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 Blaine Anthony, host of the new series “The Bear Whisperer”
By Ryan Nolan
New Berlin, Wis. –-(Ammoland.com)- Sportsman Channel, the leader in outdoor TV for the American Sportsman, is committed to bringing you the best in educational, how-to and where-to programming.
We also want to share with you an in-depth look at the personalities airing on Sportsman Channel.
How did you get started in the hunting and the TV industry?
Pretty simple really. I started out as the ultimate city boy, but on my very first hunt I harvested a doe in Maine. The feeling I got was indescribable. Before even looking for the doe, I thought to myself, I have got to figure out a way to make a living doing this. I became a bear guide, which I did for many years. When our local cable company got Sportsman Channel back in the early days of the network, way before satellite, I made call over to the network and the rest was history. I quit guiding and have worked in the TV business ever since.
What is the biggest mishap that has happened while filming an episode?
I would say our biggest mishap happened just this year. We were filming a 15-year-old girl in Ontario on her first bow hunt. We were hunting bears, the kicker is we were in a junkyard where a trailer full of cake frosting flipped over and was put in the junkyard because it was totaled. We set up in a tractor trailer next to the trailer with cake frosting hoping to get a shot at a bear. Well a monster bear did in fact come in, but instead of eating in the trailer with the cake frosting, he decided to get into the trailer we were in to get us away from his frosting. Because the show hasn’t aired yet, I don’t really want to say much more- tune in to find out.
Can you tell us about the funniest moment of your hunting career?
While Bison hunting out west, I was with Brad Carter. Well Brad was scared to death of buffalo and was convinced he would be trampled on the trip. Well after harvesting the buffalo, we get it all set up for some hero shots, and while he was doing commentary to the camera, we yelled “Brad behind you!”. You probably had to be there, but trust me when I tell you that I never seen a good ol’ country boy run so fast.
What is your most memorable hunt?
My most memorable hunt must be hunting Ireland. There was just nothing like it. The guides and friends that came along made it the best trip ever. We harvested everything from Red Stag, Fallow deer and Wild Goats. The scenery, testing my resolve climbing the 2nd highest mountain in Ireland- just everything. It just seemed like every minute was entertaining and exciting. Hard to explain with words.
How do you like to spend your time when you are not hunting?
When I am not hunting, I spend most of my time editing. Nature Productions is under contract to do 9 TV Shows in 2012. My spare time is 100% with my family. I have the most awesome wife who is very understanding, and 2 daughters who also permit me to live my dreams. Any and all of my free time is spent with them.
What is something most people do not know about you? (Something people are surprised to find out about you.)
As mentioned above, I don’t have a story of my grandpa taking me hunting when I was 8 years. I was a military brat and as I grew into a man, I really became a walking billboard of a city boy. It wasn’t until I was 20 years old that the outdoor lifestyle hit me like a tornado. I left the city and spent every waking hour educating myself about and spending time in the outdoors.
What are you most proud of, or what is your biggest accomplishment?
My kids hands down. I think most of the time they were just born the way they are, but if I am just one small part of the upstanding young woman they have turned out to be today, that is most certainly my greatest accomplishment and what I am most proud of.
If you could hunt any place in the world and any species where and what would it be?
Ahhhhhhhh, see now I have to sound like everyone else, Kodiak Island for Brown bear with my bow. Not original but oh so true.
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?
I think most viewers at home would think the hard part of building a good TV show would be to get the kill on film. Truth be told, that is the easy and fun part. The work before and after the hunt is over is probably 90% of making the show. Capturing those entertaining moments that are not planned is probably the hardest part of filming an episode.
What one tip can you give your fans to a successful hunt?
This answer kind of relates to the question above. If you can hunt, and it is safe to do so, HUNT!. I have harvested and seen some of the largest animals of my life when no one else in my hunting party was willing to hunt because of poor weather conditions. I think some of these very smart animals, from whitetail to bears, know that when the rain and wind is hitting hard, most hunters run for cover and they get up to eat in peace. That being said, you will see fewer animals that normal, but it might just be that monster buck of bear of a lifetime.
What is your favorite meal including wild game? Any good recipes?
One of my favorite meals is real simple. Wild hog roast cooked in a crock-pot all day with a bottle of maple syrup, water and fresh pineapple chunks. Simple recipe but holy cow I don’t know if there is anything better.
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