“I’d rather be a plumber and be the best I can be, and be able to hunt, rather than to push paint and never be able to hunt again. I feel like that’s more rewarding for me." - Ryan Kirby Today’s guest would tell you he was born an artist. That the paint brush was as natural in his hand as a basketball to Kobe Bryant. I’m not sure I agree. OK, the Kobe Bryant analogy is mine, Ryan would never say that. And I’ll agree some folks are more artistically inclined than others. But even with today’s guest’s natural ability, I think it’d sell his work ethic short to say he didn’t earn his success by putting in his form of 10,000 hours.Ryan has won over a dozen awards from organizations like Outdoor Life, National Wild Turkey Federation, and Quality Deer Management Association. He’s painted dozens of works of art and these things sell for a premium. A couple of Ryan’s paintings may be worth more than your truck.And when you hear how much time and labor goes into one of these paintings, you’ll realize why his paintings sell for a premium. If this is your first episode of Restless Native, welcome. I hope you’ll hit subscribe. If you dig this episode you’d probably like my conversation with Mahting Putelis in episode 33, as well as my chat with the guys at Modern Huntsmen on episode 30. Today’s recording dives straight in. And I’m not sorry. I think it works better this way. I may just have to start doing that.Ryan's websiteLog Time for this Episode on GoWildShare your thoughts, support, or points of contention by logging time on GoWild. Logging time is fun and lets you join in on the conversation.Restless Native is Sponsored by Houston Safari Club FoundationRestless Native is brought to you by Houston Safari Club Foundation. This organization is a great supporter of hunters and conservation, and I am proud to partner with them.Hunting and conservation, what’s not to like, right? If you agree, great. Then I want you to come on to Houston, Texas with me to attend the Houston Safari Club Foundation’s Convention and Hunting Expo.This is a great chance for a family trip or a break away with the buddies. The convention is a celebration of wildlife, wild places and the hunting lifestyle we all love. It has thousands of visitors and exhibitors coming from all over the globe for a three day exposition. Beyond the convention, you can experience some amazing entertainment, with performances from folks like Corey Morrow, Rickey Davis and Billboard chart-frequent flyer, Kevin Fowler.There are banquets and luncheons, auctions and more stuff than I possibly have time to tell you about right now. And as Joe said in his most recent interview, Houston is a great place to spend a weekend and grub.You know what the best part of all of this is? Your tickets and support of this expo help fulfill Houston Safari Club Foundation’s mission of preserving the sport of hunting through education, conservation and the promotion of our hunting heritage.The show is January 25 through the 27th in Houston Texas. I will be wandering the floor on January 26 and possibly the morning of the 27th. Please send me a direct message on GoWild if you’re going to be there and we’ll meetup.Learn more at hscfdn.org/convention. Thank you to Houston Safari Club Foundation for all you do, and for sponsoring Restless Native.