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Women Who Hunt
n 2020, there were about 15 million hunters in the United States.
The coronavirus pandemic has renewed interest in hunting, as the sport provides a way to get outside, enjoy nature and gather food for families. Several states have reported an increase in licenses: Michigan with a 27% increase in springtime turkey licenses, Wisconsin with a 12% jump in archery license sales and a 9.5% increase in gun license sales and Maine with a state record for deer hunting permits. The percentage of female hunters, estimated at 20% or 3 million, is small but growing. It has been, in fact, the only area of growth as the number of hunters overall have decreased over the years. Women are part of the new demographic of ecologically conscious hunters: organic farmers, nutritionists, conservationists and mothers who want to put healthy food on the table. According to Amy Ray, Georgia resident and president and CEO of The Sisterhood of The Outdoors, hunting also provides an encouraging and supportive learning environment. “There was always a supportive atmosphere around all the hunts I have taken over the years with women. It’s something I can’t explain with words; it must be experienced,” Ray said. 38 HUNTER'S HORN™ FALL 2021
Contributed by www.globalrescue.com/hscf
“It truly is amazing what can be accomplished when we support one another.” The Sisterhood of the Outdoors is a woman-owned company offering guided hunting and fishing trips to women all over the United States. As a Safe Travel partner, the company partners with Global Rescue to provide travel protection services to clients. “Women like to travel in groups and enjoy each other’s company when participating in sports. Hunting is no different,” Ray said. “In an online survey of our fans, 81% wanted to go on an all ladies hunting trip and 12% said they already do.” Not only is hunting a way to connect to other like-minded outdoor women, it meets a different need for each hunter. Here are some stories from women who hunt, why they hunt and what it means to them. “My first time out was hunting pheasant with my father, his friend and a German short haired pointer. My father and I were lucky to have a supportive friend who has
