Watch out outdoor world: there is a new girl in town and her name is Lindsey Lucas. This 15-year-old outdoor communicator has taken off and it looks like there is no stopping her. Lucas is a freelance writer who simultaneously is making her way through high school in Missouri. She has already won awards and earned recognition among the industries top associations during her short career.
She started writing for CrappieNOW magazine in May of this year. That same month, her photo was featured on the cover of that same magazine. Lucas writes a column for CrappieNOW called "The Reel Deal by Lindsey Lucas," which chronicles her fishing adventures with her family. She has also written one article for CatfishNOW, a separate magazine, in which she shared tips on how to fish for catfish.
In the seven months that she has been writing she has won two scholarships, one from SEOPA (South Eastern Outdoor Press Association) called the Lindsay-Sale Tinney Award and the other one from AGLOW (Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers) called the Toyota "Let's go Places" scholarship. She also received the Rising Outdoor Promoter of the year for Mississippi.
Lucas credits her dad with her love of the outdoors. She even co-hosts his television show, Outdoor Vigilantes.
"As I got older I really started taking a liking to the outdoors and going with my father on most of his trips even if it was to just help film for our show," she said.
Lucas is quick to point out how lucky she has been to come from an outdoor-centered background.
"My whole family has always been involved with the outdoors," Lucas said. "I grew up in the outdoors hunting, fishing, camping, ATV riding, about anything you can think of."
Lucas has many outdoor passions, including hunting, fishing, and shooting trap and skeet. She utilizes social media to promote and encourage others to get involved in the outdoors.
"I'm hoping to become a good role model and influence for other kids my age and/or younger, to go outside and adventure," she said. "To go try new things and explore the world and also help them realize there's more than just phones and video games. Also to show that no matter the age, old or young, it's never too late to go out and try new things because who knows you might fall in love with the outdoors."
On many of the trips she takes she notices a trend - she is usually the only kid and often the only girl. She would like to change that.
"I'm also pretty big on getting more girls and women in the outdoors as well," she said.
Her outdoor adventures take her all over the place. Sometimes she encounters really cool stuff. One time on a deer hunt at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, she shot an unusual buck.
"I shot this nice six pointer but when I walked up to him I noticed his horns were spiral like a corkscrew," Lucas said. "I'm currently getting a European mount done on him."
In addition to writing, Lucas dabbles in videography and photography centered around hunting, fishing, camping, and just about anything outdoors. She is very grateful for her newfound success and all of those that have helped her get there.
"It's very important to know and remember to always give thanks to the people who have helped you and supported you along the way," Lucas said. "Without the support I've had from my family, friends, school and people I meet along the way, I'm not sure where I would be at today. I couldn't thank everyone enough and most importantly I couldn't thank the good Lord for giving me these amazing opportunities."
Lucas can be found on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, the Hunt Channel, My Outdoor TV, ROKU and several others.
