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April 2015 Interview: Anne Vinnola

4/5/2015

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    It's interview time! Since we are celebrating our with a target shooting theme, I asked someone in the target shooting industry if they would do an interview. Anne Vinnola is the media/sales representative for Magnum Shooting Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Anne and Her Gemsbok in South Africa

  I have been active in the outdoors my whole life, from my dad teaching me to fish and to shoot at a very early age, digging for gem stones with my family growing up, showing horses and then later hunting with my own family. I am a bow hunter, I also hunt with guns and am learning to be a better pistol shooter. I am not great with a muzzleloader as I missed a giant pronghorn a couple of years ago, but loved the hunt with my son anyway. I went to South Africa a couple of years ago on a fabulous hunt and brought down a gemsbok, bushbuck and blue wildebeest. I, like anyone else who has hunted Africa, left my heart there and would go back in a second.
    As an outdoor writer for many years, I am a member of several clubs and organizations that promote hunting and gun ownership. I have been a sponsor of the Friends of NRA for years and am an NRA recruiter. I am a life member of Safari Club International and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. I attend SHOT (Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade) Show each year and am a Field Staff member for Prois Hunting Apparel for women. I am the co-leader along with my good friend Elizabeth Blackwood for The Well Armed Woman Pikes Peak Chapter and I have been heavily involved in the legislative process of avocation for our Second Amendment and feel it is imperative to the U.S. to fiercely protect it.
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Anne and Her Turkey, 2010
    Currently, I am working at Magnum Shooting Center in Colorado Springs, CO and I love it. Coming to Magnum from the hunting side of the industry, I am so excited to be learning more of the tactical approach. I am challenged every day to learn and impart that knowledge to people who are new to guns. I especially love when I can show a new shooter guns are fun and sage when operated correctly. We have an incredible crew at Magnum and it is so much fun to go to work knowing I am helping people become capable and able to protect themselves. Our head range master, Nikki Carroll, is a fantastic woman and half of our staff is female. There is no one on our staff that isn't vested in women learning to shoot better and protect themselves. Visit our store and check out www.MagnumShootingCenter.com for more information.
    Helping kids and other women learn about the hunting/shooting world has been such a huge part of my life. I helped coach my children in 4-H shooting sports where they all became excellent shots and my fondest times have been watching them compete while sitting and cheering them on in the hot sun and dirt. Hunting with them has also been so much fun. Freezing with my son while watching for pronghorns under an old windmill, watching them take down a bull elk, and seeing them work together as a family to bring it all together.

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Dove Hunting in Texas with Friends
    Spending time with my hunting/shooting friends has given me wonderful memories. My outdoor sisters are some of my best friends and have laughed and cried with me during my darkest hours. Women have a way of enjoying the outdoors together that is so empowering and encouraging. We aren't out to prove anything to anyone, we use hunting as social events in many cases and are proud of each other. Last year I went to Texas with my Prois Hunting Apparel gals and laughed for three straight days. We had a hard time shooting doves for the rain, but it didn't matter. Watching each of them brings pure joy to what they do and getting to know these strong and driven women better was incredible. Each of us is very serious about hunting and shooting and are passionate about bringing more ladies along for the ride.
    My advice to anyone hoping to encourage their wife, daughter or any other woman to become involved in the outdoors is simple. Don't talk down to her and make her feel stupid for not knowing and quickly help her find other fun gals to shoot with, like The Well Armed Woman. We have clinics each third Thursday evening and also shoot together. Men are great instructors, but there is something magical that happens when we do it together. I have seen the eyes of women who are told they couldn't shoot well up with tears when they were simply shown how.
     If I could hunt or fish with anyone living or dead, I would love to go with Theodore Roosevelt, Annie Oakley and Ernest Hemingway. What fascinating lives they had and stories to tell. They grabbed life by the horns and made it exciting. I also want to go fishing with my dad again this summer. He is my hero and we haven't been able to do that for years.
    Five things I bring on every outdoor activity are proper shoes, great friends and family, my camera, my gun, bow or fishing pole and lip gloss.

