I’m an Adult-Onset Hunter, Here’s What I’ve Learned
My Motivation
“Did you grow up hunting?”
In Montana, where many kids tag their first deer before they can ride a bike, the question always made me feel a tad insecure. Admitting I was a brand new hunter always felt vulnerable in a culture where people seemed to pride themselves on how long they had been filling their freezers (yes plural freezers – I learned this is the norm).
But where I grew up, in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona, hunting was not the norm. It was seen as a “redneck” activity. Despite this stereotype, hunting had always piqued my interest. As someone who cared deeply about animals and the environment (even spending a short stint as a vegetarian), I felt increasingly uneasy about the realities of industrial meat production.
A college course on sustainable food systems finally connected the dots: my professor called hunting one of the most environmentally responsible ways to eat meat. From that moment, I vowed I’d become a hunter someday.
The Journey to Hunter
Right after college, I took a job in Bozeman, Montana. I didn’t know it was arguably one of the best places to live for hunting, but I was pleased to learn so. I moved in May, with rifle season starting in October. In my naivety, I figured I just needed a rifle and some camo. I quickly learned there was a lot more to it.
I first began with taking my Montana Hunter’s Education. Hunter Education taught me the rules; learning how to hunt was another matter entirely. That proved to be a bit trickier to learn. I felt overwhelmed, especially being new to the state. Where would I even go?
I was lucky enough to find friends who hunted and were willing to take a newbie with them. Without a hunting community, it would have been much more difficult. If you are interested in hunting, it will likely take asking an experienced hunter to take you out. Keep in mind, this can be a big ask.
Over the summer, I put in many miles hiking in the mountains, slowly accruing hunting gear, and target shooting with my rifle. I was already an experienced hiker and shooter, so those elements came easily to me. But hiking off-trail, with a heavy pack, and shooting under pressure, was completely new. I could hike on trails and shoot at the range all I wanted to, but this did not fully simulate the pressure I would feel when I had a deer in my crosshairs.
By late summer, with fall approaching, I focused on making sure I had the essentials. If you are brand new to hunting, the gear list may seem overwhelming. You do not need to go out and spend thousands on new gear – a lot of the hiking gear you already have will likely work, but there are a few unique, key essentials.
- A rifle, in an appropriate caliber. The caliber will vary depending on what you are hunting, but .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor are good overall options. You will also need a scope
- A hunting pack capable of hauling meat. If you’re going to splurge on a gear purchase, I’d recommend a pack – your back and knees will thank you!
- Sturdy boots – you will want a full shank, above-the-ankle boot for stability.
- Field processing tools – a knife, game bags, and rubber gloves.
A New Me
The first few times I went out hunting that season, I often did not even see an animal. For some reason, I had thought encounters would be much more prevalent, but I soon learned to temper my expectations. I absorbed as much as I could from my friends – why we chose a certain area, where we glassed (hunting is a jargon heavy hobby) signs of activity. While some moments were boring, time spent outside is never a waste.
Finally, on a trip to eastern Montana for deer, I found myself with a deer in my crosshairs. I set myself up, got the range, adjusted my scope – all the right things. Despite all my range time, my hands trembled. I took my first shot, and missed. As someone who had shot long range extensively, I was a bit surprised as the range was not very far. But when the fate of a wild animal is up to you, adrenaline can take over. Luckily the deer did not move much and I was able to take a second shot – this one from a calmer state. I made a good hit and life slipped away from the mule deer. It felt calm, ethical, and natural.
The packout was one of the hardest physical endeavors I ever completed, but I had never felt more proud. It pushed me both mentally and physically, and gave me a new respect for the animals who call this terrain home. Once back home, we processed the meat, and ate deer steaks for dinner. I couldn’t believe that I was the only one who ever touched this deer. From that moment on, I knew hunting would be my way of life.
Every hunting season, I learned something new. The progression to becoming a better hunter doesn’t always feel linear and isn’t tied to how full your freezer is. Now, five years in, I am proud to tell people I didn’t grow up hunting. Learning to hunt as an adult taught me that choosing a new path – especially one that demands patience, humility, and perseverance – is its own form of empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all. In fact, starting as an adult can be an advantage because you’re often more patient, more safety-conscious, and more willing to learn. The learning curve is real, but you don’t need a lifetime of experience to become an ethical, successful hunter. You just need the willingness to start, ask questions, and keep showing up.
