By Ryan A Ryan
Artemis has been a blessing that continues to unfold in my life today. I wasn’t lucky enough to grow up in a hunting household, nor did I have the connections or resources—especially as a girl—to break into the hunting world. My whole life, I felt drawn to this community, yet it remained out of reach. The older I got, the less approachable it felt to me. It wasn’t until I experienced the loss of my father that I committed to learning how to hunt, regardless of how many doors I had to knock on or how long it took. I reached out to numerous organizations and individuals interested in mentorship and outdoor education. However, I was met with a few responses and empty promises that turned into email ghosts. Through dedicated online research, I discovered Artemis Georgia and contacted the then-R3 Coordinator, Bre Bashford, to share my story, hardships, and desire to learn. Her quick response, encouragement, and support led me to participate in the Artemis Columbus trip. That was my first hunting experience, and in just three days, I received multiple safety briefings, wildlife education, hands-on training with firearms and safety harnesses, and an introduction to compound bows. More importantly, I met wonderful women eager to share their knowledge and hunting experiences, not just during that event but afterward as well. I took what I learned and hit the ground running. I continued connecting with women that I am grateful to now call friends and mentors. Gretchen Pruett gave me my first bow and made the opportunity to shoot accessible for me, an inexperienced hunter and archer. Alisha Beck, an Artemis mentor and founder of Girls with Bows, became an instrumental point of contact for me as I stumbled through learning to use a compound bow and later took my first archery deer at the 2025 Eatonton Archery hunt. Baylee Taylor, before ever meeting me in person, always took the time to answer every single question I had about turkeys, scouting, and calling, all of which helped me go into the woods alone for the first time and have my first interaction calling a Tom. All of these women are people I talk to now almost every day and love like family. I participated in every season available last year, as well as the Artemis Duck and Turkey hunt. With each event, interaction, and fireside chat, I expanded my arsenal of knowledge. As my relationship with the organization deepened, my confidence grew, and I became the hunter I always knew I was meant to be. I tell you with unequivocal confidence that I would not be what I am today if it weren’t for Artemis.
My experiences and interactions with Artemis Georgia have made me confident in venturing out on my own, and I know that whenever I have a knowledge gap, there is a group of kind, beautiful-hearted women I can turn to for guidance. Over a year later, I proudly find myself part of the Georgia Artemis Alliance. I do not take this opportunity lightly and feel that it is my responsibility to give back what has been given to me. I do this with pride, by the grace of God, and a happy heart.
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