How I Got Into Hunting — And How You Can Too

An in-depth interview with newcomer-turned-enthusiast-hunter Josh Callahan

Published by: Guest Contributor – Ana Milojevik– Outdoor & Lifestyle Division

Introduction:

Hunting is an ancient skill, but for many people, getting started can feel overwhelming. Permits, gear, ethics, and technique — there’s a lot to take in. To demystify the process, we sat down with Josh Callahan, a marketing professional who took up hunting in his 30s and now spends several weekends each year in the woods. In this candid interview, Josh shares how he got into hunting, what beginners should know, and why it changed how he views nature.

Q: Josh, when did you first think, “I want to try hunting”?

Josh:
Honestly, it wasn’t a lifelong dream. I grew up in the suburbs. But after the pandemic, I started craving more outdoor time. A buddy of mine invited me on a whitetail deer hunt in Wisconsin. I said yes — mostly out of curiosity. That first trip changed everything.

Q: What was your first hunting experience like?

Josh:
It was cold, silent, and completely outside my comfort zone. I didn’t even get a shot off. But just sitting in the woods, tracking animal signs, and moving through the land differently — I felt something shift. Hunting isn’t just about pulling the trigger. It’s about presence. That part hooked me.

Q: Where have you hunted so far?

Josh:
So far, mostly in Wisconsin and northern Michigan. I’ve done both public and private land hunts. Public land is tougher — more pressure from other hunters — but I actually like the challenge. You learn to read the terrain and scout smarter. I’ve also tried turkey hunting down in Kentucky. Different vibe, but just as exciting.

Q: Do you usually hunt on weekends?

Josh:
Yeah, weekends are the only time I can realistically go, since I work full time. I try to plan a few long weekends during deer season. Sunrise to sundown sits are long — but those quiet hours do something to your mind. You think you’ll be bored, but you’re not. You’re locked in.

Q: How much walking is involved when you go hunting?

Josh:
It depends on the terrain and style of hunt. Some days I hike 5–7 miles, especially if I’m doing spot-and-stalk or scouting new areas. Other days, I hike in before dawn, set up, and sit in a blind for hours. Either way, you’re moving slowly and deliberately. It’s not like going for a jog — it’s strategic, quiet walking.

Q: What’s the weather usually like when you go out?

Josh:
Cold. I mostly hunt in the fall and early winter, so you’re looking at temps in the 30s or 40s — sometimes lower. I’ve sat through snow flurries, fog, and even freezing rain. You learn to dress in layers and respect the elements. Weather can make or break your day, but it’s part of the experience.

Q: Who do you usually hunt with?

Josh:
At first, I tagged along with a buddy who’s been hunting since he was a kid. Now, I go with a small crew — just two or three of us. Sometimes we split up in the field and regroup later. I’ve also gone solo a few times. It’s intense but rewarding. You rely completely on yourself out there.

Q: What do you eat while hunting?

Josh:
Nothing fancy. Granola bars, jerky, trail mix — stuff that won’t make noise or leave a scent. I pack light. Sometimes we’ll cook a hot meal at camp the night before or after. One time we grilled venison we harvested that same morning. Doesn’t get fresher than that.

Q: Have you actually caught anything yet?

Josh:
Yeah — last season, I harvested my first deer. It was a clean shot, and we processed it ourselves. I froze the meat and have been cooking with it ever since — stews, burgers, even jerky. That moment changed how I see food, honestly. It wasn’t just a kill — it was a responsibility. I felt grateful.

Q: What advice would you give someone who wants to start but has zero experience?

Josh:
Start with education. Seriously. I took a state-sponsored hunter safety course online. It taught me the laws, ethics, and safety basics. Then I read everything I could — blogs, books, YouTube videos. Most importantly, I found a mentor. You need someone to walk you through your first few outings.

Q: What gear do beginners really need?

Josh:
Don’t overbuy. You need a reliable rifle or bow, appropriate clothing for the weather, and basic safety gear like blaze orange and a good knife. I used a borrowed rifle my first season. Focus on comfort and stealth, not fancy brands.

Q: How does licensing work? Isn’t it complicated?

Josh:
It can feel that way at first. But your state’s Department of Natural Resources website usually lays it out clearly. You’ll need a hunting license and often species-specific tags. The hunter education course is usually required for first-timers. It’s a hurdle, but not a hard one.

Q: What’s the biggest misconception about hunting?

Josh:
That hunters just want to kill. That’s so far from the truth. Ethical hunters are conservationists. They understand ecosystems and harvest animals responsibly. It’s not about violence — it’s about connection, discipline, and respect.

Q: What do you personally get out of hunting now?

Josh:
It resets my mind. In the woods, my phone’s off. I’m focused. It’s a break from noise. Plus, I’ve started eating wild game. It’s humbling to know exactly where your food came from. I think differently now about meat, land use, and nature.

Q: What’s your message to urban or younger readers who might feel disconnected from hunting culture?

Josh:
I was you. It’s not a lifestyle reserved for rural folks or seasoned outdoorsmen. Hunting is a learned skill — and anyone willing to study, respect the land, and put in the work can do it. Start small. Ask questions. Go slow. But go.

Conclusion:

Hunting is not just a sport. It’s a way to engage deeply with the land, challenge yourself, and cultivate patience. Josh’s journey reminds us that even in a tech-saturated world, the primal call of nature still speaks to us. If you’ve ever wondered whether you could become a hunter — the answer is yes.

Author Bio: Ana Milojevik
Ana Milojevik is an outdoor lifestyle writer with a strong interest in sustainable living, wilderness culture, and traditional skills. Growing up in a rural area, she developed a deep respect for nature and firsthand knowledge of hunting practices through family traditions and field research. Ana has spent years exploring the stories behind modern hunters—their motivations, ethics, and connection to the land.

In this interview, she found Josh to be a thoughtful individual whose passion for hunting goes beyond sport. His quiet discipline, respect for wildlife, and down-to-earth attitude left a strong impression. Ana believes his story reflects a broader movement toward mindful, ethical hunting in today’s fast-paced world.