Women hunters are becoming very popular in the hunting sports of today.   I remember growing up and having to wear my father’s orange coat; because they didn’t make anything at that time for girls. You see in our era of growing up women didn’t hunt or there wasn’t a lot of talk about women hunters. The women were taught to do house chores, become a wife and a mother. You didn’t hear too many stories about ladies hunting.

I shot my first gun when I was around 12 years old. My dad handed me his 300 Savage and I shot that gun. I was all excited to shoot a gun. I couldn’t wait to pull the trigger and hear it go BANG! When I did pull the trigger, the unexpected happened to me.   It knocked me off my feet and I hurt my arm. I was in so much pain and so scared to shoot a gun again. I was so disappointed in the outcome that I could’ve cried.  This almost ruined my love for hunting and shooting.  Later on in my life my husband helped me to become a better shooter, while I also took classes through the N.R.A. National Rifle Association classes from  Women On Target. My husband has been very thrilled to have a new hunting buddy. He keeps telling me that he wishes that I would’ve taken up hunting with him earlier.  He enjoys my companionship and our time together.

When I went to my hunting safety course, I found out something that I didn’t know before. I was informed from our instructor that you have to measure the child’s arm so you can get the right gun for the child. You want the gun to fit the child not a huge gun that they can hurt themselves shooting it. The other thing is you don’t give your son or daughter the biggest caliber gun you own. You give them a proper fit gun and show them the proper way of holding the gun and the safety of its use.   With the managed recoil ammunition they have today it helps to get a younger shooter used to a gun without making it uncomfortable to shoot.

On television you now see a lot of new hunting shows with husband and wives teaming up together.  This is a spectacular change, because it shows them working together as a team. They’re doing something fun as a couple. There are a lot of divorces going on now days, because people want to give up so easily in their relationship.  I recommend couples to go out on an outdoor adventure together; it may help their relationship extremely.  Even if you don’t like to hunt, you could go fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and camping.  It’s definitely a way to get you and your spouse to work together and bond without all the hustle and bustle of today.  It’s a way to take on the world and breathe in the fresh air and let out all the frustration that has been bothering you two.  I find that my husband and I get along so much better when we’re outdoors, rather than being cooped up in the house.  I also have men coming up to me and say WOW! You hunt! I wish my wife would go hunting with me  I would really enjoy that!   I love hearing it from these guys. They want to take their wife hunting with them.  You see when more women hunt it becomes a family activity, and it will get more families involved with hunting and conservation. Then we can conserve our land and our natural resources.

My advice to you women if your husband wants to take you hunting with him; Then go!, don’t pass up the opportunity. You don’t have to take a gun, but sit in the blind with him.  Enjoy the time you have together. Listen to what he says.  You won’t regret it that’s for sure!  My husband and I started hunting together four years ago and during that time. I learned to shoot, I have my own gun and bow, and I wear women’s hunting clothes made by Prois.  There is so much gear on the market for women that the hunting industry is now seeing how popular it is and giving us more choices.  I enjoy packing up our hunting gear and getting ready to go out on our hunting excursions together.

To me it isn’t about killing an animal; it’s about getting close and personal with the wildlife in action, and bonding with my spouse.  If that deer came in my view I will shoot it, because I know it’s going to put food on my table to feed my family.  Since I have been hunting with my husband, I have shot two deer and one antelope.  I haven’t gotten anything with my bow yet, but I’m hoping this year will be the year for it. If not, well than better luck next time! You see I don’t get disappointed if I don’t get an animal down.  I do get excited about being with my husband and showing him how much I care to be in the woods with him watching wildlife.