Hey, I’m Abbi! I’m a 47 yr old mom to three adult sons, one daughter-in-law, my dog Gracie, and grandma to one grandson. I’ve lived in the very northern part of IN my entire life. I didn’t grow up in the outdoors or have any experience with hunting. In fact, I was in my 40s before I even considered that it was an option for me. My parents had moved back to IN from MT and my stepdad was hunting his woods. I began spending time out there to help address health issues and deal with anxiety. I knew I needed an outlet, and the woods was so calming. I decided that the best way to overcome my chronic fear was to start doing things that forced me to face it, and I threw myself into doing activities that were triggering, mainly being alone in new environments and scenarios. I taught myself to hunt, and how to shoot and conceal/carry. No one thought I’d stick with it! As it turns out, it was the perfect remedy. My confidence grew, my anxiety diminished, and I was having a great time learning new skills.
Along the way, I ran across an account on IG talking about ADC, so on a whim I joined. I started seeing all these women across the US, doing amazing things outdoors. My first trip was a charter fishing trip, and I didn’t know anyone. It was SO far out of my comfort zone! I ended up throwing up the entire trip, but that didn’t stop me. I ventured into turkey hunting, shot my biggest buck to date, started kayaking, hiking, and have been on many fishing trips since then. I’m currently learning to shoot a recurve bow, and trying to improve my shotgun skills.
But it’s not just about the trips. It’s the friendships. I’ve met some of the most amazing people, women in multiple states, that feel like sisters. I’ve traveled to MI, FL, and MO. Next year I’ll be in AR and OR. The network of women and activities can’t be topped. If you had told me ten years ago I’d be doing these things, I wouldn’t have believed it. Now, I get opportunities to join in on trips with like-minded women, all across the country, in ways I never would be able to do on my own. It’s literally changed my life.
I stepped into leadership because I believe so strongly in what ADC is doing in both conservation and in the lives of women. It’s intimidating to step into the unknown world of the outdoors when you didn’t grow up in it. There’s a lot of pressure online to have it look a certain way. But here, you don’t have to have it figured out. You’ll find women with all levels of skill, willing to help and cheer you on as you go. I want to lead in a way that makes people feel included, and set the example that they can start wherever they are and still find a place in the outdoors, even if it doesn’t involve hunting or fishing. There’s so much more than that! If I can do it, I know other women can, too. To me, that’s the heart of ADC. That’s why we exist, to teach and bring ladies from all walks of life into a love of the outdoors. It’s so rewarding to see people gain confidence and have fun trying new things!
It’s hard to believe that I went from getting anxiety by going to the grocery store alone, to doing all these things and loving every minute of it. I want to try it all, fish everywhere, and travel as much as I can. I love being near the water and photographing life. I’ve learned how to be adaptable, independent, and how to be okay with being uncomfortable. I even enjoy being alone now, instead of being afraid. God is SO good, and I’m deeply grateful for this life every single day. A big part of that is because of ADC and the impact it continues to have on me.
Member Mentions
Elizabeth Ashley – FL
Our FL sister Elizabeth was able to harvest her first gator! While this was not on an ADC event she said that she couldn’t have done it without all the education and support from her sisters in the FL Chapter!
Dierdre Brown – FL
Our ADC Sister and FL VP Dierdre Brown harvested her first deer in Florida! Not only did she take a BUCK with her bow, she did it on public land and out of her saddle! Congrats on a milestone in your hunting journey!!
I know that other times we have done a Christmas card exchange but let’s have a “Christmas came early” moment! Thanks to the idea of Kelly Swart Blanchard we are going to do a Game Recipe Card exchange before hunting season so that when you all get your game you have some fun new recipes to try!
How it will work – We will collect addresses for anyone that wants to participate and then those who want to join will get a list with everyone’s name and address. Then you can send each of them a game recipe!
If you are interested in participating please fill out the form by SEPT 5th so that we can get a list distributed to everyone for addresses and you know how many cards to make!
The American Daughters of Conservation chapter leaders and Board members gathered in Martinsville, Missouri, for a weekend dedicated to leadership, learning, and collaboration. This conference gave our leaders the opportunity to build new skills, share ideas, and learn from one another about what is working best within each chapter. From conservation efforts and educational opportunities to R3 practices and growing engagement within our communities, there was no shortage of great conversations and brainstorming.
