Hunter's widows no more: outdoorswomen take to the woods in increasing numbers
By: Brandon Veale

ESCANABA — With firearm deer season approaching, the laments of “hunter’s widows” are sure to be heard across the peninsula.

However, an increasing number of women have bucked this trend, taking to the woods with or without their husbands and bagging their own trophies.

A 2006 study from the National Sporting Goods Association determined women are 16 percent of the 21 million active hunters in the U.S. and are one of the fastest-growing markets of the shooting and hunting industries.

In 2005, 21 percent of Michigan hunter safety students were female. Women 18 to 24 represent the fastest-growing segment of female hunters.

Several organizations, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the National Rifle Association, have established outdoors programs to specifically introduce women to shooting sports, such as the DNR’s ‘Becoming an Outdoors-Woman’ program.

Londa Merrill of Escanaba often went out to the woods with a camera alongside her husband Dennis.

“If I didn’t go out there with him, I wouldn’t see him all hunting season,” she said.

In 2000, she decided to learn the basics herself. She has bagged seven bucks since. On Sept. 12, Merrill, with a severely sprained ankle taped up, shot her first bear north of Hyde with her Winchester 30-30.

Around 6:30 p.m., she noticed something headed toward her bait pile.

“I looked up and saw something big, black and furry,” she said.

Two weeks before, a bear shredded three sides of her unoccupied blind, leaving only the front intact (with a newly-created shooting window). However, it was enough to take some revenge.

Though female hunters spend less on gear than their male counterparts, they make a multi-million dollar impact on the industry. Manufacturers are working hard to attract their business, as an increasing amount of gear and clothing tailored for women hits shelves across the country.

Marquette Gander Mountain camping, clothing and footwear manager Bob Weisenberger said they stock footwear and several categories of fieldwear for women.

“We’ve expanded our assortment on it every year, and it’s gotten good results,” he said.

Weisenberger said women who come to the store are pleasantly surprised at the selection.

“They’re pretty pleased, because they can find something that fits properly,” he said. Previously, women would have to wear children’s or men’s gear.

Now, companies even make rifles for women.

For example, the Crickett is a bolt-action .22 designed for youth hunters with a synthetic pink stock.

“I think everybody in the outdoor industry recognizes women and children as the future of those sports,” Weisenberger said.

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