Rusty Baker Q & A
What is Your Full Name? Russell "Rusty" Baker, Jr.
Where do you live? College Station, TX
Date of Birth? March 6, 1979
What are your hobbies when you’re not hunting? Working on my Dad's farm, watching any kind of sporting event (mostly Red Sox baseball & football), and grilling poolside with my friends (we usually pitch washers or horseshoes too)
What are some of your favorite tunes that are loaded onto your IPOD? Who’s your favorite? Waylon Jennings, Chris Knight, Kevin Fowler, AC/DC, Trent Willmon, Bob Seger.
Favorite Rooly sunglasses to wear when hunting? Maroon Partial with Silver Ice lens
Favorite Rooly sunglass to wear socially? Five-0 Polished Gun Metal with Silver Ice lens
Who or What Inspires you? I'm inspired by men, women and children who tackle adversity with courage and unrelenting determination. People faced with illness, loss or a handicap that don't look for pity, but rather show amazing character and spirit, thus motivating those around them to be better.
What is your greatest hunting or fishing memory? Fishing with my granddad in Alaska in 2009 was an experience I'm grateful for everyday. Also, a few years ago I had an opportunity to guide a dear friend, who is paralyzed, on a successful hunt. The hunt was the most challenging one I've ever experienced. The character and determination displayed by my friend motivates me still today.
What is the craziest or wildest thing you've ever experienced while filming a TV show? Probably wrestling a wild boar hog at the Sabinal Wild Hog Festival is about the craziest thing I've ever done on TV. I once waded out in waist deep water and picked up about a 25lb. snapping turtle out of the water. That was pretty wild. We let him go; I just wanted to look closely at him. Oh, and once we had a grizzly bear run straight towards us in Alaska. She stopped 50 yards away and turned and walked away.
Favorite TV show? Everybody Loves Raymond
How about movie? Lonesome Dove
When did you start hunting? What made you choose hunting? I grew up outdoors. My dad took me on my first deer hunt at age 7. I was hooked. He taught me that a "real" hunter is a conversationalist first. My respect for the land and it’s wildlife originated with him. I love to educate people about what it is to be a hunter, and I love to entertain. Having a hunting TV show just seemed natural.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be? In my perfect world, everybody would have an opportunity to work for their income. Those who sacrificed for their future and the future of their families would be rewarded, while those who were capable but unwilling to earn a better life for themselves would be not be given handouts undeservingly.
If you could give some advice to any young up and coming hunter what would it be? Remember that a true outdoorsman hunts ethically and puts safety first. They teach these practices to young hunters. Learn to identify animal species & become familiar with their habits and traits. Leave the woods and streams cleaner than you found them. Get involved in wildlife & habitat conservation groups, for they play a key role in preserving the sporting heritage we hold dear
