Q&A with Hornady-sponsored shooter Dani Jobin
We’re chatting with sport shooting and hunting enthusiast Dani Jobin to find out where her firearms journey began, how she got into competitive shooting and what her bucket list hunt is.
Tell me a little bit about yourself, and how old you were when you first started shooting.
I’m originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and I joined the Marine Corps in 2007 at 17 years’ old. My weapons training in the Marine Corps was my first exposure to any kind of firearm, and therefore where my shooting journey started.
Who introduced you to sport shooting?
My passion for all types of shooting grew over the years, and then I discovered ALTUS Shooting Solutions in 2017. They introduced me to so many other shooters and the different types of competitive shooting. I’m naturally competitive, so I wanted to try everything. In 2018 I started competitively shooting, and ALTUS became my first ever sponsor.
I was also lucky to connect with a fellow shooter Will and his wife Karen, who was trying out competitive shooting. They are great friends and mentors — I can’t tell you how many times I’ve called them to talk about tactics or gear, or because I’d broken something!
Why did you choose to specialize in your discipline?
I’ve bounced between 2-Gun, 3-Gun, USPSA and PRS, and I’m now into big game hunting. I just love it all and love the variety that shooting offers.
What advice would you give to anyone interested in shooting competitively?
My advice would be to find a nearby range first, though depending on where you live, that could be limited. Get to know the people there and use social media too — join shooting groups on Facebook and follow people on Instagram. One of my favorites is Joe Farewell, a top shooter and trainer — if you send him a message on Instagram he’ll take the time to answer.
Tell us about your competition set up.
When I started out, I was borrowing gear, so don’t let not having a full list of kit at the beginning of your journey scare you off. Now, I’m sponsored by Dissident Arms and am currently shooting their KL-12 Elite Shotgun. I shoot an Atlas Gunworks 2011-style Nyx pistol and a custom-built Noveske rifle.
I haven’t shot a ton of matches this year as I’ve been focusing more on hunting. There, I’ve been using custom built ALTUS Impact Precision 6.5 PRC rifle along with Hornady 143 gr ELD-X® Precision Hunter ammunition and it’s amazing. I wouldn’t use anything else.
What inspired you to start hunting after focusing so much on competitive range shooting?
As I mentioned a little earlier, I am competitive. Once I have had exposure to something, I want to try it. It’s great to just keep trying new things, and that quest to learn led me to hunting. I have some of the best friends and they really took the time to teach me and get me started.
How do you prepare for competitions in terms of training and practice?
Honest answer? Eating! I’m well-known for snacking right up until the moment I’m shooting. In October, I will be shooting the Memorial 3-Gun match, where all profits go to gold star families. The jokes are already going around about how many snacks our team will need.
What has been your greatest achievement in your shooting career?
Becoming a better shooter. It’s just the best sport for continuous improvement and it has taught me a lot of perseverance. When you don’t get to do it for a while you lose that skill level, so you need to be constantly dry firing and practicing. I’ve also made some of the best friends doing this sport.
I’ve also been incredibly lucky to go on my dream trip this year, traveling to New Zealand to hunt tahr. I went with American Hero Adventures, an organization that sends veterans on a trip of a lifetime. I never thought I would get to go, and they made it happen.
What goals do you have for the future?
I’m super stoked about a hunting trip with Dan Harrison to hunt elk in Colorado coming up soon. I also plan to shoot more PRS this year as I really want to work on that skillset.
What one person, dead or alive, would you love to meet and why?
I’d pick Eleanor Roosevelt, our former first lady. I’d love to pick her brain…
How long have you been a Hornady-sponsored shooter?
I’ve been sponsored by Hornady for just under a year now. I’ve been using their products for a long time, and I love representing such an amazing company!
