Our Team
Together we ensure that our projects are both practical and sustainable while keeping our mission front and center.
Mark Peterson
Growing up near Lake Michigan, Mark developed a love for hunting and the great outdoors at an early age. This passion was fostered by his father Earl, who is an avid wingshooter and big game hunter.
For the past two decades, Mark’s hunts have expanded beyond Michigan to areas around the globe.
In correlation to Mark’s passion for hunting, he has built a business that’s uniquely positioned to reach outdoor enthusiasts who are engaged in conservation. He is defined by his love of the outdoors and the positive culture he creates as a leader and active conservationist. Mark is well respected among influential leaders in the outdoor industry who are crucial voices in hunting and outdoor recreation initiatives.
Ryan Watchorn
Growing up in western Nebraska in a family steeped in hunting tradition, Ryan quickly found himself immersed in the outdoor industry. He spent a major portion of his career with Cabela’s, serving in many leadership roles including Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Merchandising Officer before signing on as CEO at Worldwide Trophy Adventures.
Ryan has a decorated history of leading some of the most influential brands in the outdoor industry. He and his family actively engage in conservation efforts and habitat improvements on their home turf of Dalton, Nebraska and the surrounding area. From planting trees for pheasant habitat to volunteering with local Game and Fish agencies to improve the elk population in Nebraska, the Watchorns practice what they preach
Jacob Droppers
Jake spent most of his childhood in Michigan and he fondly remembers many days fishing and camping with his grandfather. Jake attended law school and has been fortunate to be an advocate and advisor to one of the largest outdoor adventure organizations in the world.
For over a decade, Jake has advised WTA on a variety of business and legal issues, including matters related to conservation and outdoor adventures. Jake is excited to expand his role in the conservation space by serving on the Board of Directors for the WTA Outdoor Guardian Fund.
Julie Lund
Julie was born and raised in western Nebraska, spending a lot of time outdoors on her family’s farm. She remembers going to the goose pit with her family at a young age and her love for wildlife, hunting, and being in God’s creation has only grown from there. It wasn’t until Julie began an 11-year career at Cabela’s corporate headquarters that she broadened her hunting interests outside of waterfowl. For the past 6 years, Julie has worked very closely with brands and influencers in the outdoor industry to promote hunting.
Julie has been a member and volunteer of many conservation chapters in her local area and is always actively working to ensure our heritage will be around for future generations, starting with her own family. Julie and her husband Quinn are raising their daughter to respect the land, landowners, and animals to secure an opportunity for her to experience it the way they have. They believe that hunting teaches many lessons including patience, ethics, discipline, sustainability, appreciation, confidence, perseverance, and hard work.