Outdoors woman and hunter Eva Shockey, daughter of Jim Shockey, world renowned hunter and producer of Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures and Jim Shockey's The Professionals, was one of the main draws at the Parkland Outdoor Show and Expo over the weekend. Eva, an avid hunter herself, currently cohosts Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures with her dad.
Shockey says she grew up taking part in all the hunting trips. She didn't start shooting herself until she turned 20 four years ago. She now takes a more active part in the hunts as well as simply helping with the tracking and dressing of the animals. "It's fun being on both sides of it," she comments.
In addition to cohosting the television show, Shockey conducts speaking engagements for about four months at the beginning of every year. She also delivers seminars and attend trade shows to sell merchandise or do whatever show organizers require of her.
Hunting is a family affair for Shockey and her family. "That's why we all got into it and got involved. That's why we love it. We get to spend time with our family. The outdoors is a big thing. I've always loved the outdoors because of what we do," Shockey explains.
She also enjoys the travel associated with hunting and her work. "We travel a lot for what we do. I've seen a lot of the world because of my dad's job which is now my job," she adds.
Shockey adds she enjoys the industry. "People are wonderful. Everyone's so accepting and happy to be around and enjoy it with the same passion. For me that's kind of what it's all about," she suggests.
She recalls her favorite hunt took place in the Yukon. "You fly two and a half hours out by float plane from the closest harbour. You're dropped off in the middle of nowhere on a lake. You stay there for two weeks without showers or running water or anything. You hike up mountains everyday. You cook your own meals. You get your water from the little rivers and streams. That's by far the best because they have monster moose and monster caribou and it's all worth it," Shockey recounts.
She admits she enjoys the total outdoor experience as much as the hunt. "I wouldn't want to shoot an animal if I didn't have sort of a lead up to it because, to me, that's all part of the whole journey. I could never personally just jump out of a car and shoot because I like the hiking, travel and the adventure before the actual animal dies. To me that's what a hunt's all about, the whole journey from start to finish, Shockey states.
Her favorite trophy was a whitetail deer, she shot around Asquith where the family has a ranch. She watched and tracked the animal for three years before shooting it. "For me that was really cool because we worked so hard to get it, Shockey recalls.
Shockey plans to continue in the industry for the foreseeable future. "Once you're part of this industry, it's pretty much impossible to get out of it. She's liked to see all the young hunters come out. "It's a good placed to be," she closes.
