Contact: Guro Tane Lange

Since the early 1970s, the number of Norwegian women that are practicing hunting has increased dramatically: In the early 70s only 400 Norwegian women were hunting. Today, statistics shows that in 2011/2012 8540 Norwegian women practiced hunting.

Of course, The Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers would like to take some of the honor for the successful recruitment of women into the hunting arena. Since the 90s, the association has had their own special focus on the recruitment of women. One of the results of this work is a large growth in the number of female members: from 4,632 in 1997 to 12,705 women members in 2011.

This is also closely related to the opportunity for each of the 570 local associations to apply to the mother association for money in support of their local recruitment of women. This money makes it possible for the local associations to arrange every kind of activity related to hunting, and to allow only women to take part. In 2012, the Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers allocated nearly 600,000 NOK (about 75,000 EUR), to the local associations work for the recruitment of women.

The main issues that the Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers is facing when it comes to recruiting female members, is first off all the thought that hunting is not for women. The thought that hunting is the arena of men is still strong in many parts of the society. Many women also feel insecure when it comes to knowledge about both hunting and weapons. Therefore, training courses, theory classes, and networking are important for successful recruitment.

When it comes to international cooperation and the recruitment of female hunters, first of all the exchange of experience is important. To learn from other associations and how they are solving their issues is very useful.