Mike Gnatkowski has worn a lot of different hats during his

years in the out-of-doors. He has been an outdoor writer/

photographer/book author for more than 30 years. His

award-winning images and articles have been honored by the

Michigan Outdoor Writers Association as some of the best in

their field. He has published hundreds of articles and images in publications such as North American Fishermen, In-Fishermen, Ducks Unlimited, Wildfowl, Game & Fish

Publications and many others. He published his first book,

Wild Game Simple, which contains more than 140 recipes for

wild game and fish. He continues to contribute to an array of

outdoor publications as a freelance writer/photographer and

has worked most recently as a copywriter for the world’s

foremost outfitter.

While attending Alma College, Mike took advantage of the school’s outstanding curriculum and educators to major in biology and English with a Program of Emphasis in Biological Journalism/Outdoor Writing. The POE included closely working with the faculty members on an independent study as an intern at Michigan Out-of-Doors magazine, marketing analysis of outdoor publications, creative writing and editing and submission of articles and images to outdoor publications. Mike was first published in Michigan-Out-of-Doors magazine in 1976.

Captain Mike is a USCG licensed captain that’s regarded as one of the most knowledgeable charter boat captains on the Great Lakes. He also was one of the first drift-boat guides in Michigan and plied his trade on the Big Manistee, Pere Marquette and Muskegon rivers for more than two decades where he was considered one of the top river guides in the country. Mike is a sought-after lecturer and seminar speaker on a variety of subjects from outdoor photography to waterfowl hunting to Great Lakes fishing. He has given seminars at retailers such as Gander Mountain, Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops, as well as at major sports shows across the Midwest.