Joe Coogan's Blog - Benelli On Assignment Host

Joe Coogan is an avid hunter, shooter, and fisherman. A former professional hunter and outdoor journalist, he currently works as BenelliUSA’s Brand Marketing Manager. He is also the host of Benelli On Assignment (BOA), a TV show airing on the Outdoor Channel.

Coogan helped develop the concept for the TV show, which entered its fourth season in 2010. Benelli On Assignment features world-class bird-shooting action and exciting big-game adventure with top writers and photographers who are “on assignment.” The locations are pristine and often remote. Just the kind of setting where Coogan feels right at home.

Coogan’s passion for the outdoors began at an early age, as he accompanied his father on frequent hunting and fishing trips. His father’s career as a U.S. Navy pilot took the family to various parts of the world. Many of those locations offered a range of sporting opportunities.

But the Coogan family lived in the most fascinating location after his father took a flying job with Pan Am based in Kenya, East Africa, in 1966. There, Coogan, in his teens, shared many big game hunting adventures with his dad.

In 1972, Coogan graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in journalism. He returned to Africa to pursue his dream of becoming a professional hunter. Fate lent a hand when Coogan was introduced to legendary African hunter Harry Selby, who offered him a job in Botswana.

Coogan jumped at the opportunity. Under Selby’s guidance, he completed a two-year apprenticeship and earned his professional hunter’s license.

For the next 20 years, Coogan conducted hunting and photographic safaris in Botswana. He worked for the top African outfitter, Ker, Downey & Selby Safaris, and later, for Safari South.

In 1991, Coogan traded the African bush for the asphalt jungles of Los Angeles. There, he served as Feature Editor for Petersen’s Hunting Magazine for nearly 10 years.

Coogan returned to his old stomping grounds in East Africa in 2001. He spent the next 5 years conducting safaris for Tanzania’s top outfitter, Tanzania Game Tracker Safaris.

Then in 2006, Coogan returned to the States and took on the job at BenelliUSA. In addition to his marketing duties and TV hosting roles with BenelliUSA, Coogan also writes Coogan’s Blog. In the blog, he invites your questions and comments on a variety of topics.