I’m Jaylyn Luciano. I’m 27 years old. I’m a certified early ed teacher and an online wellness coach. I’m passionate about all things outdoors including hiking, hunting, and fishing. I grew up around hunting and fishing and would always tag along on trips. But it wasn’t until two years ago that I took the initiative to learn more. Fall 2022 was my first whitetail season and spring 2023 was my first spring gobbler season. I still have a lot to learn but I’m grateful to have surrounded myself with amazing people in the outdoor industry and I’m excited to just get out there and do more. My online business allows me to travel while I work so my goal is to build my business to the point where I can work as I travel to hike, hunt, and travel more.
This female feature is for Jaylyn Luciano. Here we go!
Why do you hunt?
For me, as I started to learn more about the ‘why' aspect of hunting, my purpose grew. I quickly gained a new perspective on hunting as I started to surround myself with others in the outdoor industry. I began learning more about different species, where they live, why they live there, and even just general information about the habitat here on the east coast. I love that there is always so much to learn and even new tactics to try. I love that I am able to provide healthy food for myself and my loved ones. I have learned so much about not only hunting and wildlife but about myself. Nothing beats the experiences and lessons that hunting teaches you and I am always looking forward to my next adventure.
When was your first outdoor memory, and how old were you?
I don't remember the age, but I remember being a kid and my dad would take my twin brother and me out in the woods. We would walk with him and tag along while he was scouting and looking for deer signs. I remember both my parents taking my brother and me fishing and can vividly remember fishing with them and always getting ice cream on the way home. I didn't harvest any animals as a kid or remember how many fish I did (or didn't) catch. But I know my love for the outdoors started with my dad sharing what he was taught and showing us something he loved to do when we were just kids.
What do you love most about hunting and spending time outdoors?
What I love most about any time spent outdoors, including those hunts where you may not have much success or even many sightings, or the days where you don't catch any fish, is that you still get to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. There's so much beauty in Mother Nature. There's always somewhere new to explore, something new to learn, and you never know what you might find. It allows you to put the technology away and get away from the fast-paced world we live in. It's somewhere to just be. To be in the present moment and nothing else matters.
What’s your most memorable hunting experience?
I have countless memorable moments as a kid with my dad. But I'd say my ‘most' memorable moment for me would have to be my first solo hunt. When I first started learning, scouting, and hunting, I always had someone with me. I met a lot of great people in the outdoor industry but most were via social media or some that are local I still have yet to meet in person.
But, when I did go out to scout or hunt, I was always with my boyfriend. He is someone who has taught me a lot and encourages me to continue learning. He travels a lot for hunting and for work and so when he isn't home, I would tend to not go out on my own.
I remember my first experience on my own was during the fall 2022 deer season and after I got my first doe. I had another tag to fill but he wasn't home to take me anywhere. I ended up walking the property behind his house in hopes to fill my second tag. While I didn't harvest another deer, and I was only a couple hundred yards from the house, it was still unfamiliar woods, I was by myself, and every single decision was up to me. From the moment I set my alarm to get up and head out until I had to come back in for work, it was all up to me. And that was something I won't forget.
Do you have a dream hunting excursion?
Honestly, I feel as though any hunting excursion, no matter how big or small would be a dream because I am such a rookie. But one thing I would love to do is experience a new hunt in a new habitat. I would love to take on a western elk hunt during the archery season.
What would you say to other women who haven’t tried hunting yet?
Don't wait until you have all the knowledge because even those doing this for years don't know it all. Also, don't let a male-dominant field discourage you. Know that you will feel uncomfortable, fail over and over, and experience so many emotions with it all. If it's something you want, you've got to keep after it.It helps to surround yourself with other women in the industry. Reach out via social media, attend trade shows and events, and find your people. I personally combine and connect my wellness passion and outdoors passion and have found a lot of women that have the same values!
Tell us your favorite gear. What brands and products do you LOVE?
Ridge Belts, Kings Camo, and Sitka are my favorites!