One of the greatest strengths of ADC is that our chapters may be rooted in different communities, but we are all working toward the same mission. By sharing our experiences, successes, and even challenges, we can continue learning from one another and make ADC stronger nationwide. We are incredibly grateful for the leaders who continue to give their time, knowledge, and passion to help move our mission forward.
We had a wonderful time at the 2026 semi annual leadership conference in Martinsville MO at the Lodge at Circle J. All the leaders who attended shared insight and inspiration with one another and even a lot of laughs. We also started discussing ADC’s 10 year celebration plans. I am so excited to see what the next year holds! – Brenna Nuckols – Founder
Chapter Highlights
Wisconsin Chapter
Our Wisconsin Chapter spent a Saturday in the Meyer’s Beach Sea Caves where they hiked over 6 miles exploring every inch of the natural structures, wildlife, and nature trails. It was a highly educational journey for the ladies as well, pointing out several species of plants, wild edible fruits, mushrooms, and more. We even got to see an immature bald eagle up close in a tree on our walk! We enjoyed a “lunch” of wild blueberries, thimbleberries and juneberries! It was a beautiful day to talk Conservation, Education, and Empowering women in the outdoors! – Jennifer Dums – WI Chapter President
Florida Chapter
Our Florida sisters hosted a giant scalloping weekend and WHAT fun they had! 30 ladies got together and put a trip in the books! It’s not often you get to have so many lovely ladies in one place doing fun stuff outside!
The FL crew also started their invasive species removal series “Reclaiming the Swamp” where they are after Iguanas and Pythons. The chapter is so thankful for their partnership with The Florida Trappers association and Trapper Helm for his expertise in leading these weekend long events for us. Participants walked away with hands on experience trapping iguanas in residential areas and catching and handling pythons and other native snakes in the Everglades. These experiences are not only fun but crucial to getting more people out protecting our wild spaces, and doing so safely.
Pennsylvania Chapter
The PA Chapter hosted a walleye fishing trip on Lake Erie in Erie, PA! For two of the ladies, this was their very first ADC trip and they are HOOKED! The guides taught the ladies so much and they were able to try fishing on two different types of boats with two different types of rigs over the course of the weekend. Fun was had and fish was caught by all!
Indiana Chapter
The IN Chapter headed to Manistee, MI with Stumpy Fishing Charter! They left the dock at 4am and the weather was increasingly not cooperating – but around sunrise the fish started to bite. Captain Micah did a “fish clinic” for us where he shared info about the history of the fish in Lake Michigan, and talked about the equipment on the boat.
We ended up getting 9 king salmon in the boat, while battling 3-5 ft waves. It was a great time and the ladies did an amazing job hanging in there and not quitting! Later in the day, we shopped, painted pottery, and took naps. Please thank Jen, Micah, and Josh for their hard work and supporting ADC.Don’t forget that Stumpy is an ADC sponsor and members receive 10% off charters with proof of membership! – Abbi Ottman – IN Chapter VP
Northeast Chapter
The ADC Northeast ladies were fortunate to be chosen by the Cole W. Victor Memorial Foundation for their annual donation of $5,000.00 to support youth in the outdoors. This money will go towards sending girls 12-14 years of age to Green Mountain Conservation Camp in 2027!
Some of our Northeast Chapter members and VP Sara Bardwell attended the Connecticut Women’s Day Shoot hosted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program.
The Northeast Chapter also collaborated with the local CT River Valley Delta Waterfowl chapter and hosted a Duck Box Build Day that was free and open to the public. A lot of eager folks showed up and altogether they assembled 21 duck nesting boxes!
For more information about specific events please contact Chapter Leaders directly you can find their contact directory here
If you would like to join our ADC Ladies of Fellowship Group on Facebook Click Here!
Current Fundraisers
We’re doing a Fuel-Up Drawing to help TWO lucky winners hit the road this season!
2 Winners $100 Gift Card EACH 50 Spots Total $20 per spot
Once all spots are sold, we’ll draw two winners and announce them right here!
All proceeds benefit American Daughters of Conservation, supporting our mission to protect our outdoor traditions, conservation efforts, and hunter education.
With hunting pressure on the rise, hunters are looking for the slightest edge to help them gain the upper ground on big bucks. We discovered that we could augment our hugely successful activated carbon and increase its effectiveness by adding a few key particles that both extend the spectrum of odor adsorbed as well as keying in more heavily on stronger odors in particular.
Have photos, resources, messages, or details from your state that you want in the next newsletter? Email me at NE.PR@adconserve.org!
2 Winners
$100 Gift Card EACH
50 Spots Total
$20 per spot
