If you are a woman, 14 and older and you would like to learn more about the outdoor life style from the pioneer of women hunters, you are in luck. Brenda Valentine, “First Lady of Hunting,” will be at Roosevelt State Park near Morton beginning next Friday, October 30, for a session of the wildly popular Women in the Outdoors events. This is a three day event with expert instructors, including Brenda, that women with even a remote interest in the outdoors simply must attend.  

Just check her website, BrendaValentine.com and your excitement will build. This is one of the most congenial ladies who is so easy to get to know she comes across as a sister. Yet this Billie Jean King of hunting is a member of the Bass Pro Shops Red Head pro staff and national spokesperson for the National Wild Turkey Federation.

She is constantly on television outdoor shows hunting big game and giving tips to hunters. Coming up is her recent Montana mule deer hunt. It will show on Versus Television Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12 at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15 at 10:00 a.m. Another popular show is “Get in the Game” on Outdoor Channel which she hosts Tuesdays at 11 p.m., Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 a.m.

We were able to talk with Brenda Wednesday at her Tennessee home about her instruction at Morton next week and also ask her some questions women have who might be interested in becoming more active in the outdoors.



The Meridian Star: What are significant rewards for women who pursue a life style that includes time in the outdoors?

 

Valentine: “De-stressing. Women can get away from routine day to day activities that can be stressful. Also couples who get into the outdoors together have a great opportunity to reconnect.”

 

Star: What is your advice to a woman on getting started with a chosen outdoor activity?

 

Valentine: “I recommend attending one of the workshops such as Becoming an Outdoors Woman or Women in the Outdoors. Sample the different activities and choose the ones that interest you. The worst approach is to take up something because someone else wants you to. Choose for yourself.”

Star: Where can a woman find specific instructions on participating in hunting, fishing, camping or other outdoor activities?

 

Valentine: “Attend instructional events like Women in the Outdoors and Becoming an Outdoors Woman. Read good outdoor magazines such as Turkey Country, which has a women’s section in each issue. Do searches on the Internet and go to such sites as my BrendaValentine.com. Watch outdoor programs on television. Sometimes a husband or boyfriend can be too hard on a woman partner. In this case, learning from other women is best.”

 

Star: Where can women look for gear and clothing they will need for hunting, fishing, camping, archery, hiking or other outdoor pursuits?

 

Valentine: All of the large outfitters have mail order and retail outlet access to gear specifically for women. Most local outdoor supply stores carry women’s items as well. Also you can search women’s outdoor clothing on the Internet. Gear and clothing sources are widespread.

 

The “for women only” event is October 30, 2009 at Roosevelt State Park just off the I-20 Morton exit. Contact Amanda Mills, 769-798-4989 or event coordinator Abby Coffman, 601-397-1333, e-mail acoffman@nwtf.net.

Step out and do something for yourself for a change. I can guarantee you will have an unforgettable experience that will be one of the most enjoyable and educational of your life. You are never too old for this outdoor course and too young only if you are under 14.

And if you are interested in trying your hand at outdoor writing, contact me after you have attended a Women in the Outdoors event and we will publish your story about your experience.