Hello, ladies! I'm thrilled to be a part of womenhunters.com and look forward to sharing information and experiences with such a fine group of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

I've always loved being outdoors and when I'm not hunting or fishing, you'll find me biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, skiing...the list goes on! This interest was sparked when I was young and spent summer vacations with my family camping, swimming, boating, or fishing on various lakes in northern Wisconsin. My first introduction to fishing was at my grandpa's house along the Rock River. He had the best spot for latching onto a big old catfish or carp, and what fun we had pulling in those lunkers when we were kids! My dad and grandpa occasionally duck hunted and I have recollections of impatiently awaiting their return from the hunts. I loved watching them clean ducks in our basement. I would observe every detail as my brothers headed upstairs declaring the messy scene "disgusting." I found it fascinating.

Years later in college, shortly after meeting my future husband Brian, I recall watching with envy as he and his brother drove away each fall weekend, truck packed with shotguns and bows, headed to their family hunting cabin in central Wisconsin. After detecting my strong interest and fielding my countless questions about bow hunting, Brian surprised me with my first compound bow. I was ecstatic! What a gift--it has made all the difference in my life as I discovered my intense feelings for the outdoors and for hunting. My first bow season in 1983 was spent mainly learning and observing everything I could about deer and bow hunting. Four years later I arrowed my first buck. It was a clean double lung shot at 10 yards. I watched the deer fall 100 yards north of me. Climbing down from my tree stand, my legs turned to Jell-O, my heart pounded ferociously, and I noticed I was visibly shaking.

Even now, almost 20 years later, I still get that same thrill with every hunt I've participated in. It's truly a passion in my life that I look forward to sharing with others. Now, with our ten-year-old daughter (a self-proclaimed future bow hunter) becoming increasingly independent, I'm able to spend more time pursuing my interest and support of hunting, fishing and the outdoors. After so many years of enjoying bow hunting, I would like to encourage more women to get into the outdoors and promote the sport to others. My increased involvement will certainly benefit my soul, but more importantly, I hope it will help others discover a love and appreciation of the outdoors and hunting.

One more detail about myself: I love the adventure of trying new things! Last year I started fly-fishing and participated in two BOW (Becoming an Outdoors Woman) workshops in Wisconsin. This year I learned how to shoot a shotgun and enjoyed my first turkey hunt. Currently, I'm taking a Hunter Education class and hope to eventually become a volunteer for hunter or bow hunter safety classes. I'm already eagerly anticipating my first grouse and duck hunt this fall.

Still, bow hunting remains my #1 passion, though I'm enjoying expanding my hunting skills to other areas and hope to encourage others to do the same.

I believe hunting is a tremendous privilege that needs our constant attention and support. We have an obligation to keep informed and offer our help to ensure that future generations will enjoy the same opportunities in the outdoors.

So, come along with me on some new adventures while we swap stories about our past hunts and outdoor experiences. Let's "get out there," enjoy ourselves and share our love of the outdoors with others!

All the best,

Alyssa