What an opportunity! To be a part of the WomenHunters Organization... I am honored and excited as I join a group of dynamic and driven ladies. As I round out my second year as a writer, I look forward to my future involvement in WomenHunters.
Originally from Northern Wisconsin, I grew up in a little town called Hazelhurst. I grew up in the outdoors taking part in many recreational activities. Only within the past three years has hunting been such a big part of my life...
Currently, I own my own business – Superior Design, specializing in graphic design and creative marketing services. I graduated in May 2005 from the University of Wisconsin-Stout (located in Menomonie, WI ( Western WI )) with a Masters Degree in Career and Technical Education – one day, I hope to teach design and marketing at the technical college level.
During my college years, I seemed to find ways to work by doing the activities that I love. I was part of UW-Stout’s Outdoor Recreation Marketing Department for over three years and I enjoyed promoting the types activities that I am so passionate about; kayaking, backpacking, rock climbing /yoga, and adventure education.
I also worked at Stout’s outdoor recreation department, called ‘Stout Adventures’ for over four years as a facilitator at the climbing wall, outdoor ropes course, as a trip leader and as an instructor for the youth climbing league.
In addition to my outdoor recreation interests; I also teach figure skating for a local parks and recreation club and at the collegiate level as the Advisor/Coach for the UW-Stout Women’s Figure Skating Club.
Now, let me share with you how I got involved in hunting…
A former boyfriend gets most of the credit.. Introducing me to his interests in the outdoors, which were different than what I was familiar with, i.e., kayaking, skiing, backpacking and biking. He brought me to the archery range. I did not bring a book nor did I sit and watch. I asked questions as he explained and taught me the basics of ‘shooting bow’. As the days went by and we continued at the time to share our interests of the outdoors, I made the decision to buy myself my first bow. I chose a Parker Challenger and not a day goes by that I don’t thank myself for doing so. So many opportunities have opened up since I started shooting bow as I continue to strengthen my skills and share me knowledge with others – young and old.
Over those three years, I became quite active in our local – Menomonie Archery Club, attending area 3-D archery shoots, hosting archery shoots, taking part in various seasonal leagues through our club and volunteering at youth day activities. I was happy to share my new enthusiasm for archery and the outdoors.
I am truly privileged to have had the opportunity and exposure to hunting and shooting sports …. I have learned a lot from the people and families I have met that have hunting as a tradition already set in place. I know that three years ago I never would have imagined I would go Ice Fishing during spring break or shining for deer as a Friday night out!
Not only have I acquired a new lifestyle in the outdoors as a hunter through various activities but, I have made connections with so many new people who have been taking part in hunting all their life… There is a wealth of knowledge to be tapped in efforts to share hunting with youth and for people like me that took a chance and tried something new and who are eager to learn in efforts to promote the benefits of the hunting and the outdoors at any age.
As I look forward to my new experiences in the outdoors and happily with a NEW Hunting Partner, I am also excited to continue to learn from other women hunters about how they got to be where they are today...pursuing their passion of hunting and the outdoors.
