NOVEMBER 2007

One of the most challenging things that I have to deal with is picking the right recipient for the MVP Award of Excellence. In every issue, life seems to present itself at the last hour and the right recipient shines like a star for me to see. This award is as big as any award, but this one is extra special because it is for the glory of the great outdoors.

Ben Plattner of Timberland Outfitters invited me to his deer camp and he mentioned that he had some big things going on. Ben mentioned the names of some country music people, but they didn’t register to me, heck I can’t even get my own kids names straight!

Ben introduced me to Rhett Akins and after a little serious deer talk I asked Rhett what he does for a living and he replied that he does a little singing. At this point, Country Goes Huntin’ started to register a little and I apologized for my ignorance and said I don’t get out much and didn’t realize that he was a famous country music singer. In a very relaxed hunting camp atmosphere, we talked a lot and I got to see into the heart of Rhett and Sam Klement and learn what great guys they are. Learning about County Goes Huntin’ was an inspiring privilege to know about this ministry to mankind.

Sam and Rhett are the Co-Founders of Country Goes Huntin’, a brainstorm from the heart. Two guys growing up together and merging two of their passions. The premise was simple; invite the top Hunting Pros and popular Country singers from around the country to one location in order to raise money for people less fortunate. Everyone comes at their own expense and no one is paid for their time or efforts. All the money from ticket sales, online auctions, and proceeds from other items sold are then put into a huge “pot”, which is divided among all the participating celebrities’ favorite charities.

Some men are just born to be country singers. It has nothing to do with chart positions, signed deals or marketing plans. It has everything to do with a rowdy Friday night crowd singing along to a song you just wrote because they’ve immediately embraced the words. Rhett tells the music artists that come to “Check your ego at the gate”. Rhett’s responsibility is to line up the country music artists.

Sam Klement and Rhett Akins

Sam Klement has hunted everything from wild boar and Elk to Bear and Moose in Canada. Over the years, Sam has really made a name for himself in the outdoors. He has been featured in and written for many outdoor publications. He also gives seminars at many of the major outdoor hunting shows. Currently, Sam holds five U.S. patents on some of today’s most popular hunting products. Sam also owns Spectrum Outdoors, a company that specializes in free roaming over-the-shoulder hunting videos. Sam is on the national Pro-staffs for Hunters Specialties, Muzzy, Realtree, and Thermacell. Sam has completed his Grand Slam of the Wild Turkey twice on camera. Sam’s true passion is Whitetail Deer with a bow and it is his responsibility to line up celebrity hunters for Country Goes Hunting’.

Rhett moved to Nashville in 1992 and landed a songwriting deal with Sony Tree Publishing. Like many other Music Row newcomers, he began writing songs and singing demos. Those demos caught the attention of an executive at Decca Records and Rhett was signed to a deal in 1994. From there he became one of country music’s hottest performers, with hits like “Don’t Get Me Started,” “That Ain’t My Truck,” “She Said Yes.” Now he is a favorite with fans of all ages.

Country Goes Huntin’ was birthed in 2001 by these two lifelong friends in order to bring awareness and dollars to real needs. Since its inception, the event keeps getting bigger and bigger every year. Huntin’ and singing; it doesn’t get any better than that!

Because of the selfless passion and concern for those in need, Country Goes Huntin’, Rhett Akins and Sam Klement are nominated for the MVP Award of Excellence. Thank you guys and keep the good work, we’re proud of you!

Article by Don Fraim