Women have long played a vital role in conservation and humanitarian efforts.

Women have long played a vital role in conservation and conservation-minded hunting, and

today many are expanding that impact by pairing their hunts with humanitarian outreach.

Through partnerships and programs like Safari Club International (SCI), the Blue Bag Project,

and Goulet Cares Project, female hunters are transforming hunting trips into opportunities to

serve communities while supporting wildlife stewardship.

I have many women in my life who give back in countless ways. For years, they invited me to

join them in their efforts. I always supported them — but quietly believed their level of

involvement was “too much” for me. I thought, There is no way I can do that.

Two women changed that mindset and ultimately helped lead my family down the road we are

now walking.

In 2019, we purchased our first international hunting trip. It would not happen until 2023,

because of the global shutdown, when Pieter from Marupa Safaris simply said, “Sure, come on

over.” I could hardly believe it. We were going to South Africa.

The first woman who inspired me to step forward was Joni Bedard. She told me, “Hey, I left you

some blue bags at Pieter and Janine’s. You’re going to want to do the Blue Bag Project. Trust

me — you’ll love it.”

When we arrived, the blue bags were sitting in the living room, waiting to be filled.

Pieter was already familiar with the project and made sure every hunter’s desire to give back

was respected. While there, I learned more about his wife, Janine, and the reserved but

powerful ways she serves her local community. Janine has a deeply giving heart. She once said

to me, “It doesn’t take much to show people you care.” That statement stayed with me.

Between hunting and traveling, we shared with Pieter that we wanted to support a local school.

After speaking with his staff, we chose a small village school in Plooysburg, South Africa, for our

first humanitarian effort.

We drove into Kimberley with Pieter and stopped at a local office supply store. We began filling

carts — twelve of everything we could think a school might need. My husband asked, “What

about a ream of paper?” I remember thinking, Doesn’t every school already have paper?

When we checked out, the teller took a photo of our receipt and said it was the longest one he

had ever seen. Then he asked, “What are you doing?”

We simply replied, “Just filling blue bags and giving back.”

We arrived at the school unannounced. We followed Pieter into the principal’s office. After a few

brief conversations, silence filled the room — and then tears followed. Songs were sung. Hugs

were given. And a simple question was asked:

“Can you continue to help?”

That question became the turning point.

Through continued conversations with Janine about her love for the people of South Africa, our

mission grew. We began educating hunters at local shows in Minnesota and South Dakota. We

collect essential items for children in need in Kimberley. Those items are distributed among

hunters who are willing to carry blue bags and assist with humanitarian outreach during their

trips.

Today, we help hunters with proper paperwork, luggage planning, and communication with their

outfitters. We answer questions and ease concerns. In return, we simply ask them to share their

stories and photos so others can see the impact.

With the guidance of the Bell family and Amy Bell Charities, and an additional partnership with

Dream Team Safaris, we have since launched our own foundation efforts to assist orphanages

in South Africa.

How Can You Give Back?

One of the most accessible ways to make a difference is through your local Safari Club

International chapter. SCI promotes conservation, education, and sustainable wildlife use, and

many chapters support humanitarian initiatives alongside their banquets and events. Women

can use these channels to share stories, gather donated supplies, and educate fellow hunters

about giving back during international or remote hunts.

The Blue Bag Project provides a simple yet powerful model: a dedicated luggage bag that

carries critical supplies such as school materials, hygiene products, medical items, or clothing.

In many rural communities, these items are scarce. A small effort can create a permanent

impact.

Partnering with the Goulet Cares Project helps connect hunters with vetted needs and trusted

local contacts. Women can coordinate supply deliveries, assist with community projects, and

ensure donations are culturally appropriate and responsibly distributed. In doing so, they

become ambassadors of principled hunting and compassionate outreach.

Apart from logistics, women bring something even more powerful — storytelling plus

mentorship. Sharing experiences through chapter meetings, social media, and youth outreach

helps the next generation see hunting not simply as a pursuit of game, but as a route to

conservation, cultural respect, and humanitarian service.

By combining principled hunting with humanitarian action, women strengthen global

communities, elevate the public image of hunting, and demonstrate that conservation and

compassion truly go hand in hand.

A Simple Summary

1. Book your hunt — local or international.

2. Ask your outfitter if they support humanitarian projects and whether your travel schedule

allows time for delivery.

3. Ask if they participate in the Blue Bag Project — many already have bags available.

4. Invite friends and family to support your efforts.

5. Shop locally to fill your bags and support the local economy.

6. Deliver the supplies.

7. Take photos. Share your story.

Or work alongside Amy Bell Charities, the Goulet Cares Project, or other humanitarian initiatives

supported through Safari Club International.

It does not take much to show people you care.

Sometimes it simply takes saying to a friend, “I left some Amy Bell Blue Bags at the outfitters for

you to fill.”