My Job … My Outdoors: Amy Grisak — been there, done that and still doing the outdoor thing

Amy Grisak doesn’t mention having a personal assistant for herself or a nanny to help her with two rambunctious boys. With her credentials in the outdoor communications business and as an entrepreneur for various endeavors, as well as being a full-time mom, Amy leads a busy and full life that we know you’re going to, well, marvel at when you read about it in her own words.

My Job

My business name – Endless Endeavors, Inc. – says a lot about my schedule. There’s always a project waiting in the wings. Over the years, I’ve done everything from work on natural history programs; act as contractor on major landscaping projects (spinning in the bucket of an excavator is as close as we get to roller coasters here in Montana); and own Montana Mercantile, a body care products manufacturing company, but being a writer is who I am.

I write from home while wrangling our 2 rambunctious boys, Samuel (3) and John (1+). Gardening is a long time passion of mine, and I’m the “Pest Patrol” expert on PlantersPlace.com where I give advice on ridding your garden of earwigs to elk. (After years of having my landscaping projects devoured by deer my recommended deterrent is a .22-250.) I’ve also written for several hunting and fishing publications and a radio program before the boys were born, and now that they’re more portable, I’m adding the incredible outdoor activities we have in Montana to my assignment sheet. It’s a delight to share tips on where to hunt and fish, as well as other outdoor activities to help readers have the best outdoor experiences possible.

My Outdoors

For nearly a decade, I chased grizzlies and mountain lions with a camera and sound equipment while working on wildlife programs for National Geographic and BBC. (I was one of those nuts trying to fill the frame with a grizzly using a 50 mm lens.) I’ve been blessed to go to some of the most beautiful areas in North America. Yet, Montana is still on the top of my list for one of the best places to live and play. There’s nothing like hiking Glacier Park, riding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness or pursuing elk at the CMR National Wildlife Preserve!

Now with two boys are adventures are a little tamer … for now. My husband, Grant, is the fisheries manager for the Missouri River (and other waters) in Region 4 so we make it a point to take advantage of the blue ribbon fishing. There is an abundance of trout, pike, walleye and bass to keep us busy regardless of the season. The ice fishing is just as productive as tossing in a fly during the rest of the year.

We moved to Great Falls 3 years ago, and it’s been a refreshing change after living in or near the mountains on the west side for nearly 2 decades. The prairie offers far more sunshine, open expanses and a healthy dose of wind to keep us humble. It has its own beauty, particularly in the spring when everything is green and exploding with life, and in the fall when the landscape winds down before winter.

The rivers are also more inviting over here. I’m used to floating the tumultuous Middle Fork of the Flathead – not exactly a relaxing day with a couple of toddlers – so I’m looking forward to taking the boys in kayaks along calm stretches of the Missouri. (Grant even plans to fish from the kayaks. That’s going to be interesting.)

Amy Grisak packs out the front quarter of an elk in the Missouri Breaks.

And since the Rocky Mountain Front and Little Belt Mountains are such a short drive from here, we have unlimited opportunities to hike (with the boys in backpacks when they’re tired), or ride Kelo, my faithful Arab gelding who’s taken me safely through my numerous backcountry excursions and is the perfect teacher for Sam and John. With work and play intermingling, there’s never a dull moment!

  • About The WON

    The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women.

     

The Conversation

3 Comments
  • Amy Grisak says: June 30, 2010 at 11:18 pm

    Thanks so much, Tammy! I’m very blessed to live in such a beautiful region of the country. There’s always so much to do around here, and my only complaint is there isn’t enough time in the day. Thanks for touching base. Best, Amy

  • Tammy says: June 24, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    Amy, what a great article about your life, family and your pursuits. I really enjoyed reading it and loved the pictures. Incredible! Thank you for letting us get to know you through My Job…My Outdoors.