M.C. Tin Star and Earl have a lot more in common than most folks realize. Born in southeastern Montana, Tin Star (a.k.a. Wally Badgett) is no stranger to the perils of ranch life, and rodeo has been in his blood from the beginning. Through the years, Badgett has competed in every rodeo event except steer wrestling and is a gold card member of the PRCA. In 1971, Badgett was the National Intercollegiate Bull Riding Champion and later qualified for the 1974 National Finals Rodeo in the same event.

During his tenure as Deputy Sheriff for Rosebud and Custer counties, Badgett's cowboy buddies starting calling him M.C. Tin Star (M.C. for Miles City). The nickname soon became Badgett's pen name and the backbone for the popular syndicated cowboy cartoon, "Earl." As M.C. Tin Star, Badgett has authored over a dozen Books of Earl, has illustrated books for other authors and has had several illustrations published on greeting cards and t-shirts.

Badgett and his wife, Pam, still live in the high desert of southeastern Montana, where Badgett is the rodeo coach for the Miles City Community College while his alter ego, M.C. Tin Star works on more Books of Earl.

To see more of Wally Badgett's Work visit - ranchingmontana.com/wally.htm