    Thank you very much Anne for doing the interview!! I love Anne's advice about not talking down to the girl you are encouraging in outdoor activities. I think her list is the first in all of the interviews we have done that someone included proper shoes which are SO important. I have been doing a lot of boot shopping this year to make sure I have proper shoes. Ice fishing was much more enjoyable after finding my new cold weather boots.
    If you are in Colorado Springs, be sure to stop by Magnum Shooting Center to tell Anne "HI!"

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March 2015 Interview - Drew Clarke

3/3/2015

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     It's interview time again! We are very excited about this interview! (I think I saw that every month.) You may recognize this smile from the Fishing For Drew Facebook page. If you don't follow Drew's page, you should go click "Like" right now, and then come back and finish reading his interview.
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Drew In The Stand
   Drew is 7 years old and was diagnosed with Stage 3 Ganglioneuroblastoma Intermixed in September 2013.  He has tumors in two areas of his body – his left psoas muscle and his spine.  Due to their location, the tumors are inoperable.  Last year, Drew completed two regimens of chemotherapy which were unsuccessful.  However, he is currently on a medicine that IS working, and killing off the cancerous cells.  Drew has two more months of treatment and will have scans in April.  He certainly doesn’t let his cancer diagnosis stop him from doing the things he loves!  

  Eleven days after Drew was diagnosed, his grandpa and special fishing buddy, “Bubba Chip” was also diagnosed with cancer.  They were in chemotherapy together and dubbed themselves “Cancer Buddies”.  They shared a very special bond.  Sadly, Bubba Chip’s cancer was much more aggressive, and he went to Heaven on June 29, 2014.  Bubba Chip’s legacy lives on through Drew’s love of the outdoors. 

      Our questions will be marked GITO and will be in red and Drew's answers will be marked D and will be in blue.
GITO: Hi Drew! Where are you from?
D: Shephard, Michigan
GITO: What outdoor activities do you like to participate in?
D: Fishing, Shooting, Soccer and Crossbow

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Drew And A Carp (I love the look on his face!)
GITO: Who introduced you to the outdoors and how old were you?
D: My dad and 2 years old.
GITO: Do you have a favorite outdoor memory?
D: I shot my first deer this year. It was a 5 point buck.
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Drew's First Deer
GITO: What is your favorite fishing lure to use?
D: C-Flash
GITO: What is your favorite gun to shoot?
D: .22 Long Rifle
GITO: What is your favorite fish to fish for?
D: BASS!
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Drew And A BIG BASS!
GITO: What outdoor activity do you want to try?
D: I want to go to Kentucky to fish for big bass!
GITO: What outdoor activity do you want to try when you are an adult?
D: Scuba Diving
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Drew In The Woods
Thank you Drew for doing the interview and thank you to Scott and Leigh for helping Drew with the interview and for sharing Drew's story with us!

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A Little Warmth While Ice Fishing

