Jamieson Crast
Social Ambassador
Jamieson Crast calls Wyoming home, but his roots trace back to a small town in upstate New York, nestled between the shores of Lake Ontario and the Adirondack Mountains. Growing up near the lake, Jamieson developed a deep love for the outdoors, hunting and trapping the small creeks near his childhood home. His passion for waterfowl hunting began at a young age, captivated by the artistry of calling, the intricacies of decoy spreads, and the allure of the gear. By the age of 13, Jamieson was convinced that a Benelli shotgun was the key to his hunting success. Though he could only dream of a Super Black Eagle, he proudly settled for a Benelli Nova, a decision that solidified his lifelong affinity for the brand.
Over two decades later, Jamieson remains an avid waterfowl hunter, but has embraced the challenges of western hunting. In 2021, he and his wife moved to Wyoming, drawn by the mountains and the lifestyle they love. Jamieson has since immersed himself in the pursuit of big mule deer in the backcountry, fascinated by their rugged habitats, enduring spirit, and the distinctive traits of mature bucks.
With 13 years of experience as an outdoor filmmaker, Jamieson has journeyed to some of the world's most remote and extraordinary locations, capturing compelling stories of remarkable people and places. His dedication to his craft is unwavering, always striving to be the best filmmaker possible and to tell stories that resonate deeply and inspire others. Jamieson is eager to bring his talents and passion to the Benelli team, committed to elevating the brand in every possible way.
Benelli: How long have you been a Benelli ambassador and what does it mean to you to be associated with Benelli?
Jamieson: This is my first year as a Benelli ambassador and I couldn’t be more humbled by the opportunity to represent a brand that I have admired and respected for decades. Benelli equals perfection in my eyes, and to be associated in any way with that level of excellence is…well…hard to put into words.
Benelli: How long have you been hunting or shooting and what got you into this sport?
Jamieson: I have been hunting since before I could walk. My Dad would put me in an old whicker trappers pack and hike until I fell asleep. Once I was about 5 I graduated to a BB-gun and a Primos shaker feeding call and that’s where I earned my place in the duck blind.
Benelli: If you could only have one Benelli firearm, what would it be and why?
Jamieson: Phew- tough one. Only one shotgun would be an SBE3 in 20 gauge. One rifle would be the LUPO in 6.5 Creedmoor.
Benelli: What is your career highlight or achievement?
Jamieson: I can’t say that I have one; there have been numerous peaks throughout this journey but each has proven to be a false-summit and have kept me pushing forward with my eyes on the horizon. My career has been blessed, but it’s not time for reflection yet.
Benelli: What is your favorite hobby, other than hunting or shooting?
Jamieson: Prior to kids it was golfing and trout fishing. As new parents with a son and daughter 11 months apart, time for hobbies has quickly diminished, though I’m excited for the days that my hobbies involve my children.
Benelli: Who was the childhood idol that led you into the hunting or shooting industry?
Jamieson: My Dad would have to be the idol that led me into hunting, but it started so young and was such a natural progression that I never viewed it as such. Once I was already engrained in the outdoors and began admiring hunting television, Tony Vandemore became my idol…hell, he’s still my man-crush to this day.
Benelli: What advice would you give youth who want to be professional hunters or shooters?
Jamieson: My advice would be to find a way to get on every trip possible; don’t ever miss a morning. Be the hardest worker and the most attentive listener and soak in everything around you.
Benelli: Tell us about a moment that you feel was a positive turning point in getting into the hunting/shooting industry?
Jamieson: Picking up a video camera was a positive turning point for me. I realized the joy and peace that hunting brings to people, and it helped me focus on that for myself. It’s easy to get caught up in inches of antlers and straps full of ducks, but that’s not the part of the hunt that brings the most joy, and a camera helps me remember that.
Benelli: If you could hunt or shoot with one person, who would it be and why?
Jamieson: Phil Robertson on a bluebird morning in the timber hunting greenheads.
Benelli: What goals do you have as a hunting or shooting ambassador?
Jamieson: My goal is to help strengthen Benelli’s presence in the western hunting space. Benelli is known for making the best shotguns in the world; I want more people to know that Benelli brings the same quality and craftsmanship to rifles in the LUPO line.
Benelli: If you had to switch professions from hunting or shooting, what would it be and why?
Jamieson: I think my play would be real estate with the goal of making enough money 9 months of the year so that I could take September through November off to hunt.
Benelli: Coldest / most miserable place you’ve ever been while hunting? Was it “successful” though?
Jamieson: Coldest was an iceberg in Greenland waiting for a King Eider to work the spread within range to finish the waterfowl slam. Most miserable place would be a tent in SW Alaska on a float moose hunt; it rained on us for 11 days straight and the river came up so much we had to move the tent further off the river 3 different times.
Benelli: What was your first firearm and how did you get it? Do you still have it?
Jamieson: A Henry lever action .22LR. I got it for my birthday and though I haven’t shot it in probably close to 10 years, it will always have a home in my safe.
Benelli: What is your favorite wild-game dish?
Jamieson: Dall Sheep backstrap in a cast iron frying pan with butter and Montreal steak seasoning
Benelli: What’s your favorite T.V. show and why? What show did you like as a kid?
Jamieson: We seldom have the TV on in our house, but the last time I watched a TV show through was Longmire. As a kid I was a big fan of Cabin Country, a hunting show on a local channel back in NY where I grew up; I still remember the theme song.
Benelli: What is your favorite food?
Jamieson: Sushi…mmmm man I love good sushi.
