My name is Sheila Ogle. My husband of more than 18 years is the mentor who first encouraged me along my own hunting trail, and still supports me as I develop my archery skill. We hunt together and often recover game and scout along side one another. It is a real blessing to be able to share these moments with him. We live in Windsor, Missouri raising our one daughter, who is also a hunter and currently learning the discipline of archery. We do hunt mostly public lands throughout southwest Missouri. It is a challenge to do so but it is the reality of how an everyday hunter who does not own large land tracts hunts wildlife.

I have both bought and been sponsored with bows, guns, etc., which I still use and recommend for youth and lady hunters. It has been a privilege to find the support and availability of such products. However I believe it is important to keep in our sights the enjoyment of the sport not the price tag or promise of fame. Hunting is a wonderful heritage we have the privilege of participating in and I would like to see everyone who has the desire to pick up a bow, gun etc., not only do so but be able to despite their financial ability. The advancements that are in our reach are amazing but I fear the loss of the good old fashioned access to all that the past generation enjoyed. In years past the gas to travel west and hunt was not a burden on the hunter. The high priced hunts of today and the gimmick of getting big bone can sometimes overshadow the original idea of the hunt itself. It shouldn't be about the price tag. Everyone's continued participation in this sport is priceless. The experiences we have preparing for a hunt, walking to the stand, and the lessons that are revealed after each hunt unfolds teach us who we are and how to respect all living things created by God. I am thankful for the opportunity to find enjoyment in every hunt.

Adventurous outings and quiet moments spent outdoors fuel a Ms.Outdoors newspaper column as well as various other publications and projects as I pursue my lifelong dream of freelance writing. WomenHunters™ has largely been a support group from which I have continually learned from and found encouragement to build the confidence needed to be a better WomanHunter and an outdoor writer.

I did not grow up with a gun in hand tagging along on the family hunts. Though I do recall with vivid memories my grandfather's painted face concealing a triumphant smile as he held up another turkey. Too young to go with him at the time, I would watch with delight while he attended to every detail in preparing for each hunt. On his return, I waited in anticipation to watch an animated recounting of his latest adventure.

My parents too shared stories about rabbit and coon hunts as well as taking white tail. I never liked guns, mostly because loud noises frightened me, so I had no intention of shooting a firearm. Honestly I did not start hunting until I was an adult. About 11 years ago, my husband and I took a hunter education class due to our age and the legal requirement for purchasing hunting licenses. I remember when the disinterest in my husband's hunting turned to curiosity, and eventually led me to a desire to hunt. Somewhere in between following my husband blindly in 4 AM cover of darkness to a tree stand and going without him on my first hunt, I succumbed to the call and returned to the woods with my gun.

Eventually my love for target shooting overlapped into archery. That is the most enjoyable place in my journey thus far. It brings me a great deal of satisfaction to challenge my skills alone at the target as well as our local 3-D course. I shoot a Renegade SX-5 with Carolina Archery Products Foxfire TP (Triple Pin) Sight and a Whisker Biscuit Rest.

Other interests I have include gardening, hiking and writing poetry. These are all ways I can enjoy Gods creation and share the joy of my faith in Him with others. I would like to encourage you to trust in the Lord also. The following poem was inspired by the evidence of His presence in nature.