“
Being diagnosed
with Graves Disease
in 1998 put an
obstacle in Amanda
Lynn Mayhew’s
trajectory of life.
Feedback from participants such as this fueled her ambition:
“I just wanted to say thanks for having the range days. A cou-
ple of years ago I was told by a fairly well known bow shop
that I wouldn’t be able to shoot a bow because I am blind in
one eye. So I went to another establishment and spent hours
with a very nice representative that set me up with a Bowtech,
and I have been shooting that ever since. I was nervous about
range day because of that issue even though I have shot guns
before, the members you have helping at range day were en-
couraging. It meant the world to me to have everyone treat
us all with respect and like we were equals. They took the time
“
Over 800 women have initiated their hunting skills develop-
ment and had first experiences on Range Day. Many of these
women have gained confidence to move forward to success-
fully obtain their firearms and/or hunting licenses. With Range
Day limited to 2-4 times per year and always sold out quickly,
Amanda Lynn knew she found what the industry was missing.
to help assist each of us. I look forward to taking a friend in the
future and I have my list ready for my next trip to Cabela’s.”
Forming the Ontario Women’s Hunting Association was the
next step in making hunting accessible for those who do not
have anyone to go hunting with. Amanda questioned, “If
women don’t have someone to take them out, how are they
going to learn?” With free memberships and email access,
Amanda Lynn makes herself accessible to assist as best as
she can. Amanda Lynn has honed her skills far beyond the
mere sport of the kill, and encourages this for all hunters.
“There is more to it than just packing up and getting out to
harvest your animal,” Amanda says. She engages in each
stage of the hunt, including the cleaning, butchering and pro-
cessing of her own game, as well as cooking it. The OWHA
website is the ideal platform to share information about these
uncommon activities for those who want to take it one step
further.