Michael Waddell | Building the Bone Collector Hunting Empire | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 474

Michael Waddell is the host of the television show Bone Collector and one of the most recognizable figures in the hunting industry, having built a career spanning over a decade in outdoor television with a massive following among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts across America. In this conversation with Tom Rowland, Waddell reveals how a single piece of advice from his father at age 12 completely changed his perspective on hunting, why he started filming hunts with friends and posting them on YouTube in 2010, and the specific philosophy that turned Bone Collector into a multi-platform empire with over 10 seasons on the air. He also shares his candid thoughts on why hunting is conservation, what authentic hunting content really means, and his vision for making hunting more accessible to people who've never tried it before.

The Moment That Changed Everything About Hunting

When Michael Waddell was 12 years old, he went on a hunt with his dad that didn't result in much success. But what happened when they got back to the truck that afternoon planted a seed that would eventually grow into an entire philosophy about hunting and the outdoors. His father told him something he's never forgotten, and it completely reframed how he saw every hunt from that point forward. This wasn't about techniques or tactics—it was about perspective. Waddell says this single conversation changed his relationship with hunting forever and became the foundation for everything he would build with Bone Collector. Hear what his dad told him at 00:02:21.

From YouTube Videos to a Hunting Empire

In 2010, Michael Waddell and a few friends started filming hunts with a camera and posting them on YouTube. They weren't trying to build an empire—they just wanted to create quality hunting content that showed what real hunting was all about. But something happened that they didn't expect. The content grew organically, resonating with viewers who were hungry for authentic hunting experiences. Then came the call from an outdoor television network, and everything exploded from there. Today, Bone Collector has been on the air for over 10 seasons, with hunting shows, podcasts, and product lines. Waddell explains the specific moment when he knew this was going to be bigger than he ever imagined. The full story of Bone Collector's growth starts at 00:03:00.

Why Hunting Is Actually Conservation

One of the most misunderstood aspects of hunting is its role in conservation, and Michael Waddell doesn't hold back on this topic. He makes a compelling case that hunting isn't just compatible with conservation—it's essential to it. Waddell explains how hunters put more money into conservation than any other group in the United States every single year, and how sustainable hunting practices help maintain healthy wildlife populations and habitats. He also talks about the work Bone Collector does with state wildlife agencies and their foundation that raises money for conservation projects. But beyond the numbers and the programs, Waddell makes a personal argument about respect for wildlife and the ethical responsibility hunters have to the land. His full perspective on hunting and conservation starts at 00:05:45.

The Future of Accessible Hunting

Michael Waddell has big dreams for the next 5 to 10 years, and they center around making hunting more accessible to people who have never hunted before. He talks about exciting projects and partnerships in the works that will help achieve this vision, and he shares his philosophy on why getting more people outdoors matters so much. Waddell wants to inspire more people to hunt and appreciate nature, but he also has specific ideas about how to remove the barriers that keep newcomers from getting started. He discusses the importance of mentorship, hunter safety education, and building communities of hunters who can guide people through their first experiences. Hear his vision for the future at 00:07:00.

Final Thoughts from Tom

Michael Waddell is the real deal. There's no pretense, no manufactured drama—just pure passion for hunting and the outdoors. What struck me most about this conversation was how Michael connects hunting to something bigger. It's not just about the kill. It's about the journey, the respect for nature, the food you provide for your family, and the tradition you're participating in.

I love what he said about his dad's advice when he was 12 years old. That moment shaped everything that came after—the entire Bone Collector philosophy is built on that foundation. And the way he talks about conservation is something every hunter and non-hunter needs to hear. The hunters I know are some of the most conservation-minded people on the planet, and Michael articulates that beautifully.

Whether you're a lifelong hunter or someone who's never been in the field, this conversation will give you a new appreciation for what hunting really means. Listen to the whole thing—it's worth your time.