If you’ve ever assumed the wilderness was strictly a man’s world, consider yourself officially corrected. This June, Idaho’s rugged backcountry will host a crew of wilderness-savvy women who’ll turn the idea of “ladies’ night” upside down, shake it hard, and toss it into the campfire.
I joined the Wild Women’s Rendezvous in 2024, expecting just another outdoor retreat. Instead, I found myself surrounded by a group of fiercely capable women learning everything from archery and bushcraft to elk hunting.
If you’re thirsting for time in the wild with strong women, this is your chance. Trust me: once you’ve tasted this blend of camo, camaraderie, and raw empowerment, you might never look at the backcountry the same way again, especially if you’re not already backwood hardened.
Tickets are limited, so let’s dive into what you can expect at this year’s event quickly so you can secure your spot.
2025 Wild Women’s Rendezvous
Slated for June 9-14, 2025, in Ashton, Idaho, this isn’t your grandma’s Girl Scout camp. Hosted by Tana Grenda and her seasoned crew, the Rendezvous gathers wilderness-loving women aged 16 and up who are looking to spend quality time with strong women in the wild. The goal is simple: forge friendships, build outdoor skills, and empower women to confidently stake their claim in wild spaces.
From firestarting without matches and crafting survival shelters to perfecting bushcraft, the workshops cater to rookies and seasoned adventurers alike. Rifle shooting is definitely on the agenda, as is handgun handling. Traditional and compound archery skills will be honed until you’re consistently shooting tight groups.
This Year’s Highlights
- Four elk hunts and one bison hunt throughout the week with full field and butcher shop processing field to freezer
- Hound hunting
- Trapping and fur handling, and self-tanning process
- Horseback riding
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Silversmithing jewelry workshop and wildlife art painting
- Self-defense
- Outdoor cooking and wild game preservation with Karie Lee Knoke, Alone runner-up
- 3D archery course sponsored by the Rokman Games
- 60 incredible prizes by amazing companies like Montana Knife Company, onX, Ollin, Rokman, KUIU, Peax, Peak Refuel, Crispi, Wilderness Athlete, YETI, Silencer Central, and more
- Country music with Kristen Kelly, Kristy Lee Cook, and Katie Austin, along with a songwriting workshop where we will write our own group/camp song throughout the week
… and more.
The Hunts
Not to play favorites, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the hunts are the highlight of Rendezvous. The real-world hunts on the menu this year include elk and bison. These hunts offer attendees the chance to swap theoretical skills for unforgettable, boots-on-the-ground experiences.
If you consider yourself hunt curious or would just love to get some serious experience with skilled hunters, this is about as low of a barrier to entry as it gets.
And it doesn’t just stop with the hunt. You’ll learn how to field dress and process the animal once it hits the ground. It’s a chance to get your hands dirty with those who know what they’re doing.
It can be intimidating being a woman new to the field, and this is a top-notch, invaluable experience with hunters who won’t judge but instead will bend over backward to help you become the best you can be.
The Wild Women’s Rendezvous is about more than just skill-building. It’s a direct challenge to an age-old wilderness narrative. For generations, men have often been the gatekeepers to outdoor pursuits, with women tagging along.
But here, women are doing it for themselves. This event is about reclaiming outdoor space with the kind of rugged confidence that can be intimidating to gain on your own.
Tickets Are Going Fast
Space at the Rendezvous is limited, and tickets are going fast. If you’ve been dreaming about leveling up your wilderness game, don’t wait to grab your spot. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Pack your bags, lace your boots, and sharpen your arrows. Come June, a group of wild-hearted women will converge on Idaho, leaving stereotypes and maybe a few overly confident guys in the dust.
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