SWOBG.com created this page to feature and introduce women hunters in the region.

Women hunters are one of the fastest growing segments of the industry. As well it should be. Hunting has now and finally, truly become a family sport.

I know from my own experiences that when I first met a women hunter in the woods with her husband, I thought "cool and about time". Since that day quite a few years ago, women have comprised between one-third and one-half of new turkey hunters attending seminars. They now take center stage and often up-staging their male co-host on many hunting shows seen on tv. There's no patronizing here or in the field, treestand or pit blind for that matter, women belong in the outdoors and we're glad they've arrived.

That antiquated statement "men hunt and women nest" -- OUT THE WINDOW.

First Snow Flies . . . Nov 16, 2008

written by: Danielle Russell, Kingsville

It was Sunday afternoon and enjoying the peace and quiet of the day my friend calls up and wonders if I am going to make use of the first snow flurries and get out there tonight. Unsure of going out, being that it is Sunday and wanting to hang out with my kids, but knowing that the deer will be moving, I start to get ready. I prepped supper early and make sure everyone will be good for a few hours.

I arrive early and get all settled in. The wind is from the west and blowing right in my face. It is cold. The wind don't let up and thinking to myself, I wonder why I continue to sit in a cold treestand year after year.
I loved the fall and the colors and the wild turkeys. Now it is cold and I really haven't seen a deer close enough in days. I have seen them at a far distance and I have seen the does flagging there tails letting me know that the rut is now on and the deer will be moving. I sit alone in the frigid temperatures, wind chilling every bone in my body. Occasionally trading my hands from my coverall pocket to bow. Afraid to let my bow not be ready, but too cold to care at times.
I try a grunt call and a bleat call every once a while and the whistle of the wind over powers my calls. I feel that calling may be a waste of time. Just then all of a sudden, I see a young buck step into my view. I stand up ever so slowly. He is coming toward my treestand, he is about 20yds and I pull back my PSE compound bow but my arrow has now fallen off the rest cause I am gripping it so tight. I slowly release just enough to flip my arrow back on the rest and the arrow makes a cling noise. Oh No, he hears it. I wait frozen in my stand with my bare hands getting cold and waiting for him to return to eating his corn. He is now perfectly broadside and I aim towards him. I realize he is only about 13yrds or so now and adjusts my sights accordingly.
The arrow hits him and I see him buck and kick his rear legs back and then the arrow comes out the other side. He runs toward the wind and ducks back into the woods. I hear a last breath and then hear another, followed by some rustling of the leaves. I know he is down.
I wait, but can't wait any longer and call my husband. My son Cole answers and everyone is happy at home. Scott, my husband drops the kids at my parents house and comes to help me retrieve my deer. The farmer came out to see my new trophy and he shares some stories of the past.

With temperatures dropping I knew we had to get back to the kids and get this thing hung up. To Dad's barn we go and I am met by lots of friends and relatives to share in my moment. My first deer with a compound bow. What an achievement.
I have had such a great season, with lots of rewards. I have went up north with my dad and brother for a week for rifle season and have hunted near home with my bow.

Hunting close to home I have been able to take my daughter to check on the baits and my older son actually in the treestand with me. Having my family share in my hunt has been very pleasing, and I look forward to next season. I have to thank my husband for allowing me to pursue my goals and supporting me, without him I would not have been able to do this. My first deer with a bow will never be forgotten.