2/10/2015

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    One of the main reasons I wanted to start Girls In The Outdoors was to help encourage other girls, kids and even guys to try new outdoor activities. This April we will celebrate out 3rd anniversary and 3 years ago there was NO way I was going to try ice fishing! I am not good at walking on slick surfaces, I get cold really easy, the thought of walking on ice over a lake makes me really nervous. Last year I fell in love with Candy Apple while we were checking out the new Cabela's store that opened in Colorado. I decided I should try something new, like I'm encouraging others to do and I bought Candy Apple. On our first trip to the ice, Candy Apple and I caught our first fish on the ice!
     Since I decided I really liked ice fishing, we decided to start making a list of items we wanted to add to our ice fishing gear. The only part I didn't like about ice fishing was the cold so we made this year's list of purchases all about warmth. If the wind picks up or it is just REALLY cold, my joints start to stiffen up and hurt and all I can think about it how cold I am instead of how pretty Candy Apple is. So, this year we added a nice insulated Eskimo ice shelter and of course we needed a sled to haul the shelter and other new gear in.
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Isn't Candy Apple pretty?
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The view of the outside of the shelter.
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The view from inside the shelter looking out on of the doors and a window.
     Our new ice shelter kept us warm and out of the wind which was really nice. My husband came up with the idea of using nice cushy floor mats, that are designed to be stood on while you're working, in the shelter. With the puzzle design of the mats, we can arrange the mats to leave room for our fishing holes  and they helped keep the inside of the shelter warmer. My feet stayed warm and if we needed to kneel down on the ice, we still didn't get cold. We actually had snow and ice melting on the mats. We didn't even try out the new ice fishing heater that we added to the gear because it was so comfortable inside the shelter.
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The mats and my Valentine's Day gift.
     My husband decided to give me my Valentine's Day gift early. It is called an Automatic Fisherman and it works great! Infra Red was strong enough to test out the Automatic Fisherman and the two teamed together caught a few fish on this trip. This piece of equipment doesn't have anything to do with warmth, but I was able to stay warm while I was using it for the first time.
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Valentine's Day came a little early.
     Three years ago, I was uncomfortable walking on the ice and didn't want to even try it and now I look forward to a day on the ice. I'm still nervous on the ice and the popping noises the ice makes doesn't help my nervousness, but my urge to run to shore isn't so intense anymore. I'm very happy I decided to give ice fishing a try and I'm even happier Eskimo makes a great ice fishing shelter and my husband thought of the floor mat idea.
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February 2015 Interview: Cori Cheek

2/2/2015

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     It's interview time and this month we have one of the cutest little girls I know. This little girl is the reason I'm glad I didn't kill my brother when we were little. Cori is our niece and she loves being outdoors! My questions will be red and Cori's answers will be purple (because I promised that her words would be purple).
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Casting Practice Last Spring
Okay Cori, are you ready?
Yep
What is your name?
Insert 5 year old glare here.
The people reading this don't know your name.
It's Cori...I want to write it down though.
Where are you from?
Ummm, my house?
What town?
Oh, Cañon City.
How old are you?
5!
What outdoor activities do you like to do?
Camping, fishing, ATVS!, boats, sledding, bow and arrow, shooting with Uncle Kris....I think that's all for now.
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Cori's First Fish!
Who introduced you to the outdoors and hold were you?
Aunt Hilary, Uncle Kris, Papa, Mommy and Daddy. I think I was 2.
Do you have any favorite outdoor memories?
Being pulled on the tube by the ATV!!!! (lots of giggles) And Driving the boat and playing Go Fish while we're camping!
I'm guessing being pulled on the tube by the ATV is your favorite?
Yep!
Just so everybody knows, the reason ATV is in all capitol letters, is because every time she said ATV, she said it louder than any other word.

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Her Favorite Outdoor Memory: Being Pulled On The Tube By The ATV.
What it your favorite fishing lure or bait?
Squishies and pink marshmallows, not for us to eat, just the fish ones.
For those of you that don't know what a squishy is, it is any soft plastic bait. She has always called them squishes.
Do you have a favorite gun to shoot?

