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Female Archers…it’s definitely a thing!
Women are getting more and more interested in archery every year.
It is still a much more male-dominated sport, but a lot of women are learning just how much fun it can be.
When I started going to 3D target competitions with my husband a few years ago, there were only four or five women who would show up and shoot.
I’m happy to say the number is steadily increasing all the time.
Acknowledging Female Archers
Kinsey Wheat is one of the women archers I’d like to highlight today.
Kinsey is one of the first women I became acquainted with when I started shooting.
I asked her to tell us about herself and how she became interested in archery.
The following is her story in her own words:
Hello, fellow female archers!
My name is Kensey Wheat.
I am a wife to James Wheat, a mom to Brooks Wheat and a guidance counselor to 185 darling students at Izard County Elementary.
I am originally from Alabama but now live in Arkansas. I grew up riding horses, barrel racing in local horse shows and traveled with a competitive cheer team.
I loved being outside and with my family.
I get asked all the time “How did you end up in Arkansas”. I met James at a horse training clinic in 2004 and decided to follow him back to Arkansas. James grew up in a rodeo family.
He loved to rope. His team roped and calf roped. Since I was tagging along to all of these ropings I finally asked James to teach me how to team rope.
I laugh and tell people that when James has a hobby it is on his mind 100% of the time.
So…
…we team roped…
…a lot!
James and I got married in 2005.
James was hunting more and had an old Darton compound bow. It was so old it scared me. I told him if he was going to hunt to please go buy a new bow.
In 2010 he finally did.
When James got his new bow he didn’t only hunt more, he started competing at 3D archery tournaments.
James had found a new hobby! Without me!
Remember, I told you 100% whatever it is!
During this time I was pregnant with our son Brooks so the horse riding had slowed down quite a bit.
Our son was born that fall. James continued to shoot the 3D competitions the next summer.
I mentioned wanting a bow to James, but only to hunt. The thought of walking in the woods and shooting targets did not excite me one bit, besides I had an infant I didn’t want to lug around.
The next Christmas James bought me a PSE Chaos.
I loved it.
I love hanging out in the yard and shooting with James and hunting with him.
I shot my first deer with that bow that winter.
It was a spot and stalk with a 30-yard shot.
Rodeoing was still my thing though.
When Brooks got older we rodeoed several more years.
It was later that James became a field governor for the Arkansas Bowhunter’s Association. James became more involved and began getting more competitive at the 3D tournaments.
James got a big fancy tournament bow with all of the bells and whistles. Brooks started showing more interest in Archery than horses as well.
So, why did I start archery?
To spend time with my family! So, I started tagging along. Plus, some tourneys required us to camp and I love camping. I enjoy hanging out with friends at shoots.
After a couple of years, I figured I might as well try to become competitive as well. It was fun and I do have a competitive side.
If I was going to shoot I wanted to be the best I could be as well. During the winter of 2017, I ordered a PSE Phenom to be my new target bow.
The summer of 2018 was a good year. I won the women’s hunter class at the Archery Shooter’s Association state shoot in July.
Then in September, I won shooter of the year for the Arkansas Bowhunter’s Association in the Ladies Open and Ladies Pins classes. It is funny because I always thought I would win my first buckle on a horse, but I won three in one summer with my bow.
The sport of archery offers many benefits. I feel like I have benefited greatly from shooting. I first and foremost get to spend time with my family. Second, we have met lots of great friends. These people have become an extended family. Lastly, I believe I am overall healthier. I learned this after taking a couple of months off and attending a winter shoot.
Wow, was I out of shape! I feel like I am stronger, my self-esteem has improved and I am more confident with my body. I would urge anyone who enjoys the outdoors to check into archery, whether it be for hunting, a hobby, or both!
Do You Want to Become a Female Archer?
Becoming a female archer is doable!
If you want to become a female archer, browse around the site to find some great information to get you started.
Start with a Guide to Archery for Beginners. It will give you all the basics you need to get going.
Just for fun, click here for a video of the 2019 Youth World Champion for Female Archers. Watch these young girls do their thing with major skill!
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