In most ancient societies men did
the hunting and women did the gathering. Of course, research has shown daily life was a lot more complicated than that, with men also gathering and women (not with young children) also hunting. Over the years, and especially recently, gender roles have evolved, and more women and girls are getting in on the action when it comes to harvesting wild meat. Elizabeth Metcalf, a professor with the University of Montana, conducted research in 2010 on the typology of female hunters and published her results. They were illuminating, if not unexpected. “I didn’t understand this until I had babies, but it can be very difficult to get out there and recreate in those critical years between your mid-20s and mid-40s, and so there is a real dearth in women’s leisure patterns during that time. So, if we haven’t built a skill in women before that point, the likelihood of women engaging in those activities is going to be pretty low,” Metcalf explained.
In earlier life,
These boots are made for hunting More women are becoming active hunters, but research shows exposure as a young girl and at college age is critical. ►► by Sheri Monk
one of the barriers to young women hunting is that they simply may not have had access. Traditionally, the boys in a family would often go hunting with uncles and brothers, and the girls would stay back. But exposure in early years builds confidence, and youngsters learn firearm safety, and the general rules of hunting etiquette. This of course is changing, and many families are ensuring that all children learn skills such as cooking and hunting. Metcalf ’s research has found another essential period in which women need to develop their skills. “I used to think about it a lot in terms of youth, that we need to get women out with their fathers or mentors, but I am also beginning to learn that college age is a critical point in time where we can engage and build skills in a lot of women so they can feel proficient in hunting. You’re in a crazy time of your life where you get to set your path for yourself. In places like Alberta and Montana, hunting traditions are very strong, and so getting college-age women into programming I think is a very essential skill-building activity,” Metcalf explained. Dave Paplawski, who has since retired as the provincial program co-ordinator for the Alberta Hunter Education Instructors’ Association (AHEIA), says the organization’s First Time Hunter Program pairs mentors with new hunters.
