In Her Words . . . How The BOW Program Has Changed This Woman’s Life . . .

Kristine got "hooked" on bass fishing for life and will share her new skills with her daughter!

In Her Words . . .

Before I was fortunate enough to discover the Michigan DNR’s BOW program, I had always had an interest in the outdoors.  Hunting and fishing intrigued me, but I was not sure how to get started.  As a woman, I was not sure how to get started learning hunting, firearms use etc…  It seemed to me to be a male dominated sport, and without any avid hunters in my family, I was not really sure where to turn. As a stay at home mom to two young children, pursuing interests often takes a backseat to the demands of motherhood.  The time came that I finally decided to pursue some outside interests and try some new things.

I discovered the DNR’s BOW program during a random visit to the Michigan DNR website.  I was so excited to find that there was a program out there for women just like me!  I was even more excited to find that there were other women out there with similar interests, that I was not alone.  My first BOW event was a pheasant hunt at Hunter’s Creek Club in Metamora.  I had never shot a gun, and to say that I was nervous was an understatement.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but my desire to learn overcame my nervousness.  I met Sue Tabor for the first time at this event.  She, along with all of the other ladies, gave me the encouragement and confidence I needed to realize that I too could do this!   The men who guided us out in the field were patient, calm, and enthusiastic about introducing I, and other ladies to the sport of pheasant hunting.  It was such a positive experience, that it really left me hungering for more!

I decided to continue participating with some of the classes that the BOW program had to offer.  I found that they held a few classes at the Detroit Sportsman’s Congress which is near where I live.  So I proceeded to take several classes there. First I started with a basic pistol class, then a shotgun class, basic rifle class & archery.  I also participated in a BOW sponsored Bass fishing clinic that was a superb experience! Our fishing guide was once again, patient and eager to share his love of the outdoors with us. The more classes I took, the more I realized that 1. I could do this, and 2. It was quite fun!  Without the BOW program, I am sure I would never have tried any of these things.  I was too intimidated before to take the initiative and try these things.   BOW changed all of that.  I have gone on to take Hunter’s Safety at DSC, and also their 6 week Basic Pistol/CPL class.    I have only great things to say for the staff at DSC and the continued support and encouragement they have given me.

Since my journey began, I have purchased my own shotgun. My husband and I have enjoyed “date nights” at the shooting range and I am comfortable and confident about shooting clays, or enjoying some target practice with a pistol.  BOW gave me the foundation, and now I feel like there are so many possibilities.  Knowing that there are other women out there who will share the experience with me is exciting to say the least.   For any women out there who are interested, but a bit intimidated, my biggest piece of advice is go for it!  You will not regret it, and you will be changed forever.  Yes, you can do this too!  I hope that my own daughter, who is currently 5, will eventually share in some of the experiences I have enjoyed.  I am glad that I can now be an example to her that women can enjoy the outdoors, and excel at the various activities that the outdoors have to offer.

~Kristine from Sterling Heights, Michigan~