Podcast Episode 216: The Rookies – From Island Roots to Wild Hunts: A Path to Sustainability
On Episode 216 of The Rookies series on the Wild Fish and Game Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Steph Spears, an adult-onset hunter who transformed her relationship with food, sustainability, and community. Born and raised in Hawaii, Steph grew up with the Native Hawaiian values of “Aloha Āina” (love for the land) and “Mālama ‘Āina” (taking care of the land). These principles and her professional background in clean energy ignited her quest to source food more responsibly. In this episode, Steph shares her experiences with spearfishing, her first hunting trips, and the profound lessons she’s learned. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or curious about the wild food journey, Steph’s story offers inspiration and actionable advice for anyone looking to connect more deeply with their food and the environment.
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From Hawaii to Hunting: A Personal Evolution
Growing up in Hawaii, Steph was immersed in a culture that views land as an ancestor and a finite resource. “If you nourish the land, it nourishes you in return,” she explained. However, her connection to these values didn’t fully extend to her food choices until the pandemic forced her to reevaluate her relationship with nature.
“I was desperate for not only open space and open air but a closer relationship to the land,” Steph said. While she initially turned to spearfishing as a way to confront her fear of the ocean, her fascination with this sustainable form of fishing eventually led her to hunting. “Spearfishing is the most targeted way to fish sustainably,” she shared, highlighting the discipline and calm required to succeed. This journey helped her reconnect with nature and opened the door to a larger community of like-minded individuals.
Breaking Barriers as an Adult Onset Hunter
Steph’s journey into hunting was not without its challenges. Like many adult-onset hunters, she lacked the social networks and childhood experiences that often ease the transition into the hunting world. However, she found invaluable support through mentorship programs, such as a class offered by the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers chapter in Virginia.
“Rachel and Wade, who run the program, are incredible,” Steph said. “They discovered hunting in their adulthood and have since reorganized their lives to hunt every weekend. Their generosity in teaching others is a testament to the hunting community.” Through this program, Steph learned essential skills like scouting, setting up tree stands, and butchering, culminating in her first deer harvest.
Her first hunting experience was a rollercoaster of emotions and lessons. “I’ll never forget the panic I felt when I forgot to take the safety off my shotgun,” she admitted with a laugh. But thanks to her mentor’s quick thinking and teamwork, Steph was able to harvest her first deer. “It was a lesson in community,” she reflected. “I’ve learned that hunting is not just about the individual; it’s about the people who support and guide you.”
Honoring the Animal and the Ecosystem
For Steph, hunting is not merely about sourcing meat but about taking responsibility for the life that is given. “I don’t enjoy the kill,” she confessed. “But as a meat eater, I believe it’s important to confront the cost of my food. Hunting has taught me to value every part of the animal and to participate responsibly in the ecosystem.”
Steph’s first harvest included the heart and backstraps, which she cooked immediately. “Eating the heart was a profound experience,” she said. “It’s such high-quality meat and a reminder of the respect and gratitude we owe to the animals we harvest.” This philosophy has transformed her approach to food, emphasizing the importance of minimizing waste and maximizing the value of every harvest.
Building a Supportive Community
One of the most striking aspects of Steph’s story is her emphasis on the welcoming and generous nature of the hunting community. From Facebook groups to state-sponsored mentored hunts, she found a wealth of resources to help her navigate this new world. “The hunting community is incredibly warm and supportive,” she said. “What this country needs more than anything is for people to show up in spaces they haven’t been before and connect with one another.”
Steph also highlighted organizations like Hunters of Color and Becoming an Outdoors Woman, which provide invaluable support and representation for underrepresented groups in the hunting world. “As an Asian American woman, it’s empowering to find spaces that celebrate diversity and inclusivity,” she said.
Advice for Aspiring Hunters
For those interested in following a similar path, Steph offered practical advice. “Start by taking a hunter education course or a freediving class if you’re interested in spearfishing,” she recommended. “Join Facebook groups, look for mentored hunts in your state, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people in this community are eager to share their knowledge.”
Steph’s story is a testament to the transformative power of hunting and fishing, not just as a means of sourcing sustainable food but as a way to build community and reconnect with the land. Her journey reminds us that it’s never too late to start something new and that the most profound rewards often come from stepping outside our comfort zones.