Mike Arnold’s shooting and hunting career began when his father decided he was old enough to hold a firearm. Evidently, he showed early promise by managing not to shoot himself, any family pets, his older brother Randy, or—most importantly—his father. That early trust led to harvesting his first whitetail deer at just five years old. Before and after that pivotal moment, Mike spent countless hours shooting handguns, rifles, and shotguns on ranges built at his family home in the West Texas countryside. He also pursued every type of small game found in the surrounding mesquite and prickly pear woodlands. Bobwhite quail, mourning dove, rabbits, and the occasional duck only deepened his lifelong passion for hunting. Mike cannot recall a time when he was not fascinated by firearms and the hunting lifestyle. More recently, he gained the opportunity to share that passion through writing, with this website serving as one such outlet. Combining his love of writing with his dedication to the shooting sports has been a deeply rewarding experience. Above all, Dr. Arnold hopes his work conveys the deep satisfaction and fulfillment he feels each time he steps onto the range or into the field.

Conservation Work

Mike Arnold is Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of Georgia. Conservation of the natural world has always been a focus of Mike’s scientific work. Mike’s specific expertise lies in understanding the genetic composition of natural populations. Being able to explain — through his writings, videos and talks — how sport hunting supports conservation efforts has allowed him to apply his scientific expertise to real world examples of ecosystem restoration and conservation. From helping with rhino relocations in South Africa, rewilding Pangolins in Mozambique, and predator and invasive animal control in North America and Europe, Mike’s passion for hunting-based-conservation penetrates each and every aspect of his trips into the woods, plains and mountains.