Rachel Edmons was "born and raised in the mountains" of East Tennessee.

"Growing up, I was always outside, whether it was fishing with my uncles or scouting deer with my dad," she says. "I grew up riding horses and playing in my mom's flower beds."

Although she fished throughout her youth and was around family who hunted, Rachel did not actually start hunting until later in her teen years.

"I owe my hunting career to my very supportive husband," she says. "When we began dating, I learned very soon if I were to keep up with him, I would have to at least learn about hunting, because it was his life."

Used to being outside, Rachel quickly became interested in year-round scouting and preparation that goes into the hunting season. "He was very helpful to show me every aspect of what it took to hunt," she said. "It seemed the lessons flew by and it wasn't long until I was out in the yard with my bow right beside him."

A short time later, Rachel killed her first deer with Richard by her side.

"I think he was as excited to teach as I was to learn," she said. "Since then, I have learned to hunt on my own."

Rachel is dedicated to bow hunting and quality deer management, and also hunts wild turkeys.

"It is so peaceful out there, yet so suspense-filled when the big one strolls by," she said. "I have yet to take a monster buck, but I have taken several monster does!"

Rachel is a member of the Team Frady pro staff, Hoyt's National Shooting Staff, and a staff member of Women Hunters.Com.

E-mail Rachel Edmons at rachel@tnhunting.com.