Women harvest their first deer
Story by Lili Sams, Lone Star Outdoor News
Five women gathered in Cherokee for women-led deer hunts put on by the Dallas chapter of the Stewards of the Wild. Everyone was there for a different reason. One wanted to fill her freezer with meat that she harvested, one sought the opportunity after being passed over for trips with her male friends, another to better understand her husband’s passion. No matter the reason that brought them there, everyone shared a common interest: contributing to the ranch’s management program by hunting does.
Leigh-Adella Bransom and her husband, Dylan, lead the management program at the low-fenced ranch nestled in the rolling hills near San Saba.
“There’s so much more to it than just the harvest,” Bransom said. “Traveling the world with our boys and showing them the importance and balance of what conservation is about is truly our passion.”
The guides wanted the women to feel confident and create a low-pressure first hunt. On the range, everyone sighted-in the rifles they would be using for the hunt. For some, it was the first time shooting a rifle. The guides were assured of the women’s shots due to their willingness to make adjustments for the most ethical shot placement.
“Growing up, I always wanted to go hunting after hearing stories or seeing pictures of friends on their hunting trips, but found it was difficult to get invited because I was an inexperienced hunter or it was a guys only/family trip,” Camille Mendoza said.
The MLD Program was explained to the group in detail, as well as what to expect during the weekend. A hot pot of chili simmered on the stove and the smell fresh corn-bread filled the air as the excitement for the first hunt grew.
The next morning, there was a buzz in the kitchen as the women gathered and broke into groups. They grabbed a cup of coffee and set out in the truck before first-light.
Hendrika Diehl guided Katie Clower to harvest her first big game animal. When the truck pulled up to pick them up, Clower had a huge smile across her face.
“As a new hunter, this was an amazing way to learn from women who are truly stewards of the land,” Clower said.
While Diehl and Clower were successful, the other groups reported good numbers of bucks but few shootable doe.
“It’s always happens that when you are hunting does, only bucks show up to the feeder. When you want the bucks, only does come around,” someone exclaimed on the ride back to the house.
After a few photos to commemorate the moment, the doe was taken to the skinning shed where the women learned how to skin, dress and quarter the deer.
Following a big BBQ lunch, it was time for the evening hunt. The women had an opportunity to switch it up and sit with a different guide.
“Observing the deer that close in nature was incredible,” Clair Achey noted. “Leigh-Adella guided me with patience, quietly building my confidence and allowed me to succeed in a no-pressure environment.”
All five women harvested a deer that evening. It was a bonding moment like no other. Everyone was eager to hear each other’s stories. The skinning shed was lively with joy and reverence for the animals taken that day.
“I had never hunted before, so when I shot the two deer I was genuinely proud of myself,” Erin O’Connor said. “It was also so fun getting to call my dad and tell him what I did and relate to him in this new way!”
It was time for work. In under two hours, the five deer were capped, quartered and placed in coolers on ice.
While it was women-led trips, husbands joined to observe and support their wives.
“I was thankful to share my first hunt with my husband, Will,” Achey said. “I now have a more intimate understanding why my husband loves this sport.”
The next morning, not one person slept-in as there was still too much excitement in the air. The new hunters sat in the blinds with a greater appreciation for hunting, ranch management and conservation.
“Getting the opportunity to go on my first deer hunt with the Stewards of the Wild group was an experience I’ll never forget,” Kelsey Boes said. “One of the reasons I wanted to go hunting was to be able to enjoy the meat the animal would provide. I’m looking forward to picking it up from the processor and cooking it for my family and friends.”
