As a woman, I’ve heard it all from men and women alike. It’s not just a fashion trend or a popularity contest for everyone. For some people, myself included, hunting is a part of every day life. It is tiring dealing with people who think that because I am a woman, I shouldn’t participate in such “manly” or “barbaric” things. These are just a few things I’ve heard over the years.

1. Don’t you mean you like to cook deer?

Yes, your reference to my obligation to be in the kitchen due to my gender is hilarious. Real gold. You should be a comedian. But I really hope you did NOT just ask me that sincerely. Men aren’t the only ones allowed to hunt. While I do love to cook my kills, I can very well bring home my own damn bacon too, thank you.

2. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?

I’ve been hunting since I was old enough to do so. I know what I’m doing. Thanks for your concern though.

3. You’re just saying that to fit in.

Yes, because the people I want to surround myself with are people I have to lie to to be able to fit in to their group. No. Sorry but I’m not that desperate. I could care less what people think of me.

4. Do you even know how to skin a deer? I bet not. You’re probably grossed out by it.

I’ve been hunting with my dad since I could walk. When he would make a kill, I lived for going down to the cleaning rack with him and watching him do it. When I shot my first deer, it was a family tradition to skin your first deer BY YOURSELF. So like any good hunter would, I was covered in blood by the time I was done with my doe. It was fun and the deer was good that Christmas.

5. Do you even know what kind of gun you’re supposed to use?

Seriously? My preference is the 270 but hey what do I know. I’m sure because it’s not as manly as the 30-06, I must be using the wrong gun.

6. You only wear camo because country music made it cool.

Again, back to me not caring about what other people think.

7. I bet you’ve never even shot a gun.

Well, contrary to what your neanderthal brain tells you, I have actually shot several guns and I am actually a pretty dang good shot. But I appreciate your condescending concern for my gun knowledge.

8. I bet you shoot like a girl.

And please explain to me, what does it mean, to “shoot like a girl”? Because if you’re implying that girls don’t shoot as well as men, well, you will be disappointed to find out that girls actually shoot just as well, if not better, than men. So, yes. I do shoot like a girl. Thank you.

9. You probably just take selfies in the blind and then go get Starbucks.

Actually, if you knew me at all, you’d know that I’m not a morning person so I usually don’t do morning hunts. And, I live on a ranch, so Starbucks is my old coffee maker with creamer and two sugars. And the only “selfies” I take are the ones I take with my kills.

10. I can’t believe you kill innocent animals!

You will NEVER make me feel bad for shooting a deer or a hog. My family eats well all year round because my dad and I hunt. Venison burgers and Hog and Venison chill are some of my favorite recipes. God put animals on this earth for man to eat. [Genesis 1:29-30, Genesis 9:3] I don't shoot anything I wouldn’t eat.

As I said before, these are just a few things I have heard over the years. I think it is humorous that in this day and age, girls hunting is still such a farfetched idea. If y’all have things that y’all have heard that I haven’t listed, please comment below! I’d love to hear them!