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Driven To 'The Life'
Brandon Wikman began at an early age pursuing a full-fledged boyhood dream
that eventually evolved into a surreal reality. His defining efforts of
resilience, determination and making a commitment to achieve his goals makes
his story one not to be forgotten.
Brandon grew up in the green pastures of central Wisconsin's dairy land, where
he was taught the real meaning of hard work from his Uncle, John Wikman.
Brought up as a farm boy, Brandon soon became familiar with the conceptual
approach of what you put into life, is what you get out of it. It was truly
an initial seeding of Brandon's life that was cultivated and bound to grow
into something great.
Fascinated by wildlife magazines, hunting videos and outdoor television shows,
Brandon soon became interested in hunting. Raised in a single-parent household
with his mom, Sue Wikman and two sisters, hunting wasn't much of an interest
within the house. Although, that quickly changed when Brandon was invited to
be a sidekick on one of his uncle's bow hunting ventures, which completely
altered any doubts that this was 'the life.'
Like most kids, Brandon was involved in athletics when he was younger, yet
nothing gave him an adrenaline rush like chasing giant whitetails and fooling
tom turkeys in his backyard. Brandon learned a lot of his hunting information
during his childhood, glued in front of the Outdoor Channel, eyes scanning
through monster buck magazines and putting his basic knowledge to the test
aloft in a tree stand and concealed in a tent blind.
Brandon began his career pursuit at age 13. Watching celebrities such as
Michael Waddell, Bob Foulkrod, and Jerry Martin consistently lay trophy game
on the ground stimulated his hunting soul. Mimicking their every move on
television, he wasn't a spectator, but rather one of them. Brandon heard of
Waddell's success in turkey calling, so he too began calling around the Midwest.
With just enough practice and an unforgiving will to succeed, Brandon became
a 3-time Iowa Intermediate Champ, and finished third or better in each of the
seven events he competed in held around Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa.
Accompanying the turkey-calling hobby, Brandon began writing for several local
publications stressing his views and what hunting really meant to him, through
a young man's eyes. This was a huge jumpstart to his fantasy-like pursuit of
living, 'the life.'
As a high school student, he played an active role in extra-curricular
activities, such as basketball, baseball and football. When he was a senior,
he heard of an opportunity that would change his life forever. Brandon's dream
was closer than he realized.
Bass Pro Shop's decided to launch an outdoor television show they would call,
The Next Generation, which would cast a crew of hosts that were young, energetic
and passionate about the outdoors. Brandon spent a solid two weeks constructing
a portfolio that would hopefully change his life. From an all-inclusive
promotional DVD that illustrated how hunting has impacted is life, combined
with a series of live video kills, a resume, bio and photos; Brandon crossed
his fingers and sent his life's journey in a manila envelope en route to
Springfield, Mo.
Six months later, Brandon was named host of The Next Generation television show.
A lifelong dream blossomed before his eyes with the established roots learned
from his uncle and principle belief of a never quit attitude from his mother.
A combination of love, hope and life lessons have made Brandon Wikman the
person he is today.
While a full time college student studying Advertising Communications at the
University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire, Brandon travels the country, role modeling
the emphasis and importance of taking a child into the outdoors.
Whether it's filming, writing, or making personal appearances, Brandon has not
forgotten his grassroots as a homegrown country boy. Brandon is a down to earth
personable individual that's just like any other young adult. The only difference
is, is that he's made a promise to himself to make a difference in the outdoor
industries next generation of outdoorsman and women.
With the unfortunate reality of seeing so many kids unable to participate in the
outdoors, Brandon was inspired to make a difference. He's established one of the
most unique and interactive summer day camps in the nation. Wik's World Outdoors
Camp is a hands-on educational experience for men and women aged 21 and under. It
is said to be the next best thing to actually hunting!
Brandon's testimony of living is formed each and every day of his life, constituting
what's necessary, what can be attained, and what we can do to help others has
always been his motto.
Please feel free to contact us with
questions and/or comments.
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