mothers making positive change outdoors
Lindsay Agness

8 Mamas Making a Positive Change in the Outdoors

These eight females are showing the outdoor world what can be done by motivated mothers who love to hunt and fish.

There's a certain group of outdoor lovers that deserves the spotlight, and we're eager to give it to them. They're the women who've made a name for themselves and the work that they do, all while raising children of their own.

It's not easy being a mom, but these ladies are doing it right, and not letting it stop them from participating in the outdoor activities we all know and love.

If you need some inspiration, look no further than this list of capable, strong, powerful women.

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Lakeisha Woodard - HALO Hunting

Lakeisha Woodward is one half of the HALO Hunting duo, a husband and wife team from Mississippi that promotes hunting ethics, safety, and family values. HALO is an acronym for Henry and Lakeisha Outdoors. Together they are raising their four children to appreciate the same things about the natural world and our responsibilities within it. Lakeisha has a Bachelor's degree in integrated Marketing Communications and, with her husband, is on the Field Staff for Hunt Fish Journal.

Raven Finegan

Raven Finegan, avid hunter and shooter, is an Instagram influencer and mom of one daughter. She shares their outdoor fun on her Instagram account with more than 14,000 loyal followers. Finegan also serves as a Turning Point USA ambassador.

Phyllis Rowe - Women of the Outdoors

Phyllis Rowe is the founder and chairman of Women of the Outdoors, an organization created to empower women and youth through education, motivation, and active participation in outdoor activities. A Massachusetts resident, Rowe spent most her childhood outside camping, fishing, and gardening - activities she continues to enjoy today. When she started her hunting journey in 2017, she soon noticed a need for women to have a safe place to post their outdoor adventures and connect with other woman sharing their passion. Women of the Outdoors started as a Facebook group, which has inspired many to have their own adventures, share without judgment, and ask questions in a comfortable environment. Women of the Outdoors then became a nonprofit organization helping women prosper in the outdoors. Rowe strives to educate women and youth on the importance of conservation and preservation, as well as safety preparation for outdoor recreation.

Jess Rice - WildHERness

Jessica Rice is the founder and president of WildHERness, a Kansas-based organization that encourages women and girls to explore the outdoors through skill-building events and community service. She is an NRA Safety Range Officer, Hunter Education Instructor, National Archery in the Schools Basic Archery Instructor, and Fishing's Future Master Angler Instructor. Rice is also a contributing writer for Women's Outdoor News.

Linda White

Linda White, mom of five, is a two-time business owner, fur trapper, and public figure in the world of trapping. She owns the gear and apparel company Trapping Girl, Inc. with Trevor Barnes of Barnes Hide and Fur, and co-owns Sawmill Creek Bait and Lure with her husband, avid trapper Michael White. She contributes a column titled "The She Side," in American Trapper, the official publication of the National Trapper's Association. In addition, White coordinates the "Kids for Catches" initiative that pairs kids' trapping events with no-cost supplies, so trapping-curious youth can have products to take home to start their own lines at home.

Deb Ferns

Deb Ferns is a queen in the shooting and hunting industry. She has forged a way into the male-dominated sphere to create a place that nurtures women by teaching them the skills of safely handling firearms and hunting game. She is the powerhouse behind three businesses - Babes with Bullets, LACE (Ladies Adventure Camp Experience), and the WOMA (Women's Outdoor Media Association). She is also a mama that first got into shooting after her daughters had grown up and left home. Now her mission is to help other women connect, build their skillset, and have a blast learning to hunt.

Lindsay Agness

Licensed Fly Fishing Guide Lindsay Agness is big on giving back, especially to veterans and women. Lots of her free time is spent volunteering every year, mostly teaching fly fishing at workshops and events. She is involved with OASIS Adaptive Sports, Inc. (Outdoor Adventures for Sacrifice in Service), a nonprofit organization offering instruction, equipment, and support to disabled military veterans in a variety of sports and activities, as well as Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, a program dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing. She also volunteers as an instructor for Casting for Recovery, a program that provides healing outdoor retreats for women with breast cancer. Agness served as the Women & Diversity program with Trout Unlimited. She is also a devoted mom and grandmother that enjoys time outdoors with her family.

Dena Vick

Dena Vick is the CEO of King Eider Communications, named after the ornately-adorned King Eider duck, which works with top brands in the fishing and outdoor industry to craft the brands' messaging and manage communications efforts. Through King Eider Communications, Vick mentors aspiring public relations professionals, connecting them with an industry that can be notoriously difficult to break into.

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