Brittany Redden on Elk Hunting, Motherhood & Writing Children's Books for Outdoor Kids

#107: Brittany Redden is an archery hunter, mom, instructional designer, and children's book author who believes some of the best lessons in life are learned outside. Based in Oklahoma, Brittany spends her free time hunting elk, deer, and turkeys, fishing at the lake, camping, and exploring the outdoors with her family. In this episode of Reckoning, we talk about her journey into hunting and archery, chasing elk, and what it looks like to continue pursuing adventure while raising a family. We also dive into motherhood and Brittany's mission to raise good, happy, healthy daughters by using the outdoors as a natural classroom—giving them space to learn, explore, get dirty, and see the word of God in action. That same mission led Brittany to become a children's book author. Through her hunting and camping-themed books, including her latest, Autumn's First Turkey, she blends adventure and education to introduce kids to hunting, nature, and the lessons that can only be learned outside. This conversation is about more than hunting. It's about motherhood, raising capable kids, continuing to chase your own adventures, and passing a love of the outdoors on to the next generation. Pull up a chair around the fire—welcome to Reckoning. Connect with Brittany: Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/brittanyredden Signed Books & Design Services: https://brittanyredden.square.site/ Instagram: @mrsredden92 TikTok: @bredden19 Chapters:  00:32 Introduction to Brittany Redden and Bow Hunting 00:57 Hunting Experiences and Family Life 01:47 Becoming a Children's Book Author and Outdoor Appreciation 01:47 Connecting through social media as women hunters 03:36 Getting started with archery: tips and encouragement 07:35 Evolution of bows and shooting techniques 11:27 Hunting in Oklahoma and Colorado: landscape differences 13:26 First successful elk hunt in Colorado 16:29 Challenges of high-altitude hunting 18:42 Family and hunting: involving kids in the outdoors 22:23 Chasing elk: a detailed hunt story 28:25 Hunting tips for beginners and gear advice 29:41 Maybe edit out 29:45 The Thrill of the Hunt 36:11 The Emotional Moment of Success 41:16 The Challenge of Packing Out 44:01 The Aftermath: Dental Drama 45:15 The Pursuit of Mule Deer 51:35 Balancing Family and Hunting 52:56 Meal Prep for Outdoor Adventures 57:56 Incorporating Kids into Outdoor Life 01:03:05 The Journey of Writing Children's Books 01:10:06 Understanding Nature Through a Child's Eyes 01:11:42 Identity Shifts: Hunter, Mother, Author 01:13:51 Processing Game: Tips and Tricks 01:23:36 Embracing the Chaos of Outdoor Parenting 01:25:14 Future Adventures and Book Releases Get our FAVORITE links, codes & more here! EPISODE MENTIONS:  Watch the show on YouTube HERE Submit your favorites at thereckoningpodcast.com/submit OLLIN for the best digiscoping systems out there use code: RECKONING for 10% OFF SHOP HERE FIRST LITE for the best hunting pants, shirts, jackets, coats and more use code: RECKONING15 for 15% OFF HERE SHEEPFEET for custom orthotics, the best hunting shoe and the hideout hoodie use code: RECKONING for 10% OFF SHOP HERE MTN OPS for the best supplements and gear. Use code BRITT for 20% OFF your order! RUGGED ROAD COOLER GET 10% OFF your lightweight and organized cooler here or USE CODE: LONG  Have Reckoning create content for your brand, learn more HERE! Follow Us on Social:  Brittney Long IGReckoning IG