A Free State Family Tradition: Hunting, Heritage, and the Heart of the Outdoors

Justin Hogan poses with a 9-point piebald buck he harvested at one of his many hunting spots in North Alabama on a Friday in January.

For Justin Hogan, owner and sales manager at Free State Boat Docks in Double Springs, AL, hunting is far more than a weekend hobby. It is a way of life, a primary motivator, and a cherished family tradition that spans generations. I recently sat down with Justin and his son, Evan, to discuss their history in the woods and what the sport means to them today.

Justin’s journey into the Alabama outdoors began almost as soon as he could walk. He recalls getting into hunting as early as 4 years old, when his father, Dan Hogan, would carry him along on squirrel hunts simply to spend time together. Though he was too young to carry a firearm, Justin was absolutely amazed by the experience.

Those early years were shaped by the influential men in his life, including his grandfather, Bruce Randolph, who would take him deer hunting. Justin fondly remembers running around as the "little fellow" with a stopper gun, noting that those moments in the woods of Winston County remain some of his most cherished memories to this day. He began officially hunting game at age 6, marking 40 years of experience in the field. That legacy has now been passed down to his son, Evan, an 18-year-old senior at Winston County High School who has become a competitive archer and an accomplished hunter and fisherman in his own right.

“My father and I hunted together my whole life; now my son and I hunt together all the time,” Justin said. “Evan has had a lot of success, and this was his best year ever. But that's why hunting is so special to me and my family—it's an opportunity for us to all hang out together.”

While some see hunting as a distraction from work, Justin sees it as a catalyst for his professional success at Free State Boat Docks. Built alongside his father, the business has become the top dock provider on Lewis Smith Lake and is now expanding to Pickwick and Wilson Lakes. He jokingly attributes his work ethic to his "expensive hobby," explaining that a true enthusiasm for the sport pushes a person to work harder. This drive allows him to secure the future of the sport, whether through acquiring property or contributing to conservation efforts within the hunting industry.

With four decades in the woods, Justin has seen countless new gadgets and "must-have" products hit the shelves. His advice for those starting out is to keep things simple and ignore the gimmicks. He emphasizes that there is no such thing as being truly "scent-free," so the most important tactic is simply to hunt with the wind. Rather than spending money on high-priced brand names, he suggests investing in good, warm, and quiet clothing that allows you to stay comfortable in the elements. When it comes to gear, he recommends a dependable rifle paired with the best scope you can afford. Above all, he reminds newcomers to focus on the fun; if you take it too seriously or get caught up in the pressure, you risk turning a relaxing hobby into a second job.

This past January, Justin drew significant attention on social media for harvesting a rare 9-point piebald buck. While the animal’s unique white-and-brown coat turned many heads, Justin remains humble about the experience, noting that the harvest was more about a stroke of luck and timing than major skill. After learning the deer was in the area on a Tuesday, he was able to hunt that Friday evening and was successful when the buck appeared.

It was only the second piebald Hogan had ever encountered in the wild. He spotted the first in 2018, but because it was only a 5-point yearling, he chose not to take it. For Justin, a young deer is never a trophy, regardless of how unique it may be. This second buck, however, proved to be a 5-year-old mature animal.

"I honestly felt so blessed to have that opportunity that I didn't even feel worthy," Justin said.

For the Hogans, hunting is also an act of service and stewardship. Justin is a firm believer in herd control and often processes meat to give to local families in need. He considers it a hunter’s responsibility to act as a land manager, which includes keeping buck-to-doe ratios in check.

He suggests that for every mature buck harvested, a hunter should ideally take at least two does. This practice is not only good for the health of the herd but also provides a perfect opportunity to get children involved. Since young hunters are often more interested in the excitement of the harvest than the size of the antlers, doe hunting allows them to experience success without the long, grueling waits often required for a trophy buck.

Aside from deer, the Hogans also enjoy hunting ducks, hogs, pheasant, quail, and turkey. On the aquatic side of things, Evan is an experienced fisherman with a particular passion for Smith Lake’s famous Striped Bass, which can grow to over 40 lbs. in the reservoir’s deep, clear waters.

When asked about his proudest moment, Justin doesn't point to his rare piebald harvest or a record-breaking score. Instead, he points to the day his son killed his first deer at 8 years old.

"That little knotty head buck that Evan killed has meant more to me than any deer I have ever killed," Justin said.

For Evan, the sentiment is mutual. When reflecting on his favorite memories of hunting with his father, he finds it impossible to pick just one. He values the entire experience—the management, the work days and the life at the hunting camp. Ultimately, the Hogan family philosophy centers on the idea that time is the only commodity a man will never have enough of. By spending that time in the woods with family and friends, they ensure that every moment is used well.

Author’s Note: I would like to personally thank Justin Hogan for his hospitality and mentorship. This past December, Justin took me hunting on a piece of land he manages and helped me harvest my very first deer, a doe. Seeing his management principles in action firsthand made this story all the more meaningful to write.

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