I was raised in a single mom family, my parents being divorced when I was age 4. I have 3 sisters, and none of us showed an interest in hunting, or even camping as far as that goes. In high school I got involved in the local debate and discussion club. I traveled all over the state competing, and guess what the topic was. You got it Anti- hunting, and I was good. I protested when the State of Colorado started the program of "drop pellet poisoning" of the coyotes. POP or (protect our predators) was our slogan. Wow how things have changed.

I met my husband (Tim) in my early 20's, a very avid bowhunter. Within a few years I was shooting a bow, but only in competition. I would take our two (then ages 3 and 4) sons Ross and Kye with me when I was shooting. They were so cute with their little compound bows. We would shoot until they got tired, and then pack up and back to the truck. Now they are 15 and 16 and my hunting partners. Whew I hate to think what age that makes me.

Though still not broke into hunting. It sickened me when Tim and his friends brought home their harvest. I remember sitting in front of the TV and crying during the kill sequence of the video's my husband adored to watch. Slowly with his great patience and persistence he started to get me into the field. I would hunt with him, but I could only be an observer. I got to the point where I could watch the arrow through to complete impact. I would then help with the cleaning and cutting up of the harvest. 

Through all of this time I was competing nationally on the 3-D circuit and becoming one of the top Pro Women of the country. I had my shot down, and my confidence in shooting was an all time high. I told my husband I thought I could do this thing he called hunting, and would like to give it a try. He said he'd pay for a all guided hunt, if I was really interested. I gave it a lot of thought and then I chose to hunt black bear in Alberta. Needless to say within a week our deposit was made and plane tickets were bought.

Alberta did something to me that I never expected. I was always an outside person enjoying nature, but never really getting in touch with it. Well Alberta opened my eyes wide open. Oh the smell of it, the sound of it, the taste of nature. It really got into my bones. I had a wonderful experience there, and a beautiful Boar harvest to remember it all by. One shot one dead bear, and I was hooked.

Since what I call "My Awakening", I have been a changed person. I travel the country and speak to people about Archery and Bowhunting. I teach outdoor survival skills to school age children along with getting in touch with nature. I have started a local chapter 4-H archery program, and two city ran programs that I still teach for my home town. I talk to kids all across the state at the middle and high school levels. Last year was the first year they allowed me to introduce hunting and I even got to show videos of the hunts to the school kids. Wow, I was so excited when they wanted to see the scenes of the harvests over and over again. We have a great group of kids out there, they just need to be educated in hunting and conservation. 

Ill health struck me in the early 90's with contracting Lyme's disease. I had to drop out of the 3-D circuit and focus on hunting only. I couldn't write this story about me, without giving credit to the people that stood behind me through this transition stage. Without them and their companies I wouldn't be able to accomplish the things that I do. So here's to my husband and children and to you the men and women of High Country Archery, Easton/Beman Arrows, Muzzy Broadheads, Golden Key Futura, Mossy Oak, Scent- Loc Suits, Western Filament Bowstring Materials, and Advanced Hunters Technologies, Inc. In my recovery from the Lyme I have tried to push my body beyond what I thought was impossible. Plus I live by the motto of "Live and laugh for today!" So now I have added international hunting along with hunting in our own great country. I have hunted Canada and Africa. I am heading back to Africa this summer in quest of the Cape Buffalo with a bow. This is only after a year of extreme weight training and mental preparation. I have been blessed in this sport we call Archery, and I do believe there is an Archery God. The sport has opened up so many doors for me. I have met so many great friends, and feel honored that my sponsors believe in me. So I feel I must give back to what they have given so unselfishly to me. So......

I have started and organized a club that we call Sportsmen for Humanities. We hold a local shoot each year and give all proceeds to a family in need. I have purchased my own video equipment, in attempt to start a business. Next year I am planning on taking a group of women bowhunters to South Africa to hunt. I will video the hunt, and all the sales off of the video will go to a non-profit fund for Women's Bowhunter Education. I am also involved in great conservation programs, a member of the SCI (Safari Club International) RMEF ( Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) and a life member of the IBO (International Bowhunters Organization) I feel we all must help and do our part to "Preserve our Heritage."

I leave you with one last thought: Bowhunters we are a different breed of people. I have loved each and everyone of you I have met. We all share the same thoughts, feelings and inspirations focused on the good of the future. We all strive for the clean, ethical and humane harvest, only with the highest consideration for the animal. We are hard working hunters, not obsessed by the kill, but obsessed by the hunt! I tip my hat to each and everyone of you, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of your fraternity.

Until later and better hunting to you all.