Holly Heyser – Member of The WOMA

Holly is a full-time college journalism lecturer at California State University, Sacramento, and spends most of her remaining waking hours either hunting, volunteering with hunting groups, writing about hunting or photographing wild game, from field to table.

Holly Heyser has proven herself to be a powerful voice for hunting’s positive benefits and California Waterfowl. She volunteers with the association as a pivotal public relations advisor, is a tireless advocate for our education and outreach programs, and is a key member of California Waterfowl’s Women’s Outdoor Connections Committee. On her blog, NorCal Cazadora, she provides a wealth of information on all things hunting in a thought provoking and inviting way that draws people out and into the marsh. Through all she does Holly encourages everyone to participate fully in outdoor experiences and think deeply about what our way of life is all about.

Editor, heal thyself

Think professional editors don’t need editing when they change hats and put their own fingers on the keyboard? Think again.

Everybody’s writing needs the eye of a good editor. If a doctor falls ill, she doesn’t treat herself—she seeks the advice of another doctor.

When you’ve been editing outdoor writers’ copy as long as I have, you read (and hopefully, improve) a lot of unintentionally hilarious sentences. And if you’re a bit of a pack rat, as I am, you tend to collect these missed shots, blown casts and big ones that got away—because they remind you of your own fallibility as a writer. You say: “There but for the grace of God go I,” knowing that a single letter can spell the difference between eloquence and falling flat on your face.

Here are some of my favorite bloopers, taken from actual copy I’ve edited over the years, before it was published in an outdoor magazine or book.

Clearly, we are not immune: Number 10 is from our own forthcoming book, 50 Hikes in Central New York’s Leatherstocking Country. Number 1 actually contains three errors. If you catch them all, congratulations. You may have an inner editor you need to get in touch with.

Enjoy.

10. This is a great place to get views out over the pretty lake and the marsh, with a variety of birds and incest to see throughout the year.

9. Rivers that sweep slowly through lush valleys and pastureland will have a tendency to freeze quicker than rivers that carve their way through a swift, majestic, boulder-filled canyon.

8. Watching the troupe of lowland gorillas wander through their habitat, Gail could imagine she was on an adventure in deepest Africa.

7. The Green River below Flaming George Dam offers great fishing for rainbow trout.

6. Utah’s Green River below Flamingo Gorge Dam is one of the most famous trout streams in the West.

5. A wool baklava is an excellent choice for hunting in late fall and will keep your face and head warm even in the coldest weather.

4. Boats are usually dropped down embankments alongside the canoe launches using a variety of wenches, homemade slides, and plenty of elbow grease.

3. Quietly, I set up my Predator Shooting Sticks, upholstered my Magnum Research .45-70 pistol and laid the barrel on the sticks.

2. The gays at Southeastern Anglers make their living on the river, and know the stream and its trout better than anyone else.

1. One day, we were fly fishing for strippers in front of singer Jimmy Buffet’s shorefront home in the hamptons.

Bill Bowers

Know your audience

I had the honor of having Deb Ferns, of The WOMA and Babes with Bullets fame, stay at our home Friday night. This was before her big day at Cabela’s speaking to more than 100 women who wanted to learn more about the outdoors.

Deb hit the nail on the head with this group because she knows the kind of information these ladies needed and wanted. Her keynote and Handgun 101 presentations were spot-on, and her presentation skills were terrific.

Deb graciously brought my husband, Al, whom she knows, some fabulous chocolates. Anything edible, especially chocolate, is well received by the big guy. And you may be asking yourself, “So what did she bring you?” 9mm ammo . . . just perfect for my Smith & Wesson M&P. She paid attention and knows what I like!

So the question is, when you communicate, do you pay attention to your audience? Do you go out of your way to connect? If so, what do you look for?

Marsha

The WOMA members invited to 5th Annual Media Day at the Range 2010

With the support of Bass Pro Shops, the 5th annual Media Day at the Range will be held on Monday, January 18, 2010.  The event will be held at the Boulder City Pistol & Rifle Range, Boulder City, Nevada from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  This event will give you the opportunity to handle and shoot new products being introduced at SHOT Show from many of the industry’s leading manufacturers.

We are expecting more than 60 manufacturers to register for Media Day and since we will continue to take reservations until December 1st the list will continue to grow.  What better way to get a jump on next year’s new product line-up all in one place.

The day will consist of visiting with a wide range of manufacturers both from the shooting and non-shooting community and you will also have an opportunity to interview company representatives about their new product line-up.    The day will include refreshments and lunch.  Transportation will be provided to and from the range as well as from several of the other shooting events taking place that day.

You may register at by visiting www.media-day.com.  Click on the Writer Registration tab which will direct you to a short form to complete.  Please be sure you pass this information on to all individuals from your publication or broadcast property who may want to attend, we don’t want anyone to miss this event.

On behalf of all the attending manufacturers we look forward to seeing you at the range and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

If you have already registered and received a confirmation email, you can disregard this reminder.

