women learn pheasant hunting at South Dakota retreat

Conde Nast Traveler reported on a three-day women-only retreat called Hunt Like a Girl, held at A1 Al's Pheasant Ranch near Emery, South Dakota. The program is designed for first-time hunters to learn how to hunt small game such as pheasant, turkey, and duck safely and responsibly.

The retreat includes guided pheasant hunts with trained bird dogs, firearms safety classes, and education on ethical hunting practices. Guest speakers also discuss how hunting contributes to food provision and regional wildlife conservation.

The ranch offers an all-inclusive experience on over 6,000 acres of private wildlife habitat. Bird processing services are provided so guests can take home their harvested game.

Hunt Like a Girl was founded by Karen Butler, who started a broader program called Shoot Like a Girl in 2008. The women-only retreat evolved to take participants out of shooting ranges and into the wilderness.

According to a 2022 federal survey cited by Conde Nast Traveler, women represent about 22% of the approximately 3.7 million American hunters, indicating growing interest in programs like this.