Alyssa Jackson

A Cedar City woman who makes hunting a family affair

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

I was born and raised in Cedar City, where I currently live with my husband, infant daughter and three Labrador retrievers. I recently made the choice to start working remotely so I could be home to care for my daughter. When I am not home working and caring for a baby, you can find me on the mountain camping and enjoying the beautiful outdoors with my family.

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

In 2018, I met my husband and began to develop my love for hunting and wildlife. He taught me how to shoot a firearm and encouraged me to take hunter education that year so I could be eligible to hunt the following year. He essentially served as my mentor in hunting — helping me through the hunt drawing application for my first deer permit and teaching me how to hunt ducks in late October.

Since completing hunter education, I have enjoyed learning the skills and values of being a hunter. I enjoy being outdoors, putting meat on the table for my family and creating unforgettable memories. One of my favorite memories was the day my husband proposed to me during our duck hunt.

What is your favorite part of hunting?

Some of my favorite things about hunting are scouting for wildlife, trying new game meat, watching my Labradors at work and spending quality time with my family. I love the taste of venison, elk, duck and, believe it or not, ruffed grouse! I enjoy taking early morning or late evening rides in my off-highway vehicle with my husband and daughter in hopes of finding a nice buck deer or, my personal favorite, a beautiful bull elk standing in a meadow. I look forward to raising my daughter to hunt and take part in a tradition that is invaluable to our family!

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

For anyone that is interested in hunting, there are a few pointers I recommend:

• Tag along with another hunter to get a feel for it and to see if it is something you enjoy.
• Take advice and help from someone who is already a hunter. This is a great way to learn valuable skills, ethical hunting practices and to become comfortable with something that is new to you.
• Take some time to read and become familiar with the Utah Hunting Guidebooks. This is where you will find all the laws, regulations and specific hunt information before you head out in the field.

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