Meet the Team - old

If you hunt in the West or dream about western hunting, then you have found a good home. Whether you are interested in elk, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep or moose we will bring the adventure to your mailbox! We only feature the finest hunting gear available from the finest makers in the world. If you are looking for information or looking to buy, we will steer you in the right direction. In each issue you will learn tips and tactics from the most experienced hunters in the west. With articles on field judging trophies, glassing techniques and calling strategies, we guarantee you will learn something new in every issue, and will continue to become more knowledgable and skilled hunter.

 

Meet The Team


Ryan Hatfield, Editor

Ryan grew up in a small mountain town in Idaho and has hunted western big game “the hard way” his entire life. Ryan’s previous career work includes: Managing Editor for Eastmans’ Hunting & Bowhunting Journals, Assistant Director for Boone & Crockett Club, author of the Idaho's Greatest Mule Deer, Elk, and Whitetails book series, and editor of many other western big game hunting books. He is also Co-Host of The Western Hunter TV show.

 

 


Nate Simmons, Backcountry & Gear Editor

Nate is one of the most extreme backcountry bowhunters on the planet and prides himself on being a self-sufficient DIY hunter. He is the Producer and Co-Host of The Western Hunter TV show, a past Co-Producer of Eastmans’ Hunting TV, and has written dozens of hunting articles.

 

 

 


Chris Denham, Director of Marketing & Hunting Editor

Chris has been hunting and/or guiding elk hunters in the Southwest most of his adult life. He has served as the editor of Western Hunter Magazine for the past eight years and is intensely involved in wildlife conservation work. Chris helped to start the Outdoor Experience 4 All, which helps children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses go on the hunt of their dreams.

 

 

 


Darren Choate, Publications Manager & Gear Editor

Darren is the Managing Partner and Editor in Chief of Western Whitetail Magazine (online/digital). He is also a voting member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), and an advocate for several conservation and hunters rights organizations. Although his passion is hunting Coues whitetail, he enjoys hunting across the country and writing about his experiences. His articles have been featured in several national publications including Western Whitetail, Cabela’s Outfitter Journal, Fur-Fish-Game, and Rocky Mountain Game & Fish Magazine.

 


George Bettas, Hunting and Conservation Editor

George Bettas is a well-respected figure in the hunting and conservation community. He retired as Vice Provost of Student Affairs from WSU ten years ago to pursue his passion as a hunter-conservationist. He is a founder and past President of the Mule Deer Foundation, served as Chair of the Board for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, became a Regular Member of Boone and Crockett Club in 1989 and recently retired as Executive Director of Boone and Crockett Club. He has been hunting elk for over 50 years.

 

 


Kristy Titus, Hunting & Nutrition Editor

Kristy makes her home in central Oregon, is a proud member of RMEF and Team Elk, an Under Armour athlete, and MPS figure competitor and C.N.F.T. INTRAFITT Allied Health Care Professional. Kristy contributes to Elk Hunter and Western Hunter Magazines every issue with helpful nutrition tips in and out of the field.

 

 

 


Mike Duplan, Hunting Editor

Mike Duplan is one of the most accomplished western big game hunters of his era. Additionally, Mike is an extremely well-respected outdoor writer and wildlife photographer. His writings and photos have graced the pages of many hunting publications for the past two decades.

 

 

 


Remi Warren, Hunting Editor

Remi Warren is one of the most extreme mountain hunters in the game. As a host of Solo Hunters, Remi tackles the mountain, alone except for his gear and a camera. Remi has guided and hunted throughout the United States and abroad. He currently resides in Nevada.

 

 

 


Tony Bynum, Photography Editor

Tony is among the best outdoor photographers in the business today. His images are used in outdoor publications, books, and commercial advertising around the world. He’s an avid outdoor sportsman, family man, and a board member for the Professional Outdoor Media Association.

 

 

 


Roy Grace, Bowhunting Editor

Roy has been a hardcore bowhunter for nearly 35 years. He is heavily involved in both the P&Y and B&C Clubs, as well as his state archery association and records program. A native Californian, Roy travels annually to various Western states to pursue his favorite big game animals with a bow and arrow. He employs ethics, fair chase pursuit of trophy animals, and respect for the outdoors and all its inhabitants.

 

 


Zach Bowhay, Field Editor

(bio coming soon)

 

 

 

 

 


Bryan Martin, Hunting Editor

Bryan is owner of Canadian & Asian Mountain Outfitters. He has hunted and guided all over the world, and has a well-deserved reputation for his knowledge of gear, hunting, and logistics.

 

 

 

 


Colton Bagnoli, Shooting Editor

Colton Bagnoli was born and raised in Chandler, Arizona and was introduced to the outdoors early in his life by his father and grandfather. He began hunting at the age of 10 and after harvesting his first deer; hunting soon became a way of life. Colton brings 24 years of hunting and professional gunsmithing experience to Westernhunter Magazine. Colton now resides in Montana where his current profession in Law Enforcement as a Police Officer and SRT Sniper continues to develop his firearms training portfolio. Colton spends his spare time outdoors pursuing his passions of trapping, fishing, hunting, crafting and shooting precision rifles. His Wife, daughter and son support Colton in his writing and passion for the Outdoors.