By Bob Ede

Photos by Lisa Ede

There is still some hunting left this season. When we think of a ‘hunter’ we often have images of gun toting, bearded, ATV driving men lurking behind trees, but there is a new type of hunter occupying the wilderness. They are just as tough and rugged as their male counterparts.

More young women are turning to the sport. It could be the lure of the wilderness and a desire to be close to nature or the chance to harvest clean food.

We were lucky to spend an evening talking to a young hunter. Atlyn Trask comes from a long line of avid outdoor enthusiasts. Her father and two brothers spend time each fall hunting in the mountains.

While talking with Atlyn we encountered a young women with the highest of ethics, and a desire to preserve and enjoy nature.

Here is part of our conversation.   

Bob Ede: Tell us about yourself?

Atlyn Trask: I am 13-years-old and just started my first year at David Thompson Secondary School.

Bob: Why do you want to become a hunter?

Atlyn: I feel that by becoming aware of hunting that one-day I could confidently go out and get my own healthy food. As well, it provides another avenue of recreation in the outdoors – fresh air, water and just having fun!

Bob: Have you participated in any hunting courses?

Atlyn: I took C.O.R.E. (Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education) last November. I took swimming lessons, which made me very comfortable around the water and rivers, which you might run into while hunting.

Bob: Do you participate in other sports?

Atlyn: I am currently in gymnastics. I am also in soccer during the spring/ summer.

Bob: Historically, people spent most of their time looking for food. Now we go to grocery stores and choose food that we know very little about. Do you think it is important to be able to hunt your own food?

Atlyn: I feel that we must be aware of healthy choices and I think hunting for your own food would be the best.

Bob: Traditionally, boys have been interested in hunting, but lately more young women have been taking up the sport. Why do you think that is?

Atlyn: I think this is because our dads are introducing this kind of thing on a larger level then in the past. For example, girls are starting to play other sports like hockey, too.

Bob: Part of hunting is being close to nature. You have grown up overlooking the lake and beside the mountains. What do you enjoy about growing up in the Columbia Valley?

Atlyn: I feel I know Invermere and area enough that I have travelled to neighboring towns with my friends as far as Canal Flats and back on the Community Bus. Our town feels safe and there is usually a lot to do like go to the beach and stuff.

Bob: Thanks Atlyn. Would you like to say anything else?

Atlyn: I would do this again! It has helped me in a way to talk more with people and I did say to my Mom the other day that after enjoying this experience that I’d like to become a photographer. Thank you Bob and Lisa!

– The above interview is part of a series of conversations with long-time locals that run in e-KNOW. Bob & Lisa Ede can be reached at: [email protected] or https://www.palliserpass.wordpress.com.

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