A lot “outdoorsman” and a little outrageous, native Texan Rusty Baker is a skilled hunter, fisherman and dedicated conservationist who was taught at an early age to respect the outdoors.

Born Russell Baker, Jr. in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 6, 1979, Rusty (as he’s been known all his life) says, "I grew up outdoors. I was trapping with my dad when I was four, and he took me on my first deer hunt at age 7. I was hooked from then on. He taught me that a real hunter is in reality a conservationist first. My respect for the land and its wildlife came from him.”

This love for the land and for nature, combined with a real desire to educate people about what it is to be a hunter, has evolved into a major outdoor enterprise for this straight talking, often irreverent and always adventuresome outdoorsman. “I love to entertain,” Rusty says, “so having a hunting TV show just seemed natural."

Through Rusty Baker Outdoors, he takes viewers on a journey across the country in search of the next adventure while sharing a fresh perspective on traveling, respecting the outdoors and getting the trophy, all the while making sure to keep his viewers coming back for more.

A proud graduate of Texas A&M University, Rusty is the epitome of all that is good in the great state of Texas. When not on the road in search of the next hunting or fishing adventure, he works tirelessly supporting the charity work of his friend Boston Red Sox pitcher and fellow Texan Josh Beckett, hosting the Rusty Baker Radio Show and making new friends. Today, he is one of the industry’s most eligible bachelors and calls San Antonio home – where he complains about the heat and tends to his gold fish, Trigger.

A private ‘sit-down’ with Rusty

What inspires you?  “I'm inspired by men, women and children who tackle adversity with courage and unrelenting determination...people faced with illness, a tragic loss or a handicap who don't look for pity, but instead show amazing character and spirit, which motivates those around them to be better. I'm also grateful I've had a chance to be around a few of these people."

What is your greatest hunting or fishing memory?   "I've actually got one of each. My favorite hunting memory is from a few years ago when I guided a friend, who is paralyzed from the neck down, on a successful deer hunt. He used a device that has a mouth piece on one end, while the other end connects to the trigger. The rifle is positioned on a stand in front of his wheelchair. By blowing in the tube, he is able to activate the mechanism that pulls the trigger. This was the most challenging hunt of my life. My friend showed what character means, and inner-strength. His attitude on life motivates me today. Fishing in Alaska in 2009 with my 85-year-old grandpa was a very special time for me, and I am grateful every day for that experience....Anytime I'm with my Dad on his boat is special, too."
 
What advice do you have for an "up and coming" hunter?  "I'd tell him or her that an outdoorsman hunts ethically and safely. Learn to identify animal species and become familiar with their habits and traits. Anyone can shoot at something. Learn what these animals are about, how they behave. The best hunting trips are often those when you don't shoot at anything at all. Leave the woods and streams cleaner than you found them. Get involved in habitat and wildlife conservation groups, because they play a key role in preserving the sporting heritage we hold dear."
 
What are some of your favorite things? "Tabasco sauce, broke-in jeans and t-shirts, playing poker, the smell of a campfire, brunettes, days off, old local taverns, Christmas trees and firm hand shakes."
 
What do you dislike?  "Cilantro, liberals in Washington, wasps, mean women, snakes and soap operas."

How do you spend your free time?  "I love working on my dad's farm. I like watching any kind of sports, mostly Red Sox baseball and football, and I like grilling poolside with my friends. We usually pitch washers or horseshoes, too. Getting in trouble with Robdawg, also....We do that well."