Women Increasingly Embrace Hunting as a Path to Mindfulness and Community

The tranquil pursuit of hunting is emerging as a new frontier for women seeking wellness, offering a unique blend of mindfulness, physical activity, and community connection. This trend sees women increasingly taking aim, not just for sustenance, but for the profound mental and physical benefits derived from the experience.

According to a 2022 survey by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, women now constitute nearly 22% of all hunters in America, more than double the figure from 2016. Concurrently, the percentage of women who own firearms has risen from 15% to 22% over the past decade.

Organizations like Shoot Like a Girl are capitalizing on the wellness travel boom by transforming shooting ranges and hunting fields into spaces focused on female empowerment and well-being. The appeal extends beyond the physical, with many women drawn to the "field to fork" ethos—providing organic food for themselves and their families.

Karen Butler, founder of Shoot Like a Girl, emphasizes the meditative aspect of hunting, often starting hunts with a guided mindfulness exercise. "Before we shoot, we meditate," she notes. This practice grounds participants in nature, heightening their senses and fostering a sense of presence and responsibility.

Jesse Trespeses-Mercer, a marketing professional, discovered hunting as a way to connect with her husband and escape the digital demands of her day job. "It was very peaceful, and at the same time every sense was heightened," she recalled. "Being able to absorb nature and have that intentional focus for a few hours is so refreshing."

For Trespeses-Mercer, the desire to provide healthy food for her daughter, Artemis, has deepened her commitment to hunting. "When you put in the physical sweat to harvest and prepare the food yourself, the value of that meal completely transforms," she said.

Butler also found solace in hunting after a difficult divorce. The satisfaction of hitting a target and providing for her sons became a healing process. "When I have a really rough day, I will close my eyes and think back to a time when I was in nature," Butler shared. "Hunting helps me remember who I am and what I'm capable of."

Recent research suggests that women have historically been active participants in hunting. A 2023 study indicated that in both modern and ancient societies, 79% of women hunt alongside men, challenging traditional gender roles.

Patti Harris-Baldes, a photographer and Executive Director of the Wind River Native Advocacy Center, highlights the ancestral connection and community found in hunting, particularly within Indigenous traditions. She participates in buffalo hunts, where a woman traditionally makes the first cut after a harvest, a practice that connects her to her ancestors. "There are no words to explain how much growth and healing it's brought," Harris-Baldes said.

Women-only hunts, according to Harris-Baldes, carry a unique energy. "There's this unseen power: sharing food, and sharing knowledge. For lack of a better word, it feels like magic," she stated.

Despite the growing interest, barriers such as fear of failure, limited access to land, gear, and mentorship persist for many aspiring female hunters. Research indicates that 33% of women are interested in hunting but have not yet participated.

Even without a successful harvest, the experience can be profoundly impactful. Trying clay pigeons at a practice range can offer a glimpse into the peace and focus hunters describe, reinforcing Butler's assertion that "the harvest does not define the experience; it's the living meditation of being in nature and the reward of being in community."