August-September 2021 • Nebraskaland 49
such as breakfast in the pit, playing in
the decoys and the times when birds
decoy perfectly and come in range for
the shot.
Deer Hunting
The very fi rst Beyond BOW off ered
was a white-tailed deer hunt in
eastern Nebraska. Since then, many
deer hunts across the state have been
made available for women to attend.
In deer camp, the women learn
how to approach landowners to ask
for permission, where to look for deer
trails, and which ones to put a stand
or blind on. They also are instructed
in fi rearms, ammunition, and sighting
in a rifl e or archery equipment. Lastly,
participants learn about fi eld dressing
and preparing meat for processing and
the table.
Turkey Hunts
Turkey hunting is a popular pastime
for many new hunters as it's easy to
fi nd public hunting areas across the
state. During these hunts, women
learn how to fi nd turkey sign, locate
turkeys and where to look for them
at diff erent times of the day and
season. Instructors discuss archery
equipment and shot placement, as
well as shotguns, ammunition, and
patterning their weapon.
Upland Hunting
Pheasant, quail and grouse hunting
require fast, accurate shots, and, in
some cases, a lot of walking. These
upland hunts are designed to teach
women all the basics and more about
upland birds and how to down birds in
corn fi elds and Conservation Reserve
Program acres, as well as in the
Sandhills.
Attendees learn about their quarry
and its behavior, how to take safe
shots while hunting with a group of
people and dogs, and how to clean and
prepare their birds for the table once
harvested.
Regardless of the type of hunt, BOW
and Beyond BOW participants develop
a community of open-minded and
helpful people who can be called upon
for advice and tips long after their time
together.
Nothing compares to seeing the look
on a woman's face the fi rst time she
downs a Canada goose or shoots her
fi rst deer. The thrill and excitement,
the high-fi ves and fi st bumps, along
with all the other emotions that come
through, are so rewarding to those
who squeeze the trigger, release the
bowstring or teach these skills to a
new legion of outdoor enthusiasts.
N
Tara Sutcliff e and Ronda Cary settle into a ground blind for a late-season
deer hunt.
