The Unlikely Journey of Ryan Busbice: From Hunting Feeds to Reality TV and Business Leadership

A Southern Beginning and Early Ambitions

Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, Ryan Busbice grew up under the entrepreneurial influence of his father, Bill Busbice — a self-made man who transitioned from trucking for the oil industry to launching ventures in different fields.Ryan followed that same entrepreneurial spark: after high school at St. Thomas More, he attended University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he completed a degree in Business Administration.

That education laid the groundwork for what would become a defining move: co-founding a company that married business acumen with passion.

Turning a Hobby Into an Industry: Wildgame Innovations

In 2004, Ryan and his father joined forces — later including his brother — to launch Wildgame Innovations, a company focused on products tailored to the hunting and outdoor lifestyle: deer feed, trail cameras, feeders, and related gear.

Wildgame’s rise mirrored the Busbices’ commitment. With products resonating among outdoor enthusiasts and hunters nationwide, the company expanded beyond its humble start — setting the stage for broader visibility and influence. By combining business savvy with authentic roots in the outdoors, Ryan helped build one of the leading brands in the hunting industry.

The Reality TV Spotlight: From the Woods to the Screen

With a growing company and a lifestyle rooted in hunting culture, Ryan and his family landed a television gig: Wildgame Nation, a reality show on the Outdoor Channel. The show documented life in their hunting business, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at a real American family building something from scratch.

That wasn’t the end. The family later transitioned to a broader audience with Country Buck$ — a show on A&E that aired for two seasons. There, Ryan, his brother, and their family gained mainstream recognition, projecting the Wildgame lifestyle to viewers beyond the hunting community.

Business Leadership: From Co-Founder to Industry Influencer

Beyond television, Ryan’s role in the outdoor industry deepened. In addition to his work at Wildgame, he’s associated with Barnett Crossbows — an iconic name in archery and crossbow gear. Under his influence, the company has continued to thrive, building on Wildgame’s legacy and serving as a pillar of the modern hunting market.

Colleagues and industry watchers often view Ryan as the organized — if sometimes reserved — counterbalance to his more freewheeling brother. As he once described their dynamic: “I’m the glue of the business, and Matt is always trying to unglue me.”  That blend of structure, foresight, and authenticity helped transform a small family venture into a national brand with real staying power.

What His Wealth and Success Reflect

Public estimations put Ryan Busbice’s net worth at around US $5 million.That wealth reflects a mix of business growth (Wildgame Innovations, Barnett Crossbows), media exposure (reality TV), and the long-term value of building a brand that resonated with both niche and mainstream audiences. It also underscores a story of entrepreneurship grounded in passion — not just profit.

Though some sources suggest higher valuations — such as $10 million — those appear inconsistent and are less widely cited.

Family, Roots & Values Beyond Business

Ryan is married to his wife Laura Busbice. Together they have raised children — including Christian, Noelle, Madeline, and Chloe — and the family remains a central part of his public story.

For Ryan, success isn’t just about business metrics. Interviews suggest he deeply values his upbringing in Lafayette, reflecting pride in his roots and a lasting connection to the Southern outdoors lifestyle he grew up with. Today, that upbringing still shapes how he runs his companies — balancing profit with respect for tradition, nature, and family.

Why Ryan Busbice’s Story Resonates

Ryan’s journey stands out because it’s a near-textbook example of turning personal passion into lasting enterprise. He didn’t stumble into success — he built it. From co-founding Wildgame Innovations, weathering the daily struggles of business growth, to stepping into broader public exposure via reality TV, his path blends grit, strategy, and authenticity.

His story is especially relevant at a time when people crave real stories — not fabricated celebrity personas, but real people building real things. For entrepreneurs, hunters, or anyone drawn to the outdoors, Ryan embodies a rare combination: business acumen rooted in genuine lifestyle, and success built on long-term vision rather than overnight fame.

A Note on Public Details

• Public sources list Ryan Busbice’s net worth at US $5 million.

• He is married to Laura Busbice, and they share a family together.

• Ryan’s birth-town is Lafayette, LA; he graduated from University of Louisiana at Lafayette.