By Britta Folden
Local hunters and fishermen have likely heard of the now three year old publication, Horns and Hooks. This glossy, professionally designed magazine is the dream of Rex Peterson, a lifelong hunter and fisherman himself. While operating his construction company in Grays Harbor, he was inspired to start a magazine about his passion and base it in Grays Harbor because of the community support.
Currently, Rex has an office in Montesano where he works with his graphic designer to produce six magazines each year. In addition, a television program runs each weekend on Comcast Sports and Root Sports.
Over the past three years, the magazine and Rex’s professional opportunities have continued to grow. Not only has he created a platform for readers to submit their own hunting and fishing stories, but he has turned his hobbies into a profession. He travels far and wide for new hunting experiences, including an upcoming bear hunting trip in Alaska.
His motivation to share his love of hunting doesn’t come merely from his personal interest in the sports, but also his desire to provide new and unique experiences for others, especially disabled youth. Rex recently joined the Board of Directors of the non-profit organization Youth Outdoors Unlimited. Hooks and Horns also has become a partner with the organization, providing the opportunity for youth in the program to be featured in each magazine and provide greater awareness of the services available at Y.O.U., including special hunting and fishing trips for children with disabilities.
“It is very rewarding to take kids out on trips,” explained Rex. The Y.O.U. program gives children the opportunity to get outdoors in guided trips when they typically would be unable to do such things due to a life threatening illness or physical disability. These trips are not only able to fulfill dream and provide a once in lifetime experience, but the outdoors provide the unique benefit of lifting the spirits of children who have faced many hardships at a young age. “It can really change their outlook on life,” said Rex.
The growing opportunities for the Horns and Hooks business has also led to Rex and his team taking over the Grays Harbor Sportsman Show, slated for March 8 – 9 at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds. This is the first year that Horns and Hooks is presenting the event, taking it over from the Grays Harbor Tourism office. Their connections to the outdoor sports world have provided many new and exciting points of interest for this year’s event. Celebrity appearances, live music from local band Humptulips, and a cowboy fast draw competition are on the packed schedule for the weekend.
To learn more about Rex Peterson or Horns and Hooks, click here.
