by Shawn Wilcockson

Ah, spring, that special time of year when a woman's thoughts turn to...outdoor adventure! (You were probably thinking I'd say gardening or shopping, weren't you?) Yes, that's right, another magical spring season is upon us. Spring means warmer weather and many new opportunities to renew your passion for the outdoors. All across North America, women are discovering the soul-satisfying experience of exploring nature. Although traditionally considered "men's activites," hunting, fishing, and other outdoor adventures are gaining popularity among women.

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Society is changing and with this change gender roles are expanding. Opportunities for women have increased immeasurably in the last generation. Society encourages men and women to develop their interests, broaden their horizons and explore new avenues without regard to previous barriers and preconceived notions that our culture and we as individuals may have imposed.

During the last decade, as the nation's population grew nearly 12 percent, the number of hunters — mainly men — dropped more than 7 percent. However, the number of women hunters increased by more than 11 percent. Women are still a small portion of the hunting population, which is 91 percent male, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Virtually every other hunting demographic is on the decline - most likely the result of longer work hours and an increase in other recreational choices that eat away at available free time. As populations become increasingly urban and more people lose access to rural lands, family traditions of hunting, fishing, and other traditionally male outdoor activities begin to decline as does societies overall understanding of the environment.

Similarly, the 70 percent increase in single-parent households headed by women is likely to further lessen family involvement in such outdoor activities. These figures highlight the sad fact that outdoor experiences of all kinds could become a lost art if programs that introduce women and children to nature are not available. The alternative scenario, life without the outdoor experience, will continue to distance women from wildlife and outdoor sports leaving them with the narrow vision of outdoor enthusiasts that is impressed upon them from the mass media.

Traditionally, grandfathers, fathers or uncles introduce their grandsons, sons, or nephews to the adventures of hunting, fishing, and the overall excitement of the outdoors. Enlightened families and resource management professionals now realize it was a tremendous mistake to leave the wives, daughters and girlfriends at home. The traditional "male-oriented" outdoor "sports" discouraged girls and women from the enjoyment of spending time in the outdoors, and the camaraderie experienced with family and friends. Why should women miss out on the delight that comes from watching a good pair of English setters in pursuit of game birds, being out on a lake, hiking through the woods, or merely talking with friends on the cabin porch? It's what the pharmaceutical companies don't want you to know - enjoying the peace and quiet of the country and simply getting out in nature is a very therapeutic endeavor.

Cindy Spillman, Illinois Regional Coordinator for the National Wild Turkey Federation's Women in the Outdoors program, is working diligently to ensure that opportunities are available for women to experience the magnificence of the outdoors. The Women in the Outdoors program is an outdoor educational program that provides hands-on, in-the-field learning opportunities for women 14 and older. The program goals are to educate women about the importance of responsible wildlife management, preserve the hunting tradition,

(page 10) Sara Ettinger discovers the beauty of a pheasant hen and Women in the Outdoors participants take a peaceful canoe trip. (Right) Katie Wilcockson learns the proper safety techniques of shotgunning.

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and increase participation in outdoor-related activities.

Women in the Outdoors offers women a chance to experience various outdoor activities that are educational and fun for both the novice and experienced outdoor enthusiast. Some of the events participants will encounter through this program include bird watching, plant identification, outdoor photography, shooting sports, canoeing, habitat improvement, archery, and hiking and backpacking. As Spillman explains, "Our approach is very question-friendly. It's women teaching women; women as mentors." Spillman believes this open approach helps to diminish the social pressure that women may experience to avoid outdoor sports, traditionally viewed as men's sports, because they are afraid they don't "belong."

Spillman became involved in hunting when she recognized that her husband had a strong passion for the sport. "Besides," she said, "I considered myself to be a 'hunter's widow' whenever fall was approaching." Spillman added that her husband encouraged her interests in the outdoors, but wasn't necessarily the best teacher for her. The Women in the Outdoors program gave her the confidence to more fully enjoy these activities with her husband. "Teaming up has added a whole new dimension to our outdoor enjoyment - we support each other and share each other's experience through discussions after the hunt," she said. The Spillmans' passion for wildlife has created a desire to educate themselves on the importance of habitat for the survival of wildlife and the environment. Their farm is now involved in conservation programs that provide shelter and food for wildlife. She said, "It's wonderful to see quail again, and to know you had something to do with their return is an amazing feeling."

Marge Shubert reintroduces a turkey to the wild

Spillman sees the Women in the Outdoors program as a way to provide an opportunity for all women to have wonderful outdoor experiences regardless of whether or not they hunt. Programs like Women in the Outdoors allow women to come together, learn together, make new friends, and meet other inspiring women. Spillman reflected, "It really is a lot of fun." Spillman wants women to understand that, "hunting is only one small dimension of the program - it's so much more about experiencing nature and understanding how our impacts effect the environment." Spillman added, "The main focus is to show women how to appreciate, use and protect natural resources because we are all dependent on our natural heritage."

