Matt Bly
Age: 31
Hometown: Waubun, MN
I was born right here in Mahnomen County, which is some of the same land that is now run as Elkhorn Outfitters Northland Adventures. I started hunting when I was about 12. I did not grow up in a hunting family, so most of my hunting knowledge is self taught. I started bow hunting at fifteen with my dads recurve. As you can imagine, this forced me to get close to deer. This is when I really started to learn about the whitetail deer, and their natural behavior.
Not knowing how to go about starting a career in the hunting industry, I decided to go to college and get a “real job.” During my four years of school, I started roofing to help pay for school. I have been a self employed carpenter for the past 13 years. My wife, Natalie, and I have two kids, Brielle 3 and Silas 1. I did like what I was doing, but my passion for hunting has always pushed me to pursue a career in the hunting industry.
For years, I have thought about starting an outfitting and guide service here in northern MN. I have always thought this is a great area for recreation. We are in a transition zone, where the Red River valley cropland meets the White Earth State Forest and we are surrounded by lakes. I still did not know how to get started. When I was approached by Todd and Louella Fraser, to work with them and Dick Dodds of Elkhorn Outfitters, to start an outfitting business right here where I live, I could not pass up the opportunity. I have been taking kids hunting for years, and I have always tried to help friends and family be successful on their hunts. I get just as excited watching someone else kill a deer as I do shooting it myself. After a few years of helping others, I realized that I could be good at guiding.
So here we are going into our first year of business. I will work hard to ensure that your hunt is a successful hunt by not just taking game, but that your whole experience here at Elkhorn Outfitters Northland Adventures is rewarding. You may come as strangers, but I want you to leave as friends.
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Eric Hoban
Age: 25
Hometown: Ogema, MN
I grew up in a small town in Northwest Minnesota. I started hunting and fishing at a young age and it has always been a part of my life. I love spending time outdoors which has been passed down from prior generations, thanks mostly to my dad and grandpa.
I graduated from Waubun High School in 2003 and Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2009. I received a degree in Political Science. After graduating, I realized I did not want to sit at a desk all day. I have worked in the construction industry since high school and while attending college. I live in Ogema with my wife, Alissa, and our dog, Josie.
I met up with Elkhorn Outfitters Northland Adventures through a friend and was offered an opportunity to be a part of the business from the conception. I realized that waking up everyday and doing something I am passionate about is the best part of the job. This is why I choose to do this, and this is why I hope you choose to come and hunt with us at Elkhorn Outfitters Northland Adventures.
