I’ve known Ted Nugent for a long time. I first met him back in 1985 at Bear Archery’s Grousehaven hunting camp in Michigan. Over the years we’ve worked on a few projects together, and at one point I even considered leaving my TV news job and going to work with the Motor City Madman.
Lately though, I haven’t had much contact with Nugent. Sure, I’d seen his Spirit of the Wild TV show and watched him on interviews with the major news operations, but we hadn’t talked directly for a few years.
That’s why I was a little surprised when I got an email from one of Ted’s people offering him up for an interview on my syndicated Outdoor Magazine Radio show. At first I was a little hesitant. I’d seen Ted try to dominate a conversation and take over an interview before, and I didn’t want to use my show as a forum to promote his business activities.
I knew my listeners would be interested in what the veteran rocker and hunting activist had to say though, so we scheduled the interview.
From the minute Nugent hit the air with me my concerns were gone. This was not the loud, over the top, self promoter I’d seen before. I had the pleasure of talking with Ted Nugent the thoughtful, articulate and passionate man who has become a spokesman for hunting and shooting.
We talked about several topics, including why he moved from Michigan to Texas, and his thoughts about the Great Lakes State today. You can listen to that excerpt here.
The topic of dove hunting also came up and we agreed hunters are to blame for losing that recreational opportunity here in Michigan.
As you might expect this time of year, whitetails were a topic of discussion as well. It seems Ted and I agree that quality deer management is good in some cases, but shouldn’t be mandated to Michigan deer hunters. Click here to listen to that part of the conversation.
Finally, Nugent told me that even though he now lives in Texas, he spends the fall back here in Michigan. He also keeps a close eye on Michigan politics and what’s going on inside the Department of Natural Resources. Ted is a very outspoken opponent of the DNR, especially when it comes to whitetail management and law enforcement issues. Listen to what he had to say about those issues here.
By the end of our conversation I was reminded why Ted Nugent is such a prominent and effective spokesman for the hunting and shooting industry. He has the experience, knowledge and intelligence to get the message out in a very effective manor. He also has access to something most others don’t….the national media.
I’m not sure Nugent sought out the role he’s now playing, but I don’t believe anyone else who could do it as well.
After spending a few minutes with him the other night I don’t hesitate to say he’s welcome on my show any time.
You can hear the entire conversation this weekend on the Outdoor Magazine radio show, or online here starting next week.