King ‘outdoors fanatic’ on panel at Sportsmen’s show

March 9, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons
A Schomberg woman doesn’t have to tell tales about the “one that got away.”
For Becky Gardhouse, she lives for those moments of reeling in the big one. And she’s more than happy to share her enthusiasm with others.
Gardhouse is joining an accomplished panel of female outdoor enthusiasts from across Ontario, at the upcoming Toronto Sportsmen’s Show.
Gardhouse will be part of the Women of the Outdoors panel, talking about her passion, Thursday, March 17.
The five-day Toronto Sportsmen’s Show runs March 16-20 at the International Centre on Airport Road in Mississauga. For more, visit www.torontosportshow.ca
Guardhouse describes herself as “an outdoors fanatic, motivational and educational speaker, writer and fishing addict!”
“Being a rural soul (and a lifelong resident of King), I really immersed myself in all aspects of the outdoors from the time I was little. Whether it was enjoying a day on the water or spending a day taking photographs, time spent enjoying the beautiful surroundings truly relaxes and inspires me,” she said.
Her main interests include fishing, photography, baseball and writing. She also raises and shows purebred beef cattle.
Gardhouse currently works for Legend Boats in Innisfil as a service advisor and sales consultant, assisting with all forms of their social media marketing.
She attributes her King upbringing to fostering an appreciation of nature.
“Being a resident of Schomberg you really are able to enjoy the best of both worlds! Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of the cities or the peaceful seclusion of our rural areas, you are never far away from something you can enjoy!”
She began fishing when she was roughly five years old with her dad on their property. Since then, her love for fishing has grown and she is a complete expert on the sport. Websites such as https://catchandfillet.com and many more are out there to encourage young people, especially women, to get into fishing.
“I sure didn’t catch any trophies in that creek, but my passion and love of the outdoors was instilled early on.”
Gardhouse is a huge supporter of involving more women and children in all outdoors activities, not only fishing.
“I believe that no matter what activity makes you happy, you need to push fears and doubts aside and chase that dream. When I began my fishing career there were less than a handful of female anglers in the business. Fishing is primarily a male dominated sport, plain and simple. But statistics should never dictate how you enjoy your life. I encourage all people to get involved in outdoor activities of all varieties as we are incredibly lucky to have the resources we have in our backyards.”
Her advice? “Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Spend more time outdoors with your family! Make the memories that last a lifetime that can’t be replicated by technology.”
Gardhouse is a proud pro staff team member for Cabela’s Canada, Shimano, G. Loomis, Jackall, PowerPro, Freedom Tackle Corp, Fishbum Outfitters, NationalProStaff.com, Scotty Products, Maui Jim Eyewear & Legend Boats.
The panel at the show is put together by celebrity outdoorswoman Amanda Lynn Mayhew, who is the official show ambassador.
Purpose-driven Mayhew is one of the top female hunters in the industry; devoted to encouraging and educating women and children in our hunting heritage.
Her passion for hunting emerged at an early age, and flourished under her parents’ guidance in the great northern Ontario outdoors in Manitouwadge, a small town off of the Trans Canada Highway. Growing up immersed in nature also fostered her enthusiasm for health and wellness. Her latest project, OWHA (Ontario Women’s Hunting Association) has merged her passion of hunting to further educate women and get them out hunting. Struggling with her illness (Graves Disease), she has found the passion that keeps her going, intertwined with her dedication of community and fitness.
Registration for the event is free. It will be held as a live Q&A?session, sharing information and fun adventures in the outdoors. It takes place at 3:30 p.m. that day at the Great Outdoors Stage.
“This event is important because women are in the outdoors and have been a part of the outdoors for many years. This panel is important to me to showcase other women inspiring others to get outdoors, and showing they can be independent in the outdoors.”
Mayhew created Women of the Outdoors Shooting Event, where ladies can come out and try their hand at shooting shotgun, pistol, rifle, and archery with a one-on-one mentor to prevent the intimidation and allow for growth and confidence while wanting to do something they have a passion for.
“This panel shows just that –?the passion of the outdoors that these women have, and are willing to share with others.”