This is the second article in a four-part series from AWA .50 Cal Sponsor, Ruger
The great outdoors has always had a wild beauty, but lately, it’s getting a fresh twist as more women step into the hunting scene. Hunting has found itself getting more beautiful in a very untraditional manner. More women are stepping into the field than ever before, adding a touch of femininity and newfound beauty within a culture that has been predominantly male dominated.
In recent years, the number of women hunters has skyrocketed, doubling over the last few decades. Women are bringing their unique flair and strength to the field, challenging stereotypes and embracing empowerment like never before. This isn’t just a trend; it’s a movement that celebrates independence, community, and a profound connection to wildlife and wild places. Women are discovering the joy of hunting and empowerment through the harvest while bonding with family and like-minded adventurers.
Embracing Tradition and Sustainability
For many women, hunting is more than just a pastime; it’s a way to disconnect from work or the distraction of our devices and reconnect with family and friends without distractions. If you grew up in a hunting family, it’s an opportunity to continue those time-honored traditions and if not, it’s an opportunity to build new traditions deep rooted in a connection to the outdoors.
Plus, with growing concerns about what goes into our food- like GMOs and hormones many women are turning to hunting. The field-to-fork movement is gaining momentum, highlighting how hunting allows us to know exactly where our food comes from.
And hunting is the epitome of knowing where our food comes from with a direct connection between what is served at dinner time and memories made while afield. By choosing to hunt, grow, or source food directly from local producers, we ensure that our families enjoy nutritious meals but also support ethical harvesting practices that prioritize wildlife management philosophies and sustainable harvest objectives.
Community, Skills and Safety
Sure, hunting can be intimidating, especially for beginners. But more women are facing these challenges head-on through education and training. This focus on education not only enhances skills but also fosters a culture of responsibility and respect for wildlife, other hunters and gun owners. Organizations like Armed Women of America play a crucial role by providing spaces for women to learn while emphasizing safety and responsibility when hunting, participating in shooting sports or personal protection.
Events like SHE Hunts Skills Camps (https://shehuntsskillscamp.com/)are popping up everywhere, providing hands-on experiences where women can connect with experienced hunters, learn essential skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
With groups like Safari Club International’s Women Go Hunting (https://safariclub.org/category/women-go-hunting/), mentorship and camaraderie are breaking down barriers, welcoming more women to join the ranks within the hunting community.
Whether it’s for personal fulfillment and joy, legacy for your children, or creating bonds with a hunting crew, women are stepping up as leaders and advocates in the sport. Many are becoming instructors, guides, and advocates for conservation through hunting, helping to shape the future of hunting in positive ways. This leadership is inspiring a new generation of female hunters, proving that hunting is a sport that welcomes and thrives on diversity.
Celebrating Diversity in Hunting
The evolution of hunting is also about embracing diversity. Women from all backgrounds, ages and experience levels are making their mark, bringing fresh perspectives and stories that enrich the hunting community. This diversity creates a broader dialogue about conservation, ethics, and the vital role of hunting in modern society.
Social media has become a game-changer, giving women a platform to share their adventures, tips, and triumphs, fostering a supportive network that encourages even more women to join in.
A Bright Future Ahead
As this movement gains momentum, manufacturers like Ruger are responding with a wide assortment of firearms with adjustable components and customizable features that allow each individual to fit their firearm to their unique body type and shooting style.
Ruger has a longstanding commitment that breaks down barriers and fosters a sense of belonging for women and diverse communities in the world of firearms that empowers shooters of all shapes and sizes to feel confident in the field, while at the range or carrying for personal protection.
Let’s lift the voices of women in hunting and continue to support initiatives that encourage women to explore a deeper connection to wildlife and wild places. Together, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of gender, can experience the joys and challenges of hunting and shooting sports.
About the Author
Kristy grew up packing and riding mules into the backcountry experiencing the beauty and thrill of hunting our public lands. She is a strong voice of American values and traditions.
As a Second Amendment advocate and shooting sports enthusiast, she is a certified firearms instructor, Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor, Range Safety Officer, competitive long-range shooter and avid archer.
Kristy is passionate in the support of wildlife and habitat conservation and is dedicated to preserving our hunting traditions.
She produces and hosts Pursue the Wild, a lifestyle series now airing on Pursuit Channel, Pursuit Up, WildTV, the WildTV App, CarbonTV, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X.
Kristy also hosts the Wild & Uncut Podcast, giving listeners access to behind-the-scenes conversations and unique perspectives with exciting guest appearances recorded during Kristy’s travels and adventures from around the world.
In all areas of her life, Kristy advocates for adventure, wildlife and land stewardship, conservation through hunting, the Second Amendment, shooting sports and our time-honored hunting traditions.
Thank you, AWA .50 Cal Sponsor, Ruger!