Craig Boddington was born and raised in Kansas, where his early big-game experience included pronghorn and mule deer in Wyoming, whitetail and mule deer in Kansas, and mule deer in Colorado. In addition to hunting, he spent many of his early years participating in Boy Scout activities. He became an Eagle Scout at age 14, received a Silver Palm on his Eagle at 16, and at 17 was Activities Director at his regional Boy Scout camp. He attended the University of Kansas on an ROTC scholarship, where he became a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He graduated with an English degree and a regular commission in the United States Marine Corps.
After leaving active duty in 1979, Craig continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserve, serving in command assignments for more than 20 of his 31 years of service. He was recalled to active duty seven times, including a stint as Commanding General of a Combined/Joint Task Force in Southwest Asia in 2002-2003. He retired as a Colonel in 2005, with decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal.
Craig’s outdoor writing career began in college and continued while on active duty. In 1979, he joined Petersen Publishing Company, where he served as Associate Editor GUNS & AMMO magazine; Editor, GUNS & AMMO Specialty Publications; and Executive Editor, Petersen’s HUNTING Magazine. From 1983 to 1994, he served as Editor of Petersen’s HUNTING Magazine. His current position with Outdoor Sportsman Group is Executive Field Editor of GUNS & AMMO, Petersen’s HUNTING and RIFLESHOOTER; he is also the co-host of Guns & Ammo TV and Petersen’s Hunting Adventures TV.
Craig’s body of work includes more than 5,000 published articles, 28 books, and six television series. His writing awards include the Peter Hathaway Capstick Literary Award from Safari Club International (1997); Shooting Sports Writer of the Year from the Outdoor Writers Association of America; Leupold’s “Jack Slack Writer of the Year” award (2005); and Zeiss Writer of the Year (2010).
He has received honors from several hunting and conservation organizations, including Safari Club International’s “CJ McElroy Award” (2008); Chancellor Foundation’s “Conservationist of the Year” (2008); Conklin Award (2009); and JJ Malek Golden Award (2010). In 2017, he became the 61st recipient of the prestigious Weatherby Hunting and Conservation Award. He also received the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award from the National Eagle Scout Association and was selected by www.wideopenspaces.com as the “Most Famous Sportsman From Kansas.”
Craig has hunted in 56 countries on six continents, including more than 125 African hunts. He has taken more than 300 varieties of big game and has earned the Ovis Super 20, Capra Super 30, and North American Super Slam from the Grand Slam/Ovis Club. He is a Life Member of Dallas Safari Club, Houston Safari Club, Safari Club International, and the National Rifle Association; a Permanent Director of Weatherby Foundation International; and has been a Professional Member of Boone and Crockett Club for more than 30 years.
Craig and his wife, Donna, divide their time between the California Central Coast and a small farm in Kansas. He is extremely proud that Donna and their two daughters, Brittany and Caroline, are all avid hunters.
For information about Craig’s books, DVD’s, and his Craig Boddington Endorsed Outfitters program visit www.craigboddington.com.
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