Rachel Hobden: Precision, Courage & Finding Your Power on the Range

In this episode of Women Who Hunt, Carly sits down with Rachel Hobden, whose story begins in the paddocks of the South West Slopes — following her dad through pest control missions, fox calling nights, and early lessons on respect for the land, the animal, and the hunt.

As a child, Rachel wasn’t allowed to shoot yet, but she was right there beside her dad, hauling the gut pile under a tree to watch foxes come in.
Those memories never left her.

Years later, after life, kids, and a long break from the sport, Rachel’s husband reignited the spark — taking her back onto the range and straight into pistol shooting, where she discovered she had a natural talent… and a serious love for Tanfoglio pistols.

Today she shoots competition .22, beats her husband (regularly), reloads, trains hard, and has stepped up as a female Range Officer, giving back to the sport and supporting new shooters — especially women walking onto the line for the first time.

In this episode, we talk about:
• Childhood hunting with her dad on rural properties
• Foxes, pest control, lambing season, and real impacts
• Rediscovering shooting as an adult with her husband
• Falling in love with pistols — especially Tanfoglio
• Natural talent, tight groups, personal competition
• Her first time seeing another woman find her confidence
• Why female ROs matter
• The stigma of firearms owners vs. the reality
• Helping new shooters feel welcome, safe, and seen
• And why more women should absolutely explore this sport

Rachel’s honesty, humour, and heritage make this an episode packed with heart and practical, lived experience.

Follow Rachel:
Instagram (Personal): https://www.instagram.com/therachelhobden/
Instagram (Shooting/Tanfoglio): https://www.instagram.com/tanfoglioau_rach/