Mia Anstine of Pagosa Springs, Colorado is among 18 individual female hunters across the country profiled in a revealing new book called Why Women Hunt. The book is the first of its kind by Author and hunter K. J. Houtman.
Anstine is a hunting guide and instructor in archery, firearms, and other outdoor-related skills: “Sitting in a tree stand is tough for me personally, more than climbing from 9,000 to 13,000 feet, but I’ve taken bears, whitetail and other game animals from just sitting. I love it all. Each has its own purpose—you can learn from one method of hunting to help in another.”
Mia told the author that she wishes non-hunters understood hunting better and that’s part of the reason she took to being a hunter education instructor, “… the burden is on us to help them understand. I wish they’d take a hunter education class, even if they weren’t going to hunt. Sometimes we don’t get anything after a long day. It’s not always easy and it is never guaranteed. Some people don’t know and some have a misconception fostered from watching hunting TV shows. We need to demonstrate how we achieve healthy wildlife herds and how we affect animals in a positive way through hunting.”
Houtman of Minnesota takes an intimate look at the lives of these intrepid outdoor women—of all ages, professions, education and cultural backgrounds. Their diverse personal stories explore what motivates them to connect—spiritually and physically—with the natural world in one of humankind’s most ancient food-gathering rituals.
It’s interesting to me that people have become so separated from their instincts. Days ago humans understood that wild animals are just that — wild. Our instincts told us to pay attention, to be aware of our surroundings, to carry protection, and to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
I’m not saying that this hiker did anything “wrong.” What I’m suggesting is that you be prepared and avoid a potentially life-threatening situation.
In all things you do in life, learn to connect with your instincts. Avoid aggressive humans and wild animals. Learn to protect yourself, and remember that black bears are not teddy bears.
Search underway for aggressive bear, bit woman as she hiked near Aspen Monday morning
ASPEN, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are looking for an aggressive bear that bit a woman on the thigh as she and her husband hiked on the Hunter Creek Trail near Lone Pine Road in Aspen at approximately 9:15 this morning.
The woman reported that she and her husband were walking back to Aspen when they saw a bear walking toward them on the trail. The woman says they tried to give the bear space and stepped off the trail. As the bear walked by, she says it suddenly turned, charged and bit her before it ran off and disappeared from view.
According to investigating officers, the bite wound did not appear serious. CPW is not releasing the identity of the woman.
CPW officers have called in experts with the USDA’s Wildlife Services to assist with tracking the bear, described as light brown and weighing approximately 200-300 lb. As of Monday evening, the bear had not been located.
CPW officials say considering the attack occurred near Aspen, it is possible the bear may enter city limits before it is found. They urge all residents to be cautious.
“This is an aggressive bear and by policy, we will put it down if found,” said CPW Officer Matt Yamashita.” But until we find it, the public should remember what to do if they see any bear. If it appears aggressive or shows no fear of humans, do not approach it. Haze it away by yelling or banging pots and pans, then call CPW or 911 immediately.”
Yamashita says bears usually stay away from people but if a bear has been fed or has lost its natural fear of humans, they can be extremely dangerous.
If you see a bear, CPW officials offer these basic tips:
Do not run from a bear, stand your ground and talk firmly to the animal
If it continues to approach, throw rocks and sticks, wave your arms and yell loudly
If the bear attacks, fight back as aggressively as possible and do not stop until the bear runs off
“Fortunately, these incidents remain very rare,” said Yamashita. “But when people and bears interact, it can increase the possibility of a dangerous conflict. This woman was lucky that she was not seriously injured.”
The section of the Hunter Creek Trail up to the Lani White Trail remains closed until further notice while officers search for the bear. For more information about the closure, contact Pitkin County Open Space.
CPW will conduct a full necropsy on the animal if it is found.
For more information about bears in Colorado, including hiking in bear country, visit cpw.state.co.us/bears.
CPW is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including 41 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW’s work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
There is so much to do in the Rapid City area. We’ll definitely be back! For the Amazing Rush, you need to be smart, quick, and skilled to earn points in this competition. — So much fun!
