Local writer takes 'Offhand Shot' at prestigious post

Most shooters will tell you the offhand (standing) position is, by far, the most difficult to master. Unlike other positions, there is no additional support to steady one's aim. Offhand is the least preferred setup when in the field, and the truest challenge of skill when it has to be used.

Beginning this month, Sidney's Joe Arterburn is taking the writer's equivalent of a long-distance standing shot on what he hopes will be a regular basis with an outdoor column aptly name "Offhand Shots."

What makes Arterburn's shot so difficult, and worth the risk, is that his column is, using outdoor vernacular, one of the most prized "game species" there is – the back page of Outdoor Life magazine.

Finding a copy of the August issue of Outdoor Life in Sidney is as elusive as bagging a pheasant running through tall stubble right now, because word spread quickly that Arterburn's back page debut is in the issue. With the issue, Arterburn joins an elite group of outdoor writers who became highly sought after because of their connections with a unique and demanding audience. Unique, because it ranges from beginners to the most experienced outdoors men and women; demanding because nearly every one has their own experiences and need when it comes to information and entertainment.

Arterburn understands the magnitude and responsibility that comes with his new assignment. He, like many others, grew up learning from the writings of Jack O'Connor, Jim Zumbo and Jim Carmichel. He also read the antecdotes of Patrick F. McManus, whose writing entertained readers from the back page for 28 years. His column, "The Last Laugh," is well known by regular Outdoor Life readers for its humorous look at outdoor situations and characters.

In fact, as Arterburn talked with Outdoor Life Editor-in-Chief Andrew McKean about the possibility of becoming the back page writer, the thought of replacing McManus was big in his thoughts.

"I wasn't sure I could be funny like McManus," Arterburn said. But that concern wasn't warranted. Arterburn said McKean told him he didn't expect a duplication of the previous column, but to make it his own.

"They were looking for something different for the back page," Arterburn said. "They were looking for someone who can tell a good story who people can relate to."

Arterburn has a good range of experiences to draw on as he works to develop that relationship. Growing up near Imperial, he learned to hunt and fish at an early age, learning from family and neighbors to appreciate the outdoors. That love and appreciation didn't diminish as he grew older, and he embraced outdoor opportunities all over the United States, Mexico and Canada on his way to enjoying one of many hunters' dream – an African experience.

As a writer, Arterburn's path began at the University of Nebraska's School of Journalism, where he earned a bachelor's degree. His first job as a journalist was in Alliance, where an outdoor column became part of his writing duties. He later moved to Omaha, where he began a longer run, almost 30 years and counting, with wife Cathy, while he wrote across the river in Council Bluff, Iowa.

After eight years in Council Bluffs, the Arterburns moved to Sidney, joining the writing staff at Cabelas. Arterburn rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the company's corporate communications manager. With the company's blessing, he continued outdoor writing on a freelance basis. Along the way, he was also the co-founder of the Outfitter's Journal, Cabela's own outdoors magazine, which provided tips and tales for 15 years.

In his first Outdoor Life column, "Code and Dorothy," he introduces himself with part of his childhood experience, telling the tale of the influence made on him by an older neighbor couple.

"I wanted to show people I grew up in an outdoor atmosphere," Arterburn said. "I also included more recent experiences so they (readers) understand where I come from."

More childhood experiences, as well as those as an adult, will be part of Arterburn's submissions. He said he believes he has an interesting mix of experience and information to share, "I just don't know how interesting other people will find it."

For McKean's part, "I think he's going to do well."

McKean has known Arterburn professionally for many years and likes the Sidney writer's material. McKean s doesn't expect Arterburn will offer the same "enhanced reality" McManus was known for, but said Arterburn's writing has a good message.

"And I don't think what we've seen is a one-off," McKean said in a call from Montana. "Joe can develop a brand – a voice – and that's hard to do."

McKean has seen Arterburn be that voice through his work at Cabela's, where he served as the head of the communications department. "He was the voice of the brand."

McKean said he believes Arterburn's background, his western Nebraska roots will be evident in Arterburn's column, and "you're going to see a lot of that landscape in his writing."

McKean also expects Arterburn's personality to be a big part of what readers see.

"That's something I've always enjoyed about him was his voice," McKean said. "His experience, his irony, his sarcasm are all part of what makes him."

McKean hopes and thinks Arterburn's makeup will fit the bill of the magazine's back page and its pedigree. Filling the long open spot wasn't an overnight process (McManus' last column was in April 2009), and both think the timing was right.

"My hope is that Joe can have the same run Pat had," McKean said.

With any luck, Arterburn will be right on target with his Offhand Shots.