While she didn't win the Extreme Huntress title, 100 Mile House resident Candace Knudsen says the adventure was an "amazing experience."
"When I made the top 6, I was blown away. I figured I didn't stand much of a chance."
Before she started the competition, Knudsen says she had not hunted outside of British Columbia.
"I hadn't seen 90 per cent of the animals that were there and the other women in the top 6 were all great hunters with experience in the hunting industry.
"Needless to say I was nervous about failing, to 'not be good enough,' but with the support of family and friends, and knowing that when I returned from Texas they would all be there for me, this kept me motivated to stick with it."
When she got to Texas, Knudsen says there were cameras following her every move, and she was being judged and tested constantly.
She adds it was an exhausting but fun experience.
"I may not have won the title, but I stayed true to myself and I am proud of my accomplishments and have made memories for a lifetime!"
She won all of the skill challenges and completed all of her hunting challenges.
When she was asked about where she lived, Candace says she told them 100 Mile House, she didn't elaborate because they wanted to know some hunting spots to check out. Those are a secret, she adds with a chuckle.
"Out of all my competitors I was from the smallest community and I was pretty proud to represent small town with big dreams.
"So no matter what your background, if you're from a small town, if you don't have any connections, if you don't have experience with certain things, no matter any of what you may think are your downfalls, stay true to yourself, stay positive, stay persistent.
"You can do anything you set your mind to. Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will!
At the end of the day if you are honest, dedicated and hard working, that is success!
"You may not win, you may even come in last, but at least you did your best! You know that when you had the choice to sit it out or go for it, you went for it and gave it your all!
"And the people who matter most will be there for you no matter what. So live your life to the fullest and enjoy every moment!"
Knudsen has chosen not to participate in the Extreme Huntress competition next year.
"I did the best I could this year when it came down to shooting skills and hunting and ended up winning overall shooting skills scores and harvesting the most animals.
"However, the social media portion (online votes and online promotion) was what the final score came down to.
"It was such a great adventure. I took everything I could from the experience, but I'd rather be outside than on my phone."
Besides the great experience, Knudsen says all of the competitors were given a rifle, scope, binoculars and a bit of swag from the sponsors, which was "awesome."
The winner of the Extreme Huntress title was Lindsay Christensen from Idaho and she received the coveted trophy.
"Thank you to everyone who supported me; my fiancé, my family and friends, the Cariboo and Chilcotin and 100 Mile House Free Press!"