The world of outdoor adventure and entertainment has lost one of its most iconic and influential figures. Buck McNeely, the host of the popular TV show “The Outdoorsman with Buck McNeely”, passed away in his sleep on January 7, 2024, at the age of 63. His son, Max McNeely, confirmed the sad news on the show’s Facebook page, expressing his grief and gratitude for his father’s legacy.
Who Was Buck McNeely?
Buck McNeely was born on June 15, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri. He developed a love for nature and wildlife at an early age, inspired by his father, who was a hunter and fisherman. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1982, where he majored in mass communications and journalism. He started his career as a radio and TV reporter, covering local news and sports.
In 1985, he launched his own TV show, “The Outdoorsman with Buck McNeely”, as a college project. The show featured Buck traveling around the world, exploring different cultures, landscapes, and wildlife, and engaging in various outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and skiing. The show became a huge success, reaching over 550 TV stations globally and becoming the largest syndicated outdoors show in the world. For nearly 40 years, Buck entertained and educated millions of viewers with his charisma, humor, and enthusiasm.
Jimmy Carter has outlived Buck McNeely, host of The Outdoorsman, who has passed away at 63 pic.twitter.com/DWTE6NeVs8
— People Jimmy Carter Outlived (@JimmyOutlived) January 9, 2024
Buck was not only a TV personality, but also an advocate for conservation and environmental issues. He was involved in several organizations and campaigns, such as the National Rifle Association, the Safari Club International, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and the Ducks Unlimited. He also supported various charities and causes, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Special Olympics, and the Wounded Warrior Project. He received numerous awards and honors for his contributions, such as the Golden Moose Award, the Outdoor Channel Hall of Fame, and the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame.
A Legacy of Love and Inspiration
Buck McNeely is survived by his wife, Cindy, his son, Max, his daughter, Molly, his brother, Scott, and his sister, Kelly. He also leaves behind a wealth of family, friends, and fans who cherish his memory and celebrate his life. His son, Max, who has been working and traveling with him for the past 13 years, announced that he will continue the show in his father’s honor, following his motto of “Live Large”.
“Seeing your dad die is like watching Superman die because that’s what he was to me. A true superhero and I couldn’t have asked for a better role model than him,” Max wrote on Facebook. “He loved his fans and anytime one would run into him he always loved meeting them and chatting about the show. He truly lived larger than anybody I know and I will continue that legacy in his honor like he always wanted.”
Many people have expressed their condolences and tributes to Buck on social media, sharing their stories and memories of him. Some of his famous guests and friends, such as former President George H.W. Bush, actor Chuck Norris, singer Ted Nugent, and wrestler Hulk Hogan, also paid their respects and praised his achievements.
Buck McNeely was a pioneer and a legend in the outdoor industry, a passionate and generous man, and a loving and devoted father. He will be dearly missed by many, but his spirit and his legacy will live on through his show, his family, and his fans. Rest in peace, Buck. You will always be remembered as the ultimate outdoorsman.
