Matthew Gempler was raised in the high desert of south Boise, Idaho. He often spent his weekends out varmint hunting with a trusty 10-22. As a young man he went to the west coast and worked on traditional Tall Ships as a sailor and Bo'sun responsible for maintaining the wood, rope, and canvas rigging of the ship using tools and methods that have not changed in the last 250 years. Eventually he found his way to the mountains of southwestern Oregon where he currently works in the firearms industry and lives in an isolated off-grid cabin.
1. Tell us about one of your most memorable experiences outdoors.
Sailing a Tall Ship on the coast of the pacific northwest in 30 foot seas with winds up to 60 knots.
2. You’re headed outdoors for the weekend but can only bring a rifle, an axe or a knife. Which one do you choose and why?
For an overnight in the woods, I would bring a fixed blade knife, 5 or 6 inches long, so that I could build a shelter and prep food and for help building a fire.
3. What is something you learned that could only be learned while being in the great outdoors?
The world of rifle cartridges is vast and varied. The best cartridge for an individual depends on their intended use, personal preferences, and specific requirements.