The Rise of Women in the Outdoors

The Rise of Women in the Outdoors

By Jessica Graham

When I first started hunting 25 years ago, the landscape for women in the outdoors was vastly different. For instance, you didn’t see a lot of girls hunting. It for sure wasn’t the “cool” thing to do, and you had to be ready to face a bunch of questions from friends, family, co-workers, and classmates. You had to defend why you hunt, and do it in a tactful way. This is true for all of us hunters. Whether you’re a woman or a man, not everyone will be ok with you hunting, and that’s ok.

A Time for Change
Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of women participating in outdoor activities including hunting and fishing. Women now represent one of the fastest-growing demographics in the hunting community. Along with the steady growth of more women getting involved outdoors comes a financial impact. Women hunters contribute substantially to the economy through purchasing hunting gear, licenses, travel, and other related expenses.

Many women hunters are actively involved in conservation efforts and wildlife management initiatives too. They often participate in local, state and even national organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. They are contributing both financially and through volunteer work to preserve habitat and support wildlife populations. With the growth of women getting involved in outdoor activities, like hunting and fishing, we are seeing a shift in the typical demographics. While it wasn’t very common to see a woman all in, hunting hard through the whole season 25 years ago, it is today.

For some women, hunting is a family tradition passed down through generations. They learn hunting skills and outdoor ethics from their parents, grandparents. Or other family members, help introduce and foster a deep connection to nature and wildlife conservation. For me, my dad introduced me to hunting, and my dad and uncles helped grow that passion for deer hunting through the Iowa bow and gun seasons. Today, I know it’s not uncommon to see a lady with kids walking through a 3D course, or a family out fishing on our Iowa lakes and rivers. Increased participation in hunting has led to an increase in educational programs and outreach efforts specifically tailored to female hunters, and I believe this is part of the reason why more ladies are hunting. These programs often focus on firearm safety, marksmanship, outdoor skills, and conservation education.

Gun manufactures were just about the first to recognize everything is not a “one size fits all”. Shorter stocks and lighter loads were designed for a more comfortable fit. Youth and women tend to have shorter arms. Shorter and smaller stocks at times can make shooting long-guns more comfortable, especially if you are doing quick shots like trap, bird hunting, or driving deer. Bow manufactures followed suit. They created lines specifically for women wanting a smoother shooting bow, or lighter limbs, and overall lighter bows. We then had companies begin making scent-free shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and other toiletries for women. Without scent-free conditioner, your hair turns into a big tangle! There a ton of products being made to help make outdoor adventures more enjoyable for women.

Cold Season Preparedness
Moreover, the expansion of women hunting, trapping, and fishing has caught the attention of the outdoor industry. Finally, companies and manufacturers are developing women-specific hunting gear has addressed the longstanding issue of warmth and insulation. Companies are recognizing the demand for functional, stylish, and properly fitting gear, and they are rising to the occasion by designing products that cater to the females. These specialized clothing lines for women offer a range of benefits that extend beyond mere aesthetics. They boast thoughtful designs that prioritize fit and functionality, ensuring that women can move comfortably and confidently in the field. From jackets and pants with adjustable waistbands to gloves and boots engineered for smaller hands and feet, these products are revolutionizing the way women experience the outdoors.

Gone are the days when women had to settle for subpar protection against frigid temperatures. We no longer have to wear men’s gloves (which are always too big) just to stay warm in the tree. Thanks to the growing number of ladies enjoying the outdoors, and the manufactures, the industry has shifted for the better. Today’s clothing lines utilize advanced materials and insulation technologies to keep female hunters warm and comfortable in even the most extreme conditions. Whether braving below-zero sits or trudging through snow-covered terrain, women can now rely on gear that offers both performance and protection. Now, you can find every type of gear made particularly for ladies.

Representation in Media
The portrayal of women in outdoor and hunting media has evolved over the past decade as well. Women are increasingly featured in hunting magazines, television shows, and online platforms, helping to inspire other women to get involved in the sport. This helps build on the “if I can do it, you can too” train of thought. Women are encouraging other women, and are sharing their experiences for us to follow and learn from. We see professional representation in competitions and also local ladies enjoying local 3D shoots or other competitions.

Today, we have influential ladies featured on hunting and fishing shows. We see several female conservation personnel around our parks and public areas. Women own, co-run and sometimes manage outdoor business. In Iowa, our DNR director, Kayla Lyons has been leading the department for a few years. Overall, we see more ladies involved outdoors and sharing their passion for nature with others.