Scott Grange
Ron Spomer
THE DUELING DUO Views from both sides of the fence
Female Hunters Welcome?
PRO?
By Scott Grange
The Annie Oakley Influence.
I
n the mid to late 70’s and even into the mid 80’s, conservation banquets, in my area anyway, were stag or drake only events. The only women allowed at these male hormone infested functions were those possessing long legs, 23” waists and triple D uppers. Their soul responsibility was to sell raffle tickets to those with more money than brains or who had a few too many drinks, sometimes one in the same, and to strut around dressed in hunting clothing as it was auctioned off…literally. I can tell you that I know guys whose actions at these socials were the straw that broke the camels back in their already strained marriage. Fast forward to today. Now, it is not uncommon to see more women and children at these functions than men. A typical banquet will feature women’s raffles, fish ponds for the youngsters and enough pink products to make Victoria’s Secret jealous. Some even offer special hunts for youth and women which are a big hit. Allowing, or should I say inviting women into the world of wildlife management through the streams of hunting, banquets and most important, policy making has brought civility and acceptance to a segment of our life that was viewed 34
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for years as mysterious and savage by women is the right thing to do. After many. all, they are special and deserve and Like the selfish nimrods who appreciate such. criticize the DWR for offering an early youth waterfowl hunt for fear it will negatively impact their opener, those who would complain about a few measly tags set aside for women are thinking By Ron Spomer of themselves only. And the thought that most women who hunt prefer to be thrown into the male melting pot, Welcome all hunters, regardless of sex. I believe that is wrong. I suppose she Well isn’t that special. who rolls her own cigarette, shoes her A girl went hunting. Let’s own horse and quarters out her own elk would beg to differ, but those I’ve polled all cheer and give her a pink ribbon still enjoy and appreciate a little special or something. It recent years the fairer attention. And to many, looking like a sex has become the fastest growing lady while hunting remains a priority. demographic in hunting and shooting, So what does that tell you? Even Annie and manufacturers don’t quite know Oakley wore a skirt while making men how to handle that. look silly at their own game. Women are picking up guns Up until the 80’s, seeing a woman packing a rifle in the field was and bows and gutting deer in record as rare as seeing a 28” four point today. numbers. We see them on magazine In contrast, it is tough finding a hunting covers, DVDs, the internet and TV. camp in today’s world that does not Sometimes we see too much of them. Look, marketers have contain a female license holder. As not to be a flash in the pan, it is important always used pretty women to draw that individual states consider the value attention and sell product, and there of allowing special hunts for the opposite have always been pretty women sex. Doing so is not an insult or a sign willing to put their best face forward of weakness. It is only a show of respect in order to advance careers. But do women in camouflage bikinis and appreciation. The National Shooting Sports holding rifles really increase sales? Foundation (NSSF) points out that the Of firearms? Or just calendars? In average age of hunters in the U.S. is now today’s hunting market the feminine approaching 50 years old and climbing. fluff and stuff threatens to overwhelm Unless we harness and retain women the real message – women love to along with the youth, hunting as we shoot and hunt. And when they do, know it will become but just a memory they make hunting more accessible in our children’s lifetime. Offering a and acceptable to boys and girls and limited number of special hunts for the public at large. The stereotype of
PRO?
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