#207 Mike Herne - Outdoorsman & Active-Duty U.S. Army
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Mike Herne - lifelong outdoorsman, accomplished writer, dedicated active-duty U.S. Army service member, and skilled photographer. A Ranger-qualified infantryman, Mike spent 33 months in combat in Afghanistan, serving in every position an infantryman can hold, from machine gunner to Scout sniper to platoon sergeant. With a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors, Mike is an avid bowhunter who constantly strives to refine his skills and pursue excellence in his craft. When he’s not fulfilling his military duties, you’ll find him hunting, fishing, or training for his next backcountry adventure. Over the years, Mike has honed his expertise and developed a genuine love for sharing his knowledge with others, becoming an inspiring teacher for hunters of all experience levels. In addition to his outdoor pursuits, Mike has overcome a deeply personal struggle with alcohol and addiction. With unwavering determination, he has been sober for over 900 days. In this episode, Mike opens up about his journey toward sobriety, offering a raw and compelling story of resilience, personal growth, and redemption. His experiences not only shape his life in the outdoors but also fuel his desire to help others who may be facing similar challenges. As a passionate advocate for the preservation and growth of hunting, Mike’s definition of success lies in his ability to educate and inspire others, helping to cultivate a broader appreciation for the sport. His enthusiasm and commitment to the outdoors make him an engaging voice within the hunting community. In this episode, Mike Herne joins Bobby Marshall in the studio for an in-depth conversation about hunting, archery, writing, life in Colorado, his personal journey with addiction and sobriety, and the broader outdoor lifestyle. Tune in for valuable insights and stories from a seasoned expert who embodies the spirit of adventure and resilience. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media for updates on new episodes, upcoming events, and exclusive content.
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In a recent episode of our podcast, we welcomed back a familiar face, Mike Herne, an active military member with over 20 years of service in the United States Army. Known for his dedication to conservation and his passions as an outdoorsman, bow hunter, and writer, Mike brings a wealth of experience and insights to the table. Our conversation with him was as illuminating as it was candid, exploring topics ranging from military career transitions to personal challenges and triumphs.
A Military Veteran’s Transition Journey Mike shared some big changes on the horizon, with plans to transition out of the military after a two-decade-long career. With his future wide open, he is exploring opportunities where he can bring value within a brand that aligns with his beliefs, particularly in the marketing side of business. The core of his intention is not to lead but to support a vision he believes in, contributing to its growth significantly.
Life Beyond the Uniform Outside of his military life, Mike is a passionate conservationist, immersing himself in the outdoor world through hunting and writing. His love for the wilderness is not just a pastime but a lifestyle that heavily influences his perspectives and decisions. It's admirable to see him channel his energies into outdoorsmanship and conservation, areas where he continues to make a difference.
The Emotional Battle with Sobriety In one of the more poignant parts of our discussion, Mike opened up about his journey to sobriety. He detailed the wake-up call he experienced, where binge drinking began to impact his life and relationships negatively. The turning point came when a friend urged him to attend an AA meeting, and it was there that he heard the message he needed most. Realizing that beating himself up over past mistakes did not serve him, he learned to focus on living in the moment and planning for the future. Today, Mike proudly marks over 900 days of sobriety.
Exploring New Frontiers with Tricer Mike recently transitioned professionally to work with Tricer, a company known for producing high-quality, purpose-driven tripods. Their products cater specifically to hunters and outdoorsmen, innovating lightweight solutions for glassing and introducing new products for shooting. Mike’s role is pivotal in bringing these innovations to the forefront, highlighting his ongoing influence in the outdoor industry.
Our chat with Mike was a refreshing dive into the life of a dedicated soldier, advocate for conservation, and a man on a continuous journey of self-improvement. From the challenges of military life transitions to personal struggles with alcohol, Mike's story is both enlightening and inspiring. He reminds us of the importance of community, resilience, and the pursuit of passions that bring genuine fulfillment. As we look to the future, we anticipate seeing Mike thrive in the next chapter of his life, both personally and professionally. For more about Mike Hearn's journey and insights, you can follow his adventures on Instagram, where he shares his experiences, learnings, and inspirations.