Episode 29 - From College Football to Hunting Industry Success with JJ Gustafson

The best hunting opportunities often begin with unexpected friendships and one bold decision to chase adventure.

JJ Gustafson's path into the hunting industry didn't start with generations of family tradition. It started with a mentor who introduced his family to hunting, eventually leading to college football at Texas A&M, months living on the road, and a career built around waterfowl hunting, conservation, and outdoor innovation.

The conversation explores how mentorship, relationships, and saying yes to new opportunities shaped every chapter of JJ's career. From learning to hunt alongside his father, to discovering public land duck hunting in Arkansas, to traveling more than 28,000 miles across 16 states during the legendary Run & Gun Tour, JJ shares the lessons that only come from spending countless days in the field.

Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories from hunting with Duck Commander, building brands like Lifetime Decoys and Heyday Outdoors, developing new hunting products, and why authentic storytelling continues to drive the outdoor industry forward. JJ also explains why he left the corporate world to rescue one of Texas' most iconic gun shops, preserving decades of hunting heritage while building a destination for the next generation of outdoorsmen.

Whether you're passionate about waterfowl hunting, public land adventures, hunting conservation, or building a career in the outdoor industry, this conversation offers practical lessons on community, resilience, and following opportunities wherever they lead.

Follow the show for more weekly hunting, fishing, and conservation conversations.

Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/

Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/

Check out Jay Beyer’s work: https://www.jaybeyer.com/ 

Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ 

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