Why is it that barbecues are considered a man’s domain? Do we blame our prehistoric ancestors for the “man, fire, meat” mentality? When it comes down to it, women have become the ultimate hunters and gathers of the barbecue game.
Ladies who shoot their lunch, the number of Australian women who hunt and fish has steadily increased in recent years. Despite what some vegans or capital city-dwellers might think, their reasons for taking up traditionally male-dominated hunting sports have little to do with power.
Inspired by the Fowles Wild Fermented Shiraz wine label, Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch, Crush went is search of Bundaberg women who have embraced the trend.
Bundaberg-based world champion archer Bec Darby hunts with a bow and arrow, and rifle. “I like getting out in the bush, enjoying the fresh air and serenity of it,” Bec said. “We hunt on friends’ farms, where feral deer, goats and rabbits cause damage to crops. The deer is great for barbecue steaks. Goat mince is lovely like lamb, but without the fat and we enjoy slow cooking or roasting rabbit.”
Like other female foodies who hunt and fish, Bec likes knowing where her meat has come from. Ladies who shoot or catch their lunch feel strongly about respecting the animal and strictly follow rules set down by the various Government bodies. They enjoy teaching people that meat does not come from a refrigerated supermarket.