While this is written from a woman’s perspective, any person can follow this gear list and substitute the appropriate items. I’ve intentionally made this very specific because I noticed that most lists out there are pretty vague, and gear can really help or hurt your experience. Do not mistake that for “gear will be the reason you’re successful or unsuccessful.” I can’t stand when people blame their gear for everything. Without proper preparation, including your physical ability and a positive mindset, it doesn’t matter what’s included in this list.
South Dakota Pheasant Hunting in November
While a shotgun isn’t completely foreign to me, I admit that it typically sits under my bed for 12+ months at a time. Then, I pull it out and attempt to remember how to properly shoulder, lead, and follow through a shot. I’d compare it to a newborn giraffe learning how to walk. Ok, maybe not that bad, but it’s not pretty! My love for archery hunting runs deep, so everything else seems to fall behind that.
She Believed She Could, So She Did // First Solo Archery Bull Elk
For 7 years I’ve been chasing bulls with my dad - It’s become a family tradition and it’s the hunt I look forward to more than any other. He started my addiction in 2015 as a wedding gift and I’ve been hooked ever sense. I went from never knowing what a bugle sounded like before my first hunt, to finally connecting on my first solo archery bull this year. It’s been quite the journey, and this is the first year that I’ve felt called to try to accomplish it on my own. After going on guided elk hunts for a few years, we started going on DIY public land hunts as a family and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s allowed me to challenge myself and learn a lot more about elk in order to be successful. Eating tag soup isn’t easy for me, and while I know that hunting is much more than the kill, punching that tag is the biggest goal for me personally. This year, prior to this trip, I’ve been hunting OTC (over-the-counter) tags in Utah, shooting at 2 spikes already with nothing to show for it. Simply being within range is a rush, so getting a shot is something really special.
Gear Up, Girls! Women's Camo Review for Archery Elk
I vividly remember when women-specific camo started to hit the market. After years of wearing hand-me-downs, youth clothing, or oversized men’s clothing, including Carhartt bibs for most of those years, I happily bought the pink-it-and-shrink it lines because finally something was made “just for me,” except it was terrible. Slowly but surely, brands noticed the increase in women hunters and therefore the demand for something functional, durable, and comfortable that complimented our build a little more than a boxy cotton shirt with a few pink leaves mixed in.
New Mexico Archery Elk Hunting // an Under Armour Hunt Film
I have waited for nearly a year to share this incredibly special moment with everyone! When Under Armour asked me what I’m most passionate about and what species consumes my mind, I didn’t hesitate to say elk. I knew that’s what my film needed to be focused on. They’re the only animal that I dream about and they make me work harder in every area of my life, from the gym to reps with my bow, to giving every ounce to my job so I can afford to go chase them every year. If I’m thinking about hunting at all, it’s usually in regards to elk. There’s just nothing like hearing a bull bugle at 20 yards - I’ve been saying that since 2015 when I first experienced it. Then, add the challenge of chasing them with a bow and you’re going to be humbled really quick. I have failed way more than I’ve been successful, but it keeps me hungry for more.
How to Make Jalapeño Cheddar Summer Sausage | Wild Game Processing
Meat processing was and still is one of the most intimidating parts of being a hunter, in my opinion. I have the desire to try new things all the time, but then I risk ruining the hard earned wild game that I pursue and that’s scary! Thankfully, after 3 batches of summer sausage, I think I’ve got it down (insert flex) and I’m here to share it with you! I’ll mostly be sharing the steps you take AFTER your meat is ground up; if you need to step backwards and get help grinding your meat, please reference this article. Then, instead of packaging the meat, you’ll jump back over to this article!
Nevada Mountain Lion Hunting | First Archery Tom
If you’re no stranger to my writing, then you know I love first time experiences! For years the idea of predator hunting simply didn’t interest me. I see now that it was based on emotion rather than facts, because with the little time I’ve invested in researching these incredible animals, I now see the damage they can do on elk and deer herds. I suppose conservation doesn’t show favoritism and all animals need to be managed as the human population continues to increase. While I’ve hunted multiple predators to-date, I had never hunted one that would stare into your soul. It’s quite eerie actually, thinking about all the days I’ve spent on the mountain without seeing a cougar but knowing they’re there and have 100% seen me.
What I didn’t Expect from my New Role at Huntin’ Fool
When I made the decision to take on the role of Marketing & PR Manager at Huntin’ Fool in November 2019, I knew the position would entail a variety of projects. Part of this is due to the fact that it was a new position within the company, but it also came down to the fact that there were multiple areas that needed attention. This sounded challenging to me, which naturally made me want to jump on the offer. While I knew there’d be some adjusting, I couldn’t have predicted the ways that I’d grow in just 12 months, particularly in regards to design. Yes I have a design degree, yes I’ve handled nearly all of the branding for my personal company, but in the 8 years that I’ve been out of school I have done very little design work outside of that. I wanted to document all of the projects I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in up until this point. In 1 year, these have helped me grow as a creative mind, as a team player, and has significantly increased my confidence in this role. These are untouched or “very little experience” areas for me and I can’t wait to see what’s in store over the next year at Huntin’ Fool!
2020 Bow Builds // Hoyt RX-4 & Hoyt Eclipse
After 8 years of shooting Hoyt, it’s no surprise that both of my bow setups for the 2020 season were also Hoyt! Many people have requested a breakdown of each setup. They’re extremely similar in terms of accessories and they have the same speed, but they’re 2 very different bows. Let’s dive into an overview of my RX-4 Alpha and the all-new women’s Eclipse!
Arizona Archery Mule Deer // Spot & Stalk
Other than one other attempt to hunt mule deer up in Alberta, I admit that I have zero experience or knowledge of the species. Growing up in the South meant we focused on whitetail, and it certainly wasn’t spot-and-stalk method. Each time I’ve been out West, the focus is elk, but after moving our life to Southern Utah less than a year ago and working at the oldest “hub” for Western hunting information, you could say I’ve been exposed to mule deer MUCH more. Whether I’m hiking a trail, glassing, or simply conversing in the office with the Huntin’ Fool hunt advisors, mule deer has been the new whitetail for me.
Gifts Under $125 for Your Favorite Outdoorsman | Father's Day Gift Guide
To all of you that have outdoor dads in your life, that seem to struggle every year with what to get your favorite men, and who don’t have the budget to go buy a new bow or gun for someone, this blog is for YOU! I’ve never been much of a gift giver (my gift is my time because I’m always running and gunning), but after spending so much time outdoors I feel like I’ve got a grip on affordable gifts for your favorite outdoorsman!