FIRST WALK, THEN HUNT

“My father started me hunting when I was barely old enough to walk! – Truly a life-long way of life that I am tremendously proud of and have done the same with my 4 kids.”

From an early start and through today, Jay Link has hunted a lot, owned and operated several businesses, received numerous hunting awards, and helped many people experience their dreams.

BUSINESSES

As the past President/CEO of Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Global, Jay developed a keen eye for operating businesses, which he has done successfully in the hospitality, food service, and recreation industries. In the hunting field, Jay is the owner of Link’s Wild Safaris Global, a leader in international hunting and fishing consulting. After hunting worldwide for himself and to gain information for others, Jay realized that “My LOVE for hunting Tanzania is tremendous!!!” As a result, he invested in several hunting blocks in Tanzania and became a licensed PH there so he can more efficiently operate with clients in that country, which just happens to be home to more free-range big game species than any other.    

HUNTING AWARDS

With over 400 trophies in the record books, Jay has earned many awards, the most significant of which are:

* The World Hunting and Conservation Award: the highest honor in the world of hunting presented by Safari Club International.       

* The Pantheon Award: jointly presented by Grand Slam Club Ovis and SCI to those few who have collected the Grand Slam of North Wild Sheep, 30 worldwide species of Wild Sheep, 30 worldwide species of Wild Ibex/Goats, the 29 North American Super Slam species, and the aforementioned World Hunting and Conservation Award.

* The Conklin Award: also known as “the tough guy award” because it gives credit to hunting big game in the most difficult terrain and conditions.   

HUNTING ORGANIZATIONS/CONTRIBUTIONS

Jay Link was the founder of the Lake Superior Chapter of SCI and has served on the national executive committee. He is also a member of numerous other hunting organizations including:

           * International Professional Hunters Association

           * Dallas Safari Club

           * National Rifle Association

           * Grand Slam Club Ovis

           * Wild Sheep Foundation

           * Ducks Unlimited

           * National Wild Turkey Foundation

           * Alaska Outfitters Association

           * and over a dozen others

Working with the Hunt of a Lifetime Organization, Jay gives back frequently, including his annual disabled youth bear hunts.

NEXT QUARTER, ANOTHER ELITE HUNTER WILL BE PROFILED. WE ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT OUR SELECTION COMMITTEE IS COMPOSED OF RENOWNED HUNTERS: ED YATES, REX BAKER, and RENEE SNIDER.

For the second half of 2021 and all of 2022, 18 consecutive monthly Elite Hunter selections were made and profiled. Beginning in January, 2023, selections are being made quarterly and are published the first month of each quarter (January, April, July, and October).