‘Brotherhood Outdoors’ Takes Retired Union Machinist California Hog and Wingshooting for His First Out-of-State Hunting Experience
OutdoorHub 02.07.14
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) national outdoor TV series, Brotherhood Outdoors, awards retired union machinist Joe Harris, of Chesterfield County, with an all-expense paid trip to California for a hog and wingshooting hunt on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. on the Sportsman Channel. The episode, woven with Joe’s infectious laughter and easy going, southern charm, is sure to keep viewers smiling and entertained.
Joe Harris of Chesterfield County, Virginia, said family and hunting are what he lives for. A member of IAM Local 10 for going on 40 years, Joe has been an avid deer hunter for most of his life. These days, this USA member says he spends more time hunting goose and turkey. “I simply enjoy talking to the critters.”
The show follows Joe and the crew as they hunt on 16,000 acres of prime hunting grounds at Northwind Outfitters ranch in California. To Joe, it’s the land of ‘pure heaven.’ Enjoy ongoing, laugh-along hilarity, as you watch Joe keep the crew in stitches while the birds are flying and the hogs are running. A mixed combo of Joe’s first out-of-state bird hunt with a side of hog action are all on the menu for this entertaining episode. Before the show, Joe had never even seen a wild hog.
Joe is a dedicated member of Waterfowl U.S.A., and each spring, he volunteers with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) on youth turkey hunts and the organization’s ‘Wheelin’ Sportsmen’ events, helping people living with disabilities enjoy activities in the outdoors like fishing and hunting. “I’ve been blessed with the good life,” said Joe. “I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and what I have with young and old alike.”
Joe’s passion for conservation and helping others is what won him the opportunity to experience hunting with Brotherhood Outdoors on the show and hunting out of his home state for the first time. Show co-host, Julie McQueen, said Joe made it clear throughout the three-day trip that he was a huge fan of the show. “When Julie called, I was like a kid at Christmas,” said Joe. “I didn’t sleep the whole night. It was a thrill to even be selected…the thrill of a lifetime.”
Brotherhood Outdoors, winner of “Best Combination Show” in the 2011 Sportsman Choice Awards, awards union sportsmen and women who are committed to preserving North America’s outdoor heritage with a guided trip or the opportunity to show off their guiding skills and local hunting or fishing destinations on national TV.
Presented by Bank of Labor, Brotherhood Outdoors is also sponsored by the following unions, contractors and corporate partners: Buck Knives, Carhartt, Employee Benefit Systems, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, National Electrical Contractors Association, ULLICO and United Association/International Training Fund.
