WOMEN WHO HUNT

In 2020, there were about 15 million hunters in the United States. The coronavirus pandemic has renewed interest in hunting, as the sport provides a way to get outside, enjoy nature and gather food for families. Several states have reported an increase in licenses: Michigan with a 27% increase in springtime turkey licenses, Wisconsin with a 12% jump in archery license sales and a 9.5% increase in gun license sales and Maine with a state record for deer hunting permits.

The percentage of female hunters, estimated at 20% or 3 million, is small but growing. It has been, in fact, the only area of growth as the number of hunters overall have decreased over the years.

Women are part of the new demographic of ecologically conscious hunters: organic farmers, nutritionists, conservationists and mothers who want to put healthy food on the table.

According to Amy Ray, Georgia resident and president and CEO of The Sisterhood of The Outdoors, hunting also provides an encouraging and supportive learning environment.

“There was always a supportive atmosphere around all the hunts I have taken over the years with women. It’s something I can’t explain with words; it must be experienced,” Ray said. Contributed by

www.globalrescue.com/hscf

“It truly is amazing what can be accomplished when we support one another.”

The Sisterhood of the Outdoors is a woman-owned company offering guided hunting and fishing trips to women all over the United States. As a Safe Travel partner, the company partners with Global Rescue to provide travel protection services to clients.

“Women like to travel in groups and enjoy each other’s company when participating in sports. Hunting is no different,” Ray said. “In an online survey of our fans, 81% wanted to go on an all ladies hunting trip and 12% said they already do.”

Not only is hunting a way to connect to other like-minded outdoor women, it meets a different need for each hunter. Here are some stories from women who hunt, why they hunt and what it means to them.

“My first time out was hunting pheasant with my father, his friend and a German short haired pointer. My father and I were lucky to have a supportive friend who has

been hunting his whole life. He showed us the ropes and led us through fields behind his trusty pointer. After that day I realized this was going to become a huge part of my life. There were so many aspects that hooked me into the world of hunting. It was the quality time with friends and family, being with nature, having a connection with my food and pushing my own limits. I fell in love with hunting instantly.” — MARIE AMBROSE, upland bird hunter and nutritionist

“I started out turkey hunting. I’ve also been whitetail, antelope, bear, upland bird hunting with my dogs and am extremely fortunate to have gone elk hunting three times. My hobby is now my obsession. I have two big freezers full of meat (it’s been over five years since I’ve had to purchase any meat at the grocery store) and the memories of hunting will last a lifetime.” — KAITIE OLSZEWSKI, an avid hunter, outdoor adventure enthusiast, and registered mentor in the state of Wisconsin

“My hunting journey started when I was just a young girl. I was fortunate enough to have a father who was willing to let his daughter sit with him in his deer stand and talk his ear off on opening morning of Wisconsin deer hunting. For my 12th birthday, my father bought me my first shotgun. I practiced with that shotgun all summer, completed my hunter safety course, and was ready for the November rut and opening morning. This was the first time where I got to be the hunter and my father was the one talking my ear off. One of the best things he told me in the stand that day was, ‘Sarah, make sure you always look beyond your target before you shoot.’ That lesson my dad taught me has held true for me my entire youth and still holds true for me today.” — SARAH KASPRZAK, Wisconsin resident, mother, wife, and hunter “The flame for hunting began flickering for me when I was a teenager. It wasn’t until I lost my mom to a long battle with breast cancer did my attitude toward life really change. I saw that life is too short and there were things I wanted to do in this life and hunting was one of them. I found a ‘Becoming an Outdoor Woman’ seminar in my home state sponsored by the game and fish commission. I loved it. Hunting and fishing is a never-ending learning experience. I may not reach all my goals, but fulfilling my desire to become an outdoors woman is the best thing I could do for myself. The connection with nature is fuel for my soul.” — LANA VAN WINKLE, Arkansas resident, hunt coordinator for The Sisterhood of the Outdoors, elite pro staff for Echo Duck Calls, and member of the Drake Waterfowl Elite team

“After every hunt, I had a great story to tell even when I did not harvest anything. This is when I realized what hunting was about: It is about your story. Not what you killed, not how big it was, but the adventure and the lessons. I desperately wanted all of my friends and family to have this same feeling, so I began making them go with me. The stories we created were outstanding. I learned sharing this passion with others was what I was meant to do.” — SHANTANE STROHCHEIN, a licensed outfitter in Wyoming

If you’re heading to a remote or backcountry area to hunt, Houston Safari Club Foundation recommends you purchase a Global Rescue membership and add it to your kit. It provides necessary travel protection services such as field rescue, medical evacuation, and advisory services in case of any emergency. Single trip, annual and family options are available.

For more information, visit info.globalrescue.com/hscf or call 617-459-4200 and tell them you’re a Houston Safari Club, Foundation member. ★