Fred Eichler of ‘Easton Bowhunting’ & ‘Predator Nation’ – Sportsman Channel Showcase

The Sportsman Channel Showcase is an exclusive behind the scenes look for readers of AmmoLand Shooting Sports News where we get to know the personalities behind some of the most watched Sportsman Channel programming. This week we talk to Fred Eichler of “Easton Bowhunting” and “Predator Nation.”
By Ryan Nolan

 Fred Eichler of "Easton Bowhunting" and "Predator Nation"
Fred Eichler of “Easton Bowhunting” and “Predator Nation”.
Sportsman Channel Showcase
Sportsman Channel Showcase
Sportsman Channel
Sportsman Channel

New Berlin, Wis. –-(Ammoland.com)- Sportsman Channel, the leader in outdoor TV for the American Sportsman, is committed to bringing you the best educational, how-to and where-to programming.

We also want our viewers to share an in-depth look at the personalities airing on Sportsman Channel. This week we talk to Fred Eichler of “Easton Bowhunting” and “Predator Nation”.

How did you get started in the hunting and the TV industry?
I have been an outfitter for the last 17 years, so I have been in the hunting industry for a while. The T.V. thing came after I was doing my own traditional DVD’s 20 years ago, and then I got asked if I was interested in being the host for Easton’s Show. Then I started doing the Predator Nation show a few years ago.

What is the biggest mishap that has happened while filming an episode?
I have had a lot of mishaps! Horse wrecks, boats flipping and almost drowning me, bear and leopard charges, and I farted really loud once too!

What is something that viewers would be surprised to learn about filming an episode? Or what was surprising to you when you first started filming?
That it’s tough because I get way too excited and sometimes my words are not even understandable. It’s also tough when you are trying to hunt with a cameraman because it means you have to deal with twice as much sound, movement and scent. I guess I was also surprised at how large my nose is- I always thought it was normal sized but I think that it is obvious from watching the show that it’s abnormally large!

What is your most memorable hunt?
All of them- but the ones with my family and the occasions where I almost got killed stand out best in my memory.

 Fred Eichler of "Easton Bowhunting" and "Predator Nation"
Fred Eichler of “Easton Bowhunting” and “Predator Nation”.

What is something most people do not know about you? (Something people are surprised to find out about you.)
I am an avid reader and I also enjoy wildlife photography. In my spare time, you can find me playing a harmonica as well.

What were the worst conditions you ever hunted under? How did it affect the outcome of the trip?
Every trip has its own unique conditions, but I would say either -30 degrees for polar bear or 115 degrees while hunting elk in California.

If you could hunt any place in the world and any species where and what would it be?
Here at home in Colorado for elk or sheep, maybe rabbits or even mule deer.

 Fred Eichler of "Easton Bowhunting" and "Predator Nation"
Fred Eichler of “Easton Bowhunting” and “Predator Nation”.

What is your favorite meal including wild game? Any good recipes??
Whatever my wife cooks- sheep, elk or frog legs would probably be at the top of the list though.