My Hunting Journey
A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started and Embracing the Adventure
I’m hooked, and I couldn’t feel more fulfilled. Over the past few months, I’ve been searching for deeper meaning in my life, often asking myself, “What is my purpose?” A few years ago, I discovered hunting and the vibrant community that comes with it. Recently, I’ve become more involved, and the beauty of hunting continues to unfold before me. It’s helping me find purpose and connect more deeply with the circle of life in a truly immersive way.
What I love about the culture of hunting, especially when surrounded by like-minded individuals that approach hunting with the same lens, is the respect for the land and the animals, the focus on safe practices, and the educational excitement. Whether it’s using a rifle or bow, sitting in blinds, or stalking the wilderness, there’s always something to learn. And that's why I want to make hunting more accessible to you, because we need more hunters!
Hunting is a dying trade, and it’s crucial for maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Without enough hunters, we could face the consequences: we’d have to rely on dangerous chemicals to manage wildlife, which would not only harm our health but also disturb nature’s delicate balance. Wild game belongs to the people, and we have a duty to protect it. So let’s do this together.
Why Hunting Matters
Hunting isn’t just about the thrill of the chase or the pride in making a kill. It’s about nourishing our bodies and supporting the ecosystem. Responsible hunters help to manage wildlife populations, ensuring that nature remains in balance. Overpopulation of certain species, without natural predators, can lead to damage to habitats, crops, and even other wildlife. Hunters play a vital role in sustaining healthy ecosystems.
But it’s not only about the land and animals. The community surrounding hunting is powerful—filled with respect, care, and a deep appreciation for traditions. As more people get involved in hunting, we can all ensure the survival of this practice and the most nutrient dense food that feeds us for future generations. That’s why it’s important to get involved now!
My Hunting Journey: How I Got Started
I began my hunting journey two years ago, as a birthday present to myself. Since then, I’ve slowly started to join more hunts. Over the course of two years, I’ve been on about six hunts, most of them recently, because I’m enjoying it more than I ever expected! Each hunt has deepened my connection to nature and to the community, and I’ve learned so much along the way.
For anyone new to hunting, there’s a lot to absorb, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by learning about the wildlife in your area and getting to know the local hunting regulations. You don’t have to dive in all at once; take your time, and it will all come together.
Programs I Recommend for First-Time Hunters
One of the best ways to get started is to find a program that can guide you through the process. Here are a few programs that helped me as a beginner:
Texas Wildlife Association – If you live in Texas, this association is a fantastic resource. They make hunting affordable and accessible for newcomers. The programs are designed to help hunters of all skill levels, offering hands-on experiences that teach you the basics of hunting, firearm safety, and wildlife conservation. If you're not in Texas, you can still join, but I recommend checking for similar programs in your area—they exist across the country and can be incredibly valuable for first-timers.
Sheepdog Response – This program offers practical, no-nonsense training for hunters looking to sharpen their skills. Whether you’re new to firearms or just need a refresher, Sheepdog Response provides thorough instruction in a supportive, non-intimidating environment. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn how to approach hunting safely and confidently. use code: ANIMALBB15 to discount your hunting course!
Sacred Hunting – If you're looking for a deeper, more spiritual connection to the hunting experience, Sacred Hunting offers a beautiful, respectful approach. This program places heavy emphasis on Native American traditions, teaching hunters to honor the animals they pursue and to understand the full cycle of life. It’s a powerful way to engage in hunting with a greater sense of reverence and respect.
My Gear: From Head to Toe
Note: This gear and these suggestions are tailored for beginner hunters working with guides. As I progress to more independent hunting, my setup will naturally expand to include additional tools and equipment. Subscribe to my newsletter for updates as I advance! For now, I want to share where I’m at, what I’ve found genuinely useful, and what I continue to love. I hate buying gear only to discover it’s unnecessary, so I hope this helps you avoid those mistakes as you start your journey!
When it comes to gear, I prioritize quality, practicality, and versatility.
Here’s a breakdown of my current hunting setup:
Weaponry
The first step in your hunting journey is deciding on your weapon of choice: rifle or bow. Take your time and gather as much information as you can! Ask professionals, mentors, and experienced hunters—both women and men—why they prefer one weapon over the other. However, remember that what works for someone else may not work for you. It’s essential to figure out what aligns with your hunting style.
Here are some key questions to consider:
Do you prefer a lightweight option for long treks?
Are you looking to minimize recoil and avoid flinch reactions?
As a woman hunter, I’ve found that while advice from men can be helpful, their physical carrying capacity and comfort levels may differ from ours. This is why seeking guidance from mentors experienced with women hunters is invaluable. Balancing perspectives will give you the clearest picture of what works best for you. Always ask why someone recommends a specific setup—those insights often matter more than the gear itself.
Rifle
I currently hunt with a Tikka T3x Lite Veil Wideland .308 Win 22" 1:11" equipped with a Cerakoted Muzzle Brake (less recoil aka kickback), and I couldn’t be happier. This rifle strikes the perfect balance: it’s lightweight, accurate, minimizes kickback, and can effectively take down big game.
Here’s how I decided on this setup:
Booked a guided hunt: This was the perfect opportunity to ask my guide for recommendations on beginner-friendly rifles.
Took a firearms class: I wanted hands-on experience to understand my rifle and how different hunting rifles feel before committing to a purchase.
Sought professional opinions: I consulted many instructors, reached out to hunters, and gathered feedback until I felt confident in my decision.
This step-by-step approach allowed me to make an informed choice tailored to my needs. My advice? Prioritize comfort and safety. Choose a rifle that feels right for carrying, shooting, and handling. Confidence in your gear is essential, so take the time to find the best fit for you.
