Born in Casper, Wyoming, I was lucky enough to experience first-hand the untamed splendor of the wild west. Even as a boy, my whole worldrevolved around the outdoors, learning about the fish that littered the streams, rivers and lakes. My grandpa must have recognized the wildness in me because, when I was only seven, Gramps taught me a deep respect for nature, and the magical world of fly tying and fly fishing. I was amazed that I could catch fish on my own hand-tied creations and was hooked immediately.