Al Roberts
Ocala, Fla.
“I haven’t bought meat or fish since 1997,” says Al Roberts, 33, who has been making annual elk hunting trips to Montana since that very year. “My family eats only what we kill and catch.” That statement epitomizes a man who has completely invested his life in the outdoors, who says that if not for outdoor sports he wouldn’t have a life at all. Just look at his various jobs: outdoors consultant, outfitter, guide, and outdoors television host and producer. He does not limit himself to hunting and fishing, either--he's a surf bum who enjoys throwing Jack Johnson on the stereo, too.
Though Roberts claims to have no particular talents and wants only to show that outdoors TV hosts really can be total outdoorsmen (he took second at the Orlando Regional competition), he is a proficient in the shooting sports. He trained with rifles in the Marines (“Our troops are the real heroes,” he says, “and if any of them want to come to Florida to hunt hogs or go fishing, we can help out”) and shoots his bow every day. “I’m religious about my shooting.”
Like several other finalists, he’s also a bit apprehensive about flyfishing. One of his friends is teaching him the craft, though, and he vows to be prepared by the time of competition. “I’ll be ready. I know I told Paul Thompson that he better bring his A-game this year, but that goes for all of us. At this level, I’m confident about everyone’s ability, not just his or mine.”
Roberts has been working particularly hard recently on his endurance training. “Elk season in Montana starts in October,” he explains. “I love fishing for redfish, but elk are my passion. I’ve been fortunate and taken some very nice bulls.” If fortune smiles upon him in the first weekend of September, Al Roberts just might take home the title of Total Outdoorsman, too. --Thomas McCafferty
For those of you who are looking for a way to loose weight you should join the Al Roberts diet plan. You to can go to bed hungry night after night...LOL
Posted by: Coop | August 22, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Is that why you are so thin Coop? LOL
Posted by: Al | August 23, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Coop is soo thin b/c he has a tapeworm, plus he is soo worried about getting schooled this year in MO.
Posted by: Bobby Flevinger | August 24, 2008 at 01:11 AM
LOL,LOL,LoL,LOL.
Posted by: Bobby Flevinger | August 24, 2008 at 01:12 AM
Prepare to be schooled Coop!
I'm practicing my butt off! Practice makes perfect right! LOL
Posted by: Cory | August 24, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Guy's you really need to stop dreaming and come back to reality, you can't school the "TEACHER". I think your problems might be caused by the extra weight that your carrying around. You really need to call Al and get his diet plan.
Posted by: Coop | August 25, 2008 at 08:57 AM
I want to know what kind of deer that is in the picture with the "Surfing Sportsman".
Posted by: CBC | August 25, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Odocoileus Virginianus with a genetic variation referred to as "Piebald" or "Pinto", whichever part of the country you are from. Surely you were kidding though and knew that.
Posted by: bobby flevinger | August 25, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Hey Coop I'm not Fat, I'm THICK!
Oh and Al's program won't do anything for your extra weight because it's up in your cranium! Bring it on! LOL.
Coop, you know I'm bustin on ya? Can't wait to meet all you guys!
Posted by: Cory | August 26, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I know Bro... It's all in fun Man, I can't wait to meet everbody as well...
Posted by: Coop | August 26, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Weeeeelllll suuuuurrrre I knew what kind of deer that was ... I just wanted to draw attention away from Al, considering the deer was totally committed to being in the picture at that point. LOL
Posted by: CBC | August 26, 2008 at 06:03 PM