Yes! Hunter Education is very important for both new hunters and lifelong hunters. Hunter Education programs vary by state, but they typically teach you the laws, safety, ethics, and basics of wildlife conservation. It’s an essential course. But it’s also important to know that Hunter Education teaches you the rules; learning how to actually hunt takes time, practice, and field experience.
This is the biggest hurdle for adult-onset hunters: it’s not just learning rules, it’s learning the culture, the skills, and the “why” behind decisions. The fastest way to learn is to spend time with experienced hunters who are willing to teach. If you don’t have that community yet, look for local conservation groups, mentorship programs, or friends-of-friends who hunt. You’ll learn more in one day in the field than you will in months of scrolling online.
It’s easy to feel like you need to spend thousands of dollars to be “ready,” but you don’t. Many hiking layers you already own can work when you’re starting out. You might even notice that lots of hunters don’t even wear camo, and instead stick with neutral solids. Focus on a few key essentials:
A rifle in an appropriate caliber + a scope (could be worth borrowing a friends before committing to the purchase)
A hunting pack capable of hauling meat (this is worth investing in)
Sturdy boots (above ankle, full shank if possible for stability)
Field processing tools (knife, game bags, rubber gloves)
Start with the basics, and upgrade over time as you learn what works for you. Don’t let perfection get in the way of starting!
A range is a great start, but hunting is different from target shooting. Before the season, it helps to practice:
Hiking off-trail with weight (packouts are no joke)
Shooting from real positions (kneeling, sitting, prone, using a pack/rest)
Shooting under pressure (timed drills can help simulate adrenaline)
Basic navigation and safety (especially in new terrain)
Using an e-scouting app and becoming familiar with reading the topography
The physical challenge of hunting greatly depends on the terrain you are hunting in and the “style” of hunting you are doing. Some hunters drive forest roads and only hike short distances when they spot animals from the road. Other hunters hike 7+ miles into the backcountry from the start. Even if you’re a strong hiker, always consider what it would take to pack an animal out from where you are, because harvesting is only the beginning.
Beginners should expect a steep learning curve and a lot of nothing! It’s completely normal to spend multiple outings without seeing animals, without getting a shot opportunity, or without feeling like you know what you’re doing. Early seasons are often more about learning than harvesting: learning how to read terrain, recognize signs of animal activity, understand wind and movement, and build confidence in your decision-making.
If you’re new, it helps to shift your definition of success. Success can look like hiking into a new drainage, learning how to glass effectively, finding fresh tracks, or simply getting comfortable being out there. The more time you spend in the field, the faster the pieces start to click.
Hunting can be one of the most sustainable and ethical ways to source meat because it connects food directly to the natural ecosystem, without the industrial impacts of large-scale meat production. When you harvest a wild animal legally and responsibly, you’re sourcing meat that lived naturally on the landscape, without feedlots, antibiotics, transportation emissions, or the resource demands of commercial livestock systems.
About the Gear Tester
Stay awesome
Great article Lexi! I grew up in SE MI, and didn’t have any interest in bow hunting until I moved to Northern Michigan. My journey started at 36 and in the last 20 years I’ve learned so much about more than just hunting. I wouldn’t trade the resulting appreciation and maturity in my relationship with God and his creation or cherished memories and experiences with friends for anything!⚓️✝️🏹🦌
Hunting is full of sexist men, and I must admit that I have a tendency to “think” along those lines from time to time. For that reason, I will often read articles regarding hunting, written by women who hunt. I am mostly a skeptic of “new” hunters, especially in this age of social media and brands specifically seeking out women to peddle their wares. I apologize wholeheartedly, because this definitely did not “feel” like that. This was an outstanding read and the associated photos of the harvested food let me know “This lady really gets it!!” I always appreciate having opportunities to interact with people/content that “gets it”. Thanks for reminding me how important new hunters are.
Excellent article! You are a True Hunter and described all the things that True Hunters are- safety conscious conservationists and ethical stewards of the environment . Congratulations on your first harvest and look forward to your first elk harvest. It would be interesting to see your list of equipment and what you think is most important to carry. I grew up in Southern Arizona and my wife is from Bozeman. I fell in love with Montana from my first trip there.
Way to go! We need more youth hunters. It sounds like you met the right folks who shared valued information about conservation and the contribution that hunting makes to sustain our wildlife resources. Congratulations!
