S4-E93: Breaking Down the Barriers of Women Who Hunt - a podcast by Heidi Lyn Rao

Traditionally, glancing around the campfire, more males than females were sharing each other's company and love of the outdoors.  Why?  Typically, women were not given an opportunity to learn outdoor skills as girls or young adults.  A variety of barriers prevented women from participating in outdoor recreation, especially hunting.  

Expense and availability of suitable clothing was one barrier.  Manufacturers typically catered to their large market of male hunters, which forced ladies to search through their boyfriends’ or their husbands’ clothing only to come up with something that pinches in the chest, sags in the waist, and sleeves which covered their fingertips.  Equipment, gear and accessories were other barriers.

Tradition was also a barrier.  Boys typically got the guns, and the girls got the dolls.

Some of these barriers are beyond our control, but others can be removed if we simply educate ourselves.  Several of the barriers discussed relate to lack of opportunities for women, and that is a barrier that is rapidly breaking down in today’s culture.   

Major outdoor retailers and hunting industries are taking notice to the growing population of women who are engaging in more outdoor activities, including hunting.  Fortunately, today one can walk into any retailer and peruse the hunting department and find an entire section of clothing exclusively made for women.  

Women hold the key to the future of outdoor activities for all of us.  They are participating in the sport because they want to.  They are more environmentally aware and educated about conservation issues and wildlife management.  Most importantly, these ladies will introduce their children to these activities and ensure our future of hunting will continue for generations to come.  When you recruit and empower the mom, she will involve the entire family!

Enjoy!!

Further episodes of North American Outdoors

Further podcasts by Heidi Lyn Rao

Website of Heidi Lyn Rao