Say Hello to Tatum Evans, our Wyld Girls Outdoor Wyld Girl for the month of June. You can follow Tatum on IG @woodsy_wife

Who got you into the outdoors?
“My passion for the outdoors stems back to when I was a little girl, catching frogs in the swamp and building forts under the balsam trees. My Dad took me deer hunting when I was 12. I will never forget the warm, tingling surge of adrenaline as I pulled the trigger on my first whitetail, or the morning a rutting 12-pointer stepped out onto the logging road 30 yards from the end of my barrel. It was then that I caught my first case of the infamous buck fever. Woops! My Dad continued to fuel my love for hunting and the outdoors for many years, and as a matter of fact, we still hunt together each fall and ice fish every winter. Those are some of my favorite trips!”

Pictured below is Tatum with her father.

Who is the most inspirational outdoor person in your life?
“Oh, that’s an easy one. My husband for sure! When I met Tom, I knew instantly that I had found a lifelong hunting partner, fishing buddy, and fellow adventurer. He spends most, if not all, of September chasing Elk ‘out west somewhere’ (I’m sworn to secrecy– same goes for local fishing hot spots!) Last year he made it back home with just a little time to spare before the birth of our son. Talk about a die-hard! Not only is he passionate about what he does, but he’s also damn good at it. Every time we’re in the woods or on the lake together, I learn from him. His strategy, his technique, his knowledge of it all. I’m fortunate to be able to watch him in action. Sometimes I wonder if he’s winging it, but even then, he does it with confidence and has great success. It’s like a free guide service for me every time! Whether we are chasing Wyoming prong horn, North Dakota water fowl, Arkansas hogs, big walleye in Canada, (the list goes on) I always come home with a new and greater appreciation for the hunt, and I have him to thank for that.”

What is your dream hunt/trip? What are your outdoor goals for the next 5, 10 years?
“This is the most difficult question I’ve ever been asked, despite being asked it many times before. I honestly don’t have ONE trip that I would take above all others. I mean sure, Alaskan moose and Rocky Mountain big horns scream my name, but it’s not about that ‘one trip’ to me. My goal in the outdoors is to experience many different places, game and fish species as I can before I die or become too old (oh, how I dread that day!) It doesn’t matter if it’s some lousy little lake that doesn’t produce, or an unsuccessful hunting trip with little movement. Just being out there, surrounded by natural beauty with the CHANCE to harvest an animal is all I will ever need. I’ve already had some amazing outdoor opportunities that I will cherish forever, and I can’t choose a favorite because every trip is so unique and memorable. I will say, however, that our 10,000 mile journey to Alaska and back was definitely one for the books! Amazing. Just… amazing! The breathtaking scenery, vast landscape and the wildness of it all. It is a trip I will take more than once if I ever get another chance, and I recommend every other outdoor enthusiast does the same! You can read all about our Alaskan fishing adventure (soon) on my blog, WoodsyWife.com. I’m still putting some finishing touches on it, but it will be posted this month. I’d love to connect with other outdoorsy women like ya’ll!”

What advice would you give other ladies who are interested in the outdoors?
“Just do it. Go out and experience a hunt even if you’re not carrying a weapon. Tag along, watch and learn from someone who inspires you. I promise it will fuel your passion and turn into something you won’t want to let go of! I will also mention that you will experience a new sense of pride once you start hunting/fishing. You’ll gain confidence in yourself and your ability to do something that can be so challenging, yet always exciting. I am proud to be part of this growing community of women outdoors and I encourage you to join us!”