Welcome to the hunting realm, good luck in your future exploits!
Was this on public land? Cause it makes very hard to hunt.
Welcome to the pursuit! Enjoy the grind and struggle.
Good for you Lexi! Proud of you! I’m an Oregon Coast blacktail and elk hunter and freelance outdoor writer. Good luck in the future and stay safe!!! Enjoy your delicious organic elk meat!
Great story. It really hit home fir me as this past fall was my 1st experience hunting. Went out several times but unfortunately came back empty. I turned 70 this past summer and fished all my life but never hunted. Will be better prepared next year!
as a active hunter for 50 years I am proud of you in this time too have learned this value way of life, my son only eats venison and my daughter is a noodle ring good for you 👍
Thank you for sharing. Im 58 years old and this year I started to think about hunting and wanting to hunt. My friends and family would be completely shocked.
Well I’m a Texan and have hunted up in the northwest a bit. Montana, NM, UT, CO, ID. It’s certainly God’s country. You are a very lucky lady to have found your love. Hunting is a science with luck
often prevailing in success. Big game habits are perplexing at times. I know many hunters that would be proud of you. I’m one
I wish you success in your hunting
endeavors.
Best regards,
LR
Absolutely true and the best way to enjoy life.
Great article
Happy to see more women enjoying the outdoors hunting.
Some of the best times in my life have been hunting with my daughter.
Glad you finally got to go hunting, it’s not as easy as people think, I love hunting in northern Michigan,lots of deer and it’s lot’s of work after you shoot, but it tastes very good, Good luck on your next Hunt 🫎
Hi Lexi, congratulations sounds like you are a hunter for life now. What a nicely written article you really describe what learning a new hobby is like non hunters don’t realize that we are the caretakers of wildlife and the public land we are so lucky to have to roam hunting is a privilege Welcome good luck and Bless
Hi Lexi, I just wanted to say I loved your article, and thank you for sharing!
This was a great story and I hope we will hear more from Lexi Olson.
I’ve been trying to teach my 3 kids how to hunt but with today’s challenges of being more interesting then a screen in front of your eyes, it’s been some whst difficult. Story’s like Lexi’s has given me hope.
Thank you.
Dan
PS my doughters name is Lexie.
Great read on Xmas Day. I m 65 now didn’t start till I was 40. Seen some of the coolest stuff in the woods. Thanks Merry Christmas
Very cool story! Love to see those who look at hunting negatively take a second look and see the true value of it, which there are many.
Congratulations Lexi I’m so proud of you. You hung in there and joined the elite group of women hunters . I look forward to seeing you out in the field some day. Nice job love yah
Great article. I would like to hunt more often. I use to snare hare, at least 1 or 2, in the winter time, because I was the only who enjoyed eating hare. I use to to prepare and eat other animals from my land until my daughter became a stouch vegan. For her, it was wrong from me to kill animals and eat meat. Also, the fact you can get meat from the grocery store. For her, there was no need for me to hunt or kill the few animals I raised. How would you deal with the situation. For me, I respect her decision and like I told my daughter I eat less meat than when I was growing up but I will give up eating meat entirely.
I read with interest your hunting related articles on-line.
Here’s a song I wrote about my love of the sporting life, entitled “The Woods, The Water, And The Field.” I hope you get a smile out of it….
https://youtu.be/QTRQd1ASwD4
All the best to you, and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
George Peter Block Jr
Boyne Falls Michigan
Lexi,
Welcome to hunting! I enjoyed your article… it was well written!
I made a trip out your way back in ’91: mainly to WY antelope hunting; however, snow and closed Yellowstone Park got us up into southern MT while on a road-trip!
If you haven’t checked it out, visit/join Longrangehunting.com… lots of good people on there.
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! Shoot straight,
Joey Phillips
Artesia, MS
Well done! We need more hunters and your story is an important one to tell. Keep up the good work, and keep learning. And find someone else to mentor. And then try archery hunting. Thanks for sharing your story!
Great for you. Hutning is one of the greatest activities. But shooting a deer or a elk. Is only a small part. You will learn some thing every time you go out. My Dad tried to teach me every thing. But i still learn something every time i go out and enjoy the woods. I have been hunting all my life. I am 60 now. Been trying to pass on my knowledge to my son but now he has moved to SD. I can only hope my grandkids will like to hunt.