The Turtleman: Bare-Handed Adventures in the Wild
Ernie Brown Jr., affectionately known as "The Turtleman," captivated audiences with his fearless antics and deep connection to the wild. Born and raised in Lebanon, Kentucky, Brown's journey into the spotlight began at the tender age of 7 when he started catching snapping turtles from the ponds near his home. His remarkable bare-handed techniques, showcased in an episode of Kentucky Educational Television's Kentucky Afield series, caught the attention of millions after the footage went viral on YouTube.
This newfound fame led to encounters with television producers, including Matt Sharp of Sharp Entertainment and executives from Animal Planet. Impressed by Brown's unique skills and magnetic personality, they approached him with the idea of starring in his own reality television series. Thus, "Call of the Wildman" was born, showcasing Brown's adventures as he tackled nuisance animal removal in the backwoods of Kentucky alongside his loyal friend Neal James and faithful canine companion, Lolly.
Brown's signature yell, a blend of his Shawnee and Cherokee heritage, became synonymous with his persona on the show. He emphasized the authenticity of his actions with the catchphrase "Live action!" assuring viewers that there was no fabrication in his daring escapades. Despite being dubbed "The Turtleman," Brown's expertise extended to capturing various nuisance animals, including raccoons, skunks, snakes, and possums, employing techniques that prioritized the safety of both himself and the animals.
Throughout the series, Brown's genuine love for wildlife and his commitment to their well-being shone through as he relocated captured animals to safer environments. However, controversy arose with allegations of staged scenarios and mistreatment of animals, casting a shadow over the show's authenticity.
Beyond the small screen, Brown's popularity soared, leading to guest appearances on prominent television programs such as The Tonight Show and Anderson Cooper 360°. Despite his rise to fame, Brown remained grounded, harboring dreams of gracing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
Despite the ups and downs, Ernie Brown Jr., the Turtleman, left an indelible mark on reality television, captivating audiences with his wild adventures and unwavering passion for the natural world.
Come see the “Turtleman” & Us on May 4th, 2024, in Townsend, TN at the Smoky Mountain Bigfoot Festival. Turtleman will be at the Speaking Stage at 10:15 a.m.
To see more of the “Turtleman” go here:
Ernie Brown Jr. “Turtleman” | Photo Credit: TV Guide
