Girls Gone into the Wild: Women in the Great Outdoors

They are women, hear them roar. Some may roar past on their Harley Davidson motorcycles. Others slip quietly into the pre-dawn woods to go hunting. Whether it's riding hogs through the countryside or hunting the local state game lands, more women are finding their way into exciting outdoor activities once considered the sole domain of men.

No longer content to take a back seat on their boyfriend's motorcycle, women are taking to the outdoors, firing up their own bikes and heading out to explore America. As with any sport or hobby, enthusiasts are well advised to learn and practice their riding skills while taking the proper safety precautions. There's a confidence that comes from hitting the open road when you're thoroughly prepared-- and resources abound for new riders.

Women on Wheels was founded in 1982 with the intention of uniting women motorcycle enthusiasts. The organization currently has more than 3,000 members located throughout the United States and Canada. Unlike some clubs, the main emphasis is on the members and their enjoyment of riding-- not the brand of motorcycle they ride.

WOW's goals are to assist the motorcycle community and the public at large in becoming aware that women are serious motorcycle enthusiasts. They're also trying to encourage the motorcycle industry to be responsive to their needs for equipment, clothing and accessories that are safe, practical and comfortable. Perhaps most importantly, they help to disseminate information about safe riding techniques and the various programs and courses offered to teach motorcycle safety.

In 1993, the American Motorcyclist Association awarded Women on Wheels the Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award for promoting a positive image of motorcyclists to the general public. With their tradition of family-oriented events and charity work, groups like Women on Wheels are helping to shatter old stereotypes. Today's motorcyclists are seen as lawful citizens with a love for the open road and adventure and women are joining the ride in increasing numbers.

One excellent resource for new riders is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation which offers its programs in conjunction with the Department of Motor Vehicles. While the content varies somewhat from state to state, the foundation of the course is to teach new riders the basics of motorcycle handling and safety. A quick internet search will lead you to the nearest program in your community.

State-run motorcycle safety programs offer a combination of classroom and hands-on riding instruction. Classes typically meet for four sessions over a period of two weeks. Everything from the textbooks to the motorcycles are provided free of charge to students. The bikes used during the MSP classes tend to be smaller, 250cc motorcycles which lend themselves perfectly to women and smaller, novice riders.

Another outdoor activity, once considered by most to be an all-boys-club, is hunting. Women are becoming increasingly passionate about the shooting sports. Not only are women hunters breaking through that barrier, but also redefining preconceived notions about what kind of woman takes to the field, gun in hand. Women hunters are young and old, republican and democrat and come from all walks of life.

Those who followed the 2008 Presidential campaign may recall how Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska spoke frequently about her love for hunting and spending time in the great outdoors. Michigan Representative Sue Tabor took her first spring gobbler back in 2002. "I am truly blessed to say I am a genuine turkey hunter", she said. Inspired by her colleague, Michigan's Senator Michelle McManus took up wild turkey hunting and got her first gobbler the following spring.

Yet another example of high-powered women joining the hunt comes from President Barack Obama's recent pick for heath and human services secretary, Kathleen Sebelius. The secretary may currently have her hands full dealing with the swine flu outbreak, but back in 2004, she was wild for turkey. With the ESPN cameras rolling, Sebelius shot a 17-pound gobbler in the Kansas Governor's One Shot Turkey Hunt.

"I am very supportive of hunting," Sebelius said. "We are blessed with some of the best hunting and fishing areas in the country-- and more people need to know about them." Apparently, Secretary Sebelius believes in taking advantage of those resources on a regular basis. On a late season hunt with the National Wild Turkey Federation's Rob Kreck, then Governor Sebelius bagged a 22-pound bird. The NWTF organization actively encourages women to get outdoors and participate in the hunting and shooting sports.

From politicians to homemakers, women hunters come from all walks of life. Sherry Kerr, who owns Outdoor Media Resources, is an avid whitetail deer hunter. She also enjoys wild turkey hunting and describes herself as being fascinated with bear hunting. Kerr notes the significant progress she has seen over the past twenty years in everything from attitudes to equipment. "There's been a significant shift in the number of women involved in outdoor sports," Kerr said, "and the industry is responding".

For the past 25 years, Kerr's company has helped manufacturers of outdoor sports products market them more efficiently to those who need them. Kerr recalls that when she first started hunting, women had few options when it came to outdoor gear. Basically, you wore the clothes designed for men or you stayed home. Today, companies like Foxy Huntress make quality camo gear specifically designed with women in mind. Most importantly, the focus is on fit, function and practicality-- not fashion.

When it comes to women embracing the great outdoors, Kerr offers the following advice. "Women should be themselves. You don't always have to do things the same way men do." She also advises using equipment that you've actually tried and tested. What works for a 6' tall man will likely not work well for a 5' 4" woman. Whenever possible, look for gear that's designed for women.

She also recommends that women take the time to talk to other women who participate in outdoor sports. "They're going to be able to offer important insights and perspectives that men just can't offer". A final word of advice, Kerr adds: "Follow your instincts and do what your gut tells you, especially when it comes to your personal safety."

Regardless of what sport or activity you choose, the important thing is to get out there and enjoy nature. June is national Great Outdoors Month. It's the perfect time to take advantage of all of America's beautiful resources. With state and national parks, rivers, mountains, oceans and countless miles of open road, there's truly something for everyone.