At the age of 20, I was introduced to the sport of hunting. I had never experienced any form of hunting while growing up, even though my father often reflected on good times he had experienced during hunting seasons in his younger years. In July of 2000 I married, and was subsequently introduced to hunting that fall. Throughout my life I have been a little different than the norm for most women my age. I enjoyed and actively participated in the high school dance team and Junior Miss, but I also decided that if my brothers could be mechanics so could I.

Gradually, I began to pursue that particular venture with unusual enthusiasm. I must say, it was not because I felt I had something to prove to anyone else. However, I must admit I enjoyed the attention I received from the boys in my high school mechanics class. I also must confess, that I looked forward to the simple satisfaction I felt from the strange looks I got, usually from men, when they were told I would be working on their vehicle while I was employed at the local auto repair shop. I hope I am not misunderstood in this, because I truly believe there are differences in men and women and I completely support the notion of "being a lady."

I give all credit for my past interests to "desire" and the need to engage in challenging activities. I
don't believe for a second that desire is something you are born with. To make it simple, desire is
something that is learned and when the seed of "desire" is planted, it has to be nourished in order
for it to grow.

It all began one crisp, clear morning in September of 2000 when I heard the morning silence broken by a love-sick bull elk's bugle. I had no idea what I was about to embark upon and the fantastic journeys that awaited me. It was at that moment I heard and saw the herd bull answer his challenger! I was hooked, and I wanted to learn how to bow hunt immediately! Of course I also enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing my freezer full of meat due to my husbands success, but I wanted to be part of all the excitement that I had heard so much about and now had the opportunity of witnessing myself.

That following Christmas, I received my first bow. I practiced diligently with my husband all summer so I would be ready for the approaching proverbial, "bow hunt." My second weekend out hunting (2001), I tagged my first big game animal, a white-taled doe, that I shot while stalking and my life has never been the same since.

I am sincerely committed to our hunting heritage even though I am somewhat a newcomer. I have learned and now understand how important hunters are to proper wildlife management, conservation and habitat. I have the desire to expand my horizons by becoming more involved with promoting positive and ethical hunting experiences for youth, the disabled, women and other newcomers like me. Hunting has become a passion for me and I am eager to help enrich the lives of others!