By James Peters

Cariboo woman reaches Extreme Huntress final

Jun 8, 2016 | 10:54 AM

KAMLOOPS — A 100 Mile House RCMP officer has reached the final in an online competition called ‘Extreme Huntress.’

27 year old Candace Knudsen grew up in Bella Coola, and says hunting was a family activity she quickly came to love.

“I grew up hunting with my mom, dad and brother. There wasn’t a lot of hunting in Bella Coola, so we had to travel a couple hours or more to go hunting. I grew up around it; I was always at my dad’s hunting camps. Even if I wasn’t holding the gun I was still going out and hiking around,” said Knudsen.

In the final competition next month, Knudsen and five other women will travel to San Antonio, Texas to participate in a series of challenges measuring their skill.

“Compared to them, I don’t have the experience of being on TV or hunting with a bunch of people following me around. I’ve always gone out, either on my own or with my family. So just that kind of stressor they’ve already kind of mastered, so I just want to go down there and just experience it, and learn as much as I can.”

Boogie The Bridge

Boogie The Bridge Event Information

11h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: The Loop's eviction will show us what happens when a bandage is ripped off a gaping wound

8h ago

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: 'Fairness' is not a word I would use to describe the federal budget

15h ago

Knudsen says the show is not simply about killing animals, but makes an effort to discuss responsible hunting practices.

“There have been a lot of people that have been throwing me some hate mail as well, so I am just trying my best to get out the word that it’s not a bad thing at all. It’s our history and that is how we provide for our families,” explained Knudsen. 

There is an online voting component to the competition, combined with scores from judges.

“It’s a really good show, and they are putting something out there that a lot of people aren’t aware of. They do talk about conservation a lot. It is empowering. I have watched a few episodes over the last few seasons, and it’s very empowering that anyone can do this, anyone can do anything they put their mind to.”

To learn more, visit extremehuntress.com.