"Why Women Hunt" reflects on a steady trend among female hunters

While hunting is generally considered a male sport with approximately 10.3 million American males, it may surprise folks to know that more than one million females over 16, annually take to America’s woodlands and waters to ethically hunt and harvest wild game.

In her newly released, first of a kind book, “Why Women Hunt,” author and hunter K.J. Houtman of Minnesota takes an intimate look at the personal lives of 18 individual females who have diverse backgrounds from across the country and who pursue humankind’s most ancient food-gathering ritual. 

One of those women, Jaliliah “Jay” Williams, is from  Allentown. In her book, Houtman recounts how Williams, a Jamaican immigrant, began as a product of Camp Compass, the Allentown-based conservation  awareness program for inner-city kids. During her early teenage years Williams’ classmates learned of her desire to hunt and would say to her, “Oh my God? Why would you want to kill Bambi?” “A lot of my fellow students are city kids, Williams told the author, “but I tell my story and my experiences in protecting the ecosystem and wild game conservation in a way that is understandable to all audiences.”

Williams’ new-found knowledge and experience is a tribute to what Camp Compass does for young kids. It’s an education they would never receive in any public school.

Williams’ story is but one of these dedicated outdoor women featured in the book who are of all ages, professions, education and cultural backgrounds, and who make up an increasing proportion of licensed American hunters.

For any female, single or married and who may have an inkling to try hunting, be it alone, with relatives or friends, the 18 gals profiled may be just the inspiration for them to give hunting a try and to enjoy locally-sourced, free range, wild meat that is clean, delicious and without a trace of chemical additives.

Houtmans’ 243 page, hardcover is illustrated with 90 original photos that support her story.
Published by Wild River Press, the book is available now for $49.95 and can be purchased online from the publisher by going to www.wildriverpress.com. To check out some excerpts from the book, go to www.whywomenhunt.com.

ILLINOIS ALLOWING HUNTER SAFETY COURSES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Illinois law makers passed a new bipartisan bill that allows school districts the option to teach hunter safety courses along with the daily curriculum.

As reported in Outdoor Hub, Illinois State Rep Monica Bristow (D) said, “Hunting in Illinois is still very popular and students can learn about hunting as a sport and respect for guns.” She added, “If people have to do the education to obtain a hunting license anyway, why not be able to do this in school?”

No guns or ammo, however, will be allowed in the schools. The course will teach responsibility and ethics when it comes to outdoor recreation, first aid, wildlife conservation and bowhunting.

WEAKNECHT ARCHERY’S 56TH ANNIVERSARY SALE

In celebrating 56 years in business, Weaknecht Archery in Kutztown if having a “Customer Appreciation Day” sale where sportsmen can save up to $200 on all bows and crossbows. And when purchasing either a compound or crossbow, Weaknecht is giving a free hard bow case for each.

In addition, special anniversary pricing can be realized on carbon arrows, hunter safety systems, Shotblocker archery targets, scouting cameras, crossbolts, Muck boots and more.
The sale runs from Aug. 19-24 with store hours Mon-Fri 2-8 p.m. and Sat. 9-5 p.m. For questions, call the store at 610-683-7405.
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