R. J. Daum was born and raised at the edge of wilderness in rural Montana. As a child, he was exposed to The Crow, also called the Absaroka or Apsáalooke, a tribe of Native Americans who historically lived in the Yellowstone River valley and now live on a reservation south of Billings. He grew to appreciate their connection to the land, brotherhood, courage, and honor of burial places.
After returning as a Marine during the Vietnam War, R.J. Daum decided to raise a family and devote his study to promoting and protecting indigenous cultures and wild mustangs. He currently works as a registered professional land surveyor in the State of Texas.