Women and the Outdoors
by Tom Lester II
How often do you see an old photograph of hunters or fishermen that include women engaging in the sport? I don?t know if I?ve ever seen one. Such is not the case today. More and more, we men are including the women of our lives in the outdoor sports that we love. Wives, girlfriends and daughters are becoming more involved than ever, and why not.
Whether it is watching my five year old daughter, Tatum, shrill with excitement from catching a fish or the thrill of watching Kelly take her first deer, hunting and fishing has plenty to offer men and women. My mother loves to trout fish and my step-mother regularly attends the Outdoor Women courses in her home state of Arkansas, where, she has learned to back a trailer, bowhunt and how to field dress a deer.
Despite the beliefs of the critics of hunting and fishing, there is more to these sports than catching and killing. The outdoors is full of beauty and wonderful experiences. Why wouldn?t I want to share and enjoy it with the women I love? For me, it broadens the level of enjoyment for the whole outdoor experience.
It is important to realize that not all women are interested or willing to go to the field or water with us. That is ok, too. Sometimes they are willing to go do some outdoor activities, but not others. For instance, Kelly will go striper fishing and trout fishing with me, but doesn?t care a bit about going bass fishing. She prefers dove hunting to duck hunting, because its usually not cold when we go dove hunting. She loves to sit in the deer stand with me and watch deer, as long as I have my propane heater during cold weather. In fact, I?ve had to purchase a second pair of binoculars so I will have some to use while we are hunting.
For years, men have used hunting and fishing as a means of escape and therapy. I still enjoy going to the lake or the field by myself or with a fishing or hunting buddy from time to time. When I go bass fishing, I can put everything else on the back burner for a while and focus all my attention and energy of catching fish. It is quite therapeutic. It is equally therapeutic for my relationship with Kelly, my daughter or Kelly?s daughter, Megan, to go out for a day of hunting or fishing with them. We get to remove ourselves from the day to day distractions and focus our attention on our task and more importantly, each other. It is what some people call, "quality time together".
If you don?t or haven?t taken a special women in your life with you to the great outdoors, give it a try. You might be surprised. It might be some of the best time you get to spend together. Besides, when it comes time to buy that new boat, shotgun, rifle or rod and reel, you might have a new ally rather than an adversary. Think about it!
Author: Tom Lester II
Email: lester01@airmail.net
Web Site: http://www.fishingprostaff.com/
Details: Tom Lester II is a family man who lives in Corsicana, Texas with his wife, Kelly, and his daughters, Megan and Tatum.
He has fished the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society Central Invitational tournament trail (58th for the 1999-2000 season), the FLW Everstart Series and several other professional-level bass fishing tournaments. Sought-after for endorsements by numerous leading outdoor product companies, Tom?s name appears alongside some of the industry?s most well reputed brands. Quarrow, Pro Locker, Bill Lewis Lures, and EZ Retriever number among more than a dozen Tom Lester sponsors.
He also serves as pro staff for Quarrow and P-Line and as a field staff member for Bulldog lures, Lure Eyes sunglasses, H&H Plastic Rattles and more. These positions draw from more than just his pro angling accomplishments. They also demonstrate his knowledge of the equipment and his will to provide the best possible fishing experiences for everyone -- even his competitors on the BASS circuit.
Such dedication to the sport is not surprising, considering that he comes from a line of anglers --- his father is also a tournament fisherman. Plus, Tom has fished for nearly all his life.
Even when he?s not fishing, Tom maintains a close connection to the outdoors. Before moving to Corsicana, he was a part-time guide for largemouth and smallmouth bass in Cleburne, Texas. For several years, he has written a celebrated outdoor sports column for the Corsicana Daily Sun and numerous web sites.
Commanding a Masters degree in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University, Tom doesn?t just handle his business on the water. He helps his wife operate Four Seasons Lawnscape. The company gives him a perfect application for his background in agriculture and education -- he designs, sells and executes landscaping design concepts, as well as educates his customers on landscape needs. As co-owner of the company, he also has the freedom to set his own schedule -- leaving him ample time to promote outdoor products.
Tom taught Agricultural Science for high school students and also played a part in animal health during his tenure as a Territory Manager for Fort Dodge Animal Health. There, he consulted with veterinarians and distributors and handled customer service issues.
