Under a conservation grant, the NWTF and Responsive Management have partnered to conduct a study of recruitment and retention programs for hunters, anglers and sport shooters. Women in the Outdoors has been selected to take part in this important research. Select participants will be surveyed prior to and after participating in a Women in the Outdoors event. The information will help us grow and enhance our program.

Women in the Outdoors Event

NWTF Outstanding Chapter Northampton County Walking Purchase and Jerry Zimmerman Memorial chapters
Last June, 120 ladies took a walk on the wild side at the sixth annual Lehigh Valley Women in the Outdoors event. The Northampton County Walking Purchase and Jerry Zimmerman Memorial chapters hosted the event in New Tripoli, Pa., where women participated in classes ranging from woodworking for wildlife to nature’s floral gallery to shooting.

“Through the help of our dedicated instructors, we were able to educate women on the importance of firearm safety, our hunting heritage and Second Amendment rights, which is crucial to our future,” said event coordinator Katrina Skrapits.

Thanks to the support of the committee, instructors and local businesses, the event raised more than $11,000. Best of all, many of the participants joined the event committee for the 2010 event.

Teresa Carroll
Women in the Outdoors Coordinator

Brainstorming for success

It’s the feeling you get awaiting the birth of a child, boarding an airplane for the first time, or looking on as a friend opens a gift you’ve chosen especially for her. Anticipation is equal parts nervousness and excitement.

And it was with great anticipation that I, along with 170 other NWTF staffers, left our offices to join more than 44,000 of you in Nashville, Tenn., for the Federation’s 34th Annual Convention and Sport Show. With so many changes within the last year, I wasn’t certain what type of questions or comments to expect.

During the weekend, I met with chapter leaders, including state coordinators, event committee members and those interested in becoming more involved in the Women in the Outdoors program. We looked back at 2009, discussed recent changes in our outreach programs, and shared new tools to better equip our volunteers.

"You do not view change as an insurmountable wall but as a bridge that will take us places we’ve yet to travel ... and because of your commitment, we have a great future ahead."

When the festivities and meetings came to a close, I found what I’ve always known to be true — you are a people of perseverance. You do not view change as an insurmountable wall but as a bridge that will take us places we’ve yet to travel. You do not halt your work or stumble in your resolve; you see the larger picture. And because of your amazing commitment, we have a great future ahead.

Thousands of women all across the country have yet to experience the joy of Women in the Outdoors, and together we’re going to give them some incredible events to anticipate. — Teresa