This is the first installment in a series of interviews that Mark Murphy from Wild Sports Marketing has with some of the biggest names in outdoors sports television. Look for a new interview to be posted every 2 weeks.

Michael Lee is a host of The Backwoods Life on the Pursuit Channel. The show’s Season 5 airs Mondays at 5:30 PM EST and Tuesdays at 10PM EST. For more info about The Backwoods Life, visit their website: http://www.southernbackwoods.com

Mark Murphy: Who came up with the name The Backwoods Life?
Michael Lee: I did, figured it was redneck and different enough to work.

Mark Murphy: Who was your most influential person growing up?
Michael Lee: My Dad, with my Mom and grand parents right there a close second.

Mark Murphy: What type of work do you do in your “other” career?
Michael Lee: Computer mumbo jumbo, and website craziness!

Mark Murphy: How long have you been hunting?
Michael Lee: Since I was about 5, first deer at age 11.

Mark Murphy: How long have you been in the outdoor sports industry?
Michael Lee: About 10 years, started writing for different outlets in the late 90’s.

Mark Murphy: How long would you like to continue on TV with The Backwoods Life?
Michael Lee: FOREVER, I love what we do and Trey and Kevin are like brothers to me.

Mark Murphy: As you reflect back on all your past hunting trips, which was your favorite?
Michael Lee: Man, we’ve had so many great trips, the favorite may have been last year when we were filming the first episode of The Backwoods Life and took three great bucks in Nebraska or the trip where we took 4 nice antelope in Wyoming.

Mark Murphy: Still looking back at hunting trips, which was your least favorite?
Michael Lee: Probably one of our trips to South Carolina in our first year….you live and learn. We have fun no matter what the obstacles are though.

Mark Murphy: What is your favorite state to hunt in? Second favorite?
Michael Lee: First would have to be anywhere I can bow hunt. Second would be anywhere I can gun hunt. Haha, I really love bow hunting in Indiana and Kentucky and love rifle hunting out West since you can see so far in the terrain.

Mark Murphy: What is your hunting weapon of choice?
Michael Lee: Bow, nothing like having a critter in bow range, it’s awesome!

Mark Murphy: What is your favorite food? Favorite beverage?
Michael Lee: Lasagna, I know, odd for a boy from South Georgia. Hard to beat some southern sweet tea.

Mark Murphy: What type of music do you listen to the most? Who is your favorite band or singer?
Michael Lee: As much as we travel, we listen to a little bit of everything. Right now I’m stuck on Eric Church, but anything from the 80’s hair bands is awesome and Southern Rock!

Mark Murphy: Other than The Backwoods Life, do you watch outdoors TV shows? Which ones?
Michael Lee: Yes. I am a fan of all quality productions. I’ll watch anything, but I watch Primos, Roadtrips, Bone Collector, Heartland Bowhunter, One More Cast and many others.

Mark Murphy: Tell me a little about your family?
Michael Lee: We are a close knit, gun totin’ redneck family from South Georgia. Growing up, we were always in the woods, or at a good fishing hole. I have been married for 6 years to Beth, and we have a black lab named Cotton.

Mark Murphy: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Michael Lee: Hopefully as a figure in the outdoor industry that is a positive role model for others, and able to keep enjoying the outdoors while filming for The Backwoods Life and more.

Mark Murphy: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?
Michael Lee: I am a fan of most sports. I love to watch baseball, NASCAR, SEC football, and MMA fighting. I also like music, like playing the guitar, not to mention playing Rock Band.

Mark Murphy: Michael, thanks a lot for your time. I really appreciate it.
Michael Lee: You’re welcome, man!