Mission Statement: To Share, Excite & Inspire Young Girls & Women, that "You can hunt too, its not just for men. Ask them to show you what hunting is really all about. It's not just about taking a life its about the experiences you will have each and every time. when you walk under the canopy of the forest it's a whole different world. Experience that and I can assure you, it will change your lif
e! God Bless and may my stories inspire you. It's never to late to start. Women Hunt Too- Adventures started this year after my first hunting adventures solo. however, it was really ten years ago, my destiny turned. I met this amazing man. who later became my partner in love and life. He is a deer hunter eats, sleeps, breathes it. I would watch him go hunting mainly whitetail deer, yet turkey and bear certainly are fine eating as well. Little did I know that his passion for outdoors would meld with mine.As each September arrived the excitement increased. Gear was organized, bow, muzzleloader and rifles all cleaned and ready. I watched him each year. He would rise early and return at dark, many times with a beautiful Buck or Doe. I would feel his excitement and it started rubbing off on me. On occasions I would find myself out scouting with him, learning so much of the deer habitat and their evasive means of survival. We would start scouting in March-April. The beauty of starting early- No bugs, No sweating your butt off and everything is still frozen in time. I would be checking the deer trails, hooking's and basically the patterns of these animals. It didn't take long for me, as the years passed after each harvested animal my curiosity started to peak. One Evening I went on a blood trail with Dean. He had just shot a Big Buck. Normally he would call a buddy and they would go on the trail and bring the animal home. This time after pleading with him; I had to see it. So, I convinced him to take me with him. I went on my first blood trail. It was quite a ways in the woods and I learned a lot as I tracked each speck of blood on the leaves. It was pitch black, my heart is pounding out of my chest. I can barely swallow, there's nothing. Then I spot him laying over by a patch of bushes. I tap Dean on his shoulder, he turns quickly, his head lamp blinds me as I am pointing over at the deer. We quickly hug, eyes welled up and me shaking with emotion as the tears of joy trickle down my cheek. "Go touch him Shelli, you will be the first person to have ever touch this Buck" Dean says to me. I walk over and lay my hand on him. What happened next is what changed my whole perspective on hunting. I placed my hand on his side. It was as if I felt this animals life pass thru my arm and into the heart and soul of me. It was incredible energy and he was warm. I was ready to help bring him home. We hooked onto him, dressed him, and started to drag him out of the woods. Of course; picture this I am 120lbs soaking wet LOL and Dean is 6ft and strong. Didn't seem fair to him but I pulled with all I had and we got this buck within 3/4 of a mile of the truck. Dean turns and says to me, "I am going to get the sled in the truck, it will be much easier" I replied, " Well I'm not leaving my buck here, there are other predators!" So Dean chuckles , and proceeds to go get the sled. There I am laying next to a beautiful 10 Point Buck who has just been dressed in the woods with a flashlight. It seemed like quite a time before he returned with the sled; I was happy to see him. My heart could take a break from beating so wildly. We loaded the deer onto the sled, and each took a side. We arrived at the truck hoisted the sled with deer up into the back and drove him home. What a journey! That evening is when the pieces of the puzzle came together for me. I now had closure to the circle of the hunt. I now knew what I wanted to do. and it wasn't just watch and cook. I had an opportunity the next year and New Hampshire offered an apprentice program which I took part in. I was able to hunt with my mentor/my husband. It was amazing I saw and learned so much. Although I did not harvest an animal, I knew the woods were where I wanted to be. So, I study for my Hunters Safety, and then my Archery Course. I studied like crazy, nothing was going to stop me. I passed the courses, and was filled with anticipation and excitement. One question remained would I actually be able to take a life? I practiced religiously with my crossbow each evening and my 30/30 as well. If I was going to hunt I had to know that my skills were in a continual perfecting mode. I have talked with many a hunter men and women; no one wants to miss or wound an animal. I was now determined to be out there in the woods.
2013 was my first year hunting- I am so blessed to have a patient husband, teacher, and fellow hunters to share their stories of trials, tribulations, and successes with me. I truly
hope that you experience the same. God Bless you on your Journey into the woods!!!!
