Join us in this insightful conversation with Tori Loomis, an enthusiastic hunter and chef, as she shares her journey into the world of deer hunting and cooking wild game.
With a deep passion for understanding the origins of her food, Tori started hunting later in life, and has since become an accomplished hunter. Her story is a testament to the connection between hunting, sustainable practices, and culinary arts.
In this interview, Tori talks about her first hunt, dealing with bad days of shooting, and the connection between hunting and cooking. She also provides valuable advice for those who are just starting out in the world of hunting.
The Journey of Tori Loomis: From Hunter to Chef
Q: How did you get into hunting?
Tori: I grew up in a family of hunters but did not actually start hunting until later in life. I began hunting out of a desire to have a better understanding of where my food was coming from, and the processes involved. A close family friend took me under his wing and showed me the ropes, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Q: Do you remember your first hunt?
Tori: Yes, well, particularly my first antlered deer harvest stands out. I'd hunted an entire season, morning, and evenings. I'd watched deer all season. I passed on several does, and even some antlered deer.
It was nearing the end of season and I'd yet to pull the trigger. With three days left, and over thirty hunts in, I finally got him. His antlers hang above my bed now. Pretty sure I called every member of my family and shared the news. We all celebrated at the skinning shed and were fed for weeks to come. It was one of my first real experiences of field to table.
Overcoming Challenges in Hunting
Q: Do you ever have a bad day of shooting when hunting?
Tori: Do I?! Absolutely! This rings true especially with my transition from predominantly deer hunting to waterfowl hunting in recent years.
The difference in shooting a deer hunting rifle and a waterfowl shotgun has been a lesson I've had to learn to love over and over again. The lessons I learn on bad days pretty much always lead me to some really good days.
Q: How do you shake off a miss or a bad day of shooting or hunting?
Tori: I don't know that I ever really shake it off, rather, I mull over it until I figure out where I could have done better. This usually comes down to needing more practice, and being better prepared.
One thing I've learned through hunting that has carried over into my life is how important it is to be prepared. That's the beginning of a successful hunt and preparation usually begins months before the show down takes place. For example, having the right deer hunting clothes and gear can be crucial.
Q: Do you have any advice for young or first time hunters?
Tori: Don't be afraid to ask questions and keep trying. Just go. The benefits of hunting for food and the overall experience are truly rewarding.
Connecting Hunting with Culinary Arts
Q: How do you intertwine hunting and cooking?
Tori: I don't really separate the two. I want to be as connected to my food as possible and harvesting an animal is about as close as it gets.
As a chef I enjoy sharing this process with others in a way that I hope helps people better understand their food and the importance of spending time with what nurtures us. This is the essence of field to table living, where you hunt and cook your own food.
Q: Are you more passionate about cooking or hunting?
Tori: While I did stumble into the world of culinary arts before becoming a hunter, I cannot say that I am more passionate about one or the other.
I have had an obsession with food and what nurtures us for as long as I can remember, and hunting was a major dot connector for me. Cooking without hunting hardly makes sense. I'm passionate about both and can't imagine it any other way.
About Tori Loomis
Tori Loomis is a skilled chef and avid hunter who has a deep passion for understanding the origins of her food. Growing up in a family of hunters, Tori's interest in hunting was sparked later in life as she sought a deeper connection with her food.
She is a self-taught hunter who has honed her skills over the years, and her love for cooking wild game and hunting has led her to intertwine the two in a unique and meaningful way.
Through her cooking and hunting and sharing her chef hunting stories, Tori hopes to inspire others to connect with their food and appreciate the process of harvesting and preparing.
Discover the Benefits of Hunting and Gathering
The benefits of hunting and gathering are manifold. Not only does it allow for a deeper connection with nature and the food we consume, but it also promotes sustainable hunting practices.
For Tori Loomis, these benefits are evident in her journey from field to table, where she integrates outdoor cooking with wild game recipes, creating a holistic and rewarding experience.
