Detroit’s own Kid Rock, celebrated for his genre-bending music, has proven his prowess extends beyond the stage and into the great outdoors. Fellow Michigan native and rock icon Ted Nugent couldn’t contain his excitement as news broke of Kid Rock, born Bob Ritchie, successfully hunting a magnificent 9-point buck. The hunt took place near Troy in Pike County, Alabama, during a weekend excursion.
Kid Rock’s choice of location is no accident. For several years, the “Bawitdaba” singer, 44, has made it an annual January tradition to visit his friend Hank Williams Jr.’s property, adjacent to his own slice of Alabama wilderness, to pursue deer during the rut. Evidently, the Alabama hunting experience resonated deeply with Kid Rock, leading him to purchase his own piece of “Alabama heaven” a few years prior.
Nugent, a staunch advocate for hunting and conservation, shared his enthusiasm on Facebook, posting a picture of Kid Rock with his impressive buck. Nugent’s caption read:
“Gotta call from my fellow MotorCity RockDog KidRock very Xcited about his big AL buck! I’m afraid the man is hooked on the Great Spirit of the Wild now! Way2GO Bob! CongratSalute my Motown Michiganiac SoulMusic venison BloodBrother! Watch how much more sexy his music will be now!! GoKidGO!!”
In a subsequent phone interview with AL.com, Nugent elaborated on his bond with Kid Rock, stating, “We’re both from Detroit, the Michigan brotherland, the land of Fred Bear. When you’re from that part of the country, you can’t help but be filled up by the spirit of the outdoor lifestyle.”
Details of the hunt itself remained scarce on Monday, but the excitement surrounding Kid Rock’s achievement was palpable.
Kid Rock’s journey into hunting is relatively recent. Recognizing Nugent’s lifelong passion and expertise in the field, Kid Rock reached out three or four years ago seeking guidance on archery and hunting techniques. Nugent, a seasoned hunter and fellow musician, eagerly took on the role of mentor.
Nugent explained that Kid Rock, after decades in the high-octane world of entertainment, was searching for a way to “slow down, recharge the batteries and cleanse the soul.” Hunting, with its connection to nature and demand for focus, provided that very outlet.
“He plunged right into that,” Nugent affirmed. “He’s still pretty new at it, but between me and Hank Williams Jr., he’s doing just fine.” Nugent noted that Kid Rock is among a number of entertainers who have sought his mentorship in embracing the outdoors. He mentioned Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and Metallica’s James Hetfield as other prominent figures he has introduced to the hunting lifestyle.
While celebrating Kid Rock’s success, Nugent also reflected on his own thriving year, both professionally and in the field. Having performed his 6,514th concert last summer, Nugent is also experiencing what he describes as his “best deer season ever.”
“I’m 66 years old and enjoying the best hunting season of my life. I hung up my 61st whitetail yesterday, a fat doe from the ranch here in Texas,” Nugent shared.
Nugent proudly emphasizes his family’s commitment to utilizing the game they hunt, consuming the meat and donating a significant portion to charities aiding the hungry, veterans, and children. “All of the venison goes to good causes and I get to go shopping for it,” he quipped.
Beyond hunting itself, Nugent has leveraged his rock-and-roll platform to become a prominent voice for hunting advocacy and conservation. His top-rated Outdoor Channel show “Spirit of the Wild,” along with his radio presence and magazine articles, serve as vehicles for his unwavering message. He embraces this role, even when his “sincere, honest and fact-filled” opinions spark controversy.
Nugent expresses a desire to share his passion and potentially pass the torch to someone who can champion hunting and the outdoor lifestyle for future generations. He sees Kid Rock as a potential ally in this mission.
“I encourage my friend Bob Ritchie to take up the cause, promote conservation and defend our Second Amendment rights. Make it a cause celebre’. I’m prodding him to — at his own pace — not only enjoy hunting, but to promote it,” Nugent stated.
Nugent acknowledges the challenges faced by entertainers in engaging deeply with causes, often due to management pressures and differing political viewpoints within their industry. However, Nugent himself made a conscious decision at 18 to advocate for his beliefs, even as his music career was taking off.
“I’ve dedicated my life to carrying the message of the positive impacts of hunting. It’s a message that’s really contagious,” he asserted.
Nugent’s conviction stems from a fundamental belief: “Hunting and the perfection of killing your own food is the last pure, natural and organic thing man can do to keep his land healthy. Taking out the surplus animals produces quality air, land, soil and water for everyone.” Kid Rock’s successful buck hunt serves as another chapter in this narrative, highlighting the rewarding connection between individuals and the natural world.