Bow
I’m currently preparing for bowhunting with my Mathews Prima Bow. The Prima is a semi-custom bow, and I have it set up with a 35 lb draw weight, thanks to the expert team at Archery Country. As I continue to build my strength and refine my skills, I plan to gradually increase the draw weight.
If you’re new to bowhunting and want to dive into the details—like sights, quivers, and other essential accessories—I highly recommend checking out my Beginner’s 101 Guide to Getting Fitted for a Bow. In it, I visit Archery Country and we cover everything from optics and arrows to draw strength and setup tips.
Archery Country was instrumental in guiding me through this purchase, and I can’t recommend them enough. Their expertise and care make them worth visiting, no matter where you’re located. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your gear, having a reputable store help you along the way is invaluable.
I’m still learning so much about archery, but this is where my journey started—and I hope it helps you start yours too!
Pro Tip: When shopping for weapons, work with professionals who can ensure proper fit and provide guidance. A supportive and seamless experience can make all the difference in choosing such an important (and often expensive) piece of equipment.
Selecting your weapon may take time, but every question you ask and every piece of advice you gather will bring you closer to becoming a confident and prepared hunter. Whether you choose a rifle or bow, let curiosity and knowledge guide your journey!
Optics and Navigation
Binoculars
I use Vortex Diamondback HD binos, and they’ve been fantastic. Highly recommend them for their reliability and clarity.
Rangefinder
A rangefinder is a must-have, especially for bowhunters—it’s non-negotiable gear. I use Vortex Optics Razor HD 4000. It’s a mid-range option that’s not overly high-tech but delivers exactly what you need. I chose this one after speaking with a seasoned hunter who travels the world and highly recommended it, even for advanced hunters.
Rifle Scope
If hunting with a rifle the scope is important! My scope is Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II—a steep investment but well worth it for its warranty, reliability, and exceptional quality.
Compass
While my hunts haven’t yet involved deep hikes, I carry a compass as a safety precaution and tool to keep me on track—getting lost is no joke! This is Safety 101, and it’s smart to develop good habits early on. I started with a cheap, inaccurate compass, but I’ve since upgraded to Sportneer Compass. It’s worth investing in a high-quality compass that can truly get you out of a sticky situation.
Clothing
Layering is key! I always start with merino wool base layers for excellent temperature regulation in any climate. Kuiu is my go-to brand—the female line is the best-fitting, high-quality, and flattering hunting gear I’ve found for women, with natural fibers that perform exceptionally well. The clothing is breathable, flexible, and allows full range of motion without noise—perfect for the hunt. I’ve noticed plenty of men wearing it too, so it’s clearly a favorite across the board
For summer: I pair a merino tank top with Kuiu’s attack pants.
For cooler weather: I layer a merino tank top, a long-sleeve shirt, and long johns under my attack pants.
For frigid days: I add Kuiu’s vest and insulated jacket, plus a wool jacket for extra warmth over the vest. I also keep insulated pants to layer over my attack pants, though I haven’t needed them yet!
Headwear
I typically wear a comfortable ball cap for most hunts. For colder months, I’ve added a Kuiu merino beanie, headband, and neck warmer. So far, I haven’t hunted in harsh winter conditions, but as I do, I may need to layer up even more—TBD!
Socks and Footwear
Currently, I alternate between GoRuck socks (use code: BAE10) and lightweight Smartwool socks. Depending on the weather and hiking intensity, keeping your feet comfortable and dry is critical. I always pack an extra pair of socks in a dry bag—this is Survival 101, especially for multi-day hunts.
Footwear: This is a work in progress, but footwear is wildly important. A solid pair of hiking boots is crucial for comfort and support, especially when stalking or covering ground.
For stalking hunts: Currently, I use Merrell hiking boots.
For hunting from a blind: I wear GoRuck MACV-2 - High Top boots. I absolutely love these for tactical days on the range as well. (use code: BAE10)
I haven’t invested in waterproof boots yet, but they’re high on my priority list. Early morning and evening hunts often involve dew and wet conditions, so finding the right balance of comfort, waterproofing, and breathability is key.
Stay tuned for updates as I test a few options because I won’t go on another hunt without getting waterproof boots!
Hands
For cooler days, I rely on Kuiu merino gloves. For more frigid conditions, I’ve invested in their insulated gloves. I haven’t had the chance to test them in extreme cold yet, but I’ll update you with my thoughts once I do!
Accessories
For now, I carry a Kuiu day backpack on guided hunts. Since my guides and mentors come prepared with most essentials, this setup works well as a beginner. As I move toward self-reliance, I’ll invest in a larger backpack for packing out harvests. Stay tuned for updates!
I also carry a utility knife and am researching additional knives for butchering and field dressing.
Safety Gear
Safety is non-negotiable. While this isn’t a comprehensive list, here are the essentials I currently carry:
Basic first aid kit from Sheepdog Response (code: ANIMALBB15 if you shop their store)
Fire starters
Headlamps (with extra batteries)
Hand and foot warmers
Knives
Pistol — Sig Sauer Rose P365
Hydration
Food
Compass
Tourniquet from Sheepdog Response (code: ANIMALBB15 if you shop their store)
As I advance, I plan to add GPS tracking and a satellite phone for more rugged, remote hunts. I’m building my setup gradually, keeping safety at the forefront. Stay tuned as I add to my list!
Conclusion:
Your Hunting Journey Starts Now
Hunting is a skill, an art, and a way of life that connects you to the land in a way few other activities can. Whether you're after meat for the table, honing your skills, or connecting with the outdoors, hunting has something to offer everyone. As I continue my journey, I’m excited to share my experiences with you, encourage you to join the community, and help you get started on your own adventure.
So, are you ready to give it a shot?
Let’s preserve the future of hunting together and embrace the balance it offers to our health, our planet, and our ecosystem.
Happy hunting!
