Meet Brenda Valentine, wife, mother, grandmother, business owner, professional hairstylist, gardener, bread baker and bowhunter. Whoa….bowhunter? That doesn’t seem to fit. Or does it?  

Sure it does! Actually, I was a hunter long before I was any of the above. I downed my first squirrel with an old single shot .22 at the tender age of 5. I believe hunters are born, just as musician, farmers and artists. I am a born hunter and was lucky enough to be raised in a time and environment where this was nurtured and respected. Millions of women today are also born hunters but have never been offered the opportunity to explore this wonderful, exciting world.  

This column will delve into everything from choosing equipment and getting started, solving shooting and hunting problems through actually harvesting a game animal and preparing it for the family dinner table. I’ll keep you informed on new gear for gals and kids as well as, places to go for additional instruction, workshops, schools and yes, special ladies hunts.  

This is not intended to exclude anyone, gentlemen, but ladies, you now have your own teacher who has "been there, done that". If you have questions or problems you would like addressed, please email them to me at brendavalentine@bowhunting.net.