Women's History Month

 March is officially women’s history month and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has made special tribute to women in hunting and conservation. I can’t begin to express how proud I am to be listed amongst some of the most influential women in hunting and conservation. It is because of each and every one of you that we are able to work together towards the common goal of conservation and outdoor education. Enough gratitude simply cannot be given for your unwavering support throughout the years. Thank you for believing in me, as a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Team Elk, I am looking forward to serving as a female ambassador, helping to ensure the continuation of the hunting and outdoor heritage for generations to come.

Click Here for the entire press release

Oregon DIY, Public Land Spring Bear Hunt

This was the first time in several years that I did not tag a Spring bear. I spent and amazing 8 days in a public access road closure area in the rugged Western Oregon Mountains. The first three days of the hunt, I brought along my 52 year old friend and first time hunter Sharon. The rain was pouring down and it was COLD. Making the best of the trip, we did quite a bit of scouting in the back country and we were able to determine some great hunting areas that had all the makings for great bear habitat; steep rugged Western slopes, thick heavy cover, open clear cuts loaded with grass, numerous water sources and lots of game populations such as Roosevelt Elk and Blacktail Deer.

The next three days were spent hunting with James Kussman. Having successfully scouted and located some extremely remote, road less areas, our first day out was rather successful. That first night we made a spot and stalk on a gorgeous chocolate bruin and set up to take the shot at a mere 300 yards when along came her tiny twin cubs.  The next day we encountered no bear, but did manage to get 25 yards and some incredible footage of a herd of Roosevelt Elk in a clear cut and located a really nice solo 4x4 bull.  James even managed to find a nice Roosevelt shed antler.

The final three days, I spent solo. I was able to stalk within 10-30 yards of four different Blacktail bucks a series of clear cuts and attain some great video footage. On my walk out one night, with the wind in my favor, I nearly walked into a black bear as I was heading down the closed road. He was hidden within in the thick black berry vines and reprod and even being less than 10 feet from the bruin, I could only hear him run off and never got to see him. Later that same night, I saw another bruin funneling through the thick brush and vines, only to see his face and never receive a clear shot or a decipherable shot as to his body angle.

After glassing clear cuts without much success at locating a bruin, my last night bear hunting, I returned to the location where I had nearly walked into the bruin on the road. The bear had been clawing trees and shredding bushes in a territorial display, so I was fairly certain he would be in the area. I brought along my Montana Fawn Decoy and set it up alongside the closed road and proceeded to do a series of cow/calf distress calling with my diaphragm call with the hopes of drawing in the territorial bruin without luck.

2012 Central Oregon Youth Safari Challenge

I was fortunate enough to serve as a volunteer in this year’s Central Oregon Youth Safari Challenge that was attended by 141 kids plus there parents. With an effort to create a thriving, dedicated community of new hunters that are well-equipped with outdoor skills, shooting skills, hunting ethics and conservation principals, during this FREE event the kids tried their hand at 22 rimfire, Cowboy Action Rimfire, 3-gun air-soft, Cowboy Action rifle and shotgun, archery, and wingshooting, to compete for top honors in their individual divisions while learning gun safety and shooting fundamental skills. 

Cabela's CLUB Visa Family Outdoor Day

Nothing compares to watching a child catch their first fish, shoot their first bow or simply enjoy stories around a campfire surrounded by family and friends. Thanks to Cabela’s CLUB Visa and the USAA’s Trail Blazer Program, I was able to participate in the Family Outdoor Day July 7^th in Lacy Washington where over 300 attendees participated in various outdoor activities while surrounded by the beautiful Western landscape.

Zombie Hunting with Crosman Airsoft

Getting some shooting instruction.

Even I enjoyed the ringing of the gongs.

At each activity, participants found expert guidance and education, ensuring the development of safe habits, gun safety and ethics.  The tiniest of children delighted in hunting paper zombies with Crosman airsoft guns. Marksmanship was tested at the 100 yard range with .22 rimfire with the goal of ringing the gong. All delighted in the sound of success.

 

 Kids learned how to set a worm on a hook to successfully catch their first fish, or for one boy, “the biggest fish in the pond”.  

A proud fisherman.

Mother/daughter fishing success.

Smiles for all...

   

Others discovered the joys of archery or re-discovered the joy of shooting an arrow down range thanks to the support of BowTech and their wonderful Pro-staff and volunteers. 

 

The sounds of shotguns pumping, followed by the command to “pull” signaled the beginning of trap shooting in this safe environment where everyone received coaching to be a more successful shot. Help was given to make sure that each participant was designated a well fitting shotgun, coaching with their follow through, and of course a pat on the back and congratulations with each improved shot. Some even drove their first car, well golf car, to navigate the course. 

First time at trap.

Success!!

My personal mission is always to educate, empower and inspire others, with the goal of giving others the confidence to try out new outdoor activities. For this event, I was able to share my experiences with photos and personal testimony as well as provide some valuable information regarding selecting the right gear for their chosen outdoor pursuit.  

 

Displaying a variety of gear and a complete gear list that attendees could take home that featured optics from Swarovski Optik, game calls from Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls (formerly Bugling Bull Game Calls), backpacks from Outdoorsman’s, Eberlestock and Cabela’s, scent elimination technology from Under Armour, turkey, elk and fawn decoys from Montana Decoy Company, backcountry vitamins and supplements from Wilderness Athlete, magazines from Elk Hunter and Western Hunter, information about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and an assortment of other gear. 

Love the Barbie fishing pole!

 Some took home more than memories thanks to the prize raffle at the end of the day. Excitement amongst families was evident when they were drawn as a winner of the multitude of great prizes.

 A truly unique culinary experience was provided by the Northwest Dutch Oven Society where their volunteers prepared a Dutch Oven feast of spaghetti, baked beans, trout and for dessert, pineapple upside down cake. 

After dinner, families gathered around the campfire to hear stories told from times past and sing songs until little eyes could no longer remain open and families returned to their tents or camp trailers.

The continuation of the hunting heritage through outdoor education, participation in events like this, sound wildlife management and habitat conservation is vital to the future of our time honored traditions.  Becoming a skilled outdoorsman, enhances character, builds confidence and instills a sense of responsibility to our youth.

A big thank you goes out to Cabela’s CLUB Visa and the Evergreen Sportsmen’s Club for organizing this remarkable event. I am looking forward to participating in next year’s Family Outdoor Day!