Pat and Nicole Reeve host Driven TV and have a deep passion about their deer hunting, whether it’s hanging stands and working fields or sitting in a blind on a cold, sunny day waiting for a buck or doe. Here is an excerpt from their latest book, Trophy Whitetails with Pat & Nicole Reeve, authored by Duncan Dobie, about Pat’s early years around deer hunters.
Born in 1969, some of Pat’s most vivid memories of early boyhood revolve around tagging along behind his dad at deer camp. The sights, sounds and smells were magical and had a profound impact on the 4-year-old. Growing up near the small farming community of Plainview in southeastern Minnesota afforded the budding outdoorsman many opportunities to hunt and fish with his dad and granddad. He cherished those times. He lived to be outdoors.
“It was an old-fashioned deer camp where about a dozen men got together every year,” Pat remembers. “I loved listening to the stories about the big ones that got away. Opening weekend was always a big deal. We would usually hunt for three days – Saturday, Sunday and Monday – and then go home. Dad was strictly a meat hunter, anything that had antlers was a trophy but it was more important to shoot does for venison.
“When I was about 7, I would sit in the stand with dad and wear his clothing to stay warm. We wore electric socks that never worked and we had butane hand warmers that always gave off a strong odor. We always had a thermos of hot coffee or hot chocolate.
“In Minnesota, you have to be 12 years old to get a deer license, so my 12th year was a milestone in my hunting career. That year, I shot my first deer ever – a doe that I shot with my grandfather’s Remington 12-gauge pump. On opening day, we would always sit for a few hours in the morning and then we’d start driving the hills. Being one of the youngest hunters, I was always a driver. It didn’t take long for me to figure out that sneaking along the outside edge of the drive without making any noise was much better than storming through the woods making as much noise as possible. I shot a lot of deer being a driver.”
What Drives Pat and Nicole on Driven TV? Find Out Here
“I never missed an opening weekend with my family until I was in college. When I reached high school, I became very interested in bow-hunting and talked my dad into getting us each a bow. My first big buck with a bow was taken on the same farm where my dad had killed his first buck. It made Pope and Young. I was thrilled. Each year deer hunting became more and more important in my life.”
Want to Pursue a Career in the Outdoors Industry?
- After college, Pat Reeve worked with the Minnesota DNR trapping and releasing turkeys, meeting people, attending shows, filming hunts and doing what he could to stay busy in the outdoors industry.
- It wasn’t easy. Sometimes he didn’t get paid for his work. He had doors opened, then slammed shut. But he didn’t quit.
- Could you pursue a career in the outdoors industry? Sure, Pat says, but be aware that it’s tough and challenging. But the rewards can be great if you chase your dreams.
Still Interested? Of Course You Are, So Check This Out Now
Trophy Whitetails with Pat and Nicole Reeve by Duncan Dobie takes a page out of the Driven TV stars’ book, guiding you through their history and making suggestions for effectively hunting trophy whitetails.
As one of the most knowledgeable bowhunters in the industry, Pat has plenty of experience to pull from, including time as an expert videographer and renowned hunting celebrity and producer. Let Pat and Nicole’s journey guide your own as their stories help form hunting tips and advice for your own experiences.
In this great book you’ll find:
- 25+ links to bonus video footage of the monster bucks taken by the Driven TV team
- Hundreds of stunning color photos
- An inside look at the Driven TV team’s successful hunting strategies