Deer hunting isn’t only for men

Written on 12/08/2024
Bud Fields, Outdoors with Bud


I have noticed a tremendous increase in the number of female deer hunters, and I, for one, am amazed and happy to see it. For many years, it was accepted that deer hunting was strictly for men!

I never accepted the old adage that a woman’s place was in the home. When I conducted my deer hunting seminars, I was always happy when I noticed more and more ladies and youngsters were attending and asking questions.

Well, I recently was informed that one of my grandsons was going to take his lady friend deer hunting, and that really made me happy. He said they were going to sit at the edge of a crop field he had permission to hunt. I was excited for her, and I wished them good luck.

He later sent me a message with a photo attachment, and it was Brooke kneeling beside a nice nine-point buck. He said she made a 200-yard-plus shot and dropped the buck in its tracks. Brooke had been raised in an outdoors family, and her father owned a gun shop. But he never took her hunting.

Well, Conner has been hunting with me since he was a youngster. He loves deer hunting, and he told Brooke he would take her. On her first trip to the woods, the first wildlife deer she ever saw, the first shot taken with the rifle, she shot her first deer. Congratulations, Brooke! I hope you enjoy more hunts in the future!

Recently, I received a picture of my son-in-law's niece, Kelsey Roller. Kelsey was smiling and kneeling behind her first buck. Kelsey attended a couple of my seminars, and she finally had the opportunity to venture out. She put the hammer down and got a nice buck. I never received much information pertaining to her hunts, but the smile on her face indicated she had a great time.



I have read on social media that several ladies have harvested deer. Whether it was a buck or doe, they certainly had a fun time being out there and making the memories that often have been associated with men only.

I applaud their desire and endurance, and I also encourage other ladies, regardless of age, to pursue their efforts to go deer hunting. I also encourage other male hunters to encourage their girlfriends, fiancées, or wives to accompany them in the field to enjoy the thrill of the hunt and make and enjoy those memories.

The hunting world has expanded throughout the years, and there are several young ladies appearing on their own hunting television shows and podcasts. Their skill and dexterity are not lacking in any sense.

Many of them prefer bowhunting. Many prefer hunting with archery tackle or muzzleloaders. Their skill and knowledge are nothing less than remarkable. They practiced with their weapons and have proven their efficiency. It is impressive.

They do their scouting and set up their hunting blinds and stands. They dedicate the time to be successful, and they take a back seat to no one! They are conducting seminars as well as any man, and I must admit they look better in camouflage than I do.

I have interviewed several lady hunters, and their knowledge was extremely helpful. They were willing to share information and offer tips and techniques to their audiences, and I totally encourage them to continue their endeavors and hopefully bring more ladies to the world of deer hunting.

I firmly believe we are stronger in numbers, and there is definitely a place for women in the deer hunting family.

I admit, my wife is not a huntress, but I offered to get her fully outfitted with the best weapons, best training, and best hunting clothing that money can buy. She is an avid angler and enjoys camping but never inherited the hunting addiction.

She has helped me during a few scouting trips and also helped me haul a few deer out when I couldn't find any helpers, but she doesn't mind me hunting. She prepares my venison meals without complaining. Sure, I still invite her, but if you have a spouse, girlfriend, or just a lady friend who enjoys hunting, take them with you.

To all you lady deer hunters out there, congratulations on your deer harvests. I hope you enjoy many future hunts!

Don't be afraid to send me your success photos. All I ask is to clean the deer up, with no arrows protruding, or open wounds visible and no deer tongues sticking out. I would be happy to post your photos in some of my articles.