Heidi Heckethorn

A local woman who hunts to find her inner calm

Tell us about yourself: Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I was born in Nevada, but I was raised in northeastern Utah and am still a resident there. For the past 15 years, I've been running the local county animal shelter. I love to keep life simple, eat good food and make lots of memories. Being outdoors in nature is where my heart is truly happy. I enjoy hunting, fishing, photography, camping and other outdoor activities.

Why do you hunt, and how did you get into it?

Hunting has been a tradition that has been passed on for many generations in my family. I hunt in part due to family tradition, but I have continued hunting because it gives me a sense of empowerment. I started hunting elk in Colorado with my grandpa, dad and family friends. We've always hunted to provide meat for our families and to reconnect with each other. Originally, I hunted with a rifle, but I've found my true passion is archery hunting.

As I've gained skills and more confidence, I continue to hunt to remind myself that I am strong, I can do hard things, and to trust my instincts.

What is your favorite part of hunting?

With all the chaos of daily life, we need a way to disconnect from everything in order to be more grounded, and hunting provides that for me. Hunting takes away the present day stresses, brings an inner calm and simplifies life for a moment.

What are some tips you would offer someone who is interested in learning to hunt?

Practice shooting and become very comfortable with your firearm or archery equipment. When you're out hunting, remember to have patience, don't rush the shot and breathe. Also, a pack is essential — even if you're not hiking — because you can never be too prepared.

To learn more about hunting, visit wildlife.utah.gov/teamwildlife.