What are some challenges you ’ ve faced while filming the show ? Have you run into any more obstacles , like the Patagonia trip where you had a hard time getting your gun through customs ?
There is always something unexpected on a trip that is a setback . Weather is always an issue ; it ’ s hard to film with expensive camera gear in the rain . Also , hauling that gear when you ’ re hunting is another challenge . Your pack is heavy enough to begin with and Karla , my field producer , works her butt off hauling that gear around . Customs in different countries are also always a challenge because of the language barrier . I ’ ve learned to have an interpreter on hand when we arrive to help with that .
What is the best thing about having a family that shares your love and passion for outdoor adventures ?
The hardest part about my life is that everything I do and love takes me away from home and my family . I miss my daughter and my wife so much when I ’ m gone and anytime they can come with me I am truly in my element . As my daughter gets older , I have enjoyed introducing her to the outdoors and there is so much fun that comes from hunting with your wife . I wish they could go everywhere with me ! Waylon is my dream dog . He is the duck dog I always wanted and he makes long road trips so much nicer . He ’ s a badass in the duck blind !
What ’ s better : a rifle or a bow ? Do you prefer one weapon over the other when hunting certain species ?
Each has its different aspects that make it hard to choose one over the other . There is something really satisfying about making a good clean ethical shot with both . I will say though , there is nothing quite like the heart-pounding feeling of having a whitetail inside bow range and letting an arrow fly . On the flip side , my trusty Kimber 30-06 has made more memories around the world than I can count . Apples and Oranges .
Tell us about the Bourbon Trail .
I ’ m a bourbon lover . I love it on the rocks , in a mint julep , or an old-fashioned . Whatever . So , getting to dig into the history and the craft of distilling bourbon was a thrill for me . The culture behind it , the men and women who pour their souls into it , and the lush history about it and each brand makes it fascinating .
What ’ s in your tackle box ?
I am one of those minimalist fisherman who gets out there and always wishes I had more stuff and more options . I always say , “ Oh , I won ’ t need that ,” and then ended up needing it ! I love crappie season . It ’ s one of my favorite things to eat , and it ’ s so much fun when you are in “ the spot ” with the right lure . Tight lines make for a happy Nick !
Do you prefer solo trips or hunting with dogs ?
There is almost no greater pleasure in the outdoors to me than hunting with good dogs . The reasons are so many but the main one for me is that a dog never takes away from the solitude of a hunt , but instead adds to the gravity of it . Watching a well-trained dog work a field or retrieve a duck is so rewarding for me . I ’ ve always loved animals , especially dogs , and the partnership and earnest drive that a dog has is an energizing thing . Long trips are made less lonely with a dog and long retrieves are made much easier with one , too !
Do you have any hunting trophies at home ? What hunt are you most proud of ?
I have a wall full of mounts from my hunts , much to the dismay of some ! I love to keep mounts because each one helps me remember the adventure and honor the animal that was taken . I ’ m most proud of my first elk . It was an archery bull I took in Montana and when he came into view I shook so hard that I could hardly draw my bow back , but I gathered myself and made a perfect 62-yard heart shot . I shook even worse when it was over . I had a full freezer and a great memory .
We ’ re excited about your wife ’ s album release and the success of Nick ’ s Wild Ride . What ’ s next for your family ? Any new music , adventures , or other expectations for 2017 ?
2017 is going to be a great year for us . My wife , Natalie Murphy ’ s , first solo album is due out sometime mid-year ( www . nataliemurphymusic . com ) and my first solo album will be released around the same time . The 2 nd season of Nick ’ s Wild Ride starts in July and will be bigger and better than Season 1 . We are headed to Africa , Alaska , back to Argentina , England , the Northwest Territories , and lots of places in between . I can ’ t wait !