Taking Aim

Daring to Be Different, Happier, and Healthier in the Great Outdoors

By: Eva Shockey, A. J. Gregory

Narrated by: Eva Shockey

An acclaimed bow hunter who defies the stereotype that hunting is a man’s game, Eva Shockey is at the forefront of a new wave of women and girls who are passionate about outdoor sports.

Eva Shockey grew up expecting to be a dancer like her glamorous mother. But something about spending family vacations RV-ing across North America and going on hunts with her dad sparked in her an enduring passion for a different way of life.

In Taking Aim, Eva tells a very personal story of choosing the less-traveled path to a rewarding life in outdoor pursuits like hunting and fishing. For her, as her millions of fans can attest, that has meant hunting as a way of harvesting food, caring deeply about conservation, sustainability and healthy eating, and getting closer to God in nature.

In this riveting memoir for the adventurer in all of us, Eva takes readers along as she hunts caribou on the rugged Aleutian Islands, tracks a 1,500-pound bull moose across the unforgiving Yukon, and meets many other challenges of a life in the wild.

Along the way we learn that hunting is about so much more than pulling a trigger. "My story is about discovering your dream," writes Eva. "It's about following your passion, mastering your skills, taking aim no matter who thinks you’re crazy…and then letting the arrow fly. If you’ve done all you can, I can tell you that you’re almost certain to hit your mark."

Whether you’re a lifelong hunter or a city dweller who has never set foot in the wilderness, Eva’s story delivers an empowering message about rejecting stereotypes and expectations, believing in yourself, and finding the courage to pursue what you care about most.

Critic reviews

"In this sprightly, instructive autobiography, Shockey describes her love of hunting . . . She details the hours-long hikes, the cheek-chafing cold, the patience (‘hair-pulling stretches of monotony’), and the constant practicing required to 'harvest' that 1,500-pound bull moose. She endures antiwoman and antihunting attitudes, defending hunting as an act of conservation, self-reliance, and, often, charity.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"I have had the privilege of knowing Eva Shockey for years as colleagues in the outdoor industry, and am thrilled for her voice and perspective is reaching a larger audience. Taking Aim offers fresh perspective that appeals to both the lifelong hunter and non-hunter alike. Eva’s voice gives insider understanding to readers for which the outdoor industry is a world yet undiscovered. Simultaneously, she speaks to the heart of every avid outdoorsman as she recounts stories of risky exploration and its rich rewards. Hunter or not, Taking Aim is for you.”
—Willie Robertson, Author, American Fisherman, and Hunter

"Throughout this book Eva mentions the impact her family has had on her education and passion for the outdoors. I have three little girls, and another child on the way, that my wife and I are raising to appreciate, enjoy and love the outdoors as much as we do. This book is a great reminder of the importance of introducing and giving the gift of the outdoors to your children.”
—Justin Moore, Country music singer

“Eva Shockey has changed the game for women in outdoor sports, and Taking Aim is the fresh dose of inspiration we've all been looking for. Eva’s is a voice of confidence, positivity and fearlessness that needs to be heard. I have no doubt that everyone who reads her book will find themselves excitedly searching for their next great adventure!”
—Cameron Hanes, Hunting Athlete

“Eva Shockey's love of adventure and positive attitude are absolutely contagious. In Taking Aim, Eva shares her quest to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle in a way that will inspire all of us to do the same. To every brave and adventurous spirit, this one's for you.”
—Tiffany Lakosky, Outdoor TV Host and Hunter

Peacefully Inspiring

I feel energized to take on life after listening to Eva's life lessons she has learned! What an incredible woman she is!

Love her!

I loved hearing Eva Shockey read her own book. I am not a hunter, although some of my family members are. I enjoyed this very much. One can take the lessons that she has learned, such as listening to your gut, standing up for what you believe, and finding and following one's own passions, and apply them to your own life. I follow her on social media because I find her authentic, funny, inspiring and delightful.

Uplifting and real

Really enjoyed the candid story Eva tells about her life following her passion. Loved her reflection of her hunts, God and following your heart- even if it’s against the “norm”.

Recap of Eva’s social media

It’s a decent read(Listen) but if you follow Eva’s journey on Social Media, you have (mostly) what the book is already. HOWEVER, I’d say it’s worth diving into. Overall, she’s an excellent ambassador to hunting and for women hunters. This book would mostly benefit non hunters or less experienced hunters. The challenge would be to get this book into the non hunters hands.
Exciting stories, good details to those stories, and a fun backstory to growing up as a Shockey. Shes a positive storyteller with an almost kid like enthusiasm. Congrats on what you’ve done and I look forward to what you’ll become, Eva. I enjoyed listening to your stories and hearing how you pace your own path.

Very relative

As a female hunter myself I greatly appreciated the connections Eva made between hunting and life skills. The stories were exciting! I am happy to recommend this audiobook to my friends and family!