July’s Woman of the Wild-Tanya Poppe

I have had the pleasure of knowing this gal since she was about 4. Tanya Poppe is an inspiration to everyone I know. She has the most amazing sense of humor and she had me rolling while she was telling me her turkey hunting story!

Tanya had a malignant brain tumor when she was just eleven years old. After having surgery to remove the tumor, she then had to endure chemo-therapy and radiation treatments. After going through all that she then suffered a stroke. Tanya has gone through many health setbacks throughout the years but she just keeps moving forward with an unbelievable resolve and a tremenously positive attitude!

Tanya comes from a big hunting family. Every place you look in their house there are mounts. Her Mom, Dad and Two brothers and sister-in-law, all hunt. Tanya did not want to be left out so she started hunting a few years ago. She has harvested her first doe. This past year, she decided that turkey hunting would be fun. She asked her Uncles if they would take her on a turkey hunt. They said yes and she applied for her permit and drew for the last WI season.

Everyone jumped into action to get this huntress into the woods. Let me tell you this little gal has so much spunk and everyone loves her so much, that somehow, someway, it was just going to happen. Tanya uses a wheel chair most of the time, but someone forgot to order the 4 wheel drive model! (Just kidding, Tanya) This was no problem for Team Tanya, they rose to the occasion and built her a rickshaw, to cart her out to her stand.

The local NWTF scrambled and ordered a swivel shooting table that fits into a blind with shooting holes for her to use. Next the local welding shop designed a special gun vice to hold her shotgun and built it just for her. They found a place where she could be almost certain of shooting a Turkey and they were set. Well almost.

According to Tanya she was decked out in everyone else’s clothing. She had no camo of her own so it was kind of like when you get married, except it was something old, nothing new, everything borrowed, but it will do! She said it brought her luck! And luck it certainly did. Her turkey weighed 25 lbs. and it had a double beards, 12 1/4 and 6 3/4 long. The spurs were 1 1/8 inches long.

You will hear more about Tanya’s story in the weeks to come. I will be adding a video of her telling the story about her turkey kill. I have tried to write the story several times but nobody tells it like she does!

June’s Woman of the Wild-Barbara Baird

Barbara Baird is a freelance writer from Rolla, Mo., who specializes in outdoor and travel markets. She has written for Fly Fisherman, America’s 1st Freedom, Turkey Call, Women in the Outdoors, Shot Business, AAA publications and others. Formerly with the award-winning Women’s Outdoor Wire [Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, "Best Outdoor Entrepreneur Project 2008"], Barbara now publishes The Women’s Outdoor News (aka, The WON). As a certified NRA pistol instructor, she teaches classes at her home range near Rolla, Mo. She’s on two pro-staff teams: Proís Hunting Apparel and Team Huntress. She also writes two travel columns for Show Me Missouri magazine and a column, “Out West,” for Turkey Call magazine. During the past 10 years, Barbara has written for several newspapers, including Springfield News-Leader and Columbia Tribune, and edited national and regional magazines. She is currently the president of The Women’s Outdoor Media Association.

So, how did someone who trained to be an English teacher in a high school classroom wind up gigging for frogs in sloughs in Missouri, hunting for turkeys in freezing rain and writing about those experiences?

“I quickly realized that my three sons and husband would rather be at the shooting range, in the woods or on the water than at the mall,” she explained. “I wanted to be there with them and I like to write about those experiences. I figured there are a lot of women out there who are like I am … we all didn’t grow up with these outdoor skills.” Living in the heart of the Ozarks affords her and the rest of the family plenty of opportunities to fish, hunt, shoot and explore the outdoors.

While doing her time in the journalism trenches as a weekly newspaper editor, Baird began writing a self-syndicated column called “The Accidental Ozarkian,” which ran in several newspapers and outdoor publications for eight years. During that time, the governor of Missouri named her one of Missouri’s “most influential female journalists.” Last year, she introduced a new column called “Babbs in the Woods,” which is exclusive to the weblog.

