I can't tell you how many times I have been told that I need to feature women in my column, who also hunt and fish. I have been trying for quite a while, and had a few in mind. Every time I asked, they weren't interested. Finally, the search is over, and I can give the people what they want.

The number of women in the outdoors has risen dramatically in the past 10 years. There have been many speculations as to why this trend was strengthening. I was wondering myself, and have been looking forward to asking and reporting the answer to that question for a while now.

In my opinion, there needs to be more ladies afield. They are able to teach by example that women can be just as good at hunting and fishing as men are. Little girls, in return, watch their mother, aunt or female mentor getting involved, and want to join in. This is a win win for everybody. The children get an early education in the outdoors by a lady, which reinforces the outdoors for everyone. Women get to enjoy the outdoors, while providing food and testing their outdoor abilities. While men get to enjoy sharing their experience, with their friend, daughter, niece or neighbor’s kid.