In this interview, we sit down with an accomplished hunter, passionate outdoorswoman, and culinary expert, Jen Homa. She shares her early introduction to hunting, from tagging along with her father to discovering her obsession for the sport through bowhunting with her husband. Jen’s love for wild game cooking emerged from her desire to elevate traditional game recipes, leading her to develop innovative dishes that have gained a loyal following. Throughout the conversation, she opens up about the challenges and rewards of being a woman in the hunting industry, memorable hunts, and the invaluable skills she’s gained. Jen also offers insightful advice for new hunters and those just beginning their wild game cooking journey.
Can you share a bit about your early life and what first sparked your interest in the outdoors and hunting?
Hunting was in my family; my father is a hunter and took my brother hunting a few times before me. When I was in high school, I started going with my dad too. I always thought there was something special about hunting, but it wasn’t really until my now husband introduced me to bowhunting that I became obsessed with hunting like I am to this day.
What were the key moments or experiences that solidified your passion for hunting?
One of my first sits by myself as a bow hunter really solidified my passion for hunting. It was a September evening nearly a decade ago. I had multiple deer walk right beneath me under my stand, I saw my target buck but couldn’t make a shot and then I got to watch the world “go to sleep.” I was hooked after that!
How did you start your culinary journey?
I was the kid who was always hungry. I would get home from school and immediately ask my mom “what’s for dinner?” almost every day. We eventually started cooking together and trying new recipes. We had so much fun doing that. Once I started hunting, I was tired of the same old recipes and felt this meat could be so much better. So decided to get more experimental in the kitchen and do lots of research for cooking with game. I started sharing these recipes online and people kept asking for more as my following group so did the one for my recipes which eventually brought me to be who I am today.
What were some of the most significant challenges you faced as a woman in the hunting industry?
I think being a women in a male dominated industry makes you work twice or even ten times harder to prove your worth. There is a certain stereotype that goes around with women and the outdoors, but I feel like if you are able to prove your worth through skill and knowledge, it’s easier to overcome that challenge.
Can you share your most memorable hunt story?
My most memorable hunting experience overall was going on a bear hunt in Canada. This was my first big hunting trip and my first time out of the United States. We spent our mornings fishing for walleye and pike then the afternoons we split up and hunted bears. I was fortunate enough to shoot a mature black bear on the second evening with my bow. Everyone at camp was so friendly and supportive. Overall, it’s still one of my favorite hunts I’ve been on!
What’s your favorite hunting season?
As much as I love whitetail hunting I’d take any season that lets me hunt with my dogs over it any day.
What do you believe are the most important skills or qualities for a woman to develop if she wants to succeed in hunting or the outdoor industry?
I think it’s so important to be confident in your skills and abilities and just go for it.
What hunts do you have planned this season?
I have an exciting season planned. I’ll be bowhunting whitetail in my home state in addition to two bordering states, I have a bear hunt planned, and I will be mixing in waterfowl, upland and small game during all of that!
What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in hunting?
Getting started in hunting can be intimidating. I think it is really important to get hands on experience. It’s great for people to show you how to do things, but make sure that you are actually doing them yourself so that you get the fullest experience. Gutting your own deer, hanging your own stands, etc are all so rewarding.
What would be your dream hunt?
I was fortunate enough to go on my dream hunt this year. Hunting axis deer in Hawaii was once a dream but I was able to knock that one off the bucket list. A new dream hunt would be hunting caribou! Their antlers are so unique, and they live in beautiful country. I’d love to hunt them one day.
Do you have a favorite wildgame recipe?
It changes often, but I’m currently obsessing over my recipe for Mississippi Venison Meatballs. It’s like the pot roast we all know and love but even better.
What are some of your favorite recipes from the cookbook, and why do they stand out to you?
There’s so many in that book I use over and over. If I had to pick a handful: the honey butter pheasant biscuits are great because the biscuits are from stretch and the honey butter is to die for; the stuffed pepper soup is a warm and comforting soup I make a few times every year; and the mushroom venison pinwheels are so great as an app or for dinner I’ve made them countless times!
What advice would you give to someone who is new to cooking wild game and might feel intimidated by the process?
Start small with easier recipes with a short list ingredients. There’s tons of recipes crafted for people just starting out for exactly this reason. The best part about this is that just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s going to be boring and flavorless.
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