My name is Hunter Techau and I have been gunsmithing professionally since 2002. I was trained at the Colorado School of Trades, and graduated at the top of my class. I am proud of this fact and strive to continue this reputation everyday in my shop. I have built my business on two ideals, quality work and exceptional customer service. Many of my customers are return customers and much of my business comes from word of mouth.
I was born and raised in the midwest, and my parents instilled in me a hard work ethic and a love for the outdoors. I grew up hunting and fishing and it didn't take long to decide that I wanted a career tied to the outdoors. After graduating high school as Valedictorian, I attended Iowa State University graduating with Honors and Distinction and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology. During the summer work season I began venturing west chasing smoke with the US Forest Service, and also working in fisheries and watershed restoration. I worked my way into leadership positions in both fire and aquatics, but after 10 years I decided it was time to set out on my own.
I couldn't pull myself away from my hunting roots, and thus jumped head first into gunsmithing. The work ethic I learned growing up, the one that brought me so much success at all levels of my education, and at my career with the Forest Service still drives me today. I apply it everyday at Brown Dog Gunsmithing, from the most minor shotgun repair, to the fanciest custom stock, from a simple handgun cleaning, to a technical accuracy job on a custom rifle you can feel confident that I will be working hard for to give you the best gun work possible.
The midwest was a friendly place to grow up, and customers were always much appreciated. I try very hard to provide each and every customer with friendly, personalized customer service. I will try to answer any questions you have concerning your gun work to the best of my ability. I will never claim to know it all, because when it comes to guns and shooting I don't believe anyone can ever know it all. If I don't know the answer to your gunsmithing question I will honestly tell you that I don't know. That is how I believe that you the customer should be treated.
I realize everyone's time is valuable, and vacations are at a premium these days. That is why I make every effort to provide a reasonable turnaround for all gun work. Quality work does take time though, and especially custom gun work whether it be custom rifle, custom shotgun, custom handgun, or custom gunstock work. I believe, if you are going to spend your hard earned money on any gunsmithing work that your money is better spent on a quality job than a rushed job. Believe me when I say that I will try to get you back into the field as quickly as possible, because I for one hate to miss a day of hunting with a fine firearm as much as the next guy!
Although I now work indoors, the fruits of my labor are enjoyed outdoors year round and especially in the fall. I'd have to say that field testing is by far the best part of my job, and I know that the Brown Dog agrees whole heartedly!
Good shooting to all!
Hunter Techau