An Outfitter Reflects on the Rise of Women Hunters

Hunting has long been a male-dominated tradition, but in recent years, women have been making their mark in the industry like never before. Dan Adler, founder of Diamond Outfitters, has had a front-row seat to this transformation. Established in 2009 by Dan and his wife, Diamond Outfitters has grown to become the largest free-range, no-fence hunting guide service in North America. The business is grounded in Dan’s military experience, operating with a “military-minded” approach to precision, planning, and teamwork.

As they approach their 20th anniversary, Dan reflects not only on the success of his company but also on the significant rise of women hunters over the past decade. We sat down with Dan to discuss this growing trend. Through his experiences guiding hunts and mentoring clients, Dan shares valuable insights into this cultural shift and what makes women hunters unique in their approach and contributions.

Dan Adler: In the past 10-12 years, I’ve noticed a real shift in the industry. Conventions and outdoor expos started introducing things like ladies’ luncheons, which was a clear sign that more women were becoming interested in hunting. Beyond that, I think lifestyle trends like the clean eating movement, gardening, and homesteading have had a big influence. Women want to know where their food comes from, and they’re increasingly taking an active role in harvesting it themselves.

The pandemic was a pivotal moment that I often describe as awakening the ‘mama bear.’ With the rise of the ‘get outside’ movement, I saw more women heading into the woods and becoming first-time hunters. The instability of the food supply chain during that time was a driving force—it motivated women to take control of their food sources. Gardening, raising livestock, and hunting all became part of a larger effort to ensure self-sufficiency.

This wasn’t just a shift for women; it extended to families as well. Hunting became a way for many to provide sustainable food while also reconnecting with nature and each other.

Dan Adler: In my experience, women hands down outperform men when it comes to shooting. There’s less ego in women; they’re eager to learn, ask more pointed questions, and are more open to making adjustments based on a guide’s suggestions. They approach the hunt with more of a tactical mindset, wanting to fully understand the setup and process. There’s a lot more dialogue and less panic or antsy behavior during critical moments.

Most of the women I’ve guided kill with one shot. In fact, I can only think of one miss in 20 years, and she still ended up harvesting her animal later in the hunt. I’ve noticed that many men come to deer camp as a vacation or an escape; they hope to be successful. Women, though, come in expecting to be successful, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Dan Adler: I’ve noticed a huge uptick in gear specifically designed for women. Women used to show up wearing hand-me-downs or oversized, ill-fitting men’s camo, which wasn’t ideal for comfort or functionality. Now, there’s high-quality hunting apparel made for women, with the same advanced technology as men’s gear but tailored properly to fit. Beyond clothing, firearm and bow companies have really stepped up, creating bows and firearms designed specifically for women. Even optics companies are offering more options with better eye relief, making gear more accessible and functional for female hunters.

Dan Adler: Absolutely, I’ve got several, but one that comes to mind is about Melissa Bachman. She came out for a mule deer hunt under some of the toughest conditions. There was high hunter activity, we were fighting a full moon, and a recent burn had changed the landscape significantly. Every day seemed to throw a new challenge at us. We’d stop at the gas station each morning, and more hunters would be heading out, saying, ‘There’s no deer up here.’ But Melissa never wavered. She kept a positive attitude the entire time and never once thought about quitting. By the end of the hunt, she harvested a fantastic mule deer.

Dan Adler: One thing I’ve learned is that women really enjoy each moment of the hunt. You never know what you’re going to get, but they’re fully present in the experience. When it comes to stress, I’ve noticed it reveals true character, and women tend to deal with it more methodically. They want to be involved in the process. Most women I’ve guided want to help dress and process the harvest. They’re not afraid to work and are willing to put in the extra effort to get it done right. Many of these women didn’t grow up with the ‘deer camp’ experience as kids, but times are changing. Women are leading the charge now, often wanting to involve their families or bring their daughters along—even if their spouse doesn’t hunt. I’ve also noticed a competitive nature. Women not only want to learn as much as possible, but they also want to perform well and really excel in the field.

Dan Adler: I think the future of women in hunting is incredibly bright. Now that it’s become a trend, we’re seeing younger girls picking it up, which is exciting to watch. When you combine that with the clean eating and self-sufficiency movements, hunting is becoming more than just a sport—it’s an expression of patriotism. It’s about exercising our rights to use firearms and providing for ourselves. Honestly, the growing participation of women could be the key to saving our sport and ensuring it thrives for future generations.

For women who are new to hunting, my biggest advice is simple: don’t be afraid to ask questions and stay enthusiastic. Find a mentor who can guide you, join a community, and don’t stress about your skill level. Everyone starts somewhere, and the hunting community is full of people who want to see you succeed.