Interview: Jane Keller, Team Huntress

I recently heard about Team Huntress from a twitter friend. According to their website, Team Huntress holds outdoor adventure clinics for women in which they combine outdoor adventure with spa pampering and gourmet food and wine. Intrigued, I asked Team Huntress founder Jane Keller for an interview to explain the concept behind their program.

GGS: Thanks so much for agreeing to this interview, Jane, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

JK: I am a South Dakota farm girl. I am not a pro hunter, consultant, or celebrity in the outdoor industry. I am daughter, sister, mother, friend, and neighbor.  I am a voice who strongly believes women need to strengthen and encourage each other to a new level of comfort in the outdoors. I attribute my deep appreciation of the outdoors to my parents. Their conservation efforts of my youth are proudly evident and thriving today. It is my joy and honor to continue in their legacy, to promote and preserve this passion for future generations.

GGS: Where did the idea of “Team Huntress” originate?

JK: At Pheasant Phun / OJ Bar Ranch, I coordinate events and guide hunts, an all-around go-to girl for whatever needs to be done. Taking the lead from what was happening in our venue, I decided women needed a platform for positive experiences in all outdoor pursuits; thus the birth of TEAM HUNTRESS!

GGS: Here in the city of Vancouver it is not common to own a gun and the concept of hunting is not as familiar to us as it would be for people who live outside a big city.  Can you explain for our readers that may live in a city what is the concept behind the program? Is it all about hunting?

JK: Just because a woman seeking adventure might want to learn outdoors skills doesn’t mean she wants to stop being a woman. That’s behind the creation of the Outdoor Adventure Clinic, a three-day event catering to women who want to learn or improve their outdoor skills while enjoying beautiful accommodations, spa treatments and camaraderie of like-minded women. We are aligned with safety first and target practice only. Whether they take these skills into the field or keep them on the range that is for each gal to decide for herself.

GGS: Can you tell us about a typical outdoor adventure clinic run by Team Huntress?  First of all, where are the clinics held?

JK: The inaugural women’s Outdoor Adventure Clinic held June 12-14, 2009 at the Pheasant Phun Lodge in Hitchcock, South Dakota, was a resounding success. Pheasant Phun Inc., a female-friendly outfitter, offered the breathtaking beauty of the prairie including panoramic sunsets. At the clinic, expert instructors on the Team Huntress Pro Staff taught archery, shotgun and handgun skills.

GGS: What other activities are on the agenda?  I understand there may be some serious relaxation and wine involved…?

JK: Absolutely! Our team of clinicians offer the kind of pampering women love: massages, facials, manicures, foot scrubs, yoga and wine tasting…we all like to be treated like the lady know we are! We have fantastic gifts from our fine sponsors that are continually presented on their pillows to the delight of every girl. Anticipation mounts as one starts to wonder “What next?”  We also have shopping with women’s hunting apparel from Prois and Camp Wild Girls available for purchase at discount Team Huntress rates.

GGS: How do you think the Team Huntress outdoor adventure clinics empower women?

JK: Because most of the teaching staff is female, the environment is welcoming for women who are interested in learning outdoor skills, but are intimidated about getting involved in the male-dominated shooting sports. Team Huntress understands that women want and need a supportive and pleasant environment for learning. Women who had never fired a gun felt secure taking those first steps at the clinic and found they really enjoyed what they were learning. That exhilarating self confidence becomes viral, and radiates from the faces of each participant.

GGS: What do you hope women will take away with them after participating?

JK: The end of the weekend, participants were abuzz about the shooting sports and the new friendships they’d formed. Participants and instructors evolved into a close network of outdoor friends. It is the goal of Team Huntress to leave you with an “I can do anything” attitude. I have bonded with friends in the vast outdoors who will guide and support me every step of the way!!!  Team Huntress is here to help empower you for outdoor success, support and encourage you on your journey through life, and always be Your Personal Outdoor Adventure Network of Friends.

GGS: Jane, you’ve been a great sport and I thank you so much for speaking with us.  If I can throw one final question at you, the one I’ve been dying to ask… what is your favorite fashion accessory and why?

JK: I’m so glad you asked! I love my dazzling pendant which was designed and handcrafted by my friends at Faini Design Studio, in Sioux Falls SD. It’s custom-made with 14 karat yellow gold and 18 karat pink gold.  The main stone consists of elk ivory and there are seven genuine pink sapphires set in the pink gold.   I wear it on a black rubber cord (because I’m so active), with gold lobster claw clasps.  It links me with the outdoors and touches my soft feminine side.

For more information about Jane Keller or Team Huntress, visit Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinics online.  The next Outdoor Adventure Clinic is Hosted By Camp Wild Girls August 21, 22, & 23, 2009 in Wisconsin at Buffalo County Outfitters near Eau Claire. COST: The all inclusive event is priced at $995 and includes instruction, meals, spa treatments, ammo, eyes and ear protection, sponsor gifts, lodging and transportation to and from the airport. Team Huntress could come to a town near you!