black belt test. He continues to draw parallels between his martial arts discipline and their entrepreneurial journey, advocating for resilience and a positive mindset. Together with Giselle, they host the podcast "Unfiltered Adventures," sharing travel stories and tips while promoting their brand, "Creator Passport." -
Doug McMann grew up on a farm in British Columbia, where he developed a passion for hunting inspired by stories of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. After working as a construction manager in Vancouver, Doug left city life for a remote valley of just 150 residents, driven by his dream to hunt mountain lions. Despite starting with no experience, he trained a hound, though his first attempt ended in tragedy with the dog's death.
Transitioning from carpentry to guiding, Doug successfully established his own outfitting business after catching mountain lions with his dogs. His hounds, a blend of American Leopardhound and Walker breeds, play a crucial role in his guiding work. Although initially skeptical of social media, Doug now uses platforms like Facebook and Instagram to attract clients, including international hunters. His guiding business thrives on word-of-mouth referrals and excellent personal service.
Doug's work also involves studying mountain lions for caribou conservation, using GPS collars to track their behavior and impact. Facing challenges with land access due to policy changes, he is considering a move to Belize for jaguar studies. -
Brighton Peachey is a wilderness enthusiast and rescue professional who discovered her passion for the outdoors in high school after moving to Utah. Initially drawn to indoor rock climbing, she expanded her love for adventure by exploring hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking in college, where she also pursued a degree in wilderness rescue.
Brighton gained practical experience through search and rescue courses and went on to join the Salt Lake County Search and Rescue team.
Balancing family life with rescue work, she has been involved in intense rescue operations, including swift water rescues and helicopter evacuations. After relocating to Maine and stepping back from active rescue, Brighton has focused on building her social media presence, sharing outdoor tips and adventures to inspire families to explore nature together. -
Shanna Birchett, whose name means "pretty" in Yiddish, grew up in Southern California as the sixth of eight children. Her early involvement in local 5Ks ignited her passion for running. After a church mission and starting a family, she paused her competitive running career to focus on raising six children. Despite the challenges, Shanna stayed active through strength training, particularly with P90X.
In 2020, after moving to St. George, Utah, Shanna reignited her running ambitions. With a coach specializing in heart rate-based training, she aims to qualify for the Olympic Trials with a marathon goal of 2:37.
Shanna balances her training with family life, training six days a week and using her Instagram account, "Motherhood_underrunning," to inspire and connect with other moms. Her journey reflects resilience and dedication as she pursues her dreams while supporting her growing community. -
Mel Harrison, originally from Ventura County in Southern California, has always been deeply connected to the natural world. Her passion for the outdoors blossomed while attending Humboldt State University in Northern California, where she immersed herself in environmental studies and outdoor activities. This led her to a variety of seasonal jobs, including work as a cave guide and wilderness ranger, experiences that further fueled her love for nature and conservation.
Pursuing her interests, Mel moved to Eugene, Oregon, for graduate school, where she specialized in environmental studies with a focus on natural history writing. Her career path eventually took her to Jackson, Wyoming, where she fell in love with the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. This newfound passion guided her to Montana, where she settled near Yellowstone National Park. In Montana, Mel has built a career around outdoor education, freelance writing, and blogging, particularly through her platforms "Traveling Mel" and "Yellowstone Trips." These outlets allow her to share her knowledge and love for Yellowstone, Montana, and family travel, while also promoting responsible tourism.
Mel's adventurous spirit extended beyond Montana when she and her family decided to sell their home and embark on an almost three-year journey through Europe. Living in a new country each month, the family homeschooled their two young sons while Mel continued her work as a travel blogger and freelance writer. Their travels not only provided unforgettable experiences but also deepened their bond as a family. Returning to Livingston, Montana, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Harrison family seamlessly transitioned back to life in the U.S., thanks to their pre-existing homeschool and remote work lifestyle. Throughout the pandemic, Mel continued to thrive, finding new opportunities to write about responsible travel and outdoor activities. Today, Mel remains passionate about exploring the natural world and sharing her experiences with others. Whether she’s planning a women’s winter trip to Yellowstone, writing about her latest adventures, or simply enjoying the outdoors with her family, Mel continues to inspire others to appreciate and protect the environment. -
Jason Lupardus is a wildlife management expert based in Kentucky, with a diverse career spanning the southeastern U.S. Originally from Alabama, Jason’s background includes handling bears in the Great Smoky Mountains, participating in elk reintroduction projects, and working with nonprofits dedicated to wildlife conservation. His passion for wild turkeys and outdoor adventures has led him to travel across states like Florida and Wyoming.