Best regards,
Cathy Williams
CMG Marketing & Events, LLC
47 Sunlet Bend
Kiawah Island, SC  29455
703-587-7142 (office & cell)
703-852-4361 (eFax)
Visit our website – www.cmgmarketingandevents.com

The “other” mammogram waiting room – a reprint from L.A. Times Health Section

As I sat  in a gown awaiting my annual mammogram, reading a narrative on Montana fly fishing in a magazine, I felt far from such luxury . . . here in this small, square room surrounded by dressing-room curtains, this the different room from the one where I usually awaited my turn.

This year my  physician had prescribed a “diagnostic” rather than a “routine” screening, and I had been told  that the appointment, what with x-rays, ultrasound, and readings, would take  two hours. I was not worried—I knew my doctor was just being thorough.

The chairs filled with women of varying ages, one who was quilting a baby blanket for a new granddaughter. Her uncomfortable x-ray completed, she was awaiting her ultrasound. You know the drill.

“It must have been a man who invented that machine,” she commented to the air. I lifted my head from the pages, having heard this complaint before.

The talk turned from there to lingerie shopping, shoe styles, and why,  in this day and age, we had to endure the discomfort of these appointments, until a lovely, tall blonde commented, “This is the scary side, you know–the room where you come if they think something’s wrong.”

Silence.

It’s true. In all the years I had been coming in for these photographs, not once had I been in this room—hadn’t even known it existed. Now that I was here, was I more likely to be the one out of eight women who are diagnosed in their lifetime with breast cancer? This time, would I be that one?

A petite woman sat down near us. Her glasses were a shade darker than mine, but not enough to camouflage her red and puffy eyes. “I got a call last night that they wanted me back,” she whispered.  And she began to cry.

“I’m 47, and there has never been any cancer in my family,” she protested. “Has there been any in yours?”

She seemed hungry for details, so I told her my aunt had died of breast cancer, and even then  doctors had reassured me it did not increase my risk factor. I told her I knew everything would be okay. I didn’t, of course.

She offered the blow-by-blow circumstances that had landed her in this chair this morning—the lump she found while taking a shower, the mammogram, the call to come back in. Her fear was palpable despite the nurse having told her not to worry. She inhaled sharply. “I’m terrified.”

I’ve been in a hundred  waiting rooms but never have I helplessly watched a  stranger openly express terror.  I began to wonder how many of us, each day, are seated  in straight-back chairs listening to elevator music, flipping through out-dated magazines, all the while living private moments of panic?

Soon I was in the hands of the friendly nurse who took me through the process–X-ray followed by ultrasound. All was well, and my celebratory news was rewarded by the technician with a long-stemmed flower. When I came back, my new acquaintance was still there, her fingers knitting together in her lap.

“Take this,” I announced as I handed her my flower. “It will be your good-luck charm.” Her glasses lifted and her lip quivered. Not wishing to press, I left, pushed the elevator button, traveled down to my car.

I sat there for just a moment, regretting my fear of intrusion, to the point that I almost went back; I should have offered to call her later.

Now all I could do was pray that she, too, would leave, holding another flower in her hand.

~Kathleen Clary Miller

Kathleen is the author of 200 essays and stories that have appeared in such publications as Newsweek, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, Hartford Courant, Los Angeles Times, Missoula Living magazine and The Christian Science Monitor. She is a columnist for The Missoulian, western Montana’s daily newspaper, and her monthly column “Peaks and Valleys” appears in Montana Woman magazine. Kathleen has also contributed to National Public Radio’s On Point.

American Mtn. Guides Association seeks membership director

The American Mountain Guides Association is seeking a full-time membership director. The American Mountain Guides Association is a national non-profit organization that is the premier source for training, services and credentials for professional mountain guides and climbing instructors in the United States. Please submit resumes to betsy at amga.com by 5 p.m on Thursday, August 20th, 2009 or until position is filled.

Job Description:

1. Strong organizational, written and verbal skills

2. To respond promptly to inquiries from prospective members, members, executive director, board members, the general public and other industry bodies by phone, email or in writing and follow-up with an agreed timeframe.

3. The ability to create and update membership and marketing material e.g. letters, new member welcome packs, newsletters, e-bulletins, press releases, fact sheets, membership directories, member listings, member questionnaires and brochures

4. To develop and direct general marketing campaigns to promote the AMGA’s mission and purpose and ensure these are coordinated with recruitment and retention activity

5. To undertake member market research in areas such as member benefit analysis, member satisfaction surveys, member needs assessment and competition analysis.

6. To implement the membership development plan, manage resources, set workflow priorities, and review with the Executive Director.

7. To manage the production of mailings (merging, printing and fulfillment) and to ensure they are sent out in a timely manner. 8. To manage member events e.g. book venues, assist with sponsorship recruitment, correspond with partners, track and confirm registrations, and send out reminders.

