As one of the more well-known huntresses in outdoor TV, Melissa Bachman spends nearly 300 days in the field filming for her show, “Winchester Deadly Passion,” which currently airs on Sportsman Channel Sundays at 11:30 a.m. ET. We grabbed her in between hunting trips to ask a few questions. And be sure to enter to win the Mathews Jewel bow Melissa used on several hunting adventures by clicking here.
1.Tell us about the current season of “Winchester Deadly Passion,” why should viewers tune in?
This season’s show is really one of my best seasons yet. We had so much incredible footage from my travels. Last year, I literally left my home in August and returned in December, so there was no shortage of days in the field. As always I hunted hard and really tried to go over and above to get amazing footage, and quality animals. I can only hope the amount of fun I had in the field will come through in each and every episode.
2. What did you do differently this season? How about the same?
I did more out-of-country travel. This season I went to Argentina, New Zealand and traveled for the first time to Yukon for moose. Unfortunately, I came home empty handed on that trip. Great footage, but not every trip is successful. Some hunts go smoother than others, but regardless of weather or difficulty, I am always giving it my all and putting in a ton of time.
3. You’ve been in outdoor TV for quite sometime now – what piece of advice were you given that was gold?
The one piece of advice someone gave me was nothing will pay off more than hard work and that is the absolute truth. You can’t wait around for things to happen. Some people may catch a big break, but by working hard and never giving up you don’t have to wait on a break, you can create your own opportunities and that’s exactly what I’ve done. It hasn’t been easy and it has been extremely long hours year after year, but if you believe in yourself enough and are willing to work hard, anything is possible.
4. Is there still a show or episode out there that is your “dream” to film?
Absolutely. I would love to go to Australia and the dream part really comes from swimming with the great white sharks. I absolutely love sharks and would love to film this and add it into a show from Australia but haven’t had the opportunity to make this happen yet, soon though…hopefully within the next year!
5. We know you have a huge impact on your younger audience looking up to your hunts. What is the best way to get young girls interested in hunting?
Best thing you can do is to start out shooting at a range. Get them comfortable with the noise and all aspects of the gun – from bullets to cleaning all parts. Then, take them shopping! Don’t pick out the clothes for them, but allow them to get excited at the retail store looking at all the options. Have a staffer help you make them feel like a princess for an hour. Lastly, pick a couple hunts that are fun, keeping in mind weather and length of time spent in the field.
How many animals do you think Melissa harvested with her Mathews Jewel bow?
6. Is hunting still fun for you? And how do you handle the stress?
Hunting will always be fun for me, but there is an added amount of stress that is just a part of my job. I try to use that stress as a positive to put in the hours and make something happen. I typically hunt alone, but more and more I’ve been including my friends and family on my adventures, which really helps on the stress part. Last fall, I hunted with Kelly for the second time, who asked to go on a hunt with me as part of her “wish” in 2014. Kelly has Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare genetic disorder that will progressively worsen and take away her ability to walk among other things. We had so much fun on 2014’s trip, we agreed to do it again in 2015. When you look at Kelly enjoying herself outdoors, all the stress disappears.
7. How do you stay prepped for hunting when you are gone so much?
Since I hunt around 300 days a year, I try to always be prepared at any given time! I keep one backpack ready with all the essential gear I need. I also have one duffel bag with all of my clothing and body care essentials for any experience. I make sure to always have scent free products with me at all times as well – I recommend Wildlife Research Center’s Scent Killer® Gold® for Her™ kit – it comes with body wash, shampoo & conditioner, clothing spray and a bath puff. I always have a kit in my bag.
Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win the Mathews Jewel bow Melissa used on several hunting adventures by clicking here.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
