We recently connected with Dave Fulson and have shared our conversation below.
Dave, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Growing up, I watched my dad succeed in business because he was truly passionate about the company he worked for and he believed in the product he sold. I also saw a lot of men that were committing their entire professional lives to nothing more than “a job’ that neither inspired them or satisfied them. I said, in my teens actually, that I wanted to work in a field I was passionate about, and for me that meant a career somewhere in the hunting, outdoors and conservation industry. My dad used to tell me, despite his support to follow my dreams, ” Dave, hunting and fishing are wonderful sports, and you can enjoy them over an entire lifetime, but I’m not sure you can make a living at it.”
In latter years we laughed about those conversations, but shortly before my dad’s passing he said ” I want to tell you something very important.” What he said meant more than anything he had ever told me, and it went like this ” Dave, I used to tell you that I didn’t think you could make a living doing something in the hunting and outdoor industry, and I want you to know that I was wrong, as you have not only done well financially, but you have truly built a career around your lifes passion, and I cannot express my regrets of not getting on board with your plan earlier in your life, but my pride in you proving me wrong is among my greatest joys. Son, you are doing EXACTLY what you were born to do!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My company Safari Classics Productions produces three internationally distributed big game hunting series, Tracks Across Africa, Hornady’s Dark and Dangerous and Trijicon’s World Of Sports Afield, all of which I produce, and two of which I Host. I am also a recognized and award winning writer, author and videographer, all of which are centered around my hunting and international hunting work.
My career has enabled me to literally criss-cross the globe, especially the great game fields of Africa where I have spent so much of my life in pursuit of hunting adventure. I have hunted four continents and have been blessed to learn from so many people of multiple cultures, a thing that has made me a more well rounded man, as well as someone who appreciates the fact that I am blessed to live in the great state of Texas, in the most prosperous country on planet earth, The United States of America.
In a career that many times has centered around the pursuit of dangerous game, I have nearly lost my life several times. A combination of luck, and at times accurate shooting have saved me, but I know GOD has pulled me out of the fire, a prayer I always send up whenever I take on game that can kill me if it all goes wrong. I am deeply dedicated to wildlife conservation and my role as a board member of DSC Foundation gives me a chance to make a global impact on wildlife and habitat issues.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities I think I possess are as follows #1 The ability to zero in on exactly the outcome I want to achieve. I believe ” if you can get clear on the what, you will, if you’re dedicated, get clear on the how! #2 I am a very focused man once I set my mind on a goal. I have learned that few worthwhile goals come without set-backs, sleepless nights and a wide variety of issues, but I have learned that focused determination that allows you to give the goal your very best effort seldom goes unrewarded!
#3 None of us are islands, meaning we need a wide variety of people in our lives to help us live our best lives. I believe strongly in friendship, and even more in loyalty. I have wasted precious time and heartache on people who I invested both friendship and loyalty into that, when I needed it back, let me down. I choose my inner-circle very carefully these days, and I always try to deliver more that I ask in return.
But above all of these, the reason I am here, and that I can tale my next breath is due to GOD. The older I get, the clearer it is to me that GOD loves me and has never given up on me despite my many failings as a human. Today I talk to him as a friend, not in the more formal way I used to. I believe GOD desires for us to come to him when we are in need, but I also try to be sure to say Thank You when I see my prayers being answered. I know GOD loves me, and I know he hears me. It gives me strength.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The most immediate challenge in my professional world it the near complete disassociation and lack of understanding most people, especially young people have of the natural world. Our urbanized society is out of touch with our time honored hunting heritage. They have no idea where their food comes from, and most would tell you Walmart or Kroger if asked. As a hunter, I understand the conservation imperative of sustainable use. I have seen undeniable proof, all over the globe, that legal, scientifically regulated hunting is the driving force in creating funds that protect both wildlife and the habitat that it depends on. I know where much of my families food come from because I harvested it! And I do so humanely, ethically, and proudly. I support numerous Wildlife Conservation organizations, most notably Dallas Safari Club and have worked with that fine group of committed people to help raise several million dollars in support of wildlife and conservation projects all over the globe.
Sadly, anti-hunting organizations prey on people who do not understand even the most basic of conservation issues. They commit fraud, but very profitable fraud on the ill-informed urban public. One of my professional missions is to use my TV platforms as well as my editorial efforts to educate the general public, including youth on the truths behind humankind’s link to hunting and the outdoor lifestyle.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SafariClassics.net and DSCF.ORG
- Facebook: Dave Fulson
- Youtube: Safari Classics Productions
- Other: Email- davefulson@ mac.com
Image Credits
Dave Fulson
