The First Lady of Hunting™
FLYWAY
How does it feel to be recognized world wide as the "First Lady of Hunting"? Is there any pressure or stress that comes with owning that title?
VALENTINE
For me it means that I have been instrumental in opening doors and creating awareness for women hunters. I'm sure I have inspired countless wives, girlfriends and daughters to join their men in hunting and other outdoor pursuits.
FLYWAY
You were the first woman inductee into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, how big of an honor was that for you, and are there any people in particular that you credit in helping you get there?
VALENTINE
It was a huge honor to be recognized as an equal amongst such notable male outdoor legends. Garry Mason, who is the founder of the Legends Hall of Fame as well as the Board of Directors and alumni all have a voice about new inductees. However, I'd say it was Garry who nominated me but I'll never know for sure.
FLYWAY
Have you ever had a scary or dangerous experience while hunting?
VALENTINE
I've had several. I fell off a mountain in Arizona at night while trying to recover an elk. I've encountered all kinds of large predators in Africa while bowhunting. However, a life threatening treestand accident sticks more vividly in my mind than any other hunting incident.
FLYWAY
Do you have a favorite gun that you hunt with?
VALENTINE
There are several. I find myself depending on a Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker in a .300WSM for most of my hunting. I also enjoy the same gun in a 25-06.
FLYWAY
Do you have a favorite bow that you hunt with?
VALENTINE
For the past year I've shot a Parker Black Hawk.
FLYWAY
What is your most prized "kill" so far, is there one that you are most proud of?
VALENTINE
I'm proud of them all but I guess if I had to pick one it would be the cape buffalo bull I took with a bow and arrow.
FLYWAY
What is your greatest hunting memory?
VALENTINE
That's a tough question. There is no way to pick just one when my whole life has been filled with hunting and each hunt holds it's own special memories.
FLYWAY
You are a member of the Sports Hall of Fame for your Archery accomplishments, do you have any advice for the rookie bowhunters out there?
VALENTINE
Archery is a very addictive sport for me. I finally had to pull away from competition due to time restraints but it is something that anyone can become proficient in unlike many other sports. My advice is to find something that inspires you and concentrate on that one thing as long as it brings you enjoyment.
FLYWAY
Have you ever visited or hunted in Minnesota?
VALENTINE
No, I haven't. Minnesota is one of those states I've not had the opportunity to spend much time in.
FLYWAY
What were you doing as an occupation before you got noticed for your hunting and archery talents and became famous?
VALENTINE
I owned and operated a hair salon. I also trained horses and gave riding lessons.
FLYWAY
Are there things you see other hunters doing that really bother you? Any pet peeves out in the field?
VALENTINE
Probably hearing different hunting groups demean others is my greatest peeve. I think we are all about the same thing no matter what type of equipment we may choose to use whether it be crossbow, in-line muzzleloader, AR, or a flintlock or longbow. Hunters should support hunters.
FLYWAY
For those who dont know, you are a Knight Muzzleloader Master Hunter recipient. What is that exactly and how does one go about earning that title?
VALENTINE
That is an award that can no longer be recieved since Knight Muzzleloader Co. is no longer in existence. For many years the Knight Muzzleloader company bestowed this coveted award each year to someone who they felt worthy based on their contribution to the hunting industry via hunting, mentoring, and media.
FLYWAY
Three things you NEVER hunt without?
VALENTINE
That is sort of depending on what season it is and what and where I am hunting. However, I do always have a small flashlight, a pocket knife, and a small camera stuck in the bottom of my packpack or turkey vest. If treestand hunting I always have my Hunters Safety Systems vest with me.
FLYWAY
You hunt all varieties of animals around the globe, but you must have a favorite. What is your favorite animal to hunt and why?
VALENTINE
I especially like hunting wild turkey mainly because they can be one of the most frustrating things to hunt and there's not nearly as much of the trophy stigma placed on them. I also really love bowhunting whitetail and warthogs.
FLYWAY
Your thoughts on duck and goose hunting?
VALENTINE
I've hunted waterfowl and always enjoy it but I just wish the seasons didn't coincide with deer and other big game seasons.
FLYWAY
Do you have another book in the works? What will you write about next?
VALENTINE
I'm asked that a lot and I do have ideas in the back of my head for things I'd like to write about but my life is so busy right now I see no time to devote to another book in the near future.
FLYWAY
What is the one animal you have yet to hunt and kill, but will?
VALENTINE
Brown bear is at the top of my list.
FLYWAY
Do you feel it is important to get our youth involved in hunting and protecting habitat, and how can we do better in making that happen?
VALENTINE
Certainly. Passing on our hunting heritage and preserving our hunting rights have been my mission for many years. Join and support organizations such as NWTF that have programs dedicated especially for this purpose.
Minnesota Flyway would like to thank Brenda Valentine for taking the time to answer our interview questions.
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