Words by participant: Carrie Riewe

I didn’t grow up hunting. Back in Minnesota, it always felt like something other people did to embrace the cooling temps and an excuse to sit in a deer stand and drink beer all day. Not me.

That changed when I moved to Utah. Surrounded by public lands, I discovered a whole new outdoor world. Through a relationship, I got glimpses into scouting, glassing, butchering—and something clicked. Even after that relationship ended, my interest didn’t fade. If anything, it grew stronger and more personal.

Still, I struggled to take the leap on my own. I had always been the curious observer tagging along—helping prep gear, mapping hunts on OnX, waterproofing tents, packing food—yet never the hunter. That’s when I discovered Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ Hunting for Sustainability program: a chance to finally step into the role I’d been circling for a few years.

What struck me most about H4S was the environment it created. Everyone, from instructors to guest speakers to fellow participants, met you where you were. No question was too small, no experience too limited.

The skills were invaluable—the basics of approaching a hunt, ethical hunting practices, field dressing, and butchering—but the lessons went deeper. We talked about conservation, about how hunting ties into stewardship of the land, and about what it means to carry these traditions responsibly.

I’m grateful to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) for providing the facilities and guest speakers who broadened the conversation even more. Their support underscored the connection between hunters, conservation professionals, and the landscapes we all care about.

What I didn’t expect was how much conservation would matter to me. At first, I was just there to learn about hunting. But the more I participated, the more I started to understand the bigger picture—and the more I wanted to do something about it.

I realized every voice really does count. One letter, one email, one phone call—it adds up when we all show up. That realization made me want to lean in. I’ve found myself attending events, volunteering, and even helping with big fundraising dinners.

That’s when it clicked: this is bigger than hunting. It’s about keeping these places wild for everyone who loves them. Even one of my sisters—who has no interest in ever picking up a rifle or bow—supports BHA because she sees the impact of protecting public lands. These efforts matter to hikers, anglers, campers, and anyone who simply wants to enjoy open spaces.

For me, H4S marked a turning point. I showed up curious (as always!); I left more confident. I now feel like I have the foundation to step into hunting on my own—and, just as importantly, I’ve found a community of people who care about food, conservation, and public lands as much as I do.

It’s easy to think of hunting as a solitary pursuit, but this program reminded me it’s also about community. The relationships I built and the stories we shared were just as meaningful as the technical lessons.

I’m grateful for the instructors, mentors, and fellow participants who made this experience what it was. And to BHA, for building a path into hunting that goes beyond skills, connecting people through conservation and community.

If you’ve ever been curious about hunting—or simply want to support the places that make all kinds of outdoor adventures possible—I encourage you to check out BHA events. It’s a fun way to meet like-minded people and to support causes that keep our public lands wild, open, and accessible for everyone.

-  Carrie Riewe