The First Hunt Files: Brittany Shaffer

By: Ashley Holm 

There’s something special about talking to a first-time hunter: the mix of nerves, excitement, and pure wonder that comes from stepping into the woods with fresh eyes. For many, it’s not just about the harvest; it’s about finding confidence, connection, and calm in nature.

This week, we caught up with Brittany Shaffer, a New Hampshire native, mom of two, and self-proclaimed “tiny girl without a clue” who fell in love with bowhunting after a single trip into the woods with her husband. What started as a curious tagalong moment has turned into a genuine passion, and plenty of lessons learned along the way.

Getting to Know Brittany

Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Brittany, I’m 34, and I was born and raised in New Hampshire. I’m married with two kids — a 17-year-old son and a 10-year-old daughter — plus a six-year-old pup who keeps us all moving. I’ve worked in Accounts Receivable for 17 years. Outside of work, I love golfing, riding my dirt bike, and doing anything that makes me, my husband, and kids happy.

What made you want to start hunting?
My husband picked it up last year, and since I love being in the woods, he brought me along one day so he wouldn’t have to go alone. We saw two does, and one came within 15 yards of me before catching my scent and snorting. She and I locked eyes for what felt like forever. She was just behind a tree, and my husband didn’t have a shot. At that moment, I was hooked. That winter, I bought a bow and spent every weekend at the range learning everything I could. Now, it’s a friendly competition between us to see who gets a deer first!

The First Hunt

Tell us about your first hunt — what were you after, and where did you go?
My husband took me to private property about an hour from home. It was around 200 acres of fields, trails, and beautiful woods. The idea was to use the trails so I could practice moving quietly and safely, then sit near a cornfield that usually gets cut in September. When we arrived, the corn hadn’t been cut yet, so we decided to walk through the woods instead. We looked for signs of deer, checked droppings, studied the trees and brush, just taking it all in and learning how deer move throughout the day.

Why did you choose this particular hunt to start with?
It’s private land that only a few people are allowed to hunt. Most of them use firearms, so on opening day for bow season, it’s basically just us out there. My husband knows every inch of that property, so there’s no chance of getting lost, and our friend has had success there in past seasons.

The Experience

Walk us through that first day — what stood out most?
The first thing that struck me was how dark it gets under the tree canopy. We saw the eyes of two does before we even got far in. The woods in the dark are alive; coyotes were calling and running nearby, which was both amazing and slightly terrifying. I kept glancing behind me to make sure I wasn’t being stalked!

What emotions did you feel before, during, and after the hunt?
Before the hunt, I was nervous. My husband isn’t the most patient teacher and keeping up with him on my short legs while trying to stay quiet was a challenge! During the hunt, though, I felt completely exhilarated. The sounds, the smells, the whole experience was electric. Afterward, I was just ready to go again.

Gear & Lessons

What gear did you use that you really liked?
My bow, of course. That’s my favorite piece of gear. I also had this small pen flashlight that I clipped into my chest pocket, and it turned out to be way brighter than my husband’s headlamp. It helped us spot animal eyes in the dark, which was really cool. My SHE hunting leggings were great for the warm weather, but they were so thin that the thorns went right through them. I wore Bogs boots that day and immediately knew they weren’t the right fit — they were too big and noisy. I’ve since switched to smaller rain boots, and they’re perfect.

Anything you wish you’d known or brought with you?
Definitely invest in a good headlamp. And always be mindful of where your arrow is pointed — behind you is safest. Pointing it down risks hitting yourself and pointing it forward risks hitting your partner. I also learned that mechanical broadheads aren’t for me. One got caught on a branch, and two blades fell off. Luckily, I noticed and swapped arrows before we started walking again. Now, I always check that my broadheads are tight before heading out.

Looking Ahead

After that first experience, do you plan to hunt again?
Oh, I’m hooked! If it were up to me, I’d be out at least three evenings a week and all-day Sunday. But being a mom and the default parent means I can’t go as much as I’d like.

What’s next on your list?
I’ve been exploring local public lands. It’s tough because every time I find a great spot, someone already has a blind or stand nearby. I definitely plan to do more scouting next year, and I want my own tree stand!

What advice would you give someone about to go on their first hunt?
Go with someone you trust. Dress for the weather. And listen, even if the advice sounds silly, there’s usually a reason for it.

Personal Reflection

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
I miss being in the woods more than I ever realized. Sitting still, soaking it all in — it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for my mental health. And honestly? Girls can do this too.

How has hunting changed your perspective on the outdoors and conservation?
It’s given me a deeper appreciation for the world we live in. The animals we call “nuisances”, the squirrels, chipmunks, everything, they’re just living their lives. Watching them in their own world has made me respect nature on a whole new level.

Final Thoughts
Brittany’s story is a reminder that every hunter starts somewhere, usually with curiosity, a little nervous energy, and a single moment that sparks something deeper. For her, it was a doe at fifteen yards. For others, it might be a sunrise, a rustle of leaves, or just the peace of the woods. However it starts, the lesson is the same: confidence and connection come with time, patience, and a willingness to learn.