First Generation Hunter

We hear the term "first-generation" often: first-generation college graduate, first-generation doctor, first-generation farmer; but it’s not often we hear the term "first-generation hunter," but that’s what I am, and I am proud of it. I didn’t grow up in a family that hunted or knew anyone that hunted but I’ve always been so enamored with it. Seeing people dedicate so much time to the outdoors and to the animals that they hunt was an inspiration. Being able to harvest an animal, butcher it yourself, and then use it to provide food for your family is the greatest blessing that one could have.

 Being a first-generation hunter is hard. Many people don’t want to share the tricks of the trade, and some hunters don’t like outsiders, but there are some amazing people out there who want to encourage everybody to get into the outdoors, and that’s what I want to do. My husband is a hunter and he has been an amazing resource for me. He teaches me all about firearms and archery hunting, teaching me about the behaviors and patterns of deer, turkeys, bears, and small game. He lets me help do work on our hunting properties so I can learn about the hard work that goes into harvesting these animals and so that I can learn what it’s like to provide a beautiful environment for these animals to live and grow in. I’ve been hunting for about three or four years now, but most of that time has just been accompanying my husband and seeing what he does. 

This past year was my first year really hunting. I would go out on my own with both gun and archery and I was able to harvest my first Whitetail deer here in South Carolina. Over the past few years, my family has been fed primarily on wild game, thanks to my husband, but there is no better feeling as a first-generation female hunter than being able to sit down at dinner and say that I harvested this animal, I know where my meat came from. I know how the animal died, and that I know how the animal was honored after its death.

Over the last few years as I’ve learned how to hunt, I’ve started talking more about hunting with friends and people that I meet and I’ve had the honor to meet some amazing first-generation hunters, and some amazing multigenerational hunters, who have welcomed me and who have given me tricks to be a successful hunter.

As I continue hunting and sharing my experiences I hope to be able to inspire others the same way I have been inspired. 

-Kayln Leo