The one that went BOOM when uncle Kris shot it!! (Giggles)
The one you shot with Uncle Kris that was quiet isn't your favorite?
(More Giggles) No, the BOOM was my favorite. (Giggles)
What is your favorite target to shoot at?
The laundry basket in the hallway with my archery.
We don't always let kids use our hallway as a shooting range, only when they just opened a new shooting toy for Christmas and it is too cold outside to play with them. This has only happened 2 times.
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Shooting Her New Archery Toy Christmas 2014.
Do you have a favorite trail to hike or ride on?
The one we found the treasure on.
Turquoise Lake and it was her first geocaching trip. 
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Looking For The Treasure After Hiking To It
Do you have a favorite place to camp?
Blue Lake and John Martin because I could swim and there were no fish or alligators to bite me.
We live in Colorado, there are no alligators in the wild.
I know, that's why I can swim!
Do you have a favorite fish to fish for?
BIG ones...catfish!
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Playing In Alligator Free Water
What outdoor activity do you want to try?
More treasure hunting. I love treasure hunting!
What outdoor activity do you want to try when you are an adult?
Running
Running?
Yes, I don't run very fast because my legs are too short. I want to run fast like Mommy.
Do you have any advice for adults or other kids?
Use squishies and have fun! Oh, and say "Here fishy, fishy. Bite my worm!....or marshmallow."
Thank you Cori.
You're welcome....I'm hungry.
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The day she discovered binoculars.
     This interview is proof of how much kids remember and what sticks with them. I had no idea she remembered the names of the lakes and I didn't know she remembered the day she drove the boat on her own. I didn't know she remembered swimming in John Martin and I had no idea she was worried about alligators. Most of those memories are from 2 or 3 years ago and she is only 5! My favorite memories from when I was a kid are from camping and fishing trips and I am very happy to know that some of Cori's favorite memories are from the same type of trips. I can't wait to make some more memories with her!
     If you would like to do an interview with your child or a child you are close with, let me know and I will email you the original list of questions. You may be surprised what their answers will be.
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Guest Post: A Guide To Ice Fishing

1/11/2015

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We are very excited to share a great guest post that includes a great infographic created by Gherich & Co. We are very excited to share this graffic because it is full of a lot of great information. Thank you Gherich & Co for sharing this guest post with us!

The ice may be forming, but that doesn’t mean fishing season is over. Winter brings new opportunities to fishing-lovers who have never tried ice fishing before. This traditional pastime has its own set of rules and distinct culture, and will give anglers a new thrill at the experience of catching a fish through the ice.


Preparation and proper gear is integral to the sport of ice fishing. You can’t bluff your way through a winter ice fishing trip with insufficient clothing like you can in the spring and fall. It’s important to wear multiple layers of clothing that are designed to keep the body dry. A combination of wool and moisture-wicking fabrics are best.

Checking the thickness of the ice is crucial when planning an ice fishing trip. The ice must be at least four inches thick to be considered safe. This number doubles if the ice is white rather than clear, as this type of ice is less sturdy. The four-inch rule only applies to people, not automobiles. Check our guideline for ice thickness to determine when it’s safe to bring your snowmobile, car, or truck onto the ice.

Finally, it’s time to get fishing! Most ice fishing skills are transferable from regular year-round fishing, but there are a few tricks of the trade to help you find where the fish are hiding. Read on for ice fishing tips and tricks!


Source: eReplacementParts.com
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 January 2015 Interview: Jordan Jones

1/2/2015

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A Little Trout Jordan Caught Last Summer
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Jordan's First Deer Hunting Trip
Do you have a favorite outdoor memory?
When I fell off my atv. And the time you and Kris took us camping and we were night fishing from camp. Kris was helping me reel in a HUGE catfish but at right at the shore the fish broke my line and swam off with my line, hook and weight. I was really mad. It was a HUGE catfish.
Do you have a favorite lure or bait?
My squishy fishy lures.
What about a favorite gun to shoot or target to shoot at?
I've only shot a .22 rifle and I like shooting at the fly paper targets.
What outdoor activities do you like to participate in?
Hunting, Fishing, Boating, Tubing, Driving ATVs, Archery, Shooting and Camping
Who introduced you to the outdoors and how old were you?
You, Kris and Mom and I think I was 6.
     I am so excited the interviews are back! I've missed doing them, but it was way too busy during the holidays to keep up on them. I decided to start the new year off with an interview from one of my favorite kids. You may recognize him from other photos we've shared. This is our Godson, Jordan. Our questions will be in red and Jordan's answers will be in blue.
What is your name?
You know my name!
But the people reading this don't know your name.
My name is Jordan Jones.
How old are you?
I'm 11.
Where are you from?
Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Jordan Fishing At A Local Pond
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Jordan Fishing From Our New Boat
Do you have a favorite trail to ride on?
The one with the cave and the windmills. Kris said it's called The Banks
Where is your favorite place to camp?
The wilderness.
Do you have a favorite animal to hunt or fish to fish for?
Bucks and Catfish.
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The Night Jordan Lost His HUGE Catfish
What outdoor activities to you want to try?
Shooting more guns and camping in the mountains.
What outdoor activities do you want to try when you are an adult?
Fishing In The Ocean and Finding Big Foot
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Hanging Out By The Lake
Okay, last question. Do you have any advice for adults or kids?
Remember to stay safe but have fun at the same time.

