IPSC World Champion, author, veteran, and speaker, Julie Golob is one of the most accomplished professional shooters in the world with more than 150 championship titles and top scores in international, national, and regional marksmanship competitions in 7 different shooting disciplines. A veteran of the elite U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, she was named both U.S. Army Female Athlete of the Year and AMU Athlete of the Year. Serving as the captain of Smith & Wesson’s shooting team her list of titles includes the prestigious Bianchi Cup, Steel Challenge, USPSA, IDPA, and IPSC competitions, and SHOT Business Person of the Year. Her book, SHOOT: Your Guide to Shooting and Competition, is a comprehensive primer on shooting sports, and Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules: A Children’s Book About Gun Safety is a useful tool for parents when it comes to real firearm safety. Julie is a dedicated ambassador and shares her passion for gun safety, shooting sports, and hunting as an outdoor television personality, instructor, guest speaker and through JulieGolob.com.
This Female Hunter Feature is for Julie Golob. Here we go!
Why do you hunt and spend time outdoors?
Growing up in the outdoors has helped mold me into the person I am today. Learning how to thrive outside, provide for the family, and enjoy outdoor sports have taught me so many invaluable life lessons. A hobby even became a career. As a professional shooter, I love testing myself in competition and sharing shooting sports with others.
When was your first outdoors' memory, and how old were you?
The first memory I have as an outdoors woman was fishing with my father and grandfather. Whether it was seeking out perch on the lake in the summer in upstate New York or bundling up in snowsuits to ice fish in winter, I think fishing is such a great introduction to what getting outside has to offer, especially for kids. When I was older, I became my father's little sidekick in the field hunting and shooting on the range.
What do you love most about shooting?
For me, competing in shooting sports fills me with purpose. Sure, as a pro shooter, it's my job, but even before that, shooting taught me about focus, dedication, and goal setting. It's such a great feeling setting a goal on the range and achieving it. That, combined with the seasons, sunshine or rain, makes me feel connected and grounded all at the same time.
What’s your most memorable outdoors' experience?
I have so many incredible memories from being outdoors. Hunting and fishing with my dad, especially now that he is no longer with us, are moments I will always treasure. I've certainly had some highlights on the range too, from winning my first nationals to traveling to six continents to compete. Sharing the outdoors through shooting and hunting with my daughters tops them though. Watching my girls learn, grow, and succeed is so rewarding. When my firstborn shot her first competition and got her first deer, those experiences are truly cherished moments. I hope later on my daughters will pass on the legacy to their children too.
Do you have a favorite wild game recipe?
This is a tough question. We eat so much venison that it's a staple and I love to cook. One of my favorite ways to prepare wild game is in a tagine. It's a Moroccan cooking vessel made from clay and shaped like a cone. Ideal for slow cooking and addressing tougher cuts of meat, it's just a matter of adding onions, garlic, spices and then letting it all cook slowly at 225 degrees over the course of 6-8 hours. Though it's traditionally Middle Eastern fare, you can tailor it to any flavors you like. Serve with couscous, rice, or potatoes for the ultimate in comfort food.
Do you have a dream hunting, fishing, or outdoors' excursion?
Hunting is my way to relax and unwind after a hectic competition season. I look forward to the fall and deer season every year. I've been fortunate enough to hunt elk but have not been successful. That's on the bucket list! I'd also love to go deep-sea fishing at some point. The idea of catching and enjoying fresh sushi on the water is exciting. As far as shooting and I mentioned this earlier, I've been blessed to compete on six continents. It's highly unlikely I'll ever get to Antarctica, but it would be incredible to claim pulling a trigger on all 7. If none of these things happens, that's ok too because the experiences and the opportunities I have had and get to enjoy are treasured.
What would you say to other women who haven’t tried spending time outdoors yet?
To all the women out there who want to get started in an outdoor sport or experience the thrill of the hunt, I can't recommend it enough. Now, more than ever there are ways to connect with female hunters, anglers, and shooters. With thoughtful products, clothing options, and wide acceptance of women enjoying these pastimes, now is YOUR time. Do your research, but then take the plunge. You'll learn not only new skills but things about yourself too.
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