In a welcome message to her readers, editor of Women in the Outdoors magazine, Tammy Bristow, recalled early memories of wonderful outdoor activities shared with her dad: "My dad and I have landed the 'big one' on fly rods at our favorite stream and I've spent many mornings in a duck blind with my husband, watching the mallards swing over our decoys. A conversation with my friend got me thinking, how many other women have forgotten the fresh woodsy scent on a morning hike? Or how many have never experienced the thrill of seeing a white-tail bound across a field? Either way, women are missing some of the best ways to spend time with friends and family, reduce stress and exercise in natural settings."

Another female outdoor enthusiast, Brenda Hays, will once again experience the "fresh woodsy scent" in her pursuit of wild turkeys this spring. Hays recalls her first turkey season, two years past, as a lesson in patience. She hunted with her husband, Tom, an avid turkey hunter in Mason County. Hays explained that the night before her first hunt they "roosted" the birds in order to determine where to set up in the morning. The morning of the hunt they got an early start and were situated in their spot

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before sunrise. When the sun began to rise her husband, using soft "tree yelps," enticed the birds to sound off, providing thundering gobbles, which she says was very exciting. Everything was going as hoped as the turkeys flew from their roost trees out into the field.

Then things started to get tough as the birds stopped showing interest in the calls. Since it was late in the season these birds were used to the calls of many hunters and the day ended without a bird...and so did the second day. For those of you who hunt, these are the situations when we must remind ourselves that hunting is not all about the harvest, but about having a good time and enjoying the outdoors. The enjoyment comes from spending time with a friend (or alone), relaxing and experiencing nature. Harvesting a turkey is a bonus.

Hays' third day started off much the same as the first two with the gobbling of roosting turkeys. However, when the turkeys came down to the field there was a silence, until, seemingly out of nowhere, there was a booming gobble and a huge turkey worked his way into the calls. Hays positioned herself for the shot and only recalls seeing the turkey run off — an unfortunate missed opportunity after three days of calling and waiting.

Hays said, "I was so discouraged. I sat there for a while listening to a fertilizer truck on the neighboring farm, frustrated that I missed the shot." Hays explained she was exasperated and noticed the legal shooting hours were about to expire. Starting to stand up in the blind, Brenda observed two turkeys running straight towards her from across the field. She told her husband that two turkeys were coming directly at them as they dove back into the blind on their bellies.

"The turkeys were on us so fast, we didn't have time to get situated comfortably," said Hays. "As the birds approached, Tom called softly and I tried to get into position, still lying on my stomach." Brenda remembers how hard it was to move with the turkeys so close. She apparently managed just fine because she harvested the larger of the two birds she and her husband took. Weighing an impressive 23 pounds with a 10-1/2 inch beard and 1-inch spurs, her first bird is an inspiring accomplishment many turkey hunters would take every time out.

Apparently patience, and a little help from a loud fertilizer truck, not to mention an enlightened and dedicated turkey hunter for a husband, paid off in the woods.

Why is it important for women to become involved in the outdoors? Our nation may not sustain a quality environment and abundant natural resources if future citizens don't know or care about nature's beautiful, but vulnerable, assets. This sad reality is already evident in the United States. Nationwide social and economic changes continue to move each generation a little further from the land, while technology and population growth place more pressure on it. A generation ago, youngsters could more safely and independently explore the outdoors; there were more citizens living in rural areas with close relatives who took them fishing for bluegills in a nearby pond, pheasant and quail hunting, or just exploring woods, fields and streams.

It is important to women to become involved in the outdoors because it provides them with the skills that allow them to experience the outdoor environment, build self-confidence, and enjoy the thrill of outdoor recreation with their family and friends. It is important to conservation organizations because women who participate in outdoor programs have a better understanding about wildlife-associated recreation, and an interest in resource management and environmental protection. It is important to the future of everyone because these women will influence the ideas and activities of policy-makers and, more importantly, the coming generations. I guess that old adage, "The arms that rock the cradle, rock the nation," is true.

To learn more

The National Wild Turkey Federation's Women in the Outdoors program utilizes the most beautiful outdoor education sites across Illinois. Local NWTF chapters provide hands-on, in-the-field programs, typically over one day allowing participants the opportunity to attend three or four classes of their choice.

A variety of shooting and non-shooting classes are offered including attracting wildlife to your backyard, outdoor photography, nature Grafting, personal safety/self defense, herbs and edible plants, wild game cooking, and who wants to be a conservationist.

For more information on the Women in the Outdoors program, individuals may contact Cindy Spillman by phone at (618) 586-5191 or e-mail at cindysnwtf@wworld.com. Also check out their website at www.illinoisnwtf.org.

Another advantageous program, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, offered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, also provides women the opportunity to gain confidence while participating in outdoor-related activities. For information contact Office of Land Management & Education (Division of Education) 217-524-4126 or www.educevents@dnrmail.state.il.us.

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