Great job Jordan!! Thank you for doing our first 2015 interview!
     If you or anybody else you know would like to do an interview, comment here or on our social media pages or email Hilary@GirlsInTheOutdoors.com.
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Snack Mix

10/6/2014

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     I have a fun recipe for you to play with. At the beginning of the Spring I was trying to find some snacks to pack in the ATVs that would be easy to pack, wouldn't melt and tasted good. I didn't want to buy store bought trail mixes because there's always something in those mixes one person doesn't like or there's a couple ingredients that there's a lot of and after a couple handfuls you're tired of it. It seems like I always ended up with a bag of peanuts and raisins by the end of a camping trip. I started playing with different ratios and ingredients and came up with a pretty good mix. I've shared my mix with other people and told them to make it their own and let me know some other ideas for ingredients that they added that worked and didn't work. Here is the starting mix:
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October Interview - Gillian Marriott

10/2/2014

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     Our October interview is from someone you may have seen in some of our other posts. Gillian is Hilary's little sister. If we had time, we would have pulled some fishing photos from when Gillian was little, but we'll have to save that for another post. Gillian's answers will be in blue and Hilary's questions and comments will be in red.
Okay, lets start with your name and where you are from.
My name is Gillian Marriott and I am from Cañon City, CO.


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Gillian is very proud of every fish she catches (even though her sister baits her hook, sometimes reels in her fish and takes it off the hook.
What outdoor activities do you like to participate in and what makes you enjoy them?
Fishing - because it is relaxing and I can catch a fish without even knowing it!
Archery - because my husband and his dad are big into it, so they talked me into trying and I'm a natural at it!
Hiking - because you get to get out and be around nature and not people!
Camping - because you can have a mini vacation anywhere!

How long have you been participating in these activities and who introduced you?
Fishing - My dad is a big fishing guy and I couldn't tell you at what age because it has been as long as I can remember, you'll have to ask my sister on that one, since she is older than me!
You were a baby the first time you went fishing.
Archery - Last summer because my husband thought it would be something he could show off to me and "teach" me to do. He didn't know I was a natural. He had "robin hooded" and arrow with my bow and was bragging, then about 15 minutes later I did the same thing. I was laughing so hard because he said I could probably never do that.

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The Official Papa's Fishing Club Logo
Are you involved in any outdoor clubs or companies?
Yes!! Papa's Fishing Club. I don't have an "outdoor" company but I do have a cake business, and who doesn't like cake right?! It is called Sweet Cheek's Cakery and I get to do some pretty crazy cakes. You can see for yourself at SweetCheeksCakery.biz or "like us on Facebook at facebook.com/sweetcheekscakery.biz (boo-yah, just scored some free advertising!)

Have you introduced any other girls or kids to the outdoors? If so, who and how?
My niece and nephew love it when we take them to do outdoors stuff. We took my niece on her first ever fishing trip and we have my nephew shooting a bow. They love riding and driving tractors with my husband and the little one will try to climb on and steal the tractor if you aren't careful!