Each year I head to the NRA Annual Meetings a day early to attend an NRA Women in Industry Spring Event. The gathering is a highlight of my trip because I’ve met so many fabulous women in the gun world. We work with one another to learn mentoring, and also to be mentored.
NRA Women at NRA-AM 2019
This year at the spring event we enjoyed catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. Additionally, we received a presentation from Laurie Aronson, president and CEO of Baton Rouge, LA-based wholesale firearms distributor Lipsey’s LLC. She told us her story of taking charge of a company in the gun industry, the challenges she faced, and how she overcame them to be successful.
Following Laurie’s presentation, the group discussed important things we can do to support women’s development, leadership, and what advice we would give to someone who’s new to the industry. Each tip is significant and can be used in various aspects of life. I hope you find them helpful in your journey and in mentoring others.
10 Tips for Being a Successful Woman
Create opportunities for yourself and others.
Ask for what you want.
When you’re in charge, be in charge.
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.
Blend in, don’t fit in.
Be open to networking, building relationships, and aligning yourself with people who will help you reach your goals.
Be able to tell your story. i.e., Work on your elevator speech.
Invite and involve your peers.
Above all, be confident.
If you like to read, Laurie suggested the book Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman by Gail Evans. She indicated that this book will teach you the game of business, giving you insight into how to operate in a male-dominated industry.
A million thoughts go through my mind as I read a message in the inbox, “What advice would I have for a first-time lady turkey hunter?” I could reply with a lot of questions to narrow down what she is specifically requesting, or I can share my personal opinions. The latter is exactly what I’ve done in hopes that it will help more than the one woman who’s interested in hunting big-bearded gobblers.
My friends and Girls with Guns (GwG) have made it big with women who shoot and hunt. Over the years I’ve used their products in reviews, productions, and during hunts. That’s why today I have to share a fun story with you.
Is grammar important to you at all? While I’m a writer and have enjoyed writing all my life, I’m not the best at grammar. I love my editors. However, there are many portions of grammar, speech, and spelling that are annoying to me.
What are some words, sayings, or spellings that make you cringe?
Because I don’t want to create cringe-worthy content or creates headaches I try to learn something every day.
What have you learned today?
Something fun I learned today
First, I’ll share a short story for background. I used to write for the Women’s Outdoor News (WON), and at one time my column there was sponsored by Girls with Guns (GwG). My daughter and I always called both them by the sound their initials spelled; “Won” and “Gwg (sounding like “guwoog“).” Rarely did anyone give us a look of confusion when we said “won,” but when we’d say “gwg” we witnessed side looks and raised eyebrows. You see, most people from GWG, when speaking the initials, call it “G-w-G.”
Acronyms versus initialisms FBI is not an acronym, nor are CIA and NSA. Evidently, most U.S. government abbreviations are not acronyms; they’re initialisms. Acronyms are pronounced as their own words, such as NASA or FEMA, whereas initialisms are abbreviations in which you pronounce every letter individually. Therefore, since we say “F-B-I” with each of its individual letters, it’s actually an initialism, not an acronym. It would only be an acronym if we pronounced it as “fbye.” Fortunately, we don’t. Some abbreviations defy this, however. The abbreviation for “standard operating procedure” is said “S-O-P,” not “sop.”
It’s already turkey hunting season in some parts of the country, which has my Throwback Thursday eyeing good memories and great gear.
Elk hunters often ask why I like turkey hunting. Well, hey! What else are you going to pursue, stalk, and call in the springtime?! If you love the challenge of getting up close and personal with wild animals, turkey hunting fits the bill.
While in some areas spot and stalk turkey hunting is frowned upon, or sometimes even illegal, in the wild west it could be a go. Get out, explore, cover some ground, and hunt those big, fat red heads.
Before you go, you’re going to need some gear. Here’s a video I made a while back to give you an idea of what you may need in your turkey hunting pack. Have a look and then let me know what other items you have in yours! Happy Thursday and Happy Turkey Hunting! For me, sixteen days to go.
