20 Athletes Who Love to Hunt

Image via petersenshunting.com

For anyone who owns a gun these days, it seems they can't help but catch heat for packing heat.

Though it's legal, there are a bevy of opinions on why having a gun is terrible, though supporters are quick to say they aren't all used for bad.

Take these athletes for example, who, along with hitting their targets on the field, aren't too shabby when it comes to donning camo and taking down an eight-pointer.

John Rocker

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Not only does the former flame-throwing lefty shoot-off at the mouth, but he's been known to shoot down an animal or two in his days as well.

It's no wonder he wasn't a big fan of New York City, there weren't any animals for him to hunt down amongst all that pavement.

Kirk Gibson, David Wells and Jake Peavy

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We grouped this trio together because, not only do they all love to hunt, but they actually manage a 1,300 acre ranch in Michigan together strictly to host hunting trips.

It may not be our way of "broing out," but it seems to satisfy their interests just fine.

Shawn Michaels

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Michaels was an absolute star in the wrestling world while walking around in the spandex underwear and slamming fools to the canvas.

But it wasn't until he retired from the ring that he really found that his other love is hunting, and actually uses those entertainer skills as a host on the Outdoor Channel's show MRA Hunting.

Shaquille O'Neal

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Yep, you're reading that right!

The big man who's known not only from his playing days, but currently for his hilarious comments on TNT telecasts is a big-time hunter too.

In fact, he opened up about it in his book, "Shaq Talks Back", where he was called the "most conscientious hunter" the author had ever met.

Mike Timlin

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The former MLB reliever probably grew pretty antsy sitting in the 'pen for all those years when he wasn't pitching, wishing he was out hunting instead.

Now that he's retired, he's able to take all the time in the world to hunt, so he's probably on cloud nine.

David Booth

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During any league lockout, it can be tough to find things to pass the time.

But during the most current NHL work stoppage this past year, the Canucks winger knew exactly where he'd be if not on the ice.

Check out the picture of him and the massive goat he got himself.

Chris Kaman

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Kaman used to look like a damn caveman, so it's not too shocking for us to hear that he loves to take down some wild animals in his spare time.

Matter of fact, his tweet on Thanksgiving last year showed all of his followers how much he really likes to hunt.

Brett Favre

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Favre's one of the best passers in NFL history, connecting on a record 508 TD tosses.

But we wonder how the gunslinger on the football field does while taking aim at some wild game? We have a good feeling he doesn't miss his targets too often.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

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Just like his Wrangler-endorsing counterpart Favre, Dale Jr. often finds himself out on the range looking for some wild animals.

Earnhardt's a redneck through and through, so we're he was raised on racing and hunting by his dad, Dale Sr., who was also an avid hunter.

Peyton Manning

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Manning will likely go down as one of the most prolific passers in NFL history once he decides to hang it up—which isn't looking soon with the '12 season he just had.

But whenever he's not on the football field, the record-setting, four-time league MVP likes to go hunting to get away from his craft.

Brad Miller

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Remember when Shaq threw down a hammer punch that narrowly missed the head of Miller?

Yeah, the former center was fortunate he didn't get socked there.

Unfortunately for the ducks, Miller loves to hunt, they probably aren't as lucky in escaping the big man's shot.

Ryan Newman

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To be a successful hunter one must be patient and take their time.

Seems completely opposite of anyone who's used to driving a car nearly 200 miles per hour would be good at, but apparently Newman does it quite well.

He even ran a contest for fans to get a chance to go hunt with him.

Michael Strahan

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Strahan, the former Giant defensive great and current TV host, is known to be quite the avid hunter, frequently heading upstate New York to track down wild turkeys.

With as much as he's got going on, we're sure he loves the time to relax and unwind a little bit.

Chipper Jones

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The recently retired Jones is an icon amongst Braves fans thanks to his ownership of the hot corner for 19 seasons with the team.

But now that he's not aiming to go yard, he's got his target set on some animals, as he co-hosts two different hunting shows, and owns a ranch called "Double Dime Ranch" in Texas.

Looks like Chipper's not only taking down hot girls, but some animals too!

Jordin Tootoo

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Tootoo is known for his grittiness and aggressive play on the ice, so it's not too shocking to see him harness some of that into hunting.

The dude grew up in middle-of-nowhere Canada, so besides playing hockey, how the hell else would he spend his time?

Karl Malone

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Though the Mailman's the second-leading scorer in NBA history, his talents weren't restricted to just running pick-and-rolls with former mate John Stockton.

Along with driving his 72-foot truck for kicks, Malone's an avid outdoorsman who loves shooting down elk and bears up at his cabin in Alaska.

Steve Austin

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Of all the athletes on this list, we're assuming you're not too surprised to see the former WWF superstar on here.

After all, his entire persona in the ring was based off a redneck who loved chugging beer and kicking ass.

Like others on this list, Austin too owns a ranch, with his being in Texas.

Bo Jackson

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Turns out Bo really knows how to do it all!

Jackson, regarded as one of the greatest pure athletes ever, proves that he wasn't just a two-sport pro during his playing days, but that he actually could have been a three sporter!

He was featured on a The Sportsmen Channel as a guest, and his love for hunting has been well-documented elsewhere too.

Luke Scott

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Scott might play a ton of different roles for the Rays—along with sharing a lot of his opinions—so why wouldn't he take up the hobby of a hunter to spread his many talents?

Looks like he prefers to use a couple 7 1/2-foot spears to track down wild boars.

Didn't realize he was going all "Lord of the Flies" on us?

Jared Allen

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Besides sacking quarterbacks, the mammoth defensive end for the Vikes is often seen suiting it up in the woods to take down some animals too.

For as big and crazy as Allen is, we're a little surprised he just doesn't wrestle the damn things with his bare hands.