How do you encourage other girls and kids in the outdoors?
By making it fun! No one is going to enjoy anything if they don't find it fun!

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Some of Gillian's work.
Do you have advice for others that would like to get wife/girlsfriend/sister.daughter/etc involved in the outdoors?
Don't be upset when you try to involve your wife in something that you are good at and she ends up showing you up a few weeks into it!

Is there anybody (living or dead) you wish you could hunt or fish with?
Artemis - rumor has it that girl knew how to hunt and fish!
For those that don't know, Artemis is an Olympian goddess of hunting, wilderness and wild animals.
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Gillian learning about the inside of a fish's mouth.
Do you have any specific memorable outdoor trips? If so, tell the story.
I am going to interrupt this interview for a short break so you can go get a bag of popcorn and a drink because you are not going to want to miss these stories...
Oh no...
Ready?
Good!
First a funny outdoor trip. I was at Girl Scout Camp, we hiked to a lake (no clue the name) and we were able to play down by the water. Just around the bend, there was a couple of fisherman that you could tell weren't happy about having 20 screaming girls as their neighbors while they fished. A couple of us went out in the water, but we weren't allowed to go deeper than our knees. I was standing in view of the fishermen just looking into the water. A few minutes went by and a fish about 8 inches long kept swimming around me. I don't know if thought my legs were a tree or what, but it was hanging around so I slowly bent over and put my hands into the water. After a little while, the fish swam between my hands and I grabbed it and pulled it out of the water (grizzly bear style). I started laughing and all of my camper buddies had to come see the fish. The fishermen weren't happy. I heard one of them say, "We have been here all morning trying to catch a (insert bad word here) fish and she is here 10 minutes and catches a (insert another bad word) fish with her bare hands. I was proud of myself.
Next "memorable" outdoor trip is, when my husband and I first started dating. We went up to a lake in Westcliffe, CO. We had my tent and we camped over by the dam where you could see the sunset over the lake. I don't remember what time it was, but it was dark and we heard a noise outside the tent and all of a sudden my fearless man grabs a flashlight and tells me there is "something is out there, stay quiet."
I could tell by the sound it wasn't big. He opened the tent and a small raccoon ran off. Thanks honey, you saved me from the 20 pound, man eating raccoon!
Are you done?
Nope, this next one is more of a creeped out one!
A friend and I wanted to go camping on the first day of spring about 6 years ago. We went up to a really remote area on top of a mountain that you can camp at and see for miles around. It was a spur of the moment trip so we had the tent, sleeping bags and a bottle of whiskey. I set up the tent while my friend collected firewood and started a fire. We sat by the fire a long time before putting the fire out and going to bed. It got really cold that night and ended up dumping 6 inches of snow on us. That morning we got up and my friend went outside to start the fire and I stayed in the tent keeping my sleeping bag warm. My friend walks around the tent and I hear, "Umm, Gillian. We had a visitor last night." I asked what it was and he said, "Just come see." I walked around to MY side of the tent and there were mountain lion tracks in the snow. we could see where it came into camp, walked up to my side of the tent then went and laid down by the fire for awhile then took off in the other direction. We threw everything in the back of the truck and got the heck out of there!
I only asked for one story. Are you done yet?
Last one, I promise. I think I was about 12-ish when this one happened. My mom and I went out to Grape Creek to have a picnic with some of her work buddies. We got there early and decided to take a walk and play down by the creek. I was sitting on a rock in the middle of the creek and my mom was taking a picture of me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something start to walk right by my mom. My jaw jaw dropped and my mom knew something was wrong and turned
around. Walking by her was a naked man..Yep...just your every day average naked guy out in the middle of nowhere walking by. My mom and I did the only thing we could think of, we just sat there and watched the naked guycross the creek and climb up on a big rock and lay down. The people at the picnic couldn't believe it either.
Got any more?
Only if I can tell the story about our trip to San Isabel.
Nope, you're done!


