I started shooting archery about four years ago. I was a
junior in high school and I was dating a boy named Kyle who was sponsored and
shot archery frequently. I would go and watch him shoot archery leagues. While I
watched him shoot I saw that other girls shot archery too. I told Kyle I wanted
to try shooting. So… He helped me pick out a bow that I felt comfortable
shooting. Then I picked out a sight, arrow rest and some arrows. I shoot a Fred
Bear Young Gun, and I shoot carbon express predador2 arrows. I started
practicing shooting at Lena Swamp in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. Wade the owner
helped me get into a comfortable stand and get comfortable shooting. It takes a
lot of practice to get a good stands down. Also while doing this I developed
some bad habits which wade helps me correct them. I still go to wade when my
shootings off and he always helps me correct and get back into my stands. When I
first started shooting I would go through a list of checks. 1st left hand
holding bow is relaxed 2. Same anchor point 3. Relax shoulders 4. Focus on
target 5. Slowly pull trigger. I still go through this list when I
shoot.
Before I had met Kyle, and begin my
passion for shooting bow I had little experience of being a hunter. My Mother’s
side of the family is big into bear hunting, especially my grandpa Neal. My
family always goes up north (Dunbar, Wi.) and fight over who gets to go along,
being a female and only the men hunt unless one of the females has a tag, so I
typically lost my seat in the truck to one of the
boys...
This was a little discriminating however I still
tried every time to get a spot. I have been bear hunting with my family since I
was a little. I have a lot of great memories bear hunting with my family. I am
applying and praying that I get my tag soon to pursuit a black bear with my
grandparents before they are too old for hunting.
Also I had little
experience of hunting with my Father and his friends and family. I can remember
driving in my Dads truck to the old trailer in the woods that my grandfather,
would stay in while hunting. NO BATHROOMS... as a young lady (and the only girl
at deer camp, this was the part I hated most. However I did go hunting with the
boys, we did deer drives, walking what felt like hour up and down corn fields.
My favorite memory of hunting is with my uncle Brian. I sat with him in his
stand, which consisted of a lazy boy recliner in an ice shack on the edge of a
field. We giggled and farted the whole time. (Girls do fart)
Since meeting Kyle I have gone goose
hunting. But have yet to get one! I have also met some awesome people shooting
archery like Kyle.T who I went bow fishing with the past summer (2012). I had
blast and pursued three carp! I am very thankful for the people in my life who
have shared hunting with me!