About Jack

Jack Ammerman's love of hunting began by pursuing Michigan's whitetails with a bow in the mid 1970s. In the years since, he has developed the skills and knowledge that come only from countless hours in the field. His passion for hunting began in his youth and has grown into a lifelong dedication to ethical hunting practices, wildlife conservation, and sharing hard-earned wisdom with the next generation of hunters.

Based in Michigan, Jack has witnessed firsthand the evolution of hunting techniques, equipment, and land management practices. A certified NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NSSF "First Shots" instructor, and Michigan Hunter Safety Instructor, Jack brings professional credentials to his passion for the outdoors. His background as a licensed paramedic adds an important safety dimension to his outdoor expertise.

Jack's hunting achievements span multiple species and decades, beginning with the deer he shot with a bow in Glennie, Michigan, in 1978. He took up waterfowling in 1992, shooting his first Canada goose at Maple River State Game Area that same year. Those skills have been honed with each year passing, providing greater opportunity. He's been a successful turkey hunter since 1979 and continues to pursue black bear, waterfowl, and fish across Michigan's diverse landscapes. As a Master Angler Award winner, his expertise extends to inland panfish, bowfishing, pike spearing through the ice, and maintaining his own catfish pond.

An active member of the non-profit Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative, Jack is committed to getting hunters off the couch and back onto Michigan's public lands. Working with the Michigan DNR and State Game Area Land Managers, he helps ensure each pheasant release runs smoothly. Jack is deeply committed to hunting's role in wildlife conservation and habitat improvement.

He trains his own Labrador retrievers, including Hunting Retriever Champion Atchafalaya's Infrared Lazer and his current Labrador, Echo. He processes all his own game from field to freezer to table.

Jack's writing appears in premier outdoor publications including Michigan Out-of-Doors, Michigan Outdoor News, Mossy Oak Gamekeepers Magazine, North American Bow Hunter, Wildlife Control Technology Magazine, and many others. His articles reflect real-world experience gained through success and failure, never being afraid to show shortcomings in the field and how it could be improved.

Leadership & Policy Work

Hunting Milestones & Achievements

Photo Gallery

Hunting Philosophy & Conservation

"Success isn't always measured by what's in the game bag. Some of my most memorable hunting days ended empty-handed, but I still remember that perfect sunrise or the way the marsh came alive at dawn."

Jack's approach to hunting emphasizes patience, skill development, and respect for the animals we pursue. As someone who hunts for, and then processes all his own game, Jack understands the complete cycle from conservation to consumption. His active participation in the Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative demonstrates his commitment to hunter recruitment and promoting pheasant hunting on Michigan's public game areas.

Jack believes that hunting is about more than just the harvest - it's about understanding wildlife behavior, respecting the outdoors, and maintaining the traditions that connect us to our natural heritage. His certifications as a hunter safety instructor and his paramedic background bring a unique perspective on outdoor safety and ethics. Whether he's training a champion retriever, teaching a first-time shooter, or mentoring new hunters, Jack's focus is always on doing things the right way.

While pursuing waterfowl from the early morning waters of Wigwam Bay in Standish or the challenging pursuit of Michigan black bear in Newberry, Jack approaches every hunt with the same dedication. The focus is always about skill, safety, and fun that has defined his 50+ years in the field.