Western Hunt Fest 2024
Pulling into the dusty, gravel parking lot my heart skipped an extra beat. So much time and preparation had been put into being prepared for this weekend at Western Hunt Fest. The anticipation of this event was now replaced with reality, it was time to compete.
Looking around I see the other contestants gearing up, their packs on and bows in their hands. Smiles covered everyone's faces as the cool dessert morning wind blew hard. My eyes sensitive to the wind began to water as our feet hit the 3d course.
Growing up with 9 brothers I have always been accustomed to being around men, no matter what I was doing. The majority of my teenage years were also spent running around the logging roads with my guy friends. Taking our trucks mudding or shooting clays, there always seemed to be a competition of some sort going on. I’ve never felt out of place or intimidated by the men who I surround myself with, even in my guiding career. But I can understand why some women might feel that way, and if so I welcome you to hear my perspective on the impactful experience I had at this event.
As the course unfolded the encouragement between the five of us held a power of its own. With each target on the course, it held its own challenge. Some you had to crawl up and shoot, others required a set of burpees, push ups and sprints followed by taking a shot. This tested our ability to shoot under pressure with an elevated heart rate. I never felt out of place, I never felt inadequate, I never felt intimidated because the guys were better shots than me. I just went for it, and accepted the fact that my abilities and skills are mine to own, nobody else's.
As I breathed in the desert air I couldn't help but feel grounded in this moment of adventure. Sounds of laughter and happiness came from those who were shooting the course, kicking up dust as they moved up and down the many ridgelines. Massive cliffs and snowy mountains created a breathtaking backdrop as this event unfolded. I felt alive and happy.
After completing the 3d course it was time to chow some food and head back to the mountain for the packout challenge. As we pulled up to the packout station the guys greeted me by name, shook my hand, and were excited to see me compete. The energy was inviting and intoxicating.
The women were required to pack the weight equivalent to a mule deer, and the men were required to pack the weight of an elk. Each contestant had to also carry their bow and antlers on one of the laps.The course was half of a mile and consisted of downhill, sidehilling, and back up hill. Depending on how many laps you did determined how long the course would be.
As I waited for the other women on the course to complete, my heart was so happy to be in a space filled with so much encouragement. I was surrounded by people I had just met but the commonalities we shared brought a comfortable ease. Tailgates were dropped down as the spectators cheered the contestants on. The team happily helped assist in keeping the weight organized and ready to go, and were eager to help get the heavy packs onto the backs of the contestants. The energy brought motivation to my feet and soon it was time to load my pack up and hit the course.
The desert sun was now hot on our backs and I could feel my first sunburn setting in as I strapped down my heavy pack. My strategy was to complete the course in two rounds. The first round I wanted to go heavy while I still had the endurance, but not too heavy that it would slow me down. Leading up to this I had been training with 70 pounds so I knew I could handle a heavy load to start out. For my first round I loaded a hind quarter, two front quarters and then strapped by bow on the back of my pack. This was just another hunt I told myself. You’ve been carrying meat off the mountain your entire life, you know what to do, just put one foot in front of the other. Don't go too fast, and don't go too slow. Let the momentum carry your feet under you. My mind felt ready to conquer this challenge. With a little help getting up off the ground, I cinched down my pack just like I have done thousands of times before, I let the weight find its place on my strong back, and I headed for the course.
Hooting and hollering came from everyone around me as I hit the trail. Loose rock and dirt made for uneven ground stimulating the groundwork one would experience on a hunt itself. The first stretch of the packout was downhill. Using my trekking poles to help balance I focused on my footwork, being intentional about every step. As I hit the sidehill portrion I focused on my breathing and taking long and powerful strides. I kept my head down, focusing on what was in front of me, not what was coming. The sidehill brought me to the bottom of a drainage and it was now time to climb back up. My legs suddenly felt heavy seeing the task ahead. I thought about the young, scared and weak girl I was for so many years. And as I climbed out of that hole, I had a conversation with her. I told her she was going to be okay, and that she will never experience the pain she once did. I told her the going was going to get tough but as long as she put on foot in front of the other she would make it. I told her she was strong, worthy and capable of whatever life threw her way. I told her, girl you got this.
Hearing a familiar voice cheering me on I look up and see I have made it to the final stretch of the course, the road. Taking a quick ten second break I pull myself from the trance of my younger self and make my way up the road towards the finish line. The pack seemed to get heavier now but I wouldn't allow myself to stop. I hear my friend Doug’s voice behind me encouraging me to focus on my breathing, that this pain cave was almost over, I just needed to keep moving. To distract the pain and desire to quit, I looked out towards the snowy mountains and thought to myself, this could be worse. Imagine being out there, on the mountain with this weight. Imagine having to hike one of those snowy, steep ridgelines. This could be harder than it really is. More cheering brought me back to reality as I crested the top of the hill towards the sandbags stacked up for my second load.
Unloading the weight from my pack I wasted no time loading in the final hind quarter and two smaller sand bags which were the weight of the scrap meat, followed by the mule deer antlers on the back of my pack. Securing and strapping down my pack the weight is noticeably lighter then the last round and I feel a surge of energy flow through me as I take off for my last round. Photo credit: Marty Smilth
My movements almost feel effortless, like I've done this a million times before. I cruised through the course passing others along the way. A sense of self empowerment flowed through my blood as I reached the last stretch. I tell my friends Doug and Marty that I love them as they have helped me get through the course. They both have been such supportive men in my life and I was so grateful to share this experience with them. Rounding the corner I pick up my feet and run out the final 50 yards and cross the finish line.
With roughly 125-145 lbs of weight on my back I completed a mile ruk in 47 minutes and 15 seconds, putting me in first place.
The remaining events of the western hunt fest included another full day of a 3d course in hellacious winds, a sprint challenge, and elk calling competitions. I wanted to compete in all of them because I wanted to have the full experience and I am so happy I did. The conversations that were had with the like minded individuals reminded me that these are the people I want to surround myself with. These are the people I want to grow with and to do my part on supporting them because I would love to see them all succeed.
From one woman to another, I encourage you to attend events like this, but especially this event, the Western Hunt Fest. I was lucky enough to meet an incredible and inspiring woman, Kim at this event. She didn't grow up hunting like I did but she is using this event as an opportunity to learn, gain experience and grow as a hunter. Her and I competed side by side, no egos, supporting and cheering each other on. It was a beautiful and powerful experience and I hope you too can experience it one day.
On Sunday, to complete the event awards were handed out to those who earned them. I was blown away, honored and surprised that I made overall 1st place and would be going to the championship round in July. I look forward to the journey of preparing myself for it.
I would like to thank the guys behind WHF, Guy, Jeff and Efren for creating a space for all of us despite our age or gender to feel welcomed and celebrated. Your genuine passion to share this experience with others speaks volumes and I want you to know you are making a bigger impact than you know. I also want to thank everyone else who shared their support and helped create a welcoming space for a woman to come compete and not feel intimidated to be a part of it all.
For now it's time to focus on the championship round. A new goal to better myself as a hunter and as an individual. This process so far has taught me alot about myself, what I'm capable of and the simple things that truly make me happy.
See you all at the Championship round! Thank you for following along.
Much love, Draya.
