Joe Mills

Joe Mills was fortunate to be born into a family who immersed themselves into the Longrifle Culture in the late 1960’s. By the age of 13, he had his own boy’s rifle (made by H. House), had built his first hunting pouch, and with the assistance of his father, Randall, he had forged a hunting knife. Throughout the last 50 years, he has developed his signature style of homespun hunting pouches, which in part was driven by examining and restoring many original pieces. His interest in flintlock hunting and collecting contemporary pieces still runs deep in his veins.

As a Professional Auctioneer for over 40 years, the CLF Fundraising Auction was a natural fit for Joe. Starting with the first “7 Hides Hunting Pouch Auction,” Joe could see the fruits of the fundraising auction as an effective way to showcase the artist as well as support the mission of the CLA.

Mills says, “The CLA has done more for the advancement of talent in the Longrifle Culture than any other venue. The quality of the art produced by its members in the last 25 years has greatly advanced, most likely due to the “greyhairs” who were willing to share their knowledge with other members. Another major factor has been the publications and the quality of the photography in them which have been published by the CLA.”