WATCH: Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt
I first heard about the Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt many months ago from one of the event’s committee members, an influential, knowledgeable woman of the outdoors, Tammy Sapp. On behalf of the committee, she extended me an invitation to attend as a guest hunter and provide a cooking demonstration. After learning the purpose of the hunt, to support the Wyoming Women’s Foundation’s (WWF) goal of investing in the economic self-sufficiency of women and girls in the state, it was a definite yes for me!
For those of you who don’t know, I spent most of my childhood in Seneca Falls, NY. It is known as the birthplace of women’s rights. Growing up in a town rich in women’s history and having parents who supported me as I ventured into the male-dominated activities of shooting and hunting, I have had such positive influences. I believe that women should have every opportunity to pursue their passions. With the support of my family and friends, I have been able to bust out of the traditional mold and associated gender roles of the typical hunter and shooter. I love meeting other women who have done the same. It is one of the reasons I have been looking forward to this hunt!
On Thursday, October 3rd, my husband and I loaded up our truck with hunting equipment, baby support gear, cooking supplies and our darling girls and made our way down to The Ranch at Ucross. I spent the next few days meeting WWF staff, volunteers, influential leaders, guides, landowners and 34 lady hunters. Many of the women had experience as hunters, but for some, this was their first time. Seeing their emotional transformation, from nervous excitement to that of accomplishment and pride still makes me smile. It was an honor to be able to share it with them.
The blizzard conditions alone made this hunt one to talk about. The snow was small news though compared to the genuine dedication to the overall mission and women bonding over hunting. As the ladies filled their tags it wasn’t about bragging rights or comparing horn length. Each success story was met with a celebration.
My only regret from the hunt was not being able to spend more time learning about each of the hunters and volunteers. Between prepping for my cooking demonstration (first ever by the way), feeding the baby and hunting, it was hard to juggle it all.
I am so thankful to have made many new friends and need to give a huge shout out and THANK YOU to Josh Kramlich who took me over hill, dale and drift to get a shot on a pronghorn buck. To my husband who entertained and cared for our wee ones throughout the weekend, I love you!
Of course, I greatly appreciate the support of my sponsors. My Prois gear kept me nice and toasty in the nasty weather and I think I have a new favorite hunting gun with my Smith & Wesson M&P10. It’s been tricked out with a Tango Down pistol grip, Vltor stock, SureFire muzzle break and a Nightforce Optics 2.5-10x. My load? I used the awesome ASYM 168 gr. Barnes TTSX.
But wait, there’s more! Check out these links for more coverage from the first inaugural Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt:
