In 2012, most female anglers reported fishing for largemouth or spotted bass more than any other kind of fish. However, 43 percent of women said they’ll take anything that bites when freshwater fishing. When it comes to men, almost half of  that (27 percent) said they fish for anything that bites.

What does this tell us about female anglers? Do you fish for specific species or whatever swims by?

Connie Parker

I step into the cold water of the Gallatin. I search for the rock shadows where they live.  I cast awkwardly as fly fishing is a long way from my dad’s boat, a spinner, a chub and hours on the water. I plant my feet solidly on the slippery rocks and cast again.  This time my mind drifts to the lakes of Kansas, to endless hours of catching one fish after another and remembrance of the seven year old girl handing the pole (not even a rod) to her father and saying, “Here, you take a turn; I am tired!”  The roar of my father’s laughter who had caught nothing still rings in my head.

Suddenly, my line goes straight. I go from Kansas back to Montana in an instant. The cut throat and I play for a while and then I marvel at his beauty and his magical ways of taking me home once again!

I’ve never considered myself all that outdoorsy, let alone a sportswoman. Especially because I know plenty of people who would cringe at my even using the word outdoorsy.

Growing up in northern Idaho, my family camped and fished often. As a girly girl who refused to wear anything but skirts and dresses until the age of six, I remember holding fish by the tail with the very tips of my fingers when asked to pose for a picture. The tense look on my face at holding something slimy and the leopard-print skirt and legging combo I’m wearing in one particular picture seems to prove that I was not outdoorsy.

But in Idaho, there’s no escaping the outdoors. Mountains are within easy reach and my family took advantage of them...

Bethany O’Donovan

By Bethany Erb

With Montana big game season closed now for over a month, I’m feeling a little down. Kind of like the day after Christmas…you knew it would come and go, but it’s still sad when it happens. However, reflecting on fall 2013 brings back a lot of great memories, laughs, smiles, and excitement for 2014!

I have many great hunting memories from this past fall, but one in particular stands out. It’s the day a friend and I happened upon a gorgeous Mule Deer buck!

For me, hunting mulies is a supreme experience. As the only North American big-game species in decline, the survivors have evolved into a smart, elusive and difficult to hunt species. The opportunity to hunt them, and even to see them is incredible!

On the third day of our hunt near my home in South...