Thomas Boutwell

*Thomas Boutwell* Prattville, AL Marital Status: Single Career: Student at Auburn University, head guide and co-owner of Cedar Creek Plantation Interest: Land and Wildlife management, Hunting, Bow fishing on the AL River, and being behind the ROP cameras.

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Thomas' passion for hunting started at a young age when he accompanied his dad on early morning dove hunts, with the sole job of "retriever". With the help of his Daisy BB Gun to take down wounded birds he was the best "bird dog" on the field. His dad started taking him deer and turkey hunting at an early age on the family farm in south Alabama. Though Thomas has taken many nice bucks he still considers the Wild Turkey his game of choice. He recalls the first time he ever witnessed a successful turkey hunt with his dad, "I got my picture with the bird as if it were mine. I can remember going to church the next morning and telling my preacher that I had killed a 42 lb turkey." It was that hunt that ignited his enthusiasm to outsmart that ol' tom by himself. Over the years, Thomas has learned to apply the knowledge his dad has taught him in the turkey woods to harvest many weary tom. Even though Thomas has taken many birds he still considers himself a student. “I learn something new every time I head to the woods. I don't ever think you can master this sport but every experience makes me a better hunter." Today he's putting that knowledge to use on his families newly commercialized hunting lodge, Cedar Creek Plantation. "I don't have as much time to hunt for myself and I've learned there is a lot more work involved with this business than I previously thought, but it has giving me a chance to sit back and observe the animals while teaching me more and more about their patterns." Thomas is the newest member of the ROP staff and has come aboard full speed. He has taken the use of a video camera to new highs here at ROP. His attention to detail and creativity really shows behind the camera.