Bill Cooper is a recent inductee to the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame.
Submitted photo
Gary Mason created the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame to honor sportsmen who have dedicated countless hours of hard work and devotion to the outdoors. These men and women have made significant impacts on the outdoor world through hunting and fishing.
“Years ago, I told my wife there’s a hall of fame for just about everything, but there’s not one for the outdoors, and there should be. She told me to start one, so we did, and it’s grown into more than we ever dreamed,” Mason said.
The 2024 class of inductees will be honored at ceremony in Bass Pro Shops White River Conference Center in Springfield, Missouri today. The stellar class includes some big names in the outdoor space, like Bill Jordan of Realtree and Will Primos of Primos. Another inductee this year happens to be one of my outdoors heroes, Mr. Bill Cooper.
Bill Cooper is one of the best sportsmen I know. As comfortable in an Mexican jungle as he is in the Missouri Ozarks, Cooper is a true woodsman. As apt with a frying pan as he is with a shotgun and fishing rod. He’s a widely respected outdoor communicator. First and foremost, Cooper is a Legend in my book because he is one of the kindest and most generous people you’ll ever meet. He’s a guy you always want around your campfire.
At 75, his enthusiasm and passion for the outdoors, especially fishing, remains as evident as ever. Outdoor enthusiasts around the world have felt Copper’s influence. He’s dedicated much of his life to entertaining and educating individuals through his media outlets, which included radio, television, over 2,000 published magazine and newspaper articles, and a robust social media presence. His popular “Living the Dream Podcast” is proof you can teach old dogs new tricks.
Cooper is a longtime advocate for youth involvement in the outdoors. He’s the kind of guy who teaches fishing seminars for parks and recreation departments and conservation organizations, like the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the National Wild Turkey Federation, but still finds time to take a neighbor kid fishing. He’s done incredibly cool things too, like serving as a tourism consultant for the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico where he leads hunters on jungle expeditions for ocellated turkey and on the Gulf for tarpon and bonefish.
Bill Jordan, a native of Columbus, Georgia, founded Realtree in 1986 and has grown the company into an industry giant known for innovative camouflage patterns and product branding. Jordan’s vision and dedication continue to foster and lead a loyal team, many of whom have been with the company since its early days.
“We are incredibly proud of Bill’s accomplishments and his induction into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame,” said Realtree vice president Tyler Jordan. “I’m lucky enough to also call Bill my dad. Growing up and seeing the time, sacrifice, and effort he has put in for nearly 40 years has been incredible to watch firsthand. His leadership, vision, and commitment to the outdoor industry have inspired countless individuals and set a high standard for the community, our industry, and our team members right here in Columbus (Georgia). This recognition is well-deserved, and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with him.”
Will Primos, founder of Primos Hunting, is a life-long conservationist. Primos has made significant contributions to the outdoors industry, through media and product development From his days as a pioneer of the game call and hunting accessory industry to his influential role as an early outdoor TV host, Primos has been on the leading edge, driving the hunting industry forward. Will Primos founded Primos Game Calls in 1976 in Jackson, Mississippi. He grew the brand into a household name in the hunting world.
“What a journey. When we started this journey, we had no idea what we were doing, but we knew that as we built products for us hunters, and the public got to know us through our marketing efforts, we had to give our audience the chance to know the beauty and happiness that surrounds being in places that wildlife call home,” Primos said. “That mindset established the course of the Truth TV and video series. We have met people we would have never had a chance to know and earned respect that was way outsized. The most important part of this recognition is the incredible people that were part of Primos’ journey, they are the real honorees.”
The Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame recognizes sportsmen who deserve to be remember for the work they have done on behalf all who love the great outdoors. Cooper, Jordan and Primos are three first-class examples, along with the rest of their 2024 Class of Inductees. To learn about the rest of the Hall of Fame’s members, visit legendsoftheoutdoors.com
See you down the trail…
Brandon Butler writes an outdoors column for The Republic. Send comments to [email protected]. For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.
