Picture a Michigan-born outdoorsman who traded a cushy Google job for the wilds of America’s public lands—meet Mark Kenyon! A hunter, angler, and passionate conservationist, Kenyon has become a leading voice in the outdoor world through his podcast, Wired to Hunt, and his acclaimed book, That Wild Country. His work weaves adventure, history, and a love for nature into a call to protect the landscapes we all share.
With a knack for storytelling, Kenyon bridges the gap between traditional hunting culture and modern conservation, inspiring everyone from seasoned sportsmen to city-dwelling nature lovers. Ready to dive into his journey? Let’s explore how this self-described ‘whitetail guy’ became a champion for America’s wild places.
The Making of Mark Kenyon
Born outside Detroit and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mark Kenyon grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a hunting bow in the other. His family introduced him to the outdoors early, sparking a lifelong passion for wild places. After college, Kenyon landed a gig at Google in San Francisco, but the corporate grind left him feeling trapped. Yearning for the woods, he took a bold leap in 2013, quitting his job to launch Wired to Hunt, a blog and podcast dedicated to whitetail deer hunting. What started as a side hustle became a full-time mission to connect hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
Mark Kenyon’s Unforgettable Stories
Kenyon’s writing and media work blend adventure, education, and advocacy. His flagship creation, Wired to Hunt, is the hunting community’s go-to podcast, racking up tens of thousands of downloads per episode with tips, stories, and conservation insights. In 2019, he joined forces with Steven Rinella’s MeatEater, amplifying his reach through articles, videos, and appearances on the Netflix series MeatEater.
His debut book, That Wild Country: An Epic Journey through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands (2019), is a love letter to the 640 million acres owned by every American. Part travelogue, part history lesson, it chronicles Kenyon’s treks through national parks like Yellowstone and wilderness areas like Montana’s Bob Marshall, while unpacking the battles to preserve them. Critics praised its engaging style, with Publishers Weekly calling it a ‘companionable’ case for uniting hunters and environmentalists. Kenyon also authored Moments with Six Shooter and The Fitness Trivia Challenge, though That Wild Country remains his standout work, earning nominations for outdoor literature awards.
Kenyon’s style is approachable yet urgent, blending personal anecdotes—like fishing for trout or camping with his dogs—with hard-hitting facts about threats to public lands. His themes of stewardship, accessibility, and the joy of wild places resonate with readers who might not own camouflage but still crave nature’s solace.
Why Mark Kenyon Matters
Mark Kenyon’s impact lies in his ability to unite diverse groups under the #KeepItPublic banner. As a board member for the National Deer Association and Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters, he advocates for wildlife and wild places while challenging stereotypes about hunters. His work educates thousands on the Pittman-Robertson Act, the Antiquities Act, and the ongoing fight against land privatization. By sharing his journey from corporate desk to backcountry trails, Kenyon inspires a new generation to value and protect public lands, ensuring they remain open for hiking, hunting, or simply savoring a quiet sunrise.
About Mark Kenyon
- Born: Outside Detroit, Michigan
- Key Work: That Wild Country (2019)
- Notable Role: Host of Wired to Hunt podcast
- Affiliation: Contributor to MeatEater, Inc.
Ready to hit the trail with Mark Kenyon? Snag That Wild Country and dive into his heartfelt ode to America’s wild spaces—your inner adventurer will thank you!