After high school Dave went on an extended trip with the U.S. Marine Corps to southeast Asia. There he learned the hard lessons of long range shooting under extreme field conditions. These shooting skills he practices and teaches to this day.

Dave has had a varied and exciting professional life. He began his professional career working for the U.S. Forest Service as a wildlife biologist in Wenatchee, Washington. He then transferred and worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 33 years. During this time he worked as a Fishery Biologist, Fish and Wildlife biologist, Field Supervisor, State Supervisor and Chief of Habitat Conservation. This career had him living and working in 16 states. He has earned numerous conservation awards for his defense of the nation's fish and wildlife and their habitats.

As Dave has stated, working for the government was "Great"; but it didn't pay enough to put the kids through college. With this education goal in mind, and his love of the outdoors, he started several outfitting and guide services. This outfitting and guide career has lasted over 34 years. As an example of his outdoor expertise, he has guided marlin fishermen, duck and goose hunters, elk, deer, bear, cougar and turkey hunters. This included numerous celebrities, professional hunters from various outdoor fishing and hunting shows.

When he is not hunting, fishing and teaching kids, Dave still works in the professional world as an Environmental Consultant. Part of this job is putting together wildlife and fisheries management plans for land owners, ranchers, and government entities. In addition, he helps companies and individuals navigate through the numerous environmental laws in permitting requirements.

When asked if he will ever quit working, he stated, "Sitting around is not my thing."

Dave and his son and daughter have been hunting and fishing together since the kids have been three years old. He is now in the process of teaching his five grandchildren outdoor skills his father passed on to him. In fact, he took two of his granddaughters, Molly and McKenzie,(four and nine years old) on a mule deer hunt this past fall. They were fortunate to harvest a 5x7 mule deer buck. Both young ladies, with their grandfather's guidance, helped their grand-dad field dress this beautiful animal.

When we asked Dave to join the professional team, he told us why he would be proud to work with this show. He said, "I believe the American Outdoorsmen Show helps teach our mostly urban society there is another world outside of the concrete jungle in which they live."

Dave truly believes hunting and fishing are not activities but a lifestyle. He told us, "if you keep kids learning about and enjoying the outdoors, they don't have time to get in trouble."