My First Hunting Experience: When Fear Turned to Focus, Clarity and Respect

I did not grow up hunting, and I don’t come from a family of hunters, so it was never something I had much exposure to or initial interest in. That changed when I started working for SCI in 2022. Through my role as events project manager, I was introduced to the hunting world in a way I hadn’t experienced before. I learned about conservation, wildlife management, and the values that drive the hunting community.

When I was offered the opportunity to hunt at Legends Ranch with Women Go Hunting, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I had often felt like an imposter, working for a hunting organization without being a hunter myself, and this felt like a turning point. Accepting the invitation was my way of fully stepping into the experience and gaining a firsthand understanding about hunting. I saw it as an opportunity to truly connect with the mission and purpose of SCI at its core.

I honestly went with very few expectations. I had never been to a hunting lodge, never participated in an all-women’s trip of any kind, and I hadn’t even fired a gun in over a year. Because of that, I tried to approach the experience with an open mind and no pressure.

My hopes were simple: have fun, meet new people, and spend a few days enjoying the outdoors. I told myself that if I took my first deer, it would be the cherry on top, but it wasn’t something I was going to be disappointed over if it didn’t happen. More than anything, I wanted the experience itself to be positive and memorable.

My experience at Legends Ranch is one I will never forget. The camaraderie, food, hospitality, and scenery were truly incredible and made the entire week feel special. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported in every aspect of the experience.

I made new friends, enjoyed incredible food, and challenged myself both physically and mentally. I gained a tremendous amount of confidence in shooting a gun, tried archery for the first time ever, and learned so much about the conservation efforts taking place through the Wildlife Learning Center at the Legends Ranch.

Having the opportunity to spot and stalk my first deer was especially meaningful. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and made the experience even more rewarding. My advice to other women who have tried hunting is: Don’t be afraid. I was very afraid of the idea of taking an animal, and that fear stayed with me up until the moment itself. But when you are looking through the scope at that animal, the entire world seems to melt away around you, there is no fear left to be had. Just focus, clarity, and respect for the process.

Taking my deer at Legends was both emotional and exhilarating. In a single moment, I felt fear, excitement, adrenaline, and even guilt, all rolled into the blink of an eye. It was an experience that carried far more weight than I had anticipated.

What I appreciate most about Legends Ranch is the care and respect shown throughout the entire process. Our guide was just as excited as my hunting partner and I were, but he never lost sight of honoring the animal. They reminded us that this was an honorable sacrifice of life, one that deserved gratitude and respect. That perspective made the moment meaningful and grounding, and it is something I will carry with me long after the hunt.

Hunting is a sacrifice, but it is also a beautiful thing. Being able to put food on your own table and provide for yourself and your family in this way is a blessing from God and a skill that I believe we should all have. It is empowering, grounding, and deeply meaningful.

The entire week reinforced my beliefs about hunting and its role in conservation, education, and stewardship. It was a beautiful reminder of why I work for truly the greatest company there is. – Augie Nobile, SCI Events Project Manager