In this edition of the Rigby Campfire blog, we catch up with Colby Hale, a lifelong hunter and adventurer from Texas who was drawn as the winner of our newsletter giveaway, earning him the chance to own his very own Rigby rifle. From childhood turkey hunts in the Texas panhandle to chasing Cape buffalo in Africa, Colby’s passion for hunting has taken him across multiple continents. Now, with a Rigby Big Game rifle in .375 H&H on the way, he’s already dreaming of his next safari. Read on to learn more about Colby’s journey, what Rigby means to him and how it feels to join the Rigby owners’ club.
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Please tell us where are you based, and what does life look like outside the hunting field?
I am based in Fort Worth, Texas and I am the managing partner of High Water Strategies, a public affairs firm. I also share time in Mountain Home, Texas, at our ranch home which was part of the original, historic Y.O Ranch – the first Texas working ranch to offer exotic game hunting.
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Can you recall your first experience of hunting, and who introduced you to it?
I shot my first turkey when I was seven years old with my dad in the panhandle of Texas and I was hooked. I didn’t have the opportunity to hunt much through my adolescent years and really was mentored by my close friend, Roberto De Hoyos. We have hunted many species on four continents over the last 20 years and are always looking for the next adventure now.
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What species do you most enjoy pursuing, and why?
I truly enjoy all types of hunting — whether it’s red stag in Argentina, black bear in Canada or, most recently, roe deer in Hungary. I have had some great hunts, but I caught the “African addiction” a few years ago after my first Cape Buffalo there. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t think about getting back over to Africa to hunt another.
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Have you had the opportunity to shoot a Rigby rifle before, or will the moment you have your own Rigby in your hands ready to take that shot be your first time?
I have never had the pleasure of shooting a Rigby before. I have studied them for years, held many of them at shows like Dallas Safari Club and planned to one day have my own. This is a dream come true to be selected to build one with the distinguished Rigby team.
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You were given the choice between the Highland Stalker and Big Game PH. Which model did you choose, and why? And when are you expecting to have it in your hands?
I have chosen the Big Game rifle in 375 H&H. I went with that after talking to the Rigby Big Game experts because I have some larger caliber rifles and this will be a perfect cartridge that I will reach for often on big game adventures. I believe it is estimated that I will have it in about 12 months’ time. I am very excited.
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Once your new Rigby is ready, what’s the first hunt you’re planning to take it on? We’d love to know where you’re headed and what you’re hoping to pursue.
I believe that it will only be fitting to take it to Africa for an initial hunt. From there, I am sure there will be countless adventures that the Rigby will be in my hands and, Lord willing, my son and generations after.
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Finally, what does owning a Rigby mean to you personally?
To me, Rigby represents the epitome of prestige and tradition in hunting firearms. It is an honor to now be in the family of owner’s and to carry the stories of some of the world’s greatest hunters in the shared brand.
We look forward to following Colby’s journey with his Rigby Big Game rifle and will be sure to share an update with you when he embarks on that first adventure in the field. Until then, we welcome him to the Rigby family and wish him every success on the hunts to come.