Alex Butterworth

I am originally from Eastern North Carolina. I grew up riding horses and traveling a lot in order to compete. This is what initially drove my desire to be outdoors. I spent most of my time at the barn or at horse shows. Horses gave me such an appreciation for animals. I was so happy just spending the entire day outdoors.

When I wasn’t traveling with the horses, I was constantly trying to hang out with my older brother. I wanted to do everything he did. He was always fishing, and hunting and I wanted to be right there with him. I would always ask to go hunting with him even though I didn’t have a gun, license, or hunting clothes. He would take me duck hunting in some hand me down clothes of his and I would just watch everything he did. I loved every minute of it. Once I was able to get my license and my own shotgun it was game on! 

I then moved to Texas to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas. I was on their equestrian team and was able to enjoy riding horses and competing while tackling college. I was able to find some girls with the same interest in hunting through riding horses and competing. One girl I grew up riding horses with also hunted. She invited me out to her land, where I was able to harvest my first deer. It was such a great experience learning from her and her family! Having a friend that has the same passion as you from whom you are also able to learn is such a blessing. She is a big part of what drives my interest in wildHERness. I would love to give other women the opportunity to learn about the outdoors and meet people with the same interest.