We joined the world in celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) earlier this year by shining a spotlight on women in the outdoors and those who make it a better place for all. We shared the stories and words of advice and encouragement of leaders, role models, mentors, mothers, sisters, and daughters to uplift and empower all the women who share the outdoors. We have met and gotten to know many more incredible women since March 2022, and we simply couldn’t wait until IWD 2023 to introduce you to more Women in the Outdoors! One of the women we are proud to call our friend at Savage is Kristy Crabtree. This is her story!

Kristy Crabtree

“Not your typical chef, which makes sense because I’m not your typical hunter, either.”

I never grew up in a family of hunters or outdoorsy individuals and the sheer thought of shooting an animal for food never crossed my mind – that is until I met Andy.  At the age of 32, I decided I was ready to learn everything there was about hunting. He was patient - taking the time to teach me how to sight in a gun, shoot straight, how to spot-n-stalk, how to process an animal and the most important lesson – RESPECT. Afterwards, it was up to me to make the decision to ‘pull the trigger’.

Fifteen years later, I’m still sharing my passion for hunting and telling my story through multiple outdoor industry partnerships and social media outlets. I’ll admit, I’m not a trained culinary chef and I’m certainly not a professional huntress. I’m just an everyday working woman who enjoys taking the time to showcase the harvests that we are fortunate to share with our family and friends.

For the past 5 years I have been the columnist for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Carnivore Kitchen publication which is featured bi-monthly in their conservation magazine BUGLE – Elk Country and the Hunt. The two-page column showcases my simple step-by-step instructions for creating some of my favorite mouthwatering elk recipes.  

I have also self-published a Wild Game Cuisine cookbook with recipes that I have shared for years on my personal website, Nevadafoodies.com. I developed the website over 10 years ago with the sheer focus of inspiring others to find a passion for cooking and celebrating each and every harvest brought home to the dinner table.

Teaming up with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and volunteering to teach wild game cooking classes to both new and avid hunters is just another extension of what I do for the outdoor industry. 

My advice for women in the outdoors: First and foremost, always show respect and be the best YOU that you can be. And if you choose to share your experiences on social media, continue to show respect. Much too often, I see young women post unnecessary photos online for the shear purpose of trying to increase ‘likes’ from strangers and sometimes forgetting that with every action there could be a ‘negative’ reaction that follows. 

How the outdoor industry can support women: We can all praise and support girls and women in the outdoor industry by continuing to share their stories like what Savage Arms Women in the Outdoors project does. We all have different perspectives, insights and talents that lend a hand in educating others. 

How women can get involved in the outdoors: There is a growing trend of groups that support women in the outdoors. I would recommend searching the internet for local organizations in your city or state. 

Skills camps for women new to shooting, hunting and simply becoming educated in outdoor survival skills are also popular. She Hunts Skills Camp is just one of many featuring 4 camps yearly for women who want to build confidence. https://shehuntsskillscamp.com/

I also recommend RMEF and BUGLE magazine for calling for stories from Women. Women hunt, too. RMEF is looking for compelling, diverse stories written by women. Send Heather Fraley, hfraley@rmef.org , 1500-3000-word stories of challenges, triumphs and adventures in elk country. 

How I Got Started:  There’s always a struggle being a woman in a male dominated industry, but I’ve never said NO to a challenge. I have always maintained an honest and respectful brand position in the industry and with that I feel that others have taken notice. When I was asked to take over the Carnivore’s Kitchen column in BUGLE magazine, I was beyond flattered and for 5 years I have received positive feedback from both men and women thanking me for inspiring them to celebrate their harvests. 

And I am thankful for my biggest supporter, my better half. 

How I support other women: Whether in person or social media, I continue to do my best to inspire women whatever age. I have talked to several women who have approached me saying that I have inspired them to get outdoors and learn to hunt not only for the meat but for the overall adventure. Like I always say, there’s no better time to start than now.  

Why I’m proud to be a woman in the outdoors: I’m proud of myself for the skillsets and respect I have gained over the last 16 years I have been hunting. I have learned several life lessons and I have gained a greater respect for our environment and public lands in which our game animals live. That fuels me to continue to be a good steward for future generations. 

Challenges women face in the outdoor industry: The fact is that there will always be challenges for women in a male dominated industry. The best way I have found is to continue to be true to yourself and continue to inspire others with positive solutions and support.

How I overcome challenges:  A positive attitude. I’m too old to let negativity block my path to happiness. 

Follow Kristy Crabtree on Instagram @nevadafoodies and Facebook @nevadafoodies. Check out her website Nevada Foodies for delicious wild game recipes.

Read more Women in the Outdoors stories!