Author personifies Alaska

PETERSEN-FREY-For the Frontiersman

WASILLA -- Tony Russ personifies the unique individuality that makes Alaska and its residents special. He was born in Alaska three years before it became a state and, after living many years in Anchorage, moved to the Valley in 1990.

Currently a writer, Russ started his career with a degree in biology and served as a commercial fisheries biologist with the Department of Fish and Game. It was here that he first discovered his love of writing and volunteered to write articles about his division for local papers. He then continued his education and became a geochemist with an oil field service company. An outdoorsman since he was young, Russ pulled from his knowledge of hunting and fishing to continue his writing hobby. He published his first commercial work in a hunting magazine in 1988. Realizing that he loved to teach and share knowledge, Russ received a teaching certificate and taught high school science and math for three years, one at Wasilla High School.

In 1988, Russ was awarded the Pope and Young World Record Dall Sheep for bow hunting. His record still stands today. Pursuing a career that would use his skills and his love of the outdoors, Russ became a hunting guide. This work gave him the opportunity to share his love of the outdoors as well as his knowledge of hunting, fishing and outdoor survival with others. He continued to write, and self-published his first book in 1994. Since then, he has published five books and his work can be found in local outdoor stores, as well as Carrs and Wal-Mart. In the fall of 2002, Russ decided to become a writer/publisher on a full-time basis. His company, Northern Publishing, is quickly becoming a successful publishing house for books that focus on Alaska and outdoor life.

Married to his wife Rene since March 2002, the couple enjoys cooking and experimenting with new dishes for the game meat that he brings home. Rene is also an avid outdoorsman and accomplished hunter. In addition, the couple enjoys hiking with their family of three dogs -- two Weimaraners, Cadee and Abby, and a basset hound named Barney. They recently joined the Wasilla Toastmasters. Russ originally took part to support his wife, but found that he was gaining valuable skills as well. As many small business owners know, marketing is the key to success and organizations such as toastmasters can help build public speaking and conversational skills.

Safety is the key to taking advantage of all the outdoors has to offer, and Russ encourages everyone to take part in the many free seminars offered on outdoor activities and safety. Russ' business slogan, "guiding you to success in the Alaskan outdoors," sums up his philosophy in business and life; enjoy what you do, strive to be successful and never stop learning. Russ can be reached at tonyruss.com and is always happy to speak to local groups and organizations about the outdoors life.