- Joined
- Mar 11, 2001
- Messages
- 70,011
- Reaction score
- 1,007
Kentucky Afield Outdoors: Gift ideas for the outdoorswoman
12/3/07
Frankfort, Kentucky - Hunting and fishing are not just for men. Nationally, 9 percent of hunters and 25 percent of anglers are women. But it can still be tough to find a gift for the outdoorswoman on your Christmas list.
Consider the most common problems experienced by women who hunt and fish: It's difficult to get started in the first place, well-fitting clothes are hard to find, and guns often don't fit properly. These three issues are perfect opportunities for gift-giving this Christmas. Some great ideas to address them include outdoor instruction, waders, boots and clothing made specifically for women, and gun alterations.
National research shows that women who hunt and fish often start later in life and may have less experience than men. Instruction in the outdoors is the perfect gift for women who are just getting started. Consider shooting or casting lessons, a guided fishing trip or instructional books and DVDs. If you're experienced in an outdoor activity she's interested in, create a homemade coupon for a day of your time at the range, in the woods or on the water.
One of the best gifts you can give a beginner is a gift certificate for a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop. The three-day workshops, offered by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources several times a year, introduce women to hunting, fishing, hiking and more. Participants are taught by experienced instructors, both men and women. It's a great way for women new to the outdoors to meet female role models, strike up friendships with other budding outdoorswomen and learn the basics in a non-intimidating atmosphere. Go to fw.ky.gov and click on "Special Programs" or call 1-800-858-1549 to learn more. Gift certificates are available in any amount up to the full workshop fee by mailing a check or money order to KDFWR BOW Program, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Ky. 40601.
For women already active in hunting or fishing, it can be difficult to find clothes, boots and other equipment that fits. But several companies now offer a small selection of women-specific items, and a couple of small specialty companies cater only to the outdoorswoman.
There are several models of full-length waders on the market made just for women. Good women's waders are cut to fit a female shape and proportions, but are as tough and well-designed as men's versions. Look for the same features you'd want in any good pair of waders - breathable materials, reinforced knees, comfortable suspenders and a strong belt.
Men's boots are made for men. Unfortunately, many wading or hunting boots, including some of the best models available, are not made in women's sizes. A smaller men's size may work with some boots on some women, but many outdoorswomen find men's boots too wide and tall. Even if you need to choose something other than the latest, greatest boot on the market in order to get a women's size, that's probably going to fit the woman on your list better than a cutting-edge model that trips her on the way to the tree stand.
Hunting clothing is notoriously hard to find in women's sizes. While stores stock a variety of materials, camo patterns and sizes for men, the women's section tends to be sparse or nonexistent. Make the extra effort and find what's available. Men's shirts and jackets are usually too large in the shoulder, binding in the chest and narrow at the hip, and pants are too big in the waist, small in the hip and inches too long. The more buyers choose to purchase women-specific clothing - not men's sizes - the more women's models will come on the market in the future.
Many people, especially women, shoot production guns that simply don't fit. For the female hunter or shooter on your list, consider a custom fitting by a stockmaker or gunsmith. Precision fitting can be as simple as swapping recoil pads or as complex as shortening a stock or raising a comb, which means it is not a good surprise gift. Take her with you to the gunsmith for exact measurements.
Buying gifts for the outdoorswoman can be a challenge. You may need to get creative with your gift ideas, or peruse catalogs, go online or drive a little farther to find a store that carries outdoor items tailored for women. But the effort is worth it. Women who are comfortable in the outdoors, thanks to well-fitting clothes and equipment and enough know-how to have a safe and fun day outside tend to stick with hunting and fishing for the long haul. That's the best gift of all.
Hayley Lynch is an award-winning writer for Kentucky Afield magazine, the official publication of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. She is an avid hunter and shotgun shooter.
-30-
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, has an economic impact to the state of $4.8 billion annually. For more information about the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.
