In a South Dakota sorghum field, a group of first-time female hunters gathered under the guidance of Karen Butler, founder of the female hunting and riflery organization Shoot Like a Girl, for a unique approach to outdoor sport—beginning with meditation before handling firearms. The exercise aimed to ground participants in their natural surroundings, sharpening their awareness of the environment before they took aim at wild pheasants.
This event reflects a broader trend of increasing female participation in hunting across the United States. According to a 2022 survey by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, women now account for nearly 22% of hunters, more than doubling their representation since 2016. The number of women firearm owners has also risen from 15% to 22% over the past decade. Organizations like Shoot Like a Girl are capitalizing on this momentum by creating travel experiences and hunts tailored to women, blending outdoor recreation with wellness and community-building.
Advocates highlight the multifaceted benefits of hunting, emphasizing not only physical exercise but also mental health gains, including increased mindfulness and confidence. The practice demands patience, awareness, and responsibility, fostering close attention to safety and the natural world. This "field to fork" philosophy, a play on the farm-to-table concept, resonates with participants who value the direct connection between harvesting game and providing food for their families.
Jesse Trespeses-Mercer, a 32-year-old marketing professional from New Jersey, exemplifies this trend. Raised without prior experience with firearms, she was introduced to hunting through her husband’s family in Texas. Trespeses-Mercer described the experience as peaceful yet sensory-rich, with the sounds of nature amplifying her focus. The commitment to securing healthy food for her child strengthened her interest, underscoring the meaningful aspects beyond the hunt itself.
Some observers suggest that the rise in female hunters reflects a reemergence of a historical norm. A 2023 study found that in many modern and ancient societies, the majority of women hunted alongside men. Patti Harris-Baldes, a photographer and executive director of the Wind River Native Advocacy Center, who comes from Northern Arapaho and Big Pine Paiute heritage, spoke to hunting’s role in cultural continuity and personal healing. Having hunted since childhood, she now shares the experience with her children and grandchildren, describing it as a “beautiful, full circle.”
Despite the rise, many women remain interested but hesitant; research by Shoot Like a Girl indicates that one-third of women who do not currently hunt would like to try. For some novices, the experience is more about the connection to nature and the community than the act of harvesting game. As Butler notes, the true value lies in the “living meditation” of being outdoors, rather than the kill itself.
In this evolving landscape, female-focused hunting initiatives are drawing attention not only for expanding participation but also for redefining the cultural meaning of the sport. These efforts combine tradition with wellness and empowerment, opening new avenues for women to engage with nature.