Unfortunately, I took most of this for granted until I moved out to attend college, eating the majority of my meals at a dining hall. After college, I jumped headfirst into a career in finance where I hardly had enough downtime to justify cooking meals. More recently, I’ve found more balance in my life and have educated myself on mass-farming practices in America and their effects on the environment. The increased feeling of guilt in buying meat at the grocery superstore coupled with nostalgia for my childhood meals has led me into the world of hunting.

First time out

WDFW: As I recall, you were successful at the mentored hunt, harvesting your first pheasant. As a first-time hunter, tell us about that experience. What were some memorable takeaways from that day?

LW: I remember that day very clearly. When I decided to get into hunting, I figured I’d start small, with small game. I didn’t know much about hunting, so when I went shopping for my first shotgun, I bought the smallest one I could find. Guns were simply intimidating to me.

The day of the mentored hunt, I showed up with my freshly cleaned .410 and everyone I spoke with told me that my gun was too small. When we finally got in the field, Rex (a German shorthaired pointer) was having a hard time picking up scent in the wet grass. But when my hunting mentor saw a pheasant fly into a field of bushes, Rex worked the bush and pointed expertly. It was my moment!

The bird flushed and I scored my first opportunity. I harvested a hen and didn’t embarrass myself! My biggest takeaway is to practice, practice, practice before you go out in the field. I did fairly well with my .410 because I watched videos on leading the pheasant with my shot and practiced trap shooting just to get my muscle memory down and it paid off.

Getting over roadblocks

WDFW: Were there any barriers or aspects of hunting that were intimidating for you, and how did you overcome them?

LW: The most intimidating part of hunting for me was learning about guns and constantly feeling like the unknowledgeable newbie. Most guys grew up with toy guns, GI Joe, or Call of Duty. I didn’t have that early education. In the beginning, I would go to events and try to learn and meet as many people as possible. I remember asking an event host, “What’s the best way to get into hunting and to make hunting friends?” He responded with, “If you don’t have a group of people already, good luck.”

I approach most life situations the way I approach negotiating my cable bill. If the person I’m talking to isn’t helpful, I hang up and try again until I find someone who is. In the hunting community — at least in my experience so far — I have met people who are super excited to share the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Most of what I know today comes from other hunters who were happy to share and the sometimes impressively helpful sales folks at local outdoor stores. I’m really glad I didn’t let a couple initial negative interactions hinder my determination to get into hunting.

‘The broader food chain’

WDFW: Have you participated in other hunting, fishing, or foraging activities since? If so, what other activities have your pursued?

LW: I enjoy learning about local habitats and being a part of the broader food chain, so I take any opportunity I can. During the same season as the pheasant hunt, I went on a WDFW mentored turkey hunt and harvested two birds, just in time for Thanksgiving! This past fall, I went out pheasant hunting quite a few times and I still try to get out as often as possible. I’ve been fly fishing, crabbing, squidding, and mushroom hunting. While not all these trips are successful, I always enjoy being outside.

“I love knowing where my food comes from. I love learning about animals and their habitat. I love the outdoors, hiking, and getting a good workout. Hunting checks all the boxes for me.”