About Michael Waddell

If only one person could be chosen as the face of the modern hunting industry, that person would likely be Michael Waddell. A veritable superstar in the outdoor world, Michael Waddell combines his hunting expertise with his easy-going personality and entertains fans of all ages across the country.

While Michael Waddell continues to be one of the most successful hunters in the outdoor entertainment industry, he maintains a rare sense of humility, knowing that it was only a few years ago that he was a country boy from Georgia who could never imagine where his passion for hunting would take him.

Growing up in the “deep country,” Michael was taught traditional family values and hunting was simply a way for him to spend more time with his father and grandfather in the fields near his childhood home. Hunting was never about the trophy animals or the glitz and glamour of working as a professional when Michael was growing up, it was about camaraderie and appreciating the special feeling that comes from spending quality time in the outdoors.

During his late teens, Michael began to work as a heating/cooling technician and competed in turkey calling competitions on the side. He continued to hunt and hone his calling skills, but it was largely a hobby more than it was an ambition. However, Michael began to win contest after contest and his notoriety spread throughout the area.

His success caught the attention of fellow Georgian Bill Jordan, who happened to own and operate the successful Realtree line of camouflage and hunting apparel. Immediately recognizing Michael’s talent, Bill offered him a position on his pro staff and allowed him to work on the production of their hunting videos.

Michael worked tirelessly when given the chance to be in front of or behind the camera. He soaked up all the knowledge he could and befriended many of the producers who were responsible for the technical aspects of the videos.

One day, when he was talking with Bill and some of the producers, Michael came up with the idea of a hunting show that was as much about the compelling footage as it was the community of hunters. It was a new kind of hunting show that focused on the entire life of a hunter, not just what viewers saw in the field. That idea eventually led to Realtree Road Trips, which premiered on Outdoor Channel several years ago and launched Michael Waddell into the spotlight.

Upcoming Episodes

Wyoming Whitetails Part 1
There’s nothing like the start of a brand new season! That’s exactly what Michael Waddell and Team Realtree’s David Blanton will be doing in the Black Hills of Wyoming. Tune in and hang on as the Realtree boys chase velvet horned whitetails and get the season kicked off Road Trips style!!

Wyoming Whitetails Part 2
If you didn’t get enough early season bow hunting last week, then hopefully this week will fit your fancy! Don’t miss Team Waddell/ Blanton as they try and fill ALL their tags…or at least try!

Alabama / Mississippi Youth Turkey
It’s early spring and the Thunder Chickens are starting to fall in love! Watch Waddell as he turns from hunter to guide during the youth season of Alabama and Mississippi!

Texas Whitetail
It’s time for the annual trip to Texas with good friends Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. By now, everybody knows their passion for bow hunting and Blake’s passion to hog hunt! Don’t miss Waddell and his family tribe, along with Blake and Miranda, as they do a little bow huntin’ Texas Style!

Kansas Whitetail
There is something magical about being in the Midwest during the full swing of the run, and that’s exactly where the Road Trips crew is headed! With Blake and Miranda riding shotgun, Waddell chases after his biggest buck to date in the Toto state!

Georgia Crow Hunt
It’s been said that Road Trips is a “Different Kind of Hunting Show,” and that holds true this week! Join Waddell as his true redneck side comes out! It’s amazing how much fun a Georgia boy can have with a shotgun, a few shells and a crow call.

Montana Whitetail
Waddell gets help from the Buckmaster himself on a early season whitetail hunt! Jackie Bushman invites Michael to bow hunt his honey hole up in the Big Sky state of Montana!

Indiana Whitetail
Indiana is sometimes considered a sleeper state for monster whitetails. However, there is no sleeping on this trip! See what happens when Waddell runs into an “old friend” from Indiana.

Booger Bottom Turkey
There’s nothing like a sweet homecoming! Michael is guaranteed to never miss the Georgia opening day of turkey season hunt with his Dad. This show is a must see as the Waddell’s chase long beards down South!

Illinois Whitetail
Cold weather and big whitetails is often what it takes to bring down a big whitetail and that’s exactly what the conditions were on this muzzle loading trip to Illinois! Some things are just meant to be. See what happens when Waddell pulls out the smoke pole in Pike County!

Texas Turkey
Michael joins up with the team from Dinty Moore for a “Once in a Lifetime Turkey Hunt” in Texas. The timing couldn’t have been any more perfect as Waddell turns over his shotgun to guide these lucky contestant winners. You won’t want to miss the all spur stackin’ and beard collectin’ that goes on while chasing these lovesick Rios!!

Best of Road Trips
After 6 full seasons of whackin’ and stackin’, we felt it was time for a “look back!” Join Michael as he looks back on 6 years of Road Trips and reflects on the highest of highs and the lowest of lows!