I was just a young buck, about two or three years old, when one morning my father returned home with a seven-point whitetail he shot with his bow. It’s hard to say what part of that experience sparked the fire within, but ever since I have had a burning obsession for all things hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventure. I was blessed that my dad and “Pap” continued to teach me in the woods, lakes and streams of Western Pennsylvania, and occasionally beyond.
After my college years at Penn State flew by, I moved to the sprawling metropolis of the Washington DC area. I learned a lot about myself as an outdoorsman and as a person in those formative years. Most of all, living in the city made me realize how fortunate I was to be immersed in the outdoors from a young age.
I observed that participating in the cycle of life, not just being an occasional observer to nature’s beauty, seemed to lead to a more fulfilling existence in comparison to those raised among the concrete jungle. It provides a connection to our ancestors and our instincts, and ultimately I think the world is a better place when more people get to experience those connections.
My hunting experiences have broadened over the years beyond the whitetail and small game around home, and I was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of hunting elk with my bow in Colorado and Idaho. This new obsession led to a greater appreciation of America’s wildest places and a greater interest in conservation that continues to influence me on a daily basis.
I know of dozens of people whom I consider to be better hunters and fishers than myself. More than dispensing advice in that vein or claiming to be an expert, I strive to connect with broad audiences to be an advocate our lifestyle and the wild places we live for. I live to hunt and fish, I love to write, and I care deeply about conservation, so Harvesting Nature is an obvious fit and I hope to provide engaging and informative content for years to come.
I now live in Central Pennsylvania with my beautiful wife Liz. We are excited to become parents for the first time this summer. I list bowhunting for elk and deer, walleye fishing, and cooking as my primary interests, but I dabble in many other pursuits, and love to write about new experiences.
Connect with J. Minich
Instagram: @j.r.minich
Articles by J. Minich
Spring Gobbler Hunting in Pennsylvania
Public Land Access: A Fight Against a Broken Political System
Scouting For Success: Spring Scouting for Fall Whitetails
