Mule Deer Foundation creates new Hunters and Conservationists

In 2024 the Mule Deer Foundation sponsored, the Wild Women’s Rendezvous, an event bringing over 50 women into the field to learn about hunting, shooting, archery, survival, trapping, health, wilderness safety, connection and Conservation.

“These women came from different states, countries, cultures and ethnicities. They were young and old. Some were seasoned outdoors women and some were brand new babies in the outdoor world. One thread connected them all, and that is the thing that makes them different in their circles at home. It’s the unique and precious quality of curiosity and adventure they all shared, and that unquenchable lust for anything wild and untamed. This event had the potential to change the trajectory of women in the wild and it far exceeded those expectations.” -Tana Grenda, Founder of Bristol Bay Retreats 

“This is an event by strong, confident, outdoor women to forge more strong and confident outdoor women because our daughters need us, the next generation needs us. Passing on these skills and this mindset is becoming more and more rare and isolated. This lifestyle is not forgotten and connection with likeminded women is important for its preservation for us all. Women have created waves of change throughout history and last June, a new wave formed.”- Tara Bell, CEO of the Thrival Foundation

The week was filled with learning, bonding and growing as the women participated in workshops ranging from big game hunting, butchering, long range shooting, health and survival. Each woman who came was instantly bonded by their mutual love of the outdoors and everything wild but the relationships forged grew stronger and stronger every day as they stepped out of their comfort zones with each other. Sun filled days of learning were capped in the evening by fires, music and laughter. 

Many of these women had experience with hunting and the outdoors but none of them had been given the opportunity to not only witness but to get hands on experience in everything related to hunting. For many it was a week of firsts. The first time they had skinned an animal themselves, the first time they had rung steel at 1000 yards, the first time they had started a fire with a flint and steel.

This experience is not a one-time opportunity. The Wild Women’s Rendezvous is actively planning next year’s event. June 2025 will see the second annual coming together of wild women from all across the globe. Watch out 2025, the Wild Women’s Rendezvous is coming in hot.

“The Mule Deer Foundation is proud to help facilitate events like this across the conservation space. The world of hunting and conservation is changing and if we want our shared passions and way of life to continue, we need more people around the campfire, not less.”- Trevor Hubbs, Communications Manager Mule Deer Foundation

About the Mule Deer Foundation and Blacktail Deer Foundation:

The Mule Deer Foundation and Blacktail Deer Foundation are the only conservation groups in North America dedicated to conserving mule deer and blacktail deer and their habitat. MDF and BDF are strong voices for hunters, wildlife management, and conservation policy issues. To join MDF or BDF and get involved in your state, please visit: www.MuleDeer.org or www.blacktaildeer.org, or email THubbs@muledeer.org.

To view our short film of the 2024 WWR please visit the MDF YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@muledeerfoundation