Julie Chapman makes the case that the future of hunting depends on getting more families, more women, and more kids into the field now. If you care about conservation, raising outdoorsy kids, or why tough hunts create the best memories, this conversation will light you up.

Dana talks with Julie about the Women Hunt movement, the emotional power of seeing first-time shooters ring steel, and why those experiences matter far beyond the tag or the harvest. Julie also shares what it’s like chasing sheep in the Yukon and British Columbia, hunting with her son and daughter, and why she measures a hunt by the people, the lessons, and the time spent together—not by inches on a tape. You'll hear how Julie went from a college basketball life to becoming all-in on hunting, conservation, and mentoring the next generation through Women Hunt and Graveyard Outdoors. She opens up about the value of discomfort; the grit kids build in bad weather and long days, and why even a hunt that doesn’t go as planned can shape a future hunter, advocate, or conservationist. We also get into the real-world side of mountain hunting—unpredictable weather, packed-out sheep, cliffy terrain, emergency prep, and the mindset it takes to stay safe while still going hard. Then the conversation shifts to waterfowl hunting, black labs, puppy training, and how bird hunts can be the perfect on-ramp for kids and new hunters. Julie and Dana connect over a shared belief: if hunters want a future, they have to show up, speak up, and make the outdoors feel possible for the next generation. Essential listening if you want inspiration, practical perspective, and a reminder that the best hunts often have nothing to do with the kill.

Julie is a mother, conservationist and member of the Women Hunt committee, known for helping grow the program from its inception and championing women in the outdoors.
 

Tags: Youth, Women Hunt