In this installment of Gal Gab, we interview hunter, mentor and guide Tracy Shaw. She calls herself the “Arkansas Outdoors Woman;” Arkansas is home for Tracy, and she takes advantage of this state’s abundant wildlife and beautiful outdoors as much as possible. She was kind enough to write a quick summary for the intro, and I don’t think we could have put it any better. So read on as Tracy tells us more about herself, and we think you’ll be motivated (as we were) to continue pursuing our passions and encouraging women in the outdoors. ~ The Editors
I am an avid outdoors woman. I grew up hunting with my dad and have always had a passion for everything in the outdoors. That passion grew into a love of mentoring and coaching women and kids in the sport of Archery and Hunting. I am the president of a nonprofit, Arkansas Scholastic Archery Program (ASAP) where we help kids to get college scholarships through shooting their bow. I am also a pro shooter for Victory Archery and an outdoors guide for Run-N-Gun Arkansas Division. I love spending time mentoring women in hunting through the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) as an Artemis Sportswoman.
I mentor and guide hunters in every aspect of hunting such as gun safety and various “how to’s.” How to clean their guns, scout and hunt what’s in season, learn about the animals’ habitats and track them effectively. I show women how to clean their harvests and properly process the meat. I also teach a little taxidermy, which I believe empowers women to create a piece of art and preserve that special moment and hunting memory. I try my best to show new hunters how they can be respectful of the animals taken during our hunts. We will use every part of that animal for some thing, when possible. My grandmother was Cherokee Native American and I want to try and pass down her ways of tanning, preserving and using your harvest.
1. Describe a typical day in your work life:
In my day job, I am a medical nail tech and business owner for 20 years. Podiatrist refer patients to me for medical care of their hands and feet. I am also a guide for Run-N-Gun Arkansas Division. When I am not working, you will find me in the outdoors, hunting and fishing, mentoring or shooting archery.
2. #1 piece of advice you would give other females who want to break into the industry?
Just get out here and do it. Find a mentor to help guide and teach you. Do not be afraid to start some thing new. Don’t let what anyone says or how they think ever stop you from doing what you want or love to do. Respect other women and lift each other up.
3. What motivates you?
The beauty of the outdoors, and all the life lessons that nature has taught me. Knowing I have the skills to live off the land and feed my family. Making new friendships and passing down my knowledge and skills to future generations.
4. Most unexpected thing you’ve learned, while working in this industry?
We all love what we do and some of us have different ways of doing things in the outdoors. Embracing our different personalities and skills will help you to become a better person and hunter. We should not compete against each other. We should have a mindset to learn something new every day.
5. Favorite product in the outdoor or shooting market right now?
Since I love to hunt all species and to fish, it is very hard to choose. I am field staff for Drake and My favorite type of hunting is turkey hunting. Drake Waterfowl has an awesome Gunslinger Turkey vest and I love their Guardian Elite Series Line. My Run-N-Gun Boss gave me a Sean Mann Express Specklebelly call and it is a favorite of mine.
6. Let’s have some fun … what weapon would you use to battle a giant?
I have my pilot’s license so how fun would it be to shoot my Eva Shockey bow and use my Victory Archery arrows to kill a Giant!!
Tracy Shaw is active on social media – be sure to keep up with her adventures on Facebook / Tik Toc / Instagram. She lives up to her handle “Arkansas Outdoors Woman” and does a fabulous job of taking her audience outside to explore the wonders of her home state.
Jackie Baird Richardson is an interior designer, editor at The WON and avid junker. Watch for her design tips and occasional crafting ideas, bringing the outdoors indoors. View all posts by Jackie Richardson
