Texas FLW Tour angler Mike Hawkes took 2nd place in the 2007 Field & Stream Total Outdoorsman Challenge. The finals were held last weekend in Springfield, Mo.
Hawkes, who works as a hunting and fishing guide during the off season, finished behind two-time champion Paul Garrett Thompson, a fly fishing and hunting guide from North Carolina. There were 16 competitors from around the country in the finals.
The competition tested the participants' acumen in seven outdoor skills – fly fishing, baitcasting, air rifle, shotgun, endurance, archery and ATV handling. Versus will air highlights of the event in three 1-hour shows during September and October, with the first segment set to debut Sept. 9.
Hawkes won three events – fly fishing, air rifle and endurance. He was 2nd in baitcasting and ATV handling.
"I had a great time," he said. "I lost the whole thing because I can't shoot a shotgun. I run probably the biggest dove-hunting operation in the state of Texas, and I don't own one. But I'm going to go out and buy one tomorrow so I can practice for next year.
"And not winning the baitcasting was ridiculous. That was a 'gimme.'''
For more, including photos and competitor bios, click here.