9. To maintain regular contact with the Membership committee, to provide them with support and assistance on activity that relates to membership development and advise them about policies and member benefits, including scholarships, member insurance plans, and member recognition programs (awards).

10. To ensure the membership information system on website and database is accurate and meets the needs of the AMGA and other users.

11. To monitor and present reports on income, and membership growth.

12. To process reports, listings or label runs as requested by Corporate Partners or as directed by the Executive Director.

13. To perform routine quality checks on the membership database.

14. To maintain supplies of departmental stationary and other office supplies.

15. To participate in regular progress meetings with the Executive Director.

16. To plan work efficiently to meet the goals and objectives. 17. To offer ideas for improvement or change in all operational areas. 18. To perform other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.

Requirements

Disposition

1. Energetic, positive, and imaginative 2. A professional manner and attitude 3. Able to remain calm under pressure 4. Able to easily adapt to change

Knowledge, skills and abilities

1. Considerable knowledge of strategic planning, budgeting, finance, market research, sales, marketing, member relationship management, people management and negotiation skills and techniques 2. Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, members, non-members, and partners. 3. Strong written and oral communication skills 4. A good knowledge of office practices, marketing and customer service skills and technique. 5. A good knowledge of marketing theory and its application to the development of successful membership recruitment and retention campaigns. 6. IT literate: Familiar with using word processing, databases, spreadsheets, iwork, adobe writer, project management software and web applications including email, e-marketing, e-surveys, e-discussion groups, etc. 7. Able to operate related equipment e.g. printers, scanners, faxes, etc.

Education

1. Most hold an undergraduate degree. 2. A business or marketing qualification

Relevant Experience

1. At least three years marketing and membership development experience, preferably with a membership organization.

Other

1. Able to travel

2. Able to attend events and other off-site functions (estimated overnight travel will be a minimum of ‘12’ nights per annum)

Employer Information

About American Mountain Guides Association

The American Mountain Guide’s Association (AMGA) is the premier source for training, credentials, and services for professional mountain guides and climbing instructors in the United States.For over 25 years, the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) has been dedicated to supporting the guiding community through excellence in education, standards and certification to enhance the quality of services provided to the public, while serving as a resource for accessing and protecting the natural.

See http://careers.outdoorindustry.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3171418

Radio 106: Do your radio homework before the show

When Deb Ferns, author of Babes with Bullets ™, released her book in early 2006 she wasn’t prepared for the numerous requests for radio interviews she received. Now, 500 + radio interviews later, she shares with members of The Women’s Outdoor Media ingredients for a giving a good radio interview. And stay tuned for more tips down the line on how to host your own radio show as for the last two years Deb has co-hosted a weekly show in Tucson called Business & Banter. FYI – if you joined in after Radio 101 began just check the archives at The WOMA to catch up! Read more

Team Huntress offers The WOMA members a discount for next adventure clinic

Members of The WOMA, you are cordially invited to attend the Team Huntress Outdoor Adventure Clinic August 20-23, 2009. Come enjoy, be pampered, brush up on your skills, or just get away and relax for the weekend! This all inclusive spa pampering outdoor experience is priced at $995. Team Huntress is offering The WOMA members a 20 percent discount. Join with other members  as they take in the welcoming summer days of beautiful South Dakota! Space is limited so SIGN UP TODAY!

Jane Keller Founder/Outdoor Concierge

Team Huntress

Outdoor Adventure Clinic

www.teamhuntress.com

18526 398th Ave

Hitchcock, SD, 57348

Phone : 605.266.2848

Cell : 605.450.0931

Fax : 605.266.2887

jane at teamhuntress.com

She was camo … when camo wasn’t cool

WHEN CAMO WASN’T COOL

I was wearing camo, when camo wasn’t cool.

I remember wearing Woodland Camo
Long before the birth of Mossy Oak
Real Tree was just something we
saw in the woods
And Advantage was what we’d take
if we could.

There was no Wetlands camo
Not even Nat Gear
But simply hunting camo
Like the Army would wear.

And I was wearing camo, when camo wasn’t cool.

I remember walking in for groceries
Camo pants and all
I’d get lots of stares
And I’m sure not all in awe
But I always held my head high
Proud what I stood for
Because camo was more for me
Than just something that I wore.

I was carrying on a tradition
which I had grown to love
I want to be able to take care of my family
If the world comes to push and shove.

I’m thankful for our freedom
And our right to bear arms
And I’ll stand toe to toe
With those who wish us harm.

So when I wear camo clothing
It’s not just when I hunt
I wear camo clothing
To make a statement.

~Tammy Ballew

WOMA board member visits NRA headquarters

While speaking recently in the Washington, D.C. area, I visited Heide Kaser at the NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia.

If you ever have a chance, visit their National Firearms Museum. It’s just amazing. This is time well spent! Take kids too, because the history and lessons are terrific!

You can reach Heide at hkaser@nrahq.org.

They also have a shooting range. Just plain fun!

Marsha

« Previous Page — Next Page »