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Meet The Host

Michael Waddell

Michael Waddell

If only one person could be chosen as the face of the modern hunting industry, that person would likely be Michael Waddell. A veritable superstar in the outdoor world, Michael combines his hunting expertise with his easy-going personality, and entertains fans of all ages across the country.

Growing up in the “deep country,” Michael was taught traditional family values, and hunting was simply a way for him to spend more time with his father and grandfather in the fields near his childhood home. Growing up, hunting was never about the trophy animals or the glitz and glamour of working as a professional; it was about camaraderie and appreciating the special feeling that comes from spending quality time in the outdoors.

As he grew, Waddell continued to hunt and hone his turkey calling skills, but it was more of a hobby than an ambition. However, Michael began winning calling contests and his notoriety spread throughout the area. His success caught the attention of fellow Georgian Bill Jordan, who happened to own and operate the successful Realtree line of camouflage and hunting apparel. Immediately recognizing Michael’s talent, Bill offered him a position on his pro-staff and allowed him to work on the production of their hunting videos.

One day, when he was talking with Bill and some of the producers, Michael came up with the idea of a hunting show that was as much about the compelling footage as it was about the community of hunters. It was a new kind of hunting show that would focus on the entire life of a hunter, not just what viewers saw in the field. That idea eventually led to Realtree Road Trips, which premiered on Outdoor Channel several years ago and launched Michael Waddell into the spotlight. To date, Realtree Road Trips has won seven Golden Moose awards, including the coveted Fan Favorite Hunting Show in ’05, ’07, and ’08.

A busy 2008 saw Waddell selected as official celebrity spokesperson for Outdoor Channel, in addition to being chosen as the chair of National Hunting and Fishing Day. With his popularity and reputation soaring, he was also named official spokesperson for the National Wild Turkey Federation and took over hosting duties on Turkey Call TV on Outdoor Channel.

2009 brought his show, Bone Collector, to Outdoor Channel, where Michael’s outgoing personality and passion for the outdoors continue to strike a chord with viewers across the country.

Nick Mundt

Nick Mundt

Nick Mundt grew up in the town of Spearfish, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He got his start in the industry as a guide with Seven J outfitters in northeast Wyoming, guiding for elk, mule deer, whitetails, antelope and turkeys. Nick was a licensed guide in Wyoming for over 15 years. Along the way he was introduced to the Realtree Team and began as a freelance camera man and field producer, working for the camouflage company for 9 years. Nick’s Travels have taken him all over the world in search of good times, new friends and trophy big game animals. His ability to entertain a crowd has made him a camp favorite and his up tempo attitude and humor have made him one of the Outdoor Channel's favorite personalities. Nick's skills as a hunter and woodsman make him one of the most successful in the business!

Nick is a co-host on Michael Waddell's Bone Collector, along with Michael Waddell and Travis "T-bone" Turner and has an active roll in making and keeping the show one of the Outdoor Channel’s highest rated shows. For those in and outside the industry the trio have become iconic with their slap stick humor and ability to put trophy sized animals on the ground, week after week.

Nick loves to hunt and fish, and in his spare time, hunts and fishes. Nick is a semi-retired barber, but is always at the ready if anyone in camp needs a quick trim. Nick Mundt on Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector, where the dreams of a boy became the passion of a man.

Travis

Travis "T-Bone" Turner

He started his own archery business, restored a vintage Mercedes, held the Outdoor 3-D Archery Word Champion title and appeared on numerous television shows and videos, including Realtree's Monster Bucks video series. And though Travis Turner, a.k.a T-Bone, didn't get to keep the Mercedes, he did manage to hold on to his passion for archery.

Whether it's in a tree stand or competing in an indoor arena, I just love to be around hunters and archers who have a desire to shoot and have a good time. I can't tell you how many friends I've made just having fun, and building relationships is what this sport is all about.