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Outstanding outdoor women
By MIKE SCARANTINO © St. Petersburg Times, published February 24, 2001 Guys, watch out. Women are making a name for themselves in the outdoors. The same speed machines, high-tech fishing gear and fabulous hunting equipment are being put to good use by some accomplished women. No longer do they have to take a back seat to their male counterparts. Women even have their own hunting magazine published by the National Wild Turkey Federation. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of spending time in many facets of the outdoor life with members of both sexes. On numerous occasions, the women have outperformed the men. The stigma of being too frail to endure the hardships of the life just isn't so. Our mothers, sisters, wives and girlfriends are becoming adept in the outdoor realm. The fact remains that what most men can accomplish, so too can the women. On fishing trips, they generally are more patient when it comes to running and gunning the boat, preferring to sit and wait out a good spot rather than move every few minutes chasing productive water. The photos pictured are from a memorable trip with two women. Lieutenant Joy Hill and Joni Ellis caught their first snook that day. Both were extremely patient, even though Hill had to wait all day for her strike. Ellis is an education specialist, and Hill is with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission office of information services. There are more and more programs being put together strictly for women by women to learn about outdoor adventuring. From fishing to rock climbing and survival in the wild, the programs are on the rise. For the most part, they are run by women. Like teaching their wives to drive, men seem to bring nervous energy to the situation that inhibits the learning process. Though men have helped create some programs, most are taught by women. The activities presented at these workshops and clinics range from basic outdoor skills to advanced activities. In Florida, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been offering "Becoming An Outdoors Woman" (BOW) workshops for the last seven years. The next one is scheduled for April 27-29 at the Hunter Education Training Center in Silver Springs, but it's filled to capacity. The instructors, mostly women, will conduct the classes. Using women instructors puts the participants more at ease. "I think that's the main reason the BOW program is so successful," said Lynne Hawk, the director. "Nobody is there to rush or intimidate the participants. Instructors take enough time to guide participants through the activities." Over the years these programs have been offered, 2,000 women have participated -- and the reviews have been great. Organizers are excited about the response. Workshops are limited to 100 women at a cost of $125, which includes all meals, lodging, materials and instruction. The next BOW classes planned are September 14-16 in Ocala and November 16-18 in West Palm Beach. It's recommended that women wishing to attend mail in for a flyer and registration form. Topics will be: introduction to panfishing, basic fly-fishing techniques, introduction to bass fishing, outdoor cooking, boating basics, canoeing/kayaking, deer hunting basics, small game and duck hunting basics, turkey hunting basics, introduction to shooting sports, introduction to handgun shooting and hunting, developing archery skills and bow-hunting basics, basic camping and backpacking skills, outdoor photography, bird watching, reading the woods, developing wilderness survival skills and personal safety afield. Participants can pick four of the 18 topics offered and will spend four hours on each subject. Fishing is a popular activity women are interested in learning. More and more females are hitting the waves searching for champion quarry of their own. Whether it's panfish in the sweet water or chasing giant tarpon or billfish, women seem right at home in the cockpit of any vessel. Many are venturing into competitive bass fishing. Women's bass clubs are on the rise along with governing organizations, magazines and great prize structures on their tournament circuits. Outdoor related retailers have recognized women as one of the fastest growing segments of the market. All kinds of gear and clothing are marketed directly to and for women. In 1995, over 20 million women participated in the sport of fishing. Retail sales by women at that time were more than $130 million spent on fishing-related merchandise, including tackle, accessories and supplies. Over $99 million went toward freshwater fishing equipment and supplies. So the next time a fast boat comes crashing over the wave tops, check out who's under that hat. It might be an outstanding outdoors woman. If you have a question or comment, call Capt. Mike Scarantino at (352) 683-4868.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
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