By: Tarra Stoddard
So, you have decided you would like to try hunting! There are a few things you will need to do before you “gear up” and get out in the woods.
Your journey should begin prior to hunting season.
Most of the states require that you take a hunter education course. This will not only familiarize you with the firearm aspect, but also the game in your area.
A great outlet for women who would like to learn to hunt is the program Becoming An Outdoors-Woman (BOW).
This is a program found in every state offering workshops for women to help them learn more about the outdoors, which they say “means becoming more competent, more confident, and more aware.”
BOW has been around since 1991 and specializes in helping female beginners learn outdoor skills.
All equipment needed is provided and a woman needs only the desire to learn and she can have fun doing it!
The basic items needed to hunt are a state hunting license, animal tags, camo, a rifle with a scope, ammunition, and land.
Check with your local state regulations to make sure your firearms and ammo selections are legal for the game you have selected.
If you are new to hunting, purchasing your camo gear can be confusing and costly.
Once you decide what game you will be hunting, there is only one place I will recommend for women’s hunting apparel.
Your hunting apparel is something you do not want to cut corners on. It is an investment you will be thankful you made.
Prois Hunting Apparel is the best on the market for women, in my humble opinion, especially if you like to stay warm, be dry, and have apparel made for the outdoor elements.
They actually have women’s camo apparel that fits a woman properly.
They also offer your base layers.
Depending on the temperature you are hunting in you may choose from lightweight, mid-weight or the Callaid goose down line for your heavyweight apparel.
To top it off they offer a line of rain gear that will not make you feel as if you are in a sauna when wearing it.
Yes, they offer gloves that will fit you correctly.
I currently wear their Tintri Pants.
They are mid-weight pants that offer the protection and durability a serious hunter demands.
The waistband sits at your natural waist and features a revolutionary hidden elastic waistband. (You will be writing “Thank You” letters to Prois after wearing these on a hunt.)
After putting on these pants you’ll feel like you put on a warm fleece lined blanket. Can you say, AH?
The athletic cut is form flattering, with additional room through the rear end, hips and thighs for the female body.
The best part is that they look amazing on! I adore the fit of their Tintri 1/2 Zip shirt.
The athletic cut and extra length through the torso maximizing coverage is great!
The top-grade moisture-wicking fabric is also treated with an anti-microbial finish to aid on scent and odor control.
Thumbholes in the cuffs aid in layering and keeping the sleeves in place.
The Callaid Down line is created with 100% polyester ripstop fabric with cire’ finish that provides excellent water resistance.
It is 800 Gray Goose waterproof down. Mother Nature got it right with goose down. It is a must-have core insulation piece!
Now before you run out and purchase a rifle and scope, there are a few things to consider.
You want a rifle that fits you properly and a scope that will perform.
If you find out that you love hunting, you are sure to expand your hunting to other game.
Purchasing a rifle and scope that you can use for any game in your area is ideal.
I personally hunt with a Browning X-Bolt chambered in 243. I can hunt with this rifle for any large game in my area.
Your rifle is something that will have to fit your body type. Ranges often have rifles you may shoot and try out.
Once you’ve purchased your rifle, you will need a scope. Finding the best quality scope for the best price is essential.
Depending on the distance you will be shooting is how you pick out your scope.
When you learn about the golden hour, being able to see through your scope in this last light is mandatory.
After purchasing your scope, you will need to sight-in your rifle.
Once sighted-in, I recommend practicing with your rifle at 25 yards, 50 yards, and 100 yards at your range.
This way you can get familiar with your distances.
Most importantly, do not get overwhelmed. Be sure to set aside time to scout your game prior to opening season. Finding those snipes is not easy!
Hunting is a learning process. It teaches you patience, ethics, sustainability, discipline and appreciation for hard work!
If you enjoy nature, hunting will open your eyes to things you have never dreamed of seeing.
Happy Hunting!
