Cowboy Cerrone on Being a Cowboy, Hunter, and Friend
Henry Ambassador and UFC Hall of Famer talks about ranching, hunting, and much more
Most people know Cowboy Cerrone as an MMA fighter in the UFC. He’s pulled together an excellent career, amassing 36 wins, 17 losses, and two no-contests. The guy can fight, and his legacy is now rightfully immortalized in the UFC Hall of Fame.
But most of you probably already knew that about Mr. Cerrone. It’s the cowboying, hunting and other things that are lesser known. So, these are the things we asked him about during a recent sit-down, and he answered in true Cowboy fashion.
Henry Repeating Arms: How did you get into hunting?
Cowboy Cerrone: My dad introduced me when I was a kid. Just like I’m doing now with my son. He’s four years old, and I have already helped him bag his first turkey, which is cool. My kids aren’t even going to know what television and video games are for as long as I can help it.
Henry: How are you passing on the outdoors to your kid?
Cowboy: We’ve got him a Henry Mini Bolt .22, which is about all he can hold at this point. We have plenty more guns for when he’s ready to progress. But he must know proper firearm safety, hunter safety, and everything there is to know about being around and operating firearms. From bell to bell, you must be well-versed.
Henry: What does hunting with family and friends mean to you?
Cowboy: Hunting with friends and family — that’s what I love. I love the camaraderie and hanging out with pals. Sitting around the fire after hiking all day. Stories of the hunt are often way more fun than the hunt itself. It’s all about the experience, the journey, and who you share it with.
Henry: Do you prefer to hunt on your own or with others?
Cowboy: My favorite thing is to bring a group of us packing in on horses hunting deer. Or, taking first-time hunters elk hunting who have never done it. They get to experience a new thing in a new way. I’ll bring guys on duck hunts who have never even seen or experienced it. They’re like, “Man, this is fun.” Then, they get stoked and get into it.
Henry: What are your preferred outdoor hunting adventures?
Cowboy: My absolute favorite is packing in on horses. Loading the scabbards up, putting rifles in there, rounding up the boys and taking off is my favorite part. Another favorite hunt of mine is chasing pheasants with dogs. Working with animals that have those instincts in their DNA is so special.
Henry: How does being on your ranch and hunting tie in together?
Cowboy: To me, I always wanted a ranch where I could shoot my guns, ride horses, ride dirt bikes, build a life, and raise my family on. I slowly started chipping away at that. Now, whenever I’m gone, I just want to return to the ranch. To me, showing my kids that way of life, there’s nothing more I could ask for. Cities and craziness? No, I’d rather be at the ranch.
Henry: In your line of work, you encounter people from all walks of life, including those who might not agree with our hunting heritage. What do you say to those folks?
Cowboy: Hunting is a different animal. You must be willing to go out there, kill, and eat what you kill. Rather than other people killing it, processing it, packaging it, and shipping it out to the grocery store. Some people are like, “How can you take a life?” I’m like, “What do you think you’re doing by going to Walmart and buying a brisket?” Hunting is a more humane way of consuming meat. But trying to convince the outer ring is a battle I don’t know will ever be won. But I do take people duck and turkey hunting, and they’ll really enjoy it. Then, we come back, and I show them how to dress the birds. We cook and eat them that night. You see the wheels turning. We’re not just hunting for sport. We’re putting food on the table for our families that we pursued ourselves.
Henry: What’s the difference between wild meat and ag-raised meat?
Cowboy: I try to explain it like this: I know exactly what the cattle, buffalo, and animals we raise on the ranch are eating. There are no hormones or unnecessary things injected into these animals. It’s better than anything you can get from the grocery store. Have you seen what a feedlot looks like? Have you seen how they pile cows, goats, or chickens on top of each other? Hunt for your own food in the wild. They’re eating, grazing, and living life in their natural habitat. Then, you hit them with a well-placed bullet, and there’s no suffering. It’s a totally different reality.
Henry: What does being a cowboy mean to you?
Cowboy: I don’t think you’re born a cowboy. I think you become one through experiences and living life. I just put myself in a position to be outdoors, working the ranch, riding horses, and raising animals. It’s something I love. It’s a lot more than what people see on television. It ain’t just listening to country music, driving a truck, and riding a horse every now and then. It has a lot more to do with how you live your life. They don’t call me Cowboy for no reason.
Henry: What does being a hunter mean to you?
Cowboy: I thoroughly enjoy hunting. I’m primarily a turkey and bird hunter. I enjoy big game too, such as elk, but I just enjoy hunting overall. I think it’s awesome to raise and kill your own food. We do that at our ranch a lot with our own buffalo, cattle, pigs, and turkeys. So, to me, using the whole animal to feed your family and knowing where it comes from is cool.
Henry: What does it mean to be a good friend?
Cowboy: That’s a no-brainer. I only have about five. Those are the people I can call any time of the night and say hey, I need something. And whatever I need, they’ll be there. To me, that’s what it is to be a good friend. No matter what, if they’re up, down, or just need help, you’re there for them. You’re there to support them like they support you. It’s a give-and-take kind of thing, not just one-sided.
Henry: You’ve had a great fighting career in the UFC. What does the future hold for Cowboy Cerrone?
Cowboy: I’m grateful to have the platform and for everything the UFC has done for me. I’m trying to transition that into an even bigger career. Now, I’m going to be a movie star.
Henry: Why do you choose to hunt with a Henry?
Cowboy: Now that’s the easiest question I’ve had all day. The number one reason is that they’re made in America or not made at all. Plus, these guns are reliable. Whether shooting or hunting, I’ve never once had one fail or misfire, and I know that They shoot true, and it’s crazy how smooth they are.
Obviously, Cowboy Cerrone doesn’t just talk the talk. He walks the walk, too. Watch this video to learn more about Cowboy Cerrone and what he stands for.
Great Lever Guns for the Woods and Ranch
All things considered, it’s obvious that there are different needs and requirements. The good news? Lever guns satisfy virtually all of these. Here are some of our top picks to tackle the many tasks on the ranch or in the woods.
Henry Big Boy X Model
At the forefront is the Big Boy X Model. It’s perfect for shooting game from 100 yards and in. It’s also an excellent option for keeping things secure on the ranch. It holds seven rounds, and comes chambered in .357 Mag/.38 Spl, .44 Mag/.44Spl, or .45 Colt.
Henry Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate
Another fine option is the Big Boy All-Weather Side Gate. It’s a sleek gun that’s incredibly durable, reliable, and smooth. It’s an excellent ranch and deer hunting rifle. It holds 10 rounds and is chambered in .357 Mag/.38 Spl, .44 Mag/.44Spl, or .45 Colt.
Henry Big Boy Color Case Hardened Side Gate
Lastly, if you want a practical lever gun that serves as both a ranch and deer rifle, and looks incredibly slick, the Big Boy Color Case Hardened Side Gate might just be for you. It looks incredible and shoots like a dream. It holds 10 rounds, and comes chambered in .357 Mag/.38 Spcl, .44 Mag/.44 Spl, or .45 Colt.
