I spent the greater part of a week at the Canadian National Sportsmen’s Show in Edmonton a couple of weeks ago.
As with all outdoors trade shows, I met with industry people, chatted with fans, and made some new friends, however, what really stood out to me in Edmonton was the female presence.

For a couple of years now I’ve been talking about how year after year it seems more and more women are getting into the sport of fishing. I’ve seen this in my travels and online and it’s one of the main driving forces for me in my career. So, when all of these ladies showed up to the show - and not to simply stand by their man’s side - but to actually experience it for themselves, I was so happy and encouraged.

I met with all sorts of female outdoor enthusiasts including young professionals, fishing and hunting guides, product reps, and weekend warriors. They were moms, sisters, friends, and ranged in age from late teens to their 60’s. It really was impressive, inspiring and a lot of fun! Besides the obvious benefits to having more women into fishing and hunting, like the fact that they’ll be more likely to raise children who play outside and the fact that the outdoors industry will profit, what I love most about this sea change is how as women we are shaping a new “world” out there.
For example, it’s now common to have both a men’s AND a women’s category in active and functional apparel.

It’s also not uncommon to have a woman giving a seminar on something like hunting - I mc’d a women’s panel on the Friday night, hosted by Rachel Ahtila, and Kelly from AHEIA. They really knew what they were talking about and gave some great tips for women curious about hunting.

Changes like this will only do good as it will encourage more kids and women to get outside. And, as we all know, there are very few things in life that can be as refreshing, re-energizing and satisfying than a day on the water.

So for the ladies out there, keep doing what you're doing!...and to the men out there, hopefully this little read will encourage you to take your daughter, sister, girlfriend, wife or mom, fishing or hunting if you haven’t already :)