Being from Southwest Louisiana near the Texas border, I grew up in what we call Sportsman’s Paradise. Hunting and fishing have always been crucial to the Cajun way of life. Hunting was my father’s favorite pastime and fishing my grandfather’s.
But it wasn’t until I found myself surrounded by rugged mountains, mirror-like lakes, beaucoup sheep, and fascinating species in New Zealand that I decided I wanted to make hunting and fishing my own. As a junior in college studying travel, tourism, and languages, I took an internship with Glen Dene Hunting and Fishing, an outfitter on the South Island.
For half the week I served hunters their dinner in the lodge after they came in from their hunts. The other half of the week I worked skinning and salting hides, and power-washing skulls to prepare the harvested animals for taxidermy.
I like to say I had the best of both worlds, being bloody and covered in brains for half the week and dolled up with my pearls for the other half. Little did I know that I’d fall in love with learning about the anatomy of the animals — red stag, fallow, tahr, chamois, pacific goats, and arapawa rams. I’d also fall in love with the wholesomeness of the sport, the stories I’d hear from hunters in the lodge and from the guides, the experiences of the team I worked with, and the testimonies of sincere pursuit towards wildlife conservation taking place across the world.
Thanks to Richard and Sarah Burdon, owners of Glen Dene, who graciously hosted me, and to the lifelong friends I made there, I was able to harvest my first deer — a beautiful red deer hind and later a fallow doe. As I skinned, butchered, and processed my first deer I’d just taken I couldn’t help but think, “this is the way it’s supposed to be.”
After processing the deer, I took a tenderloin and cooked it for lunch, and from that moment I was hooked… I wanted to hunt for the rest of my life. The process is pure and incredibly rewarding.
During my free time, I was also introduced to fishing. I got to learn about different types of trout from locals and even take a fly-fishing lesson, which I found truly enjoyable.
From what I learned about hunting and fishing in New Zealand, I became eager to go home and share the experiences with my friends and family. I also couldn’t wait to go home and hunt and fish species available in my own stomping grounds.
From this excitement, I made plans to continue learning about conservation, as I had learned so much from hunters all over the world and the different projects and species they were passionate about.
I recently took an opportunity to continue learning by interning with the Dallas Safari Club for the Summer Expo and Foundation Gala. This was an incredible opportunity as I got to catch up with old friends made in New Zealand, connect with outfitters from all over the world, guides/professional hunters, and work alongside a team of interns my age who also care about this industry and want to make a difference.
For young women like myself looking to get involved with hunting or fishing, my advice is to join local sportsman’s clubs or chapters that are active in the community. Find experienced hunters and anglers, ask lots of questions, and ask to hear their stories. Volunteer to tag along on hunts or fishing trips, attend shows like the DSC Convention, and stop and visit with the people working the booths. Look for internships with outfitters to continue learning and gaining hands-on experience.
Before I left for New Zealand, I couldn’t have understood the impact the internship would have on me. I couldn’t have expected it would mean being across the world for a Cajun girl to become passionate about the hunting lifestyle, but I suppose that’s what it took.
As a now senior in college, I look forward to my future in this field. From the internship, I realized I wanted to be a part of conservation projects, hunt and fish sustainably, and share the knowledge I gained with those around me.
By Chaise Sutherland For Lone Star Outdoor News
Chaise Sutherland