Ted Wells
Social Ambassador
Ted is a full-time photographer based in Bozeman, Montana. He’s known for his breathtaking waterfowl photographs. Ted is also an avid hunter with a passion for waterfowling, and is a devoted father to Seeley and Everett, ages 6 and 3 respectively. A strong supporter of shooting sports, Ted says, “If given the choice to shoot the gun or the camera, I’ll choose the gun every time.”
Benelli: How long have you been a Benelli ambassador and what does it mean to you to be associated with Benelli?
Ted: 4th year! I’ve always been a “Benelli Guy”, so it means the world to be able to directly support a brand and people I am so passionate about!
Benelli: How long have you been hunting or shooting and what got you into this sport?
Ted: I pulled the trigger on a shotgun for the first time when I was 12, so this will be my 24th season hunting Waterfowl! Everything gets better with age, so I’d say that certainly applies in both Benelli shotguns and myself :)
Benelli: If you could only have one Benelli firearm, what would it be and why?
Ted: My O.G. SBE 2 I bought in 2005 - wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Benelli: What is your career highlight or achievement?
Ted: Balancing successful business and being a very present and involved husband/father to my wife and three kids.
Benelli: What is your favorite hobby, other than hunting or shooting?
Ted: Golf!
Benelli: Who was the childhood idol that led you into the hunting or shooting industry?
Ted: Not necessarily a single person, but sure enjoyed the shows on TV on weekend mornings after hunting myself.
Benelli: What advice would you give youth who want to be professional hunters or shooters?
Ted: Redefine the term “professional” for yourself - what does that truly mean to you? That doesn’t necessarily mean everyone has to know who you are - move the needle.
Benelli: Tell us about a moment that you feel was a positive turning point in getting into the hunting/shooting industry?
Ted: Making the jump to full-time content work, and being able to meet/work with a wide range of great folks in the industry.
Benelli: If you could hunt or shoot with one person, who would it be and why?
Ted: Anyone old-school that does it the right way and LOVES it to their core.
Benelli: What goals do you have as a hunting or shooting ambassador?
Ted: Involve the next generation as much as possible - our kids are our only chance to keep this going.
Benelli: If you had to switch professions from hunting or shooting, what would it be and why?
Ted: I’d play golf all the time. Haha
Benelli: Coldest / most miserable place you’ve ever been while hunting? Was it “successful” though?
Ted: We’ve been known to have some gnarly late season weather in Montana - I recall the coldest I’ve seen on the truck thermometer was -37F. The colder, the better! We’re always successful in one way or the other.
Benelli: What was your first firearm and how did you get it? Do you still have it?
Ted: Remington 870 Express Youth 20 gauge - I do!
Benelli: What is your favorite wild-game dish?
Ted: Elk. Anything Elk.