Media Contact:
Hayley Lynch (800) 852-0943 ext.424
12/3/07
Frankfort, Kentucky - Hunting and fishing are not just for men. Nationally, 9 percent of hunters and 25 percent of anglers are women. But it can still be tough to find a gift for the outdoorswoman on your Christmas list.
Consider the most common problems experienced by women who hunt and fish: It's difficult to get started in the first place, well-fitting clothes are hard to find, and guns often don't fit properly. These three issues are perfect opportunities for gift-giving this Christmas. Some great ideas to address them include outdoor instruction, waders, boots and clothing made specifically for women, and gun alterations.
National research shows that women who hunt and fish often start later in life and may have less experience than men. Instruction in the outdoors is the perfect gift for women who are just getting started. Consider shooting or casting lessons, a guided fishing trip or instructional books and DVDs. If you're experienced in an outdoor activity she's interested in, create a homemade coupon for a day of your time at the range, in the woods or on the water.
One of the best gifts you can give a beginner is a gift certificate for a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop. The three-day workshops, offered by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources several times a year, introduce women to hunting, fishing, hiking and more. Participants are taught by experienced instructors, both men and women. It's a great way for women new to the outdoors to meet female role models, strike up friendships with other budding outdoorswomen and learn the basics in a non-intimidating atmosphere. Go to fw.ky.gov and click on "Special Programs" or call 1-800-858-1549 to learn more. Gift certificates are available in any amount up to the full workshop fee by mailing a check or money order to KDFWR BOW Program, #1 Sportsman's Lane, Frankfort, Ky. 40601.
For women already active in hunting or fishing, it can be difficult to find clothes, boots and other equipment that fits. But several companies now offer a small selection of women-specific items, and a couple of small specialty companies cater only to the outdoorswoman.
There are several models of full-length waders on the market made just for women. Good women's waders are cut to fit a female shape and proportions, but are as tough and well-designed as men's versions. Look for the same features you'd want in any good pair of waders - breathable materials, reinforced knees, comfortable suspenders and a strong belt.
Men's boots are made for men. Unfortunately, many wading or hunting boots, including some of the best models available, are not made in women's sizes. A smaller men's size may work with some boots on some women, but many outdoorswomen find men's boots too wide and tall. Even if you need to choose something other than the latest, greatest boot on the market in order to get a women's size, that's probably going to fit the woman on your list better than a cutting-edge model that trips her on the way to the tree stand.
Hunting clothing is notoriously hard to find in women's sizes. While stores stock a variety of materials, camo patterns and sizes for men, the women's section tends to be sparse or nonexistent. Make the extra effort and find what's available. Men's shirts and jackets are usually too large in the shoulder, binding in the chest and narrow at the hip, and pants are too big in the waist, small in the hip and inches too long. The more buyers choose to purchase women-specific clothing - not men's sizes - the more women's models will come on the market in the future.
Many people, especially women, shoot production guns that simply don't fit. For the female hunter or shooter on your list, consider a custom fitting by a stockmaker or gunsmith. Precision fitting can be as simple as swapping recoil pads or as complex as shortening a stock or raising a comb, which means it is not a good surprise gift. Take her with you to the gunsmith for exact measurements.
Buying gifts for the outdoorswoman can be a challenge. You may need to get creative with your gift ideas, or peruse catalogs, go online or drive a little farther to find a store that carries outdoor items tailored for women. But the effort is worth it. Women who are comfortable in the outdoors, thanks to well-fitting clothes and equipment and enough know-how to have a safe and fun day outside tend to stick with hunting and fishing for the long haul. That's the best gift of all.
Hayley Lynch is an award-winning writer for Kentucky Afield magazine, the official publication of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. She is an avid hunter and shotgun shooter.
-30-
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, has an economic impact to the state of $4.8 billion annually. For more information about the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.
Media Contact:
Hayley Lynch (800) 852-0943 ext.424
