A hunt for her

The event is a fundraiser for The Wyoming Women’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that gives grants to organizations that promote self-sufficiency of the state’s women and girls.

“I really am excited to showcase the Women’s Foundation to people and promote the sport of hunting in Wyoming and the women who are attending,” said Richelle Keinath, executive director of the Wyoming Women’s Foundation.

Wyoming Chief Justice Marilyn Kite was on a family antelope hunt when her sister-in-law, Karey Stebner, came up with the idea to host a hunt. They joked about it at first, but later brought the idea to a friend who suggested the Wyoming Women’s Foundation.

It’s a great marriage between the goals of the Women’s Foundation and promoting hunting, Kite said.

“It’s going to be a lot of interesting women and hopefully raise a little money for the Women’s Foundation,” she said.

The public is invited to join the hunters at a dinner and auction 7 p.m. Oct. 4. Organizers expect about 300 people to attend, half of whom will be associated with the event. It will include a meal, silent auction and live auction. Tickets cost $50 a piece or $400 for a table.

The Wyoming Women’s Antelope Hunt will take place at the Ranch on Ucross, a guest ranch and retreat center located about 17 miles northwest of Buffalo. The hunt will take place on private land with permission from landowners.

There are 50 hunting slots, 40 of which will go to sponsors. For every $5,000 donation, sponsors get one hunting slot. The other 10 hunting slots will be given to winners of an essay contest. There were 30 sponsored hunters and six essay entries as of Aug. 15. The deadline for the essay contest is Sept. 6.

Hunters do not need to have previous hunting experience, but they must be at least 18 years old. Hunting licenses and conservation stamps will be available at the event. Hunters must also complete hunter safety, which can be done prior to or during the event. Wyoming Game and Fish representatives will be on site to review hunting regulations and safety guidelines.

Hunters will be paired off, and each pair will get a hunting guide. Keinath emphasized the opportunity for women to network with each other and maybe even find a mentor.

“There’s a chance for people to interact at this event and share advice about career and family and whatever they end up talking about,” she said. “The possibilities are endless.”

Hunters will have all day Oct. 4 and 5 to hunt, and awards will be presented Oct. 5. Additional activities such as fly fishing and skeet shooting will be available to those who get their animal early or bring family.

Two special guests will also attend the hunt: Rep. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo. and Julie Golob, one of the most highly awarded professional shooters in the world.

For more information about the Wyoming Women’s One-Shot Antelope Hunt, go to www.wyomingwomensantelopehunt.org or call 307-721-8300.