Starting a new hobby or sport can be intimidating. For a prospective woman hunter, terms like cull, broadhead, high-brass, or choke tube can sound like a foreign language. Add the ever-increasing cost of equipment, the potential to encounter a rattlesnake or large predator, and a societal aversion to firearms, and it's easy to see why many women choose a scrap book over a tree stand. However, in my opinion these initial challenges are also what make being a successful hunter so rewarding. Welcome to my site and happy hunting!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Well, here goes nothin'!

I'm starting this blog for two reasons: (1) to keep track of my hunting and fishing adventures so the little details don't escape, and (2) help any other women learning to hunt in Texas.  It's no secret that hunting is a traditionally male-dominated sport and learning to hunt can be a challenge even for them.  Being a woman just ads another challenge.  As I've gotten older, I've come to appreciate women and the role that they play in each others' lives.  Growing up in western Pa, women were generally regarded as second-class citizens...good only for breeding and cooking.  We were a PITA to take anywhere and not worth taking the time to teach.  As I got out of that environment and experienced different parts of the country, I realized that not only are women NOT insignificant, they're an essential part of every person's life...man or woman.  

The most influential moment in this "great awakening" was my introduction to the DIVAs.  This group of Texas women showed me that it's OK to love to hunt and fish and that you can look good doing it!  Before I met the DIVA's, like most folks my idea of a woman hunter went one of two ways...the chick easily mistaken for a man, complete with butch haircut and lip full of chew, or the wannabe pretty girl just out to find a boyfriend.  I'd never met anyone like myself...a woman with a deep passion for wildlife, the outdoors, shooting sports, and hunting, but who also appreciates a pedicure and a good Merlot.  But at my first DIVA meeting I met a room FULL of women who loved jewelery, camo handbags, facials, and shotguns!  Eurika!  And not only were they kindred spirits, they were committed to helping other women learn to become empowered by firearms.  They helped women find strength and self-worth by learning a typically male sport.  And not only did these women like to shoot, they shot WELL.  And they were proud of it.  My eyes were beginning to open.

Growing up in Pa most of my hunting opportunities were handed to me by male relatives.  I went along when I was allowed and didn't have much choice where or when I would go.  I jumped on every opportunity to be in the woods, and these early experiences instilled a deep passion and appreciation for the outdoors that I will always cherish, however as young people are want to do, I took my opportunities for granted.  Now after a 10-year hiatus from hunting I find myself in Texas, a state with very little public hunting opportunities.  No longer do I have the encyclopedic hunting experience of male relatives to draw on or acres of private land at my disposal.  I'm on my own, in a huge state, with unfamiliar game laws, new species, and new dangers.  I've never had to think about running into illegals or meth labs while hunting.   I've never had to look at a map and determine where I should place my stand.  I've never had to figure out how to get a large deer out of the woods on my own.  It's an intimidating prospect at best, but what worth doing isn't??? 

As I've started along this journey, I've learned a lot about myself and come to realize that women are so much more than baby factories.  I've finally realized that my relationships with women are what keep me sane.  I'm  not alone.  Men may come and go in our lives, but our girlfriends will always be there.  Not only are we sensitive and emotional and care for others, we can kick ass at the range, hail a flock of mallards, and pattern a trophy buck.  That's what makes women so powerful and special! 

I know I'll make mistakes on this new journey, but hopefully someone can learn from them and find the peace and happiness that I do from being in the woods. 

Happy Hunting!

1 comment:

  1. So I am going back and reading all your posts (can you tell I must have a ton going on that I am avoiding LOL!) but anyways what you were saying about women back in PA really struck a cord with me. My aunt in Wisconsin is currently battling her former employer for sexual harassment (yes, they harassed her then fired her when she filed a claim, can you believe this crap still goes on). She was telling that the thing was is that many of the men up there still treat women like second class citizens and many of the women accept it, she obviously being one that did not and was paying the price for it. She said that you just want to shake these women and tell them to WAKE UP! Doesn't have to be that way, at home, in the office, out in the field or where ever. Anyways, got my two cents out! Love ya! Good stuff!

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