Four years ago, Detroit native Kristen Schmitt was working as a legal marketing specialist in a busy Michigan law firm. At the time, she never could have imagined the dramatic lifestyle change that was in store. But a conscious decision to re-evaluate priorities led her and her family to rural Wells, Vermont, where they could spend more time together away from hectic city life.
Her decision to pursue archery and bowhunting came shortly after the move – and after talking with numerous women already involved with the sport. Inspired by their confidence, Schmitt picked up a bow for the first time a year ago and hasn’t looked back.
Schmitt created a DVD “Beginners Guide to Archery: For Women,” that is distributed through Deer and Deer Hunting Magazine. The DVD will be available at www.shopdeerhunting.com. It is available for pre-order at http://beginnersguidetoarchery.vhx.tv/.
Last year, Schmitt teamed up with Deer & Deer Hunting Magazine to chronicle her journey from novice to her first hunt in her blog, “City Roots to Hunting Boots.” The blog tracked Schmitt’s progress as she learned everything from how to handle her 2014 Hoyt Ignite Compound Bow to tree stand safety considerations and scent control.
The new DVD is a “how to” guide for women getting into archery and bowhunting for the first time, with tips on proper dress, safety, and handling a bow. The content guides viewers through every aspect of getting started in archery and hunting, starting with acquiring a bow and ending with a fresh, sustainable meal from a successful hunt. For anyone considering taking up archery or hunting as a sport or food source, “Beginner’s Guide to Archery: For Women” is a starting point offering the tools needed to get on the right track.
Schmitt’s interest is not purely from the view of a sportswoman—she hopes her own journey will inspire other women to consider hunting as a means of procuring healthy meat. “I’ve always been interested in the link between wild and local food, and nutritional aspects of game. Deer hunting has always been a part of the cultural fabric of Vermont and women can be a part of that,” she said.
Kristen Schmitt writes articles on hunting, wildlife, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and environmental issues and her articles have appeared in National Geographic, Field & Stream, Modern Farmer, Deer & Deer Hunting, Food Politic, Mother Earth News, Modern Hunter, Utne Reader, Vermont’s Local Banquet, and Urban Times. She is a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Find out more about Schmitt at kristenschmitt.com.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