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Gillian celebrates every fish caught, even the tiny ones.
Last question! What are 5 things you always bring with you no matter what outdoor activity you are doing?
My phone to take pictures with and in case I need to call someone.
My sunglasses because well, why does anyone wear sunglasses?!
I normally always have a pocket knife on or near me. If I can't find my knife, I make sure I bring my husband because he always has a few on him.
If I am going fishing, I always make sure I bring someone that will touch the gross stuff for me. It isn't that I am "afraid" to touch it, but with the proper amount of whining, I can get anyone to do it for me!
And #5 is chocolate. I always have chocolate on me. Chocolate could save your life you know.

Thank you Gillian for doing the interview. I knew this was going to be an interesting one when you volunteered to do it.
If you would like to do one of our monthly interviews, email us (girlsintheoutdoors@yahoo.com) and we will send you the questions.

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September Interview - Sarah Eglseder

9/2/2014

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It's the beginning of the month and that means it is interview time!!! I love interview time!!! This month's interview is from Sarah Eglseder from Edgewood Iowa. Our questions will be in red and Sarah's answers will be in blue.

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Some pictures of Sarah
What outdoor activities do you like to participate in?
I hunt, fish, run, horseback ride, hike, and do photography. I love being outdoors doing anything!


How long have you been participating in these activities and who introduced you and how? 
When I was a child my dad was always hunting and fishing. I never wanted to hurt an animal and didn't really understand hunting so I chose not to. He took me fishing though and I loved that. I also loved going out in nature and capturing photographs of animals. Up until I turned 23. Early November of 2009 had me out coon hunting with my husband and my cousin...I was hooked on hunting. I took my hunter's safety course and tried for a deer the very next year. So I will say my dad started the flame for the outdoors, but my cousin ignited the fire. I however had to learn most things on my own. My dad did help me in the end though.


Are you involved in any outdoor clubs or organizations?
I am a member of Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. I also am a member of the Clayton County Archers. My husband and I started Crazy Cooners which is our coon hunting team in 2012. I am on Pro Staff with Wild Game Drops, Rut Wrecker TV, and Strut Zone Rivals. I am on field team with Huntress Wear. I also recently started blogging on huntressdiaries.com.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Huntress-Sarah-Ann/682358215144514?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/CrazyCooners?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rut-Wrecker-TV/210734899114368?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Strut-Zone-Rivals/411714352297579?ref=hl
http://www.huntressdiaries.com/saraheglseder/


Have you introduced any other girls/kids to the outdoors? If so who and how? 
I am a very passionate person about the outdoors. Last fall I set up at a local vendor show and did my best to help other women get interested at least. Women hunters are the up and coming thing and if i even inspire someone then I feel like I am doing my job. I am also a mother to 3 beautiful children. Two of which are old enough to go with me. One will be as soon as she is a bit bigger. Seeing them fish or just go 'hunting' (hard to do when they are a little louder then I like ) with me and not get anything makes me feel amazing. Seeing your kids with the same amazement at the outdoors is a wonderful feeling. I can't wait for them to harvest their first animal. My oldest caught her first fish this summer. Her face was pure joy! 


How do you encourage other girls/kids in the outdoors? 
I offer to take them out. If they don't feel comfortable hunting that is fine. I am willing to go out hiking with them. It is good exercise. But I also feel like they should have a situational awareness if they are going to be out. Being prepared helps you come out of situations better then not being prepared. I have no problem showing people how to handle a gun safely, shooting a gun or anything. I am still learning myself so I have no reason to judge. Everyone can learn from someone. I don't know how to gut big game comfortably by myself....but I will be in there getting my hands dirty helping. The only way someone is going to want to go out and learn is to have a nonjudgemental person take them. If they feel welcomed they will go out. I take my kids out frequently. They think we are just hunting or fishing but they are spending some time and making memories with me that I will keep and hold dearly. 


