Bowhunting for Women: Breaking Barriers in the Field
Women’s hunting guide: Equipment, mentorship, and breaking gender stereotypes in bowhunting
For many years women have been thought of as the underdog when it comes to hunting community. Afterall hunting was a man’s sport and women have no business in it. Now more than ever, the roles are slowly but surely becoming equal. Women historically have been known more for their roles as caregivers. We can now add provider to our extensive list of qualifications.
Overcoming Gender Barriers in Hunting
When I was a young girl, I would hear people say, “She can’t hunt.” I found it hard to understand the “Why” behind the statement. It was later I found out it was just because I was a girl. I was extremely fortunate to have a dad that took me hunting. Not only did he teach me how to hunt but he taught me safety. He taught me to respect the land and for the animals that I harvested. As I got older, then it was comments like “She’s not a REAL hunter.” What exactly does that mean? Afterall I was getting up at the same time as the guys, I was packing my own stand in, I was climbing and sitting all day just like everyone else. So how was I different? The answer was, I was not any different. Most women hunters were raised by a family of hunters or had a hunting role model to teach them. They did not treat women as less than them, but they treated us as equals. These mentors helped us grow into the strong women we are today.
Women’s Hunting Equipment and Gear Challenges
As women we have always had to adapt to our surroundings. For example, the equipment that we use. As an avid archer, I have not always had equipment for me to test before purchasing. A lot of hunting stores would only carry the most common draw lengths and most common sold limbs on their bows, which were primarily for men. Having a twenty-six-inch draw and not being able to pull seventy pounds hindered me trying out most bows. I was so thankful when more retailers carried a better selection for women to try out assorted brands of bows. Not everyone likes the same brand, so having choices really helped me develop as a more skilled archer and hunter.
Women’s Hunting Clothing Solutions
Another example is clothing. For many years we had to wear men’s clothing, and we are vastly different in size. Men do not have hips or a waist like most women do. Thank goodness for manufactures understanding the need for women to have their own line of clothing. It sure makes dressing for the wintry weather a lot easier when you are having to layer up.
Finding Hunting Mentorship and Support Groups
Having a great support system and mentors to instruct other women is crucial. Thankfully, there are so many organizations and groups out there that pass on their knowledge to others. Here are a few suggestions to help find groups to help you learn and to share your love for hunting with.
Social media is a great tool to find local clubs and organizations. There will be a lot of like-minded people like yourself and can help steer you in a good direction.
Contact local hunting retailers. Most of them will know of various gun and archery clubs.
Check with local clubs regarding mentorship and women led hunting opportunities.
Most states Wildlife and Fisheries Organizations are knowledgeable of hunting groups as well. A lot of times they will have a mentorship program to instruct young people about hunting. This is a terrific way to pay it forward to the next generation of hunters.
Women in the Hunting Industry
There are so many women in the hunting industry to look up to. Most of them are just like you and me. They work full-time jobs; they must keep their families fed, load the dishwasher after dinner and help their children with homework. It is all in a day’s work to us. So many of them have multiple professions and still call themselves hunters. My dear late mother used to tell me that a woman’s job was never done. She was not kidding; however, I would not trade it for anything in the world. My mom was not a hunter. She left that up to my dad. She did not want us girls hunting but I could be pretty persuasive, and she finally gave in. She loved that I was so enthusiastic about hunting and was glad that my dad could pass that love on to me.
The Future of Women’s Hunting
We as women are, by nature, care givers and teachers. I believe, now more than ever, that women are getting more respect as equals in the hunting industry. This has a lot to do with strong women standing up for what they believe in, wanting to encourage conservation and leave a legacy for future generations to come. By educating and impowering other women, we will continue to reshape the hunting industry one hunter at a time.