Jason’s love for the outdoors was sparked by his grandmother’s fishing trips, which influenced his career shift from chemical engineering to wildlife management. He holds dual undergraduate and master’s degrees in wildlife management from the University of Tennessee. His early career as a wildlife biologist in South Georgia involved working with private landowners on various wildlife projects.
After six years of managing wildlife projects, Jason joined the National Wild Turkey Federation, eventually becoming the Director of Conservation Operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he briefly transitioned to a development role before moving to the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance as COO. Currently, as CEO of Turkey’s for Tomorrow, he focuses on addressing the decline in wild turkey populations through research and conservation efforts. Jason is dedicated to ensuring future generations can enjoy the outdoors as he has. He advocates for effective turkey hunting practices and promotes the nonprofit’s growth and impact through initiatives like the "Wild Turkey Science" podcast. For more information, visit TFTT.org. -
Jesse Anderson, originally from Michigan, is the founder and owner of Grizz Media, an outdoor media agency renowned for its marketing, photography, graphic design, and brand development services. His journey into the outdoor media world began with a deep passion for fishing, which he pursued rigorously after college. To meet the demands of sponsors for photos and videos, Jesse taught himself photography and videography.
In 2018, Jesse shifted his focus from competitive fishing to hunting and launched Grizz Media. His company quickly gained traction, driven by his commitment to producing authentic and engaging content. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Jesse adeptly pivoted to tactical and self-defense media before returning to his primary focus on hunting content. Jesse's practical experience in media production has been key to Grizz Media's success, with notable achievements including landing Grizzly Coolers as a major client. His work reflects his passion for hunting, leading to unique projects such as filming brown bear encounters and creating content that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts.
Jesse’s adventurous spirit extends beyond his media career. From professional bass fishing in his teens to traveling the world filming TV shows for the Outdoor Channel and pursuing wild game, he embodies the essence of adventure. Self-taught in various skills like photography, videography, and graphic design, Jesse is always on the lookout for new thrills, whether it's hunting, skiing, shooting, skydiving, or diving. Grizz Media is dedicated to blending media production with personal passion, aiming to expand into a national and international network with Grizz Hunt, promoting a lifestyle of rigorous hunting training and authentic content creation. -
Amanda Powell is an outdoor enthusiast and advocate based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite having cerebral palsy, Amanda discovered a passion for hiking and adaptive mountain biking in 2017 when she learned about the accessibility options offered by U.S. National Parks.
Her love for the outdoors led her to found the nonprofit "Everybody on Trails," which provides adaptive equipment and organizes accessible trail meetups for people with disabilities. Amanda’s experiences with adaptive biking have significantly improved her physical and mental well-being, helping her manage her condition and alleviate anxiety.
Through her popular Instagram account, @AmandaCapable, she shares her adventures and connects with a supportive community. Amanda aims to visit all U.S. national parks and dreams of owning a cabin in the woods, all while continuing her advocacy for outdoor accessibility. -
Alicia Morg is a passionate huntress based in Coltmont, Pennsylvania. Hailing from the coal region, Alicia’s journey into hunting began at 21 with her first boyfriend. Despite not coming from a hunting background, her first successful hunt ignited a deep love for the sport. After parting ways with her boyfriend, Alicia continued to pursue her passion independently, managing trail cams and stands on her own.
Alicia gained widespread recognition through a viral TikTok video she posted three years ago, where she famously declared she'd rather chase bucks than men. This video helped her build a significant online presence, amassing over half a million followers on Snapchat, nearly 200k on TikTok, and 70k on Instagram. Her rise in social media success was marked by a shift from a 13-year career as a retail training instructor to working with her mother’s business, Rock and Block, before fully dedicating herself to her social media and hunting endeavors.
With sponsorships and a growing following, Alicia focuses on creating authentic content and engaging with her audience. She values simplicity in hunting gear, prioritizing scent and movement over brand names, and supports small businesses over large brands. Alicia is committed to daily hunting, continuous learning, and living in the moment without over-planning. - Vis mere
