Making the Connection with Women Go Hunting

I have always admired hunters. After years working for a law enforcement association and moving to Texas, SCI was an intriguing new chapter in my career. However, I felt like I was missing a connection with our Corporate Sponsors, members, and advertisers I worked with because I did not have any hunting experience of my own. I started looking into beginner hunting options but couldn’t seem to connect with something that felt like I would fit in. That changed this past summer when I met Denise Welker, Chair of Women Go Hunting (WGH) and began working with her team to help secure sponsorships for the 2026 WGH Mix ‘N Mingle event held at the SCI Convention in Nashville, TN.

During my first meeting I confessed to Denise and her sub-chair, Barbara Crown, that I had never been hunting and didn’t know where to start. They both grinned and said, “Hang on… we are working on something.” A few weeks later I received an email regarding the WGH scholarship hunting program to Legends Ranch!! I threw my phone up in the air and jumped with excitement. I think I told anyone who would listen. I was so excited to finally experience my first hunt and top it off by making some new friends with the other women that were going.

From the first email from Legends Ranch, asking for my meal and beverage preferences, I knew that this trip was going to be amazing. The Limo picked us up in Grand Rapids. I met the SCI 2025 WGH Sweepstakes winners and enjoyed getting to know them on the way to the ranch. Upon arrival our bags were whisked away to our rooms. The staff greeted us with smiles, and I felt welcomed by owner Robert Sergi and the guides. My room was cozy and featured a rose with a personalized note on the nightstand. The ranch was beautiful with a fresh blanket of snow—the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.

Barbara was my hunting partner, and my guide was Tyler. I couldn’t have asked for a better team. Barbara was adamant that I should hunt first, and Tyler was very knowledgeable and patient. We were in the blind for about an hour when a huge buck appeared. I had him in the sights for almost 30 minutes, it was great to practice looking into the sight and getting a good feel for the rifle without taking a shot. My hunt was for a doe, and several older does eventually showed up. Tyler wanted a particular one because she was older and starting to get the younger does into trouble. I had her in the sights but didn’t feel ready to take the shot. She wandered up the hill and out of range. The second doe was broadside, and I had a clear view of the upper shoulder area, I held my breath and said a prayer as I pulled that trigger. It was a good shot, and she went down about 10 yards away in a small patch of sunken snow. There was no need for much tracking, but Tyler showed us what to look for. After we got back to the lodge, we celebrated with champaign and deer jerky. The adrenaline rush had me shivering (it was also 15 degrees outside). I later found out that it was a clean heart shot. That range practice paid off.

This is a perfect hunt learning experience for a woman. You not only get to learn how to hunt, but you learn all about deer, how to field dress, and even how to cook your harvest. WGH is a perfect place to make friends, get support or learn to hunt! – Lisa Neely, SCI Sales Account Manager