The WON informs and occasionally entertains readers with events, tips, techniques and products for outdoors’ women. The format of this weblog blasts updates to subscribers within 24 hours. Readers may also follow The WON on Twitter.

“The beauty of the blog is that consumers and outdoor enthusiasts may comment on products, departments and any blogs – and that it is so up-to-the-moment as opposed to a standard e-mail newsletter –and it’s delivered to your PDA,” said Barbara. The WON also features prominent outdoor photographers in the industry who share their photography tips in “Shoot to Thrill.” Several women outdoor writers also contribute columns to the site, including a gear review by Nancy Jo Adams, fly tying recipes by Eileen McNulty-Bowers, healthy green smoothie recipes by Jane Haddad and a fun take on life titled “Outside My Comfort Zone,” by Babes with Bullets’ coordinator Deb Ferns.

Barbara’s daughter, an interior designer in New Orleans, who also likes the shooting sports is now taking more of an interest in fishing and hunting. Her two daughters-in-law are avid huntresses and one also is a Louisiana angler.

“You know, people come up to me and say, ‘I read what you did in so-and-so publication, and if you can do it, I think I can do it, too!” said Barbara. “Some people might be offended by that, considering it a slight … I take it as a compliment. After all, not all of us want to sit around in red hats after we reach retirement ages. Some of us would like pink guns and fly rods, too!”

You may see The WON at www.womensoutdoornews.com.

May’s Woman of the Wild-Jane Keller

Guns and Fun! Growing up in Rural South Dakota, I have always sought after outdoor adventure. We were snowed in during the winter way more than I ever wanted. Guns and amunition were accessible in every vehicle we owned and binoculars every window. Opening weekend of pheasant season was our big family reunion. Next to Christmas, it was the only time I saw many of my relatives. The landscape provided a never ending opportunity for target practice and fun with a variety of weapons. Looking back hunting was our entertainment. I really didn’t know any different. It was our lifestyle. We openly shared this way of life with our family, our neighbors and many others. People came from all over to hunt with us. Even my very first suitor and I scoured the country side stalking a variety of prized game. 

I attribute my deep appreciation of the outdoors to my parents. My mother’s nurturing way and my father’s continued encouragement to open my senses; to really see and enjoy nature around me. Their conservation efforts of my youth are proudly evident and thriving today. It is my joy and honor to continue in their legacy, to promote and preserve this passion for future generations.

The Quest for continued adventure in my life and the joy of sharing with others were the foundational factors supporting the development of the Team Huntress.

Team Huntress was formed as an avenue to direct and empower women on their path toward outdoor success. By providing exploration and discovery in a safe and secure environment, ladies will be aligned to boost their confidence and self esteem. Feel the Enthusiasm and Passion unfold as illumination in time honored practices are delivered from professionals in the outdoor industry. Unite with a group of kindred spirits as we encourage each other to progress and advance to a new level of proficiency in the great outdoors

The Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic is debuting June 11-14, 2009 in northern South Dakota hosted by Pheasant Phun at the OJ Bar Ranch offering hands-on outdoor skill building amid a spa pampering resort experience. Our emphasis is in the three core skills of archery, gear and firearms.

·         Firearms       

o    Hand guns

o    Shotguns

o    Riffles

·         Archery          

o    Re-curve

o    Compound

·         Gear              

o    Apparel for women

o    Optics  

o    GPS

o    ATV 

Part clinic/ part retreat Team Huntress members will gain skills and knowledge for outdoor success each day plus some well deserved pampering and relaxation time.Team Huntress empowering women for outdoor success!

It is my endeavor to enhance your desire for adventure. It is my hope with the tools and skills gained through your association with Team Huntress you will be better prepared for the hunt of your life. 

Join the Adventure Team and open a new chapter in your life; let The Huntress begin.

 

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