Cherokee Chapter Empowers Women at Second Annual Women in the Outdoors Hunt
EDGEFIELD, S.C. – A crisp December morning in Grundy County, Tennessee, set the stage for an inspiring celebration of women in the outdoors. On Dec. 14, the Cherokee Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation hosted its second annual Women in the Outdoors (WITO) hunt, showcasing the growing enthusiasm among women in hunting and conservation. The event not only introduced participants to the outdoor lifestyle but also delivered tangible results—11 does harvested by female hunters, providing nourishing meals for their families and demonstrating the direct connection between hunting and sustenance.
The hunt was hosted on private land generously provided by Kevin Riley, Kerry Riley and Reed Biggers. The approximately 1,000-acre property has been carefully managed for many years, resulting in a healthy deer population, which participants enjoyed for a doe management hunt.
“The landowners love doing it, and I’m so glad we connected with them and were able to get the event started,” said Robyn McDonald, WITO coordinator for the Cherokee Chapter.
In addition to granting access to their property, the landowners went above and beyond to support the event by providing breakfast burritos, drinks, hunting blinds and transportation to and from the blinds. They also assisted with loading harvested deer and ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.
This year, 13 women participated in the event, including new hunters, women returning to hunting after years away and several returning from last year’s hunt. Eleven participants aimed to harvest a doe, and all 11 were successful, creating an exciting and empowering atmosphere.
“Every one of those women dropped their doe where they were at,” McDonald said. “There was no tracking needed — their shot placement was great. They really did well getting prepared for this, and you have to give that to the women.”
One standout participant, Erin, returned for her second year and demonstrated significant growth as a hunter. Her improved skills have enabled her to hunt independently and begin mentoring others. Recently, she guided her son on his first deer hunt, introducing the next generation to the hunting tradition.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency game warden Jocee Blanton attended the event to teach participants how to process their harvested deer, ensuring they could use their venison for future meals. Additionally, volunteers Amy Ray, owner of Sisterhood Outdoors and Ginger Chandler, owner of Go Gear Direct, also contributed by guiding new hunters and supporting the overall event through emphasizing gun safety and ethical shot placement.
The NWTF’s mission includes both conserving the wild turkey and preserving America’s hunting heritage. The WITO program plays a crucial role in achieving this mission by educating new hunters, reactivating those who have stepped away and retaining those already engaged.
The NWTF’s Women in the Outdoors program was specifically designed to connect women with outdoor opportunities. Over the past decade, there has been a significant rise in women participating in hunting, target shooting and firearm ownership. Today, women account for more than a quarter of all anglers and are the fastest-growing demographic in the hunting and shooting communities. By engaging and educating women, the WITO program effectively fosters lifelong hunters and strengthens their connection to the great outdoors.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.