By Alexandra Ezell
This article appeared in the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s November 2025 Newsletter edition.
Ten new women stepped into the marsh this weekend — and walked out as waterfowl hunters.
The Waterfowlers Academy For Women, By Women gave these new lady hunters the full dive: moving targets, firearm safety, bird ID, conservation, habitat, rules, ethics, and every muddy lesson in between.
These ladies came hungry to learn — and our mentors showed up relentlessly in passing on their knowledge. We couldn’t do this without them or the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association Waterfowlers Academy, who continue to help us build something that’s changing the landscape for women in the outdoors.
As one of the co-coordinators, I’m beyond proud — and grateful — for every mentor and mentee who made Year Three one for the books.
Here’s to the friendships made in the marsh and hunting partners for life.
Another shout-out to TFS Cable Works, who donated a custom lanyard for one of our participants this year. We could not do this without our partners’ help!
Matt Bennett of the Southern Wisconsin Chapter of Delta Waterfowl, Wisconsin, donated to our cause, and it absolutely touched the ladies and prepared them with waders for our participants. Thank you so much again, Matt!
DSG Outerwear-Women’s Hunting Apparel for being our main sponsor and equipping our ladies with jackets for the hunt.
Pacific Calls for providing our ladies with their first duck calls!
Huge shout-out to Eric Matheson, professional shooting coach with years of experience working with Browning and Winchester.
You were a huge asset in providing hands-on shooting lessons to the ladies!
We could not do this without the help of our partners and mentors!
To the mentors:
Connie Markham, Hallie Schulz, Mehgan Jensen, Megan Salazar, Makayla Jacobs, Emily Iehl, Brenda Kelly, Kara Michaud, Amanda Qualen, Brooke Wagemann, Maddy Maerzke, Jenna Malinowski, and Todd Schaller.
I appreciate you all so very much. We all complement each other so well, and I could not ask for a better group of women and Todd to plan, teach, and hunt alongside. All of your skill sets complement and empower each participant. Thank you for including me in this; every late night was absolutely worth it.
