Fred Interviews Michael Waddell

Michael Waddell
(by Fred Lutger) 

Michael Wadell doing an interview with Fred Lutger.

Michael Waddell has the #1 rated show on the Outdoor Channel, Realtree Roadtrips. I enjoy Michael's show because he has so much fun. He is a down to earth, real person who doesn't' try to portray himself as anything but himself. He comes across as dynamic and personable in person as on the show. I watched him sign autographs and liked the way he treated people and he was having fun doing it. The fun he has in his personal life transfers into his TV shows. 

Michael got his real break when he met Bill Jordan and Bill hired him to guide turkey hunters. Then he hired Michael to man the video camera and on one of the trips they put Michael in front of the camera.  Michael came across so well that he was on more shows and soon Jordan set him up with his own new show, Realtree Roadtrips.

I asked Michael how long he had been hunting wild turkeys. He has done it close to 20 years. I asked Michael, "What have you learned in the past couple of seasons that might be helpful to turkey hunters?"

Michael answered that he converted back to how he started turkey hunting. Over the years he become more aggressive and now he has returned to being more patient. He added that the second most important thing he has learned is to be a more aggressive scouter. He said he has had better success on open fields and by watching turkeys in these open areas has learned more about wild turkey behaviors.

Michael stated he relies more on decoys now and uses full mounted decoys as well as more realistic looking decoys.

Michael, keep up the good work. You reach more hunters than most people and with your down to earth, dynamic and fun personality you will surely draw more people into our hunting community. I really enjoy watching your show.

Fred