Nate Akey
Social Ambassador
Based out of Michigan with a tendency to roam, Nate is a photographer, writer, and avid outdoorsmen that pursues big game, waterfowl, and above all else, upland birds with his two GSPs Tikka & Maisie. With a strong passion for conservation, Nate uses his talents as photographer to tell the story of the adventure and appreciation hunters have, shedding a positive light on hunting as a whole.
Putting miles on, he spends most of the season with friends and family following his dogs wherever their noses lead him throughout the country, shooting multiple species of upland birds over staunch points, and capturing the different landscapes that make the American uplands a place to be cherished.
When the season is through, the Benellis don’t go back on the shelf, he spends the offseason training and testing his dogs, staying sharp for the seasons to come.
Benelli: How long have you been a Benelli ambassador and what does it mean to you to be associated with Benelli?
Nate: This is my third year as a Benelli ambassador. For me, being associated with Benelli means a ton. I’ve shot Benelli’s my whole life, and they have always been the most reliable firearm I’ve owned. Being a part of the Benelli team is a no brainer, not only are their firearms the most reliable, the people and company are truly outdoorsman and conservationist.
Benelli: How long have you been hunting or shooting and what got you into this sport?
Nate: I’ve been hunting as long as I can remember. My oldest memories were bow-hunting for whitetail with my dad bringing me up into a treestand where he had set two so I could go with him. That introduction started a life-long passion for the outdoors and the pursuit of different game.
Benelli: If you could only have one Benelli firearm, what would it be and why?
Nate: This one is tough, because there are so many options that I really enjoy shooting, but if I only get to pick one, I’m going to pick the first one I have ever owned, the Benelli Nova 12ga. I still use this shotgun today and it’s never failed. You can use it for everything from upland hunting, big game, waterfowl, and even a boat oar if need be.
Benelli: What is your favorite hobby, other than hunting or shooting?
Nate: My favorite hobby other than hunting is photography. I truly enjoy capturing moments and memories. There is nothing more special to me than capturing moments in the field, where you get to witness people’s true passion and happiness in the outdoors.
Benelli: Who was the childhood idol that led you into the hunting or shooting industry?
Nate: My childhood idol who led me into hunting was definitely my dad. Watching the passion he had for the outdoors and taking his time to understand the different species he pursued, showed me what hunting was all about. Without him waking me up hours before first light and forcing me into the truck when I was a kid, I never would have become so enthralled with hunting as I am now.
Benelli: What advice would you give youth who want to be professional hunters or shooters?
Nate: My advice for anyone that wanted to pursue hunting as a career, would be to first pursue hunting as a passion and love for the outdoors. The greatest hunters I know weren’t chasing it as a career, but did it for the outdoor experience, and the joy and freedom it provided them in life.
Benelli: Tell us about a moment that you feel was a positive turning point in getting into the hunting/shooting industry?
Nate: The positive turning point for me was getting my first GSP Tikka. She launched me into my greatest passion of upland hunting, and was the reason I first picked up a camera, to better represent the moments that make walking in the field with a dog great.
Benelli: If you could hunt or shoot with one person, who would it be and why?
Nate: I’ve thought about this question hard, and I can’t think of one individual person I’d like to hunt with. I think hunting with friends, family, and anyone who is truly passionate about it, is special, and I can’t put a single person above that.
Benelli: What goals do you have as a hunting or shooting ambassador?
Nate: A personal hunting goal I have is to shoot every North American upland species over my first bird dog Tikka. We have only the desert quail and ptarmigan remaining, and are making plans to give them a chase in the next couple years
Benelli: Coldest / most miserable place you’ve ever been while hunting? Was it “successful” though?
Nate: The coldest and most miserable hunt I’ve been on has to be a solo spring black bear hunt in the Hells Canyon area of Oregon. I wouldn’t say it was necessarily cold, but it rained heavy for all 5 days, leaving me we wet the entire hunt while glassing for bears, that ultimately never came out into the wet weather. As far as filling at tag, the hunt was unsuccessful, but you can learn a lot about perseverance hunting by yourself in bad weather.
