Nominated by Jackie Bushman of Buckmasters, Alyssa & Cody Hall were honored at our 2024 Soul of the South Awards as our Sports & Outdoors category winners.

Biography

Cody Hall is an outdoorsman, husband, and father, who has spent the last decade developing his roots here in Alabama. Cody’s life has been profoundly shaped by his deep connection to the outdoors. His early experiences not only instilled in him a love for the outdoors but also taught him valuable life skills like patience, respect, and the importance of conservation. Cody takes immense pride in passing these traditions on to his own family, ensuring that they, too, appreciate the value of self-sufficiency and the joys of outdoor living. For Cody, the outdoors is not just a pastime—it’s a way of life that has guided his values, his relationships, and his approach to life’s challenges.

Alyssa Hall, known online as Aly from Alabama earned the nickname Aly after she began sharing her outdoor adventures on social media. Introduced to the outdoor lifestyle at the age of 20 by her now-husband Cody Hall, Alyssa embraced activities such as noodling, hunting, and fishing. These experiences taught her a great deal about the benefits of this lifestyle and about herself. Since building her online community in 2017, Alyssa has introduced many women to hunting, noodling, fishing, and bowfishing. Now a mother, she takes pride in teaching her children these same outdoor skills.

Soul of the South Q&A

1. What was your “aha” moment or when did you decide that this was the industry for you?

There’s never been a single “aha” moment for us; instead, it’s been a gradual realization of just how blessed we are to live this lifestyle. Every day, we’re amazed by the opportunities we have to create lasting memories together and to connect with incredible, like-minded people. The life we’ve built feels almost surreal, and we’re constantly in awe of the journey we’re on.

 

2. How did your upbringing or time spent in Alabama shape your career?

Growing up in Alabama, where outdoor opportunities abound and Southern hospitality is a way of life, has been instrumental in shaping our lives and our career paths. The abundance of game and the deep-rooted traditions built on faith make Alabama the ideal place for families seeking a fulfilling, outdoors-oriented lifestyle. These experiences have not only fueled our passions for the outdoors but also instilled in us the values that guide our careers and personal lives.

 

3. What keeps you moving forward in the industry, and do you have a quote or motto that resonates with you?

What keeps us moving forward in the industry is our shared love for this lifestyle, our commitment to providing for our family, and our faith that guides every step that we take. A quote that resonates with us is, ‘Faith is the bridge between where I am and the place God is taking me.’ This reminds us to trust in the journey, no matter the challenges, and to keep moving forward with purpose and passion.

 

4. How has your nominator made a positive impact on your idea of and/or relationship to your industry?

Jackie Bushman has profoundly shaped our approach to the outdoor industry. His determination and passion for chasing his dreams have shown us that success is not just about hard work, but also about enjoying the journey. Jackie’s enthusiasm for what he does has inspired us to pursue our goals with the same vigor and to always find joy in the process.

 

5. What would you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?

Our greatest professional accomplishment is having the opportunity to answer these questions and be nominated for this recognition. Being recognized by someone we deeply respect in our field is an honor we are incredibly proud of. Additionally, our involvement with the Buckmasters internal team has been a true dream come true, making this moment even more meaningful.

 

6. What would you like to see more of in Alabama as it pertains to your industry?

We’d love to see more opportunities for community engagement and outdoor education in Alabama, particularly through events like the Buckmasters Expo. Expanding similar events across the state, with a focus on hands-on experiences and family involvement, would help foster a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and ensure that our industry continues to thrive for years to come.