What happens when a vegan activist spends two weeks with a female hunter? Rachel Carey, one of the UK's most recognizable voices in field sports, reveals the behind-the-scenes story of her groundbreaking TV appearance with Jodie Marsh that changed minds about hunting and conservation.

Rachel takes us back to her unconventional childhood on a scrap yard where ratting terriers, hand-reared foxes, and ferret boxes made from old post boxes formed the foundation of her lifelong connection to hunting and the countryside. This wasn't a hobby she picked up – it was simply part of daily life. Her authentic background provides a refreshing perspective in an era where many newcomers are discovering field sports without traditional rural upbringings.

The conversation shifts to Rachel's strategic approach to advocacy, using her platform to showcase diverse expert voices rather than just her own perspective. We learn how she orchestrated the Jodie Marsh documentary to ensure viewers heard from farmers, restaurateurs, and wildlife managers about the realities of conservation and ethical hunting. This thoughtful approach transformed Jodie from outright hostility toward hunting to a more nuanced understanding.

Beyond advocacy, Rachel shares her recent return to competitive clay shooting after stepping back to support her partner's career. Her candid admission about finally accepting technical advice to adjust her shotgun demonstrates that even experienced shooters benefit from proper coaching. Her international hunting adventures across four continents reveal the physical and mental challenges that make these experiences transformative – where "nothing easy is worth having."

Provocatively, Rachel argues that the hunting community's biggest threat isn't anti-hunting activists but internal fragmentation and elitism. Her message emphasizes inclusivity and respect for diversity within field sports, reminding listeners that newcomers, women, and unconventional participants strengthen rather than dilute traditions.

Ready to hear a fresh, honest perspective on hunting and conservation? Subscribe now to discover more inspiring stories from the field sports world.

Support the show

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/the_outdoor_gibbon/