This year for International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the outdoors and those who make it a better place for all. We want to shine a spotlight on some amazing women in the outdoors – leaders, role models, mentors, mothers, sisters, and daughters – by sharing their stories, words of advice and encouragement for other women. We want to uplift and empower all the women who share the outdoors. One of the women we are proud to call our friend at Savage is Kate Small. This is her story!

Kate Small

I live in a rural community in Eastern Idaho with my husband and our two young children (3 years and 10 months). I am a Registered Nurse with a background in Neuroscience and Emergency Medicine. I currently serve as a Board member for the Foundation for Wildlife Management. When I am not working, every free second I have is spent in Idaho's backcountry hunting. I predominantly hunt big game with a heavy focus on predator management. 

My advice for women in the outdoors: I would tell women that it doesn’t matter what chromosomal makeup you have…you can still squeeze a trigger all the same. Don’t let being a female in a predominantly male industry hold you back. I have found that both males and females in the industry are more than willing and excited to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, everyone starts from somewhere. The best advice I can give females in the outdoors is just be a good person, be a respectful and ethical hunter and no one will care whether you are a woman or not.

How the outdoor industry can support women:  Continue to make equipment geared towards women. Our body types are different, and we require different sizing and fit than most men do.

How I Got Started: When I started, I predominantly had men as my mentors. They were a wealth of knowledge and didn’t blink at the fact that I was a woman. You will find most other hunters want you to succeed.

How I support other women:  I have been lucky enough to get to speak to a lot of young girls about hunting and being outdoors.

Why I’m proud to be a woman in the outdoors: My husband. He doesn’t caudle me. He treats me as just another hunting partner. And also, my daughter. I’m proud to be able to show her that she can do anything she wants to do, she just needs to know the importance of hard work and perseverance

Challenges women face in the outdoor industry: I believe our biggest challenge is other women. We are often portrayed in a certain light due to the decisions and poor values of a select few, overcoming that stigma is often difficult.

How I overcome challenges: By showing people. No one is going to think you don’t belong on the mountain if you prove to them you deserve to be there. Act ethically and respectfully and it won’t take long for other hunters to understand you aren’t just out there for likes and follows.

Follow Kate Small @kate_small_outdoors 

Read more Women in the Outdoors stories!