Growing up, Rachelle Hedrick was the epitome of an outdoor-loving, farm-living, little tomboy. Her father was an avid outdoorsman, who sadly lost his battle with cancer when Rachelle was very young. It wasn’t until she met her husband, Josh, in 2007 that she realized hunting and fishing were in her blood and came very natural to her.

Rachelle and Josh own Smoke Hole Outfitters, located at their family-owned caverns and log cabin business called Smoke Hole Resort, nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of “Almost Heaven” West Virginia. (www.smokehole.com). Here they spawn and raise their own trout, offering a Catch ‘n Keep Trout Pond and their private Catch ‘n Release Trophy Trout Stream, as well as fly fishing lessons for beginners.

Josh and Rachelle also take pride in raising, training and hunting some of the best bloodlines of bear hounds in the Appalachians. When they’re not elbow deep in trout or managing the resort, you can find them in the mountains, beating brush for miles in bear country.

“Hoist was a lifesaver during our early bear season this year. There were several days when we logged over 10-15 miles of back country through the West Virginia Appalachian range. Being that we already carry a lot of weight with equipment, we found that we didn’t have to carry as much weight with water since we had Hoist to supplement our hydration.”

Aside from the Resort and Outfitters, Rachelle owns her own Graphic Design business, and also works part time for DSG Outerwear, a women’s hunting and outdoor apparel line. She manages the partnerships and pro team, runs social media, and helps with design projects.

Rachelle is focused on the things she enjoys most about being an advocate for conservation. She is dedicated to making it a natural way of life, livelihood, and sharing it with others as well as educating our youth. Sharing in moments like these are what fuels her passion.