Welcome to Mike Arnold Outdoors!
Mike Arnold’s shooting and hunting career began when his father decided he was old enough to hold a firearm. Evidently, he showed early promise by managing not to shoot himself, any family pets, his older brother Randy, or—most importantly—his father. That early trust led to harvesting his first whitetail deer at just five years old.
Before and after that pivotal moment, Mike spent countless hours shooting handguns, rifles, and shotguns on ranges built at his family home in the West Texas countryside. He also pursued every type of small game found in the surrounding mesquite and prickly pear woodlands. Bobwhite quail, mourning dove, rabbits, and the occasional duck only deepened his lifelong passion for hunting.
Mike cannot recall a time when he was not fascinated by firearms and the hunting lifestyle. More recently, he gained the opportunity to share that passion through writing, with this website serving as one such outlet. Combining his love of writing with his dedication to the shooting sports has been a deeply rewarding experience. Above all, Dr. Arnold hopes his work conveys the deep satisfaction and fulfillment he feels each time he steps onto the range or into the field.
New for 2026! Bringing Back the Wild Podcast!
Mike Arnold explores how science, tradition, and hands-on conservation come together to protect the wild places and wildlife we care about.
Your host, Mike Arnold, is professor of genetics, a lifelong hunter, and a conservation biologist.
As a genetics professor who spends as much time in the woods as he does in the lab.` Mike studies wildlife, a Passion for Hunting, and cares deeply about conservation.
On this podcast, Mike dives into the science and stories behind bringing wildlife species back and keeping Wild Places WILD!
The Dallas Safari Club Foundation named Mike as their Education Award winner for 2026. He will receive his award on February 6th, 2026 at the DSC Convention & Sporting Expo in Atlanta.
Mike is truly humbled in receiving this honor from an organization that includes so many cherished friends.
You can read the announcement of this award here.
From December 2025 through August 2026, Mike will give talks on the topic of Conservation Through Hunting at the College of Coastal Georgia, Dallas Safari Club’s Annual Convention, Safari Club International’s Annual Convention, Texas Tech University, West Virginia University and the Exotic Wildlife Association’s Summer Convention.
If you’re interested in booking Mike for a presentation, please send an email to mike@mikearnoldoutdoors.com