MISSOULA, Mont.- New research on hunter demographics shows more women per capita are attracted to elk hunting than most other kinds of hunting, according to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
More than 60,000 elk hunters today are female. Though still predominantly a male pursuit, new data show that women compose 7.6 percent of all elk hunters. That’s greater representation than in turkey, duck, goose, dove, quail, pheasant, rabbit or squirrel hunting. In fact, among America’s most common game species, only deer hunting has a greater percentage of female participation.
“It seems a bit counterintuitive because elk hunting can be the quintessential ‘roughing it’ hunt. But, obviously, women are not intimidated by rugged country, large rifles, unpredictable weather and pursuing animals several times larger than they are,” said David Allen, president and CEO of the Elk Foundation.
The Elk Foundation’s membership magazine, “Bugle,” has long carried a regular feature titled Women in Elk Country. Articles explore many reasons why women hunt, from pure adventure to providing meat for their families. A special feature in the upcoming Nov./Dec. issue will profile hunting gear and clothing made for women.
A basic Elk Foundation membership, which includes a subscription to “Bugle,” is $35. Visit www.rmef.org or call 800-CALL-ELK. Membership also supports the Elk Foundation’s mission to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat.
Research data are based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation,” prepared for the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s “Industry Intelligence Reports” Vol. 2, No. 9, 2008.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has already conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.4 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. Most work occurs on public lands. More than 561,000 acres have been opened or secured for public access including hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
