The Huntress: Women are the Fastest Growing Demographic in Hunting

Women are the fastest growing demographic in hunting across the United States. The Wyoming Game & Fish reports that from 2008-2016, the number of female hunters increased from just over 11,000 to 14,770 while the amount of male hunters slightly decreased. In 2001, the National Shooting Sports foundation reported 1.8 million female hunters and in 2013, that number almost doubled to 3.3 million.

If you spend any time in the outdoors, it would be impossible to notice that since COVID-19, the number of people enjoying the outdoors increased dramatically over the last year. While COVID may have contributed to an increase of outdoor activities, this has been a growing trend for some time, which may account to some of these increases. Another reason may be the drive of women to provide more organic food for their families.

Forbes also reports a significant increase in women choosing to hunt; some report that they want to know what they are feeding their families, others find a strong sense of independence and confidence while others find pride in continuing long-standing family traditions and a sense of preserving the old ways, and being stewards of the more wild resources.

Outside Pens the term, ‘huntstagrammers”, a group of influencers who are bring a fresh new perspective of hunting to the social media game. With many brands launching and touting female-specific lines of hunting gear and apparel, the industry continues to explode.

Getting Started

My dad hunted when I was growing up, but he did not take me along. I always had a bit of a fascination around hunting but never had first-hand experience. I married a hunter and a dear friend has recently started pushing me out of my comfort zone. So how do those of us with little to no experience with hunting get started?

· Check your local Game & Fish office. Many have programs for women whether it be classes or programs such as “Becoming an Outdoor Woman” (BOW). Many states have BOW programs, check Google to find an opportunity near you. · Many states also have “First Hunt Foundations” to build new hunter’s skills and knowledge.

· Sign up for a Hunter’s Education course. I took my first one in March and learned so much!

· Talk to people. Do you know someone who already hunts? Pick their brain, are they willing to take you along sometime? Maybe take you under their wing? Maybe they know someone who can as well. There is power in networking.

· Educate yourself, find like-minded women in your area, connect with social media groups, read up on legislation and programs available in your area or state.

As we grow in numbers, it is important that we remain educated. We must be ready and able to articulate the care and regulation that so many put into preserving this heritage to ensure it lasts for generations to come. We must demonstrate the concern of conservation, the love for the

land and the respect for the animals. Working to stay in the know, and building our networks of like-minded women will speak volumes for the love of the hunt.

Read More: Women Hunters: fastest growing demographic in Wyoming and elsewhere I am putting Why Women Hunt On my personal reading list for the summer