Magazine Staff
Chief Editor:
Chad Baart, the founder of Hunters Journey Magazine, has spent many hours in the back country and beyond.With his roots tracing back to the Northeast hardwoods, his feet have taken him to the backbone of America, the Rocky Mountains. With the backing of many top name companies, Chad has taken animals across America while putting his body and equipment to the ultimate test. Not only has Chad lay claim to ISB State Archery Champion, you may have also seen him in Eastman's Hunting Journal, Western Hunter Magazine, and also the former Idaho Hunter Magazine.
Photo Editor
Robert Millage is a fifth generation Idahoan. He grew up following his father and grandfathers around the forests and waterways of Idaho. He is a passionate outdoorsman, be it hunting, fishing, rafting, camping, backpacking, or just exploring wild places with his camera......Robert has two sons that he enjoys raising surrounded by the outdoor lifestyle. He is honored to pass on the family outdoor tradition and shares his love for the mountains with his boys. Robert has a unique way of bringing the outdoor experience to us through the lens of his camera and is a cornerstone for Hunters Journey Magazine!
HJ Pro Staff:
Richard Besendorfer's picture should be posted next to the definition of sportsman. He is always going the extra mile to make sure that fellow hunters get a better chance than him to make a harvest, even if it means that he go home empty handed. Richard has never found it hard to hold out for the big one. Being born and raised in Idaho, he was truly cut from the ruggedness of the Rockies. There is no mountain too tall or canyon too steep when it comes with a chance to send an arrow home! Richard has helped many people get into the sport by starting and managing an archery pro shop along with coordinating many archery related events.
HJ Pro Staff:
Zak Besendorfer is about as hardcore as they come. Being the youngest member of Hunters Journey Magazine shouldn't fool anyone. Following in his fathers footsteps and then some, Zak has covered many miles in the back country. You will always find Zak waiting at the top of the hill, waiting for the others to catch up. He is already learning the patience that is needed to become a successful hunter. Zak stays in shape by playing football and by wrestling. The bucks and bulls of tomorrow better watch out, this young man is on a mission.
Western Region Field Editor:
Dave Goitiandia has enjoyed his passion for the outdoors from an early age. Dave has carried the title of ISB State Archery Champion along with receiving many other prestigious awards to include Idaho State Bowhunter of the year, which he has received multiple times. Dave is a member of the PSE prostaff and lives for bow hunting in the back country. Dave's experience in the back country is second to none. You can count on Dave to be there on any hunt that comes with a challenge.
Western Region Field Editor:
Gage Brock is the definition of patience. Gage has had articles published in many prominent bow hunting magazines. Gage is on the Hoyt National Shooting staff and enjoys hunting with his family and close friends the most. Though he enjoys great success with many big game animals, Gage's true passion is the black bear. Gage's experience in archery goes way back and is always more than willing to help others bag their game, especially when it comes to big bruins.
Western Region Field Editor:
Daren Evans comes to us from Salt Lake City, Utah. Married (Kamill) with kids and has been in law enforcement for nearly 19 years. Attended 5 years of college, majoring in “baseball” before realizing it was not an accredited major that provided a degree. He then turned his focus to criminal justice.
Daren has many trophy animals (all public land) under his belt. His latest, a 360 bull taken in Utah and an 8’2”, 205 lb “Tom Cat” that scored 15 7/8”, but his most cherished, “His 12 year old boy’s (Hayden) first buck, a 19”, 2x3 taken last year on the Utah Statewide archery hunt.
Daren was also a founding partner with the former Utah, Idaho and Colorado Hunter Magazines and the original, “Utah Hunting Expo”. Daren’s official role with the magazines was “Chief Field Editor” , he was also the advertising editor, marketing editor, sales editor, photo editor and what else, the Expo coordinator. He has written numerous hunting related articles, product reviews and feature articles about our successful fellow hunters.
His passion for the outdoors and hunting is second to none, ok…, other than Chad’s, and he currently enjoys bow hunting with his boys, Stattan and Hayden most of all.
Midwestern Region Field Editor:
Also Assistant Chief Editor-
Jerod Fink's immense passion for the outdoors began at an early age. Growing up on a Western Wisconsin farm, he has had infinite opportunities to explore all things wild. This passion was put on hold for a bit for Jerod to pursue his other love, wrestling. Since finishing up his wrestling career, Jerod's passion for the outdoors has returned ten-fold. He has been able to transfer his preparation for the mat to his preparation for the outdoors both physically and mentally.
Midwestern Region Field Editor:
Kevin Biermeier, Co-founder of Back 40 Outdoors, Kevin has been active in the outdoors for as long as he can remember. Going after whitetails, turkeys, and western game with archery equipment is Kevin's main interest. But when the snow flies, look out as he'll be all over the countryside chasing bunnies with his beagle. Aside from hunting, Kevin also enjoys coaching wrestling, 3-D archery, fishing, and competing on the Team Back 40 triathlon team. Kevin lives in Central Wisconsin with his wife.
Eastern Region Field Editor:
Forrest Breedlove was born and raised in North Carolina where he spent his childhood chasing squirrels and fishing. This former collegiate athlete took up bowhunting after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics. He now pursues game with archery equipment across the country without a guide and often on public land. The mental focus and physical work ethic acquired through farm work and football formed the foundation of his pursuits today. Though he loves the sound of a daybreak bugle, his passion still remains bowhunting whitetails.
