The Hunter Spotlight Series | Sharenda Birts

This week's Hunter Spotlight Series takes us to Kansas City and introduces us to adult-onset hunter, Sharenda.

by Cliff Cadet | Equalized Outdoors Newsroom

Name: Sharenda Birts

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Weapon Of Choice: "That's a tough one! I genuinely love my shotgun, rifle, and compound bow equally. It really depends on what I'm hunting that day."

Favorite Game to Hunt: "Deer and pheasants."

Sharenda looking down the scope of her rifle.

Did you grow up hunting, or did you start as an adult?

"I started hunting as an adult, and honestly, it wasn't because I grew up around it—it was because of my health.

"Between 2017 and 2018, my scoliosis progressed to the point where my spine was severely out of alignment, locking up my hip, knee, and ankle. My mobility became so limited that surgery was recommended, but I chose an intensive rehabilitation route instead. It took nearly two years to regain my mobility.

"During that same time, I was diagnosed with an aggressive case of thyroid cancer. What was expected to be a partial thyroid removal became a complete thyroidectomy

Sharenda in a saddle and pulling her bow up with a tow line.

after surgeons discovered my thyroid was essentially one large cancerous mass. The long-term effects have been significant. I developed allergies to pork and many commercially processed meats, and I spent over a year with a paralyzed vocal cord that required an implant so I could speak and breathe normally again. Even today, if I'm speed walking or dragging a deer out of the woods, you'll probably hear me before you see me.

"Those experiences completely changed my relationship with food and the outdoors. Hunting became more than a hobby—it became a way for me to provide clean, responsibly sourced meat that I know I can eat. Processing my own game also gives me a better understanding of what I'm putting into my body. Even something as simple as knowing a pheasant has been feeding heavily on soybeans matters to me because soy can interfere with how my body absorbs the thyroid medication I'll take for the rest of my life.

"I came to hunting for health reasons, but I stayed because it gave me purpose, confidence, lifelong friendships, and a deeper appreciation for conservation, self-sufficiency, and where our food comes from."

Looking at your Instagram pics, we see you've got a bow. What's your setup look like?

"My bow is fairly new, so my setup is still evolving as I figure out what works best for me."

Bow

Sharenda at full draw and ready to let an arrow fly.

• Mathews Lift RS (Right Hand)

• Green Ambush Fade-to-Black riser

• Black and OD Green limbs

• 52-pound draw weight

• OEM black strings

• UltraRest Integrate MX

• 85% let-off

• Standard mods

• Purple monkey tails and dampeners (because every bow deserves a little personality)

• OD Green grip

• Flatline Stabilizer with quick disconnect (planning to upgrade to a Bridge-Lock setup later)

• Engage EXO limb legs

• LowPro Detachable Quiver

Sights

• I alternate between a Black Gold Dual Trac Dovetail two-pin sight and a Garmin Xero A1i Pro Dovetail sight.

Release

• Stan Onnex Thumb Release

Arrows

• Victory RIP Extreme

• 350 Spine

• 5mm

• 100-grain field points and broadheads (I'm still testing broadheads before committing to a favorite.)

• Bowtique Arrow Wraps—because I like to be a little extra, and they make my arrows much easier to identify. 

We noticed, again from your Instagram (we're not stalkers...I swear!), that you build your own arrows. Is that as tedious as it looks...or is it something everyone can do?

"LMAO...I laughed at that question.

"Honestly, after you've built your first dozen arrows, it's not tedious at all. The most intimidating part for most people is fletching. The jig emulates a sketchy vibe until you actually use it, and then you realize it really is simple. I definitely had one of those "Why was I so worried about this?" moments. 

"I think just about anyone can build arrows with a little patience. Follow the manufacturer's instructional videos, watch a few creators you trust online, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Like most things in archery, confidence comes with repetition. Then you toss a little offset on the fletching and test out your set up to see if you like the flight results."

Sharenda post hunt with her rifle AND deer harvest.

Tell us about wildHERness. What is it and what do you do with/for them?

"wildHERness is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for women to learn outdoor skills in a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free environment. Whether someone has never picked up a bow or firearm or they're simply looking to expand their skills, our goal is to build confidence, foster self-reliance, and create a community where women encourage one another to step outside their comfort zones.

"As one of the founders and the Vice President, I wear a lot of hats. Depending on the event, I help plan and organize programs, recruit volunteers and sponsors, coordinate logistics, teach or assist with archery, firearms, hunting, and outdoor skills, and mentor participants throughout their journey. Like most nonprofits, you'll also find me doing whatever needs to be done behind the scenes—from setting up tables to hauling gear.

"The most rewarding part is watching someone arrive feeling nervous or unsure of themselves and leave realizing they're capable of far more than they ever imagined. Watching that confidence grow inspires me to keep growing my own skills, continue learning, and build meaningful connections with other outdoorsmen and women who share the same passion for the outdoors. For me, that's what wildHERness is all about."

That was this week's Hunter Spotlight Series. Be sure to follow Sharenda on Instagram: @pinkshears

And to learn more about wildHERness, visit: https://wildHERness.org

Sharenda dragging a buck.