Submitted Photo During the last days of the regular firearm season, Mary Hubbard used her Ventum compound bow with Beman carbon hunting arrows and G5 Montec broadhead to drop this deer at 40 yards — not an easy shot. Hubbard hunted a forested area in southern Erie County.

As deer seasons progress across our Western New York region, a growing number of women hunters are stepping into the woods, embracing a tradition once dominated almost entirely by men.

From the health benefits of venison to the unparalleled time spent outdoors with family, Western New York’s lady hunters are helping reshape the culture of hunting — one successful season at a time.

While the regular firearm season in New York closed on Sunday, opportunities are far from over. The late archery and muzzleloader season began Monday and runs through Dec. 16, followed by the popular deer-only holiday hunt from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. For many women, these quieter late-season hunts offer the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the woods and pursue game in a more relaxed setting.

One of the leading reasons women cite for taking up the sport is the desire to provide heart-healthy, locally sourced meat for their families. Venison is naturally lean, high in protein, and free of hormones and antibiotics, qualities that appeal to health-conscious hunters. For mothers who strive to feed their families wholesome meals, harvesting a deer represents both sustenance and self-reliance. The benefits stretch far beyond what ends up on the dinner table. Many women are drawn to hunting for its emotional and social rewards. Time spent in the woods often becomes cherished bonding time with spouses, children, or close friends in conservation clubs. The quiet before dawn, the shared thrill of spotting a deer, and the stories retold around the family circle or the backyard campfire create memories that last far longer than a single season.

The woods offer a rare escape from digital distractions, replacing screens with the soft crunch of leaves and the excitement of a shared whisper between family members. Mary Hubbard, one of several successful Western New York lady hunters this year, uses a Ventum compound bow with Beman carbon arrows and G5 Montec 100-grain broadheads for deer.

“I learned from Bob and Sheila Foulkrod in Bob’s Golden Eagle School of Archery,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard is active in local conservation club activities and shares the outdoors with kids of all ages.

Women hunters today reflect a wide range of skill sets and equipment preferences. Some favor the confidence and precision of a firearm, while others prefer the silence and challenge of archery equipment.

Modern compound bows are compact, smooth, and increasingly customizable, making the sport more accessible and appealing. Crossbows have also opened doors for beginners, those with physical limitations, or anyone seeking an approachable entry point into the sport. Late-season archery and muzzleloader opportunities allow these hunters to extend time outdoors, especially valuable for those balancing work and family schedules, fostering a sense of possibility and inclusion.

The increasing presence of women in the deer woods has also strengthened local hunting communities and their shared purpose. Many mentorship programs in Western New York have

reported growing interest from women looking to learn fieldcraft, safety, meat processing, and wildlife conservation. As participation rises, so does the sense of inclusivity and encouragement among hunters of all ages. Wildlife agencies point out that hunting plays a vital role in conservation, population management, and funding for habitat protection. Every license sold and every hour spent in the field contributes to maintaining the region’s rich natural resources, something many women say adds meaning to their participation.

Whether providing healthy meat, strengthening family bonds, or contributing to conservation, women hunters across Western New York are proving that the rewards of hunting are genuinely priceless. With the late archery and muzzleloader season underway and the holiday hunt approaching, there are still plenty of opportunities for newcomers and seasoned hunters alike to step into the winter woods and experience the benefits firsthand.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Dec. 8-16: NYS Southern Zone late archery/muzzleloader big-game hunting season.

Dec. 25: Merry Christmas.

Dec. 26 to Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone late archery/crossbow/muzzleloader special deer-only season. Regular firearms are not allowed.