EASTSLOPE OUTFITTERS

Jim Laughery founded Eastslope Outfitters on the Bighorn River in 1985 and after more than 40 years, he's still head of the family operation.
  Originally from Moses Lake, Washington, Jim took the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 as a sign that it was time to escape the ash and move to greener pastures. He headed down the eastslope of the Rockies and landed in Montana, where he guided on the Bighorn River for several years, working for area fly shops. It didn't take long to realize he had found his life's work, so in 1985 he started his own small flyfishing company on the Bighorn River and named it Eastslope Outfitters.
  Jim, nicknamed "Stretch" because of his height and long-arm reach, was confident that what he couldn't offer in size of operation, he could make up in extra effort and personal service. 

   In 1998, he was juggling single-parenthood, his fishing business and was just beginning the expansion into hunting, as well, when he met Joyce.
  She was a cowgirl, born and raised on a cattle ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska, with a career in marketing and management. They shared a love of the outdoors and a kindred spirit for hard work. They were married in January 2000, and Joyce joined the business full-time a few years later.

  

Jim (a.k.a. Stretch) is pictured at right with dog Cicada, in the Bighorn River.