Women in Waterfowl: Specks and What the Hecks' with Molly McFarlin
Emily Ann Bosler for SPLIT REED
Female fowlers, while within particular social media circles may seem prevalent, represent an incredibly small group of hunters. Licensed female hunters in general, make up a mere 11 percent of all hunters. It may surprise most to learn that the number of lady waterfowl hunters makes up only 14 percent of the aforementioned 11. If these statistics caused you to say “what the heck?!” you’ll find yourself in good company with Molly and I. Molly McFarlin is a sixth-generation Florida native who fell in love on an Arkansas speckle belly goose hunt… both with her guide (now fiance), and all things waterfowl hunting.
While Molly grew up in the outdoors, it wasn’t until college that she had her first encounter with the sport. I have often asked myself the question “what makes duck and goose hunting less approachable to women?” Is it less accessible and more intimidating to hunters in general, or is this specific to females?
As Molly and I pondered this question together, she provided some misconceptions surrounding the sport that may lead to other women’s hesitation to enter the waterfowling world. “They think they need to learn how to call, they think they have to purchase thousands of dollars in decoys, or instead hunt with a guide service and take the chance of being the only woman in a group of men,” said McFarlin. Molly added that she feels guide services have become increasingly welcoming to and inclusive of female fowlers in recent years.
A new trend in hunting parties, though, may very well be the introduction that ushers forth a much-needed increase in the devastatingly small percentage of women in waterfowl. The trend I am referring to is the “all-women hunt.” McFarlin has been honored to organize such outings and has found herself in awe of the results. If the term “all-women” caused an eye roll on your behalf, fear not, there is no pink camouflage involved (the invention of which was an additional “what the heck” for both of us). “It has been the most incredible thing planning these hunts, because all these women come together- varying levels of experience, from all over the country, diverse backgrounds and upbringings. Yet no matter what differences there are in the blind, it is still the most nonjudgmental, open environment” Molly shared. Both for those women who utilize these hunts as their initial break into waterfowl hunting, and for those who are as seasoned as Granny’s cast iron skillet- McFarlin emphasized the importance of the ability to freely ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another without the fear of criticism. The chance to hone your craft in a setting where you are comfortable and free of pressures or expectations is the welcome mat into waterfowl hunting that many women may have been waiting on.
These hunts are just one aspect of Molly’s contribution to the world of waterfowl, though. When she isn’t shooting specks (her personal favorite), she is shooting outstanding digital waterfowl-related content. What began as a hobby to capture higher quality pile pictures and provide customers with a share-worthy snapshot, quickly became a passion. When you combine that love with a truly natural talent, an undeniable female force in hunting, retrieving, and other outdoor photography and videography is born. Molly is the owner of McFarlin Outdoors Media, the right-hand woman of her soon-to-be husband Logan, who is a guide for Arkansas County Guide Service), and is the ultimate female waterfowler to follow for nonstop quality content (@molly_mcfar). Her greatest contribution to the sport though will surely come in the form of her baby girl, the next generation of women in waterfowl.
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