David Bartlett – Outdoorsman, Hunter, and Classic Nissan Patrol Enthusiast

Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, David Bartlett is an experienced big-game hunter and a founding member of the Fort Worth/Dallas chapter of Safari Club International. His passion for the outdoors has taken him across six continents and dozens of countries, where he has pursued game in some of the world’s most remote and challenging landscapes. Beyond the hunt, David is deeply interested in the people and cultures he encounters, chronicling his experiences with a storyteller’s eye for detail and authenticity.

While David has spent much of his life in pursuit of wild game, he has also cultivated another passion—one that began unexpectedly on a stretch of highway in Presidio, Texas, in 2014.

A Highway Discovery and a Lifelong Passion

That year, David was driving home from a Texas hunting trip when he noticed an old 1965 L60 Nissan Patrol parked on the side of the road with a For Sale sign in its window (featured in the picture at the top fo this page). Something about the rugged, boxy lines of the vehicle caught his eye. He drove past at first but quickly found himself turning around to take a closer look.

The moment he saw it up close, David felt a connection. The Patrol’s timeless design and no-nonsense construction reminded him of the first vehicle he ever rode in as a child—his grandfather’s farm truck back in Arkansas. That truck had carried him on countless childhood adventures, from dusty backroads to creekside fishing holes, and seeing the Patrol instantly brought those memories back to life.

Without hesitation, David inquired about the vehicle, struck a deal, and soon found himself the proud owner of a 1963 Nissan Patrol. That purchase marked the beginning of an enduring obsession—one that would lead him to restore five different Nissan Patrols over the next eight years.

Restoring and Driving a Piece of History

For David, restoring 1960s Nissan Patrols is more than just a hobby—it’s an extension of his deep appreciation for craftsmanship, utility, and timeless design. The Patrol’s clean lines, durable construction, and mechanical simplicity make it an ideal restoration project, offering both challenges and rewards.

Unlike more well-known off-road classics like the Jeep or Land Cruiser, the Nissan Patrol remains a rare gem, appreciated by only a small but dedicated group of enthusiasts. Every restoration project is an exercise in patience, problem-solving, and respect for a machine built to last. Whether he’s tracking down rare parts, fabricating custom solutions, or fine-tuning an engine, David finds the process deeply satisfying.

But he doesn’t just restore these vehicles—he drives them hard.

Why the Nissan Patrol is the Ultimate Hunting Vehicle

As an avid hunter, David spends a significant amount of time in the unforgiving Texas heat, where summer days routinely climb above 98º. His hunts often involve long, slow patrols across vast, rugged hunting leases, where modern vehicles frequently overheat, break down, or struggle to endure the extreme conditions.

Through trial and experience, David has found that the Nissan Patrol is one of the few vehicles capable of thriving in these demanding environments. Unlike newer, more delicate off-roaders, the Patrol was built for true heavy-duty use—handling low-speed, high-heat conditions without compromise.

Whether he’s crawling through thick brush, navigating muddy riverbeds, or traversing rocky terrain, the Patrol has proven to be the ultimate companion in the field. Just as his grandfather’s farm truck was once a trusted workhorse, his Patrols have become a vital tool in his hunting lifestyle, allowing him to access the most remote parts of his leases with confidence.

Firepit Publishing: A Place for Stories of the Wild

David’s love of hunting, adventure, and classic vehicles comes together in his personal blog, Firepit Publishing. Through long-form storytelling, he shares his experiences tracking game in foreign lands, exploring remote landscapes, and bringing classic machines back to life.

For David, both hunting and vehicle restoration are acts of preservation. Hunting allows him to engage with the natural world in a time-honored tradition, while restoring Nissan Patrols ensures that a piece of automotive history continues to roam the wild instead of fading into obscurity.

His stories capture not just the thrill of the hunt or the satisfaction of a completed restoration, but the deeper connections between man, machine, and the landscapes they traverse. Whether it’s the pursuit of an elusive trophy or the first test drive of a newly restored Patrol, each moment is a testament to resilience, patience, and a passion for the journey itself.

A Life of Adventure, Preservation, and Legacy

Today, David continues to hunt year-round, explore new terrain, and breathe life into classic Nissan Patrols. His passions—whether in the field or the garage—are fueled by a deep appreciation for the past and present, where tradition, craftsmanship, and adventure intersect.

Through Firepit Publishing, he shares these stories one hunt, one restoration, and one road trip at a time.