Guest Column: 'Extreme huntress' thanks hometown

(Editor’s Note: Libby native Angie Haas-Tennison was announced as the winner of the Extreme Huntress contest following two months of online voting. She submitted the following letter for publication).

I have always felt blessed to have been born and raised in northwestern Montana with its beautiful scenery, fresh air, clean lakes and abundant wildlife. It wasn’t until recently that I realized how blessed I was to be born in a state where your fellow community still cares about one of its own.

Back on the first of November I was notified that I was selected as one of the top 10 finalists in the Extreme Huntress contest. This is a national contest that was looking to find the most die-hard female hunter out there.

I wrote an essay, submitted a photo and basically all but forgot about it until I received an e-mail from Tom Opre notifying me that I had been selected as one of the lucky top 10 finalists. Since that e-mail just over two months ago, it has been quite an adventure for me.

I learned that the winner would be the huntress who received the most online votes from Nov.1-Jan 1. I set my mind on doing everything I could to get my name and my love of hunting known to everyone I could meet.

I was very lucky that once local media heard about the contest and my prestigious nomination into the top 10, they were extremely supportive. I was given several wonderful interviews with various media around the state. I met some incredibly wonderful people and was able to share with them my love of hunting and Montana.

After my first newspaper interview was published, I was shocked to see that my face and story had been printed across the front page. Within a day of my story being told the wonderful community I live in showed their love and support and voted me into first place.

With additional media coverage both on TV and in type, I was able to keep my lead throughout the remainder of the contest. I was even told by one of the sponsors that I should realize that I am from Montana and when compared to the rest of the country, Montana was a pretty small pond.

Well, Montana went on to show them that we may not be the most populated but we have the most heart. Without the support of all my family, friends and community I would never have been able to win this contest, and with their help I was able to have a considerable lead, almost 1,300 votes ahead of the second-place contestant.

I just want to thank everyone for their love and support. I truly appreciate everything. I can’t wait to share photos of my adventures and New Zealand hunt with everyone.

Thank you!