Eva Shockey says she received 'thousands and thousands' of death threats from anti-hunting activists

Eva Shockey, a well-known advocate for women in the outdoors, has spoken publicly about the intense backlash she faced from anti-hunting activists during the height of her rise in the outdoor industry.

According to Shockey, the criticism went far beyond online comments, with thousands of death threats being directed at her. She attributes the intense scrutiny to her status as a young, blonde woman in a male-dominated field, saying that critics saw her as a vulnerable target. In contrast, her father, legendary hunter Jim Shockey, was largely immune to the same level of harassment.

Shockey believes that much of the outrage came from people who did not understand the distinction between legal hunting and poaching. She notes that many people are initially uncomfortable with hunting, but that education and understanding can help to alleviate these concerns. Shockey also attributes the media's role in perpetuating the controversy, saying that coverage often sensationalizes hunting and creates a false narrative about the practice.

Shockey's own experience with harassment began when her hunting photos went viral, leading to a deluge of death threats and intimidation. At the time, she was living in Russia with her husband, and the threats became so overwhelming that she sought advice from her father. His response, which emphasized the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, helped her to persevere and continue advocating for conservation and outdoor activities.

Today, Shockey remains a prominent figure in the hunting community, using her platform to promote conservation, encourage girls to get involved in the outdoors, and dispel myths about hunting.