Paving My Path to Fishing and Hunting

**Early Life

Even growing up in Miami, FL, I have always been a nature lover. While some of my peers were into fashion and shopping at malls, I always loved being outside and enjoying nature. I loved walking on coastal trails near Biscayne Bay and observing wildlife. I loved hiking in the mountains when we went out of state on vacation. I also loved fishing ever since my dad gave me my first fishing rod when I was 8 years old. Reeling in my first mangrove snapper was amazing and at that point, I was hooked. Pardon the pun.

Notable Outdoor Experiences

After leaving Miami, my true love for the outdoors expanded as I had new opportunities that I did not have before. During college near the east coast of Florida, I got to experience the excitement of surf fishing for pompano and mackerel, with my now husband. Over my spring breaks, we would travel up to Tennessee and North Carolina and hike part of the Appalachian trail and experience snow. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BA in psychology and then traveled around the country, and headed west. My love for the outdoors and conservation continued to grow when I eventually moved to southwest Colorado, and received my Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Denver. I loved being able to hike in the mountains in Colorado and sometimes be lucky enough to spot an elk. It was amazing being able to look outside and see deer grazing peacefully. Eating rainbow trout that was cooked right over a fire was an experience I had never had before and would never forget.

We later relocated to the central coast of California. Not only were there spectacular beaches there, but there was also the opportunity for clamming and fishing. We were not far from Yosemite National Park, which we visited often. The hiking trails were incredible and the sycamore trees were beautiful.

As I got older and had more time and eventually moved back to my home state of Florida, I got more into fishing. We often fish the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean for all kinds of beautiful fish including snapper, mahi, wahoo, grouper, and more. My first lobster season down in the Keys was quite an experience! Wearing gloves and using a tickle stick looked tricky and intimidating, but after I got the hang of it, I loved going lobstering. My family and I try to get out every lobster season and try to get our limit (6 per person). I quickly learned that fried lobster is incredible, with a side of fries.

Eventually, I ventured out more into the magnificent world of hunting. I have been on many swampy hunts in Northern Florida and some have been successful and some haven’t but every hunting experience is just that, an experience. While there are not a lot of things more intense than dragging a hog through the muck and getting your feet soaked, it is still something that I value and treasure and the meat we are able to obtain from these hunts never goes to waste! I have also been on turkey hunts, desperately listening for that faint gobble. When you hear it, it’s like hearing your favorite song for the first time. I have also been on deer hunts and continue to expand my experience with this when time allows.

Reflections and Growth

Over the years, I have grown to love and appreciate hunting and value the fact that hunters are also conservationists who greatly value nature and wildlife. I am an outdoor enthusiast and I know that hunting and conservation go hand and hand. After all, during the paleolithic age, humans only survived because of their ability and drive to hunt and sustain themselves. I often reflect on this and how many of us may not even be here if it was not for our ancestors’ bravery and ability to thrive, hunt and ultimately survive! I want to continue to experience various aspects of hunting and share my hunting and fishing experiences with others

Personal Goals

I would like to continue to do my part to expand my personal fishing and hunting experiences, share these experiences with others, honor hunting and fishing, while also advocating for conservation efforts so we can continue to enjoy these meaningful experiences, while also preserving nature and ensuring sustainable practices.