Carol Lueder May 14, 2003
Fair Chase
925 Valley Pike
Lexington VA 24450
540 463 9189
fairchase@rockbridge.net

WHERE IS OUR PEER GROUP?

Lady Hunters of the Past

Sure, there is the mythological Diana...but WHO is our peer group? Name the first historical woman hunter that comes to mind - bet you can't. This series will be an attempt to acquaint you with women hunters of fame, accomplishment and notoriety. It is not an easy task, but I hope we all come away with an understanding of those who have gone before.

It is interesting to note that there are quite a few books about women hunters, and a number of new titles and reprints to be published this fall. Please request our catalog by telephone (608) 524 9677 or email: fairchas@merr.com

Following is a review of a newly published book that should be in every lady's hunting library.

Finally, an entire book devoted our peer group - women hunters! Now I realize that many of us are not ready to tackle big game animals, but these women did so, in another age, and another mindset! With Rifle and Petticoat will acquaint you with a number of devoted women hunters who wrote about their experiences.

Yes, many of them were fabulously wealthy and could afford to go on extended and arduous travels, which often lasted for months and sometimes years. But money could not buy convenience and comfort in times past. These gals also had pluck, ingenuity and tons of determination to cross frozen tundra, humid jungles and dangerous rivers - all without miracle fibers and state-of-the-art boots and in their proper skirts. Yikes!

Beginning with the Victorian Dianas, Cornelia Speedy hunted the Sudan, Mrs. Richard Tyacke is shown seated on her yak on the cover of her book and Isabel Savoy golfed and fox-hunted as well as stalked tahrs and other species of Himalayan sheep and goats. Entire chapters are devoted to Florence Dixie, Agnes Herbert and Grace Gallatin Seton. You'll be well acquainted with their shooting and explorations when you read about their accomplishments in the field.

Author Ken Czech then moves into the Edwardian Dianas and finally, "champagne safaris" - truly hunting in the grand manner. The names St Maur, Bovet, Harriman, Borden and others will feel like old friends when you become acquainted with their hunts of a lifetime. The "champagne safaris" were conducted by no less than Vivienne de Watteville, Gretchen Cron, Grace King, Florence Morden and Lucille Parsons Vanderbilt and others. These women experienced period luxury like bathing in canvas tubs, motor cars and gourmet dinners fit for a king'and sometimes a king was in attendance!

The final chapter covers Delia Akeley and Osa Johnson, perhaps two of the most recognizable names in women who hunt big game.

So enjoy reading about these exceptional women big game hunters. Their writing, just like their shooting, varies in overall quality but you'll be fascinated by their ingenuity, determination and devotion to the hunt. With Rifle and Petticoat provides more than a fascinating read - it sets a benchmark for the start of a peer group for women who hunt. Read and enjoy...and then call me when you want to read more!

Future columns will discuss some of the hunters in depth. Watch for Paulina Brandreth in the next column. She is credited with writing one of the best books on deer hunting and is certainly one of my "top ten" authors. Cultured, eloquent and intelligent, Paulina Brandreth is a lady hunter to be reckoned with!

Czech, Ken. With Rifle and Petticoat, $35.00, (postage extra) is available from Fair Chase, Inc. To order: 800 762-2843 or email: fairchas@merr.com. Fair Chase accepts Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Carol Lueder
925 Valley Pike
Lexington VA 24450
540 463 9189
fairchase@rockbridge.net