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.

Summer... the off Season

Do you put your bow away after spring turkey season or at the end of deer season? Do you wait until a month before archery season to get your bow out and start shooting?  I like archery shooting so much, I shoot almost all year long. I do take a little time off around Christmas.

My favorite off-season activity is 3D shoots at our local archery club. I also enjoy the indoor video hunt league at the archery shops. We shoot pretty much every night, now that the weather has gotten nicer, in my back yard. My good buds Michelle and Sarah come over. Some of hubby's buddies also join us.  I think this summer we should start and annual backyard 3D shoot.  Just something fun to do and a little

friendly competition to push ourselves. (More on that at a later time.)

Michelle

We also take family walks in the woods. Ride our four wheeler. And spend time on the lake, either fishing or just boating with friends.

Then of course we get our practice in with our guns.  Sometimes we go to a shooting range. Other times we shoot in our backyard at targets. Either way is great. We are sharpening our shooting skills and having fun while we do it. I really need to get more target shooting in this summer with my shotgun and my rifle.  However I do not want to shoot to much because I don't want to use up my ammunition. (That still frustrates me that we can't get ammo, I digress.) But I do need to practice so I will have to break down and use some ammo. I have to work on getting my reaction time faster for rabbit hunting.

I have a goal to be at a 50 pound draw weight by hunting season.  So in order to do this, I need to shoot often and I need to train the muscles involved in shooting a bow. Purchasing a bow trainer is a great way to strengthen your back and shoulders.  Here is another exercise that Bowhunter Magazine recommends to strengthen your bow hunting muscles:

Prone T's- improves shoulder stability, strengthens the rotator cuffs, and increases muscle patterns.

To perform the exercise, pull your shoulder blades in toward your spine and extend your arms to the sides to create a T with your torso. Keep your arms long and straight, 90 degrees to your torso. Point your thumbs up, toward the ceiling. Keep your head in line with your spine. Keep your shoulder blades back and down, trying to squeeze them together. You should feel the contraction in the backs of your shoulders and in your upper back between the shoulder blades. I need to do this exercise more often. 

Don't hang your bow up when hunting season is over. Get out there and enjoy the outdoors. Make it a family event.  Who knows you may just make a better kill shot during the next hunting season.