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by Dorothy Soulia
It’s funny how unexpected paths appear. When I started working in the industry, I didn’t plan on becoming a hunter. But listening to stories, learning about safety and watching people light up when they talked about their favorite hunting story with their reliable firearm stirred something in me, and I wanted to be a part of it.
I didn’t grow up with a rifle in my hands or hunting stories passed around the kitchen table. However, I was lucky enough to have three mentors who believed in teaching the right way from day one: my dad, my grandpa and my husband.
From the very beginning, they taught firearm safety as the foundation of everything. Before I ever stepped foot into the woods, they walked me through how to properly handle, load, unload and carry a firearm. My dad emphasized the reasons behind every safety rule, and my grandfather added wisdom, patience and years of experience. Later, I signed up for the New Hampshire Hunter Education course, which proved to be an essential resource for learning about hunting laws and field safety. Overall, they shaped my approach with respect, responsibility, and commitment to being an ethical hunter.
Learning in the Field—Even Without Success
My husband and I spent countless early mornings and chilly evenings in the woods. He taught me how to watch the wind, where deer travel, how to move with intention and how to settle into the woods with patience. Every hunt became a lesson, even if we came home empty-handed.
And in truth, we never filled our tags those first few years, but I slowly realized those “unsuccessful” hunts were building the foundation I needed. With every outing, my confidence grew.
If there’s one thing I know— it’s that every hunt— successful or not, teaches you something. And every lesson has helped me become the hunter I am today.
A Turning Point in Texas
Everything changed when I had the opportunity to attend a women’s “Field to Fork” class at FTW Ranch in Barksdale, TX. I walked into that experience hopeful but nervous, surrounded by women with various hunting experiences, and the incredibly knowledgeable FTW instructors.
During that course, I learned so much and harvested my very first white-tail doe. It was emotional, grounding and unforgettable. The instructors didn’t just celebrate the harvest, they walked us step-by-step through what to do after a clean ethical shot- how to approach the animal, how to begin field dressing and even taught us how to butcher. This experience helped grow my confidence and trust in myself as a new hunter.
My First New Hampshire Buck
The next fall, back home in New Hampshire, I stepped into the woods differently, more confident, more prepared and finally believed I could put everything I had learned to use. And that season, I harvested my first New Hampshire buck with my reliable Ruger American Gen 2 Standard in 6.5 Creedmoor.
I can still remember that mix of adrenaline and calm that washed over me after the shot. My grandfather and husband came to help me field dress and drag. But this time I was participating, understanding each step and applying everything I’d learned from years of mentorship and, more importantly, the FTW Ranch Course.
What This Journey Meant
My hunting journey wasn’t an instant success or one that built confidence easily. It grew slowly, rooted in safety, fueled by mentorship, strengthened by education and shaped by experience. I’m proud of myself for taking a step into something new. I’m thankful for the New Hampshire Hunter Education course, FTW course and my mentors.
If there’s one thing I know— it’s that every hunt— successful or not, teaches you something. And every lesson has helped me become the hunter I am today.
Thank you, AWA .50 Cal Sponsor, Ruger!
About the Author
Dorothy Soulia is a passionate hunter and outdoor enthusiast. She works at Ruger Firearms as the Media & Public Relations Coordinator.
Her hunting journey began in 2020, and she quickly fell in love with upland, waterfowl and whitetail deer hunting. When she’s not in the stand or the blind, you can find her camping out of her 4Runner and exploring new hiking trails.