Do you have any advice for others that would like to get their significant other involved in the outdoors? 
Don't be judgemental. Don't give them the gun and not give them direction. Teach them safety. Teach them gently. Be serious. Don't joke with them about being a girl. I have seen the videos of girls not properly handling a firearm. That just is bad news. Someone can get seriously hurt or killed. If they don't feel comfy doing something, do not make them. Force is never a good thing. 


Is there anybody (living or dead) you wish you could hunt or fish with? 
Well I love hunting and fishing with my dad, but if I had to pick anyone else it would Jim Shockey, Eva Shockey, or Chris Brackett. Jim and Eva are amazing role models and I started watching Jim's hilarious hunts when i was stocking ammunition at a retail job. Chris is a down to earth fun guy. I'm hoping to get him up coon hunting with me this fall! 


Do you have any specific memorable outdoor trips?
Clique as it sounds, every time is memorable. I didn't always have a strong faith but I am connecting with God every time I go out. He provides the animals so that I can provide for my family. I respect the game I am pursuing and I always pray for a quick, clean shot, that the animal dies quickly, and then I pray a blessing over the animal. My grandma taught me about having faith and that is one thing I never realized until she was gone. 
Fishing with dadMy first coon harvest with my cur Cricket and my husband's bluetick Jake.My first squirrel with my dad.My first squirrel on my own.My first deer shot with the muzzleloader as my dad looked thru the smoke because I couldn't see if she was down.Buying my bowMy first turkey with Strut Zone reaped at less then 5 yards while the camera was rolling. My daughter's first fish.
God was there for all of it. And I am very blessed and thankful for all the opportunities I have been given. My harvest resume may not be extensive but I got to go out and that is memory enough. 

 
What are 5 things you always bring with you?
- camera
- phone
- water bottle
- knife
- first aid kit (includes toilet paper, waterproof matches, and other survival gear as well)




Thank you Sarah for doing the interview!! We hope you get Chris to come hunting with you this fall! That would be so much fun!

If anybody else would like to do an interview, let us know. We have questions for men, women and kids.

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Why We Like Spending Time In The Outdoors

8/13/2014

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Recently we asked out Facebook followers why they like spending time in the outdoors. We had a lot of great answers and want to share them with everybody!

Angela Brockway: "Family, family, family and spending time with them. That's how I grew up and that's how I want my son to grow up. Family time is first. Not TV time, x-box time or any other electronic device!"

Sue Sanchez: "Well....What's not to like about simply being outside. The rest of the world-phones, TV, work, finances, deadlines-all go away. Love to fish, hunt, hike, ride 4-wheelers or just sit in camp and read while listening to the birds and bugs."
Picture
Photo by Sue Sanchez
Anne Jolliff: Family! My 2 great uncles taught me to fish, grandpa taught me to shoot, mom and aunts taught me how to cook what I brought home, and I enjoy all of it with my husband!

Harold Takahashi: It's my happy place...I try to introduce anyone within my sphere to this spiritual plane...

Sarah Eglseder: Connect with God

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Photos by Sarah Eglseder
Micheala Knudson: Hunting and fishing were one of the many first things my hero taught me how to do. July 16th it will have been 2 years since he passed away.

Carla Koenig:   I'd have to say I like spending time outdoors hiking, camping, or photographing things, mostly to connect with nature and the people I get to enjoy it with.
Photos by Carla Koenig
Christine Coultrip: It's so nice to be outside and away from everything! My daughter learning the outdoors besides sitting inside playing video games. She rather chose the outdoors then anything especially camping! Nothing better then all electronics being off for the whole time.
Photos by Christine Coultrip
Susan Dalton: Relaxation, reflection and re-creation!!

Theresa Thorton: Just being out there, smelling the air and touching the water makes me so much happier. I am never more calm and relaxed than when im fishing or out in the woods.
Photos by Alaina Nelson
Thank you everybody who submitted answers and photos!!
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