Michelle the Huntress

I have decided to introduce you to some of my Huntress friends. So today I will introduce you to Huntress Michelle Mattis. Michelle and I have been friends for quite a few years. She is just getting into shooting a bow and back into hunting. Here is my brief interview with her.

What was your first hunting experience?
Michelle: At the age of 12 or 13. I went to the "big woods" in Warren with my uncle and cousins. I climbed a big hill and sat for hours with out seeing a deer.

Who got you into hunting?
My uncle when I was a child. And you. (She is referring to me, the author when she says "you".)

What is your most memorable hunt?
Climbing the hill and vomiting. Then my cousins telling me suck it up. There is also the time when my cousin lost his contact and took my glasses to wear so he could see to hunt.

How would you like to hunt with your sons someday?
Yes, I think Damon would be the one more likely to go out hunting with me.  I would also like to find a significant other someday, that likes to hunt.

What are your other hobbies?

May 3D Shoot

I work full time as a phlebotomist. I like to got to 3D archery shoots. Boating on the lake in the summer. Also like to dance. When the weather is nice I like to get outside and walk. Ride 4 wheelers.

What do you feel are your obstacles for when you go hunting?
I am afraid of being in the tree stand.  I am afraid of heights. Not seeing anything is also an obstacle I do not want to have.

What are your favorite hunting sites?
Just for Does, The Crush and A Little Pink in a Camo world. Michelle is the recent Facebook winner of a pair of Muck Boots. Just for Does and Muck Boots were having the giveaway. Way to go Michelle!

What motivates you to stay involved with hunting and the outdoors?
You and Caleb. (Caleb, author's husband.) And the strength that I am gaining from shooting my bow. Best part is the "girls" are getting perkier!


How do you stay informed on hunting issues?
You and Caleb.

3D Season and practicing

April was the start of 3D season here in Northwest PA. My husband and I became active members of our local archery club during the winter. We now enjoy going out as a family to help set the targets before the shoots. We load up our 4-wheeler, our 3 year old and head out to the club for a few hours and ride around in the woods setting the targets. We have some fun targets to shoot at.

The first shoot in April was chilly and rainy. But still fun. I did not have a very good score for my first shoot. That did not stop me. I started practicing several days a week. May came and I got my morning out in the ground blind for opening morning of turkey season. Then I got another chance at the 3D course. May's targets were turkeys. I did better that day, encouraging. That was also the day I decided that everytime I went to a 3D shoot, my goal would be to hit all the targets. It took me a while but, after much practice during the summer, August brought my first shoot with no missed targets. It was a victory for me. I felt accomplished. With this accomplishment, came confidence and my shooting improved even more.

September had the last two shoots of the season, the deer shoot and the hunter warm-up. The hunter warm-up was my best shoot. It gave me more confidence that I was lacking going into my first deer hunting season. It was perfect timing, this shoot was the weekend before opening archery season in PA.

I'm ready for archery season!