Babbs in the Woods: The launch of the ‘MITI’ program

The football season is over. The big game has been played and lots of people are full of chicken wings, nachos and beer. What’s next?

Perhaps it’s time to pause and contemplate instituting a new program that a few of my outdoor pals and I have been mulling over in our minds for a few years – a “Men in the Indoors,” aka the “MITI,” program. There have been various forms of women and outdoor programs for years. We appreciate it. This is the perfect time of year to launch the program. After all, there aren’t many seasons open now for hunting and fishing. Read the story »

Outside My Comfort Zone: The Wine or the whine?

Those of you who follow my columns know that I’m a big lover of dogs and recently two new “furry children” came to be adopted into our home from a local shelter. As a matter of fact, as I write this column both Ellie Mae (German Shepherd) and Jethro (Old English Mastiff) are sleeping and twitching away under my desk. And while I’ve shared with you many a story on my “furry four-legged children,” I don’t think I’ve shared with you that Yellow Tail wine is easy to find at my place.  It’s not very expensive, it’s readily available at most grocery stores, it has decent taste and it’s good to cook with (a little for me, a little for my Crockpot.) Read the story »

Camo Mom: From the mountains to the State Capitol

I consider myself a very blessed individual, in that I love the outdoors and all the hunting traditions that I am able to participate in.  I am also very blessed in that I love my job.  Read the story »

My Job … My Outdoors: Keeping it all balanced — Kathy Butt in the outdoors

Whew … we got a little winded just reading about Kathy Butt’s outdoor lifestyle and how it all comes together for her: taxidermy shop proprietor, registered guide, freelance writer and photographer and big-time promoter of all-things women in the outdoors, plus a mom and a wife. Read the story »

Guru Huntress: Duck, Duck, Flambeau Blind Bag

It was exciting preparing for my first ever duck hunt, which I attended last weekend with 6 other women hunters in Arkansas. The trip was a new adventure for me.  As with any hunting, there are a few things that will be different or required from game to game. Read the story »

Gear Court: Blind-sided by the Bone Collector

In preparation for my husband and I to go on my first whitetail deer archery hunt this year, we purchased the new Bone Collector Blind by Ameristep.  I’m really looking forward to spending some time with my husband and/or friends in this roomy, easy-to-use, well-designed blind. Read the story »

Gear Court: Galco’s ‘Escort’ gets a life sentence

The older you get, the more you look for comfort in clothes – and to a certain extent, in the gear you choose. A few years ago, I broke down and let my husband buy me a Galco synthetic waist pack, aka the “Escort,” so that I can carry my pistol when I don’t want to wear a back holster or carry a purse. I have not ordered relaxed fit, Sansabelt slacks yet, but those might be in the future. I know, it may look like a “shoot-me-first” sort of thing, like those vests that a lot of guys who carry wear, but honestly, who cares? When I’m out on a country road walking my dogs, and someone decides not to stop and mess with me because I’m wearing this waist pack, so be it. Read the story »