My name is Sara Gamache and I have been an avid hunter since age 11. I reside in Washington State where I pursue my passion for hunting Roosevelt Elk and Blacktail deer. I also enjoy traveling internationally to hunt other species. I hunt with all weapon types: traditional bow, compound bow, rifle, muzzleloader, and shotgun. However, I prefer to always use a bow on all my hunts.
This Female Hunter Feature is for Sara Gamache. Here we go!
Why do you hunt?
Hunting has been a tradition in my family that I enjoy keeping alive. I find it rewarding to be self-sufficient and feed my family with meat that I personally harvested. I appreciate the primal aspects of hunting and knowing exactly where my meat came from, how it was handled, and that the animal died in a humane manner.
When was your first hunt trip and how old were you?
I first started hunting with my father at age 11. He and I hunted together on public land behind my house every year. In the beginning, I tagged along just to spend time with him, but as I got older, I began to really want to shoot a deer for myself. Ironically, I did not shoot my first deer until I was 19, on a solo hunt, in the same woods my dad took me hunting as a child.
What do you like most about hunting?
Since I mostly solo hunt, I enjoy the time to myself. I live a very fast-paced, stressful life, and getting in the woods is my break from reality and my “relaxation” time. It is especially rewarding when I have a successful hunt and can take pride in that I did it by myself.
What’s your most memorable hunting experience?
A few years ago, my brother and I were hunting whitetail in Idaho, and came across a nice buck. My brother let me shoot at it first, but I missed, so he backed me up and hit the deer. I was happy for him, but disappointed in myself for missing. While taking his deer back to camp, we spotted another really nice buck. I talked myself through the shot and hit the deer perfectly! It felt great to get redemption and celebrate success with my brother that morning.
Do you have a favorite wild game recipe?
I am rather traditional so honestly my favorite is just some tender backstraps cooked over a campfire with salt, pepper, garlic, and butter.
Do you have a “dream” hunting excursion?
An Alaska brown bear hunt with my bow!
What would you say to other women who haven’t tried hunting yet?
Don’t be intimidated! Hunting and fishing were traditionally known as a “man’s sport,” but that has changed over the last decade as more women are joining the scene. Not only that, but these women are proving to be just as good, if not better than the men. Also, don’t get discouraged if you aren’t immediately successful, stick with it because I promise it will be worth it in the end!
Follow Sara Gamache on social media!
Visit PNW Huntress.
Follow PNW Huntress on Instagram.