I’m wearing – • Girls with Guns Hunting Pants (these pants are discontinued. You can find newer models here. Use code SHEDHUNTER15 at checkout) – http://ow.ly/k2VW50omxbf • Fisrt Lite Gear – http://ow.ly/8mZD50omAm9
It’s incredible how less than two weeks ago we had feet of snow and now it’s gone, and it looks like springtime at the Funny Farm. Does it feel like spring in your neck of the woods?
I’ll start by saying that we had our annual Safari Club International banquet fundraiser event last weekend. Most of my time and energy the past few weeks has gone into support, promotion, and creation of the event, and directly after if finished I began prepping for the next event — Easter! The first day of spring happened to coincide with the transition.
Springtime is always a happy season for most of my friends. At my house the decor changes, days get longer, temperatures get warmer, from the dead of winter the ponds thaw and grass grows, and baby animals are born! All of this makes me smile, so I thought I’d share a bit of country living with you.
I snuck outside with the camera to get a few pictures yesterday. Here’s a peek at things from animals to colorful additions on the first day of spring at the Funny Farm.
Sparing!
Two of the Stooges chillin’ after a swim in the pond.
In January I attended and presented at the Safari Club International (SCI) convention in Reno. While there I received information and inquiry as to whether I’d like to act as the Regional Representative for the Colorado area. I currently serve on the Board of Directors as Secretary for the Four Corners Chapter of SCI.
In February I learned that I’d been selected to fill the vacancy in the Regional Representative position for SCI’s Region 13. After being the Secretary for the Four Corners Chapter of SCI for several years, I look forward to working on a more broad basis with other Colorado chapters. The finalization of the position is subject to approval by the Board at the May Board meeting.
I’m already taking the reins as the Representative. I’m working to develop relationships with the Presidents and Board Members of the other chapters. Each location has great strength, and each has areas where they can grow. If you’re interested in creating an SCI Chapter in your area DM me on my social sites, or comment below.
Becoming an SCI Member:
Joining Safari Club International is the best way to be an advocate for continuing our hunting heritage and supporting worldwide sustainable use conservation, wildlife education and humanitarian services.
Safari Club International – First for Hunters is the leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI has approximately 200 Chapters worldwide and its members represent all 50 of the United States as well as 106 other countries.SCI’s proactive leadership in a host of cooperative wildlife conservation, outdoor education and humanitarian programs empowers sportsmen to be contributing community members and participants in sound wildlife management and conservation. Visit the home page www.safariclub.org or call 520-620-1220 for more information
I’m walking in the door from a trip to Washington D.C. where I spoke alongside other Second Amendment advocates and GOP Representatives at press conference in opposition of H.R. 8. This is a gun control bill similar to what has already been unconstitutionally imposed on us in the state of Colorado. Please contact your Senators now and tell them NOT TO PASS H.R. 8.
If you have questions regarding the bill, read it, read on, and/or comment below. I’ll do what I can to answer your questions. If you live in Colorado, did you know that many of the rules in H.R.8 already apply to you?
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Extreme Gun Control Bill
H.R. 8 Mandates Universal Background Checks FAIRFAX, Va.–Today, the newly minted anti-gun leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives passed its first gun control measure by a 240 -190 vote, offering further proof that anti-gun politicians are more interested in scoring cheap political points than doing their jobs and passing meaningful legislation that would make Americans safer.
Chris W. Cox, the executive director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), issued the following response to the passage of H.R. 8:
Mia Anstine shares traditions, hunting, mentoring, and competition perspective at the House GOP Members & Second Amendment Supporters press conference.
“This extreme gun-control bill will make criminals out of law-abiding Americans. It will also make it harder for good people to defend themselves and their families. Criminals, on the other hand, will continue to get their firearms the way they always have – through the black market, theft, and straw purchases. Forcing more government paperwork and additional fees on good people trying to exercise a constitutional right will do nothing to make Americans safer. On behalf of our members and supporters, the National Rifle Association will continue to fight to preserve the constitutionally protected right to self-defense.”
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump issued a statement of administration action publicly stating he would veto H.R. 8. Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Follow the NRA on social at Facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociation and Twitter @NRA.
