Hell of a night. Hell of a season. (pics added)

[kwood]

... It occurred to me about a month ago that she might enjoy shooting a bow. A lot of recent press related to The Hunger Games movie talked about increased interest in archery due to the prominence of its female protagonist and her archery skills. In Minnesota, interest in archery for both boys and girls has been high well before the release of the movie.

I don't want to pressure her into hunting, but if she learned to shoot a bow properly and safely, it would give the option down the road of hunting. Reading your story, Don, reaffirmed that my thought was a good one. I'd love to see a picture--someday--of my daughter baggging her first turkey.

As Scoot earlier stated, you are indeed a great mentor for the sport. You are a great role model to all of us to get more people--especially girls and women--into the outdoors.

Hi, I am Katrina in the picture above. I suggest getting the women/girls in your life into archery whether they are just kids or grown women! Get them started in archery, let them try 3D and see where they want to take it if they want to hunt! I think they will surprise you and themselves with how they look at the sport after shooting a little.

I actually just surprised both my Mom (who is in her mid 50s) and sister (19) with bows - just used ones - "for Easter" and took them to the archery range.

My mom was MAD at first and scolded me for spending money and said the bow was scary looking and didn't like the color (camo) . My sister was surprised and excited. My mother has really taken to shooting and has since done her 1st 3D shoot and fell in love with it. She doesn't express any interest in hunting whatsoever yet, but who knows - if she does, she will have the shooting skills to take an ethical shot. I make sure to let her know she is welcome to try someday if she wants to.

My sister is open to hunting but very busy and away to college. She fell in love with shooting when she first picked up the bow. Even after flinging a few errant shots into a garbage can and the underside of our deck stairs, she can't get enough of it. I get texts from her away at school saying "I want my bowwwww" I just can't wait to get her out on the 3D course this summer. I know I will have a shooting partner and a probably hunting partner someday.

I was really fortunate to have been introduced to be mentored by Don, and get to experience success in the field the way I did last Thursday. It will take me many many days in the woods before I will be able to master calling, but hopefully someday I will be able to pass this experience on to my little sister or someone who wants to learn just like Don did for me.

[DonBo]

Hey Katrina, welcome to HSO! I think if you look around these forums you'll find lots good people with more tips, tricks and great ideas than you can imagine. I believe you'll like the archery and hunting forums and there's also a women's forum where you can meet many other ladys who know and understand the same things you're going through at this point of your hunting career.

I was so happy to be a part of your hunt, but you give me more credit than I deserve. I just set you up in a position to have an opportunity. You took that opportunity by the horns and made the most of it. I'll always remember that hunt and couldn't be more proud of the way you handled yourself when the chance came.

Again WTG on your trophy!

[Borch]

Awsome hunt Don and Katrina.

Congrats to you both.

[Archerysniper]

WTG kwood you have a great memory and trophy.And thanks again Don for passing it along. If it wasn't for people like you the sport of archery will suffer and die off.

And YES kwood get them in the woods or range and they will shine.

Here's my little one and the neighbor I believe strongly in getting the Women/Girls into the outdoors because most won't get the chance.

[Gordie]

Its true smiles do tell the story

again congrats

[Scott M]

Great story, thanks for sharing Don and Katrina.

kwood I suspect your message box might fill up...lots of gentlemen looking for a gal that loves to hunt! Good luck.