An OWS Senior ProStaff member is a designation that is given to select individuals who possess outstanding qualities of integrity, expertise, and commitment to supporting and broadening the scope of outdoor recreation.

Meet Mitch Johnson - OWS Senior Pro Staffer

Mitchell Johnson is a twenty-three year-old, seasoned turkey and deer hunter, and deep sea fisherman. Proficient in archery, pistol, rifle and shotgun his awards, of late, include Battle of the Bucks awards in 2006 & 2009; Bass Pro Shop Picture of the Week in 2007 & 2009; and the 2004 winner of the Southern Sports Turkey Competition. This Meridian, MS native is a Member of Ducks Unlimited, the NRA, the Queen City Bow Hunter's Association and the Hunting Club. An avid hunter whose passion for the outdoors started at a young age and later, becoming interested in archery and primitive weapons he has placed in many competitions for archery, gun and game hunting. He enjoys hunting, fishing, 3D Archery, camping and hiking, and mentors high school youth on 4-H shooting teams and archery clubs. Mitch's outdoor interests encouraged him to major in Biology and Earth System Sciences, where he is learning, first hand, why a lot of the things that outdoorsmen say and do make much more sense.
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Meet James Morris - OWS Senior Pro Staffer

James Morris has been an avid hunter for thirty-seven years and hunts just about everything in North America. He specializes in upland Bird and Deer. This Canton, MS, outdoorsman prefers modern firearms, but is proficient with primitive weapon systems. James is a professional Bass Angler who has been fishing competitively for approximately 15 years with a number of wins and Top-10 finishes to his credit. He is also an offshore angler who loves to chase Red Fish and Speckled Trout. James has approximately 25 years of Boating experience, currently running a  Z20 Bass boat, but has experience operating anything from a Jon boat to an offshore Bay Boat.
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Meet Victor Watts - OWS Senior Pro Staffer

Victor Watts represents the consummate outdoorsman. His experiences exemplify his versatility on land, as well as water. His hunting experiences began in 1970 when his Dad purchased his first shotgun; a 12-gage semi-automatic Ithaca. His first deer hunt, with that same 12-gauge, proved uneventful and quite a few years would pass before Victor hunted again. This subsequent outing, however, would prove to be one that all hunters should have the pleasure of experiencing. Victor would go on to hunt a variety of fowl, squirrel, and raccoon using a muzzle-loader, a 30-06, and a 300 Win Mag. For over 45 years, Victor, has derived much pleasure from fishing. His passion has taken him from Lake Michigan to the Florida Keys to as far northeast as Martha’s Vineyard with one of his favorite spots being the Gulf Coast’s Venice, Louisiana. From 1981-1993 he fished bass tournaments all over the southeast taking home several club tournaments and big fish awards, including a third place finish in a SABBA Mega tournament held on Lake Ferguson in Greenville, MS. He tops his accomplishments off with having caught almost every fresh water fish there is. As far as boating, Victor’s earliest memories with his Dad go back to outings on the newly formed Ross Barnett Reservoir. “…flying on water“ as Victor puts it, in a V-Bottom 12’ aluminum boat with a trailer, 9-hp Johnson motor and steering wheel in the middle, was what he looked forward to most. Little did he know ,then, that he would purchase his first boat in 1990—a 20 footer with a tandem trailer and 225-hp with hot foot.  Victor adds, with a smile, "That was then… and this is now.”
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Meet Keith Smith - OWS Senior Pro Staffer

For 33 years, Keith Smith, has sustained his zeal for the outdoors. The impressive knowledge and skill that he has acquired during this time are surpassed, only, by the passion which fuels his competitive spirit. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and boating. He prefers using either a rifle or bow when hunting deer, and enjoys fishing for fresh and saltwater species alike. An experienced boater, Keith, not only appreciates the excitement involved in boating, but understands the importance of engaging in this activity safely. Keith has competed in many bass tournaments on the club, local, and semi-professional levels. Locally, he boasts several top 10 finishes, including the Medra Bass Big Bass Award and the Medra Bass Angler of the year while, nationally, holding a second place finish in the BFL All-American.
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Meet Trevis Banks - OWS Senior Pro Staffer

Trevis comes to OWS as the newest member of the Senior Pro Staff. Although a newcomer to OWS, he is by no means a novice to the outdoors. Byram, MS native, Trevis Banks, hunts various game and has enjoyed freshwater-fishing all of his life. In the last four years, Banks has taken a keen interest in saltwater fishing, particularly, in the Venice, LA area. As a law enforcement officer, he possesses a knowledge-base and skill set that is unsurpassed. He is relied upon heavily to ensure that compliance with all policies, procedures, and regulations, as required by the wildlife and fisheries agencies, are maintained, thereby ensuring the safety of everyone involved in OWS events, activities, and excursions. Trevis is an amazing talent who brings a willingness and enthusiasm to the outdoors.
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