Women Compete in Lumberjack Competitions

VERNON, Conn. (AP) — Make no mistake, these women kick ax.

They have their own pinup calendar and sell their own line of tank tops and underwear emblazoned with their slogan.

They're the Axe Women Loggers of Maine and they're kicking off their 2015 season. During appearances at county fairs, motorcycle shows and music festivals across North America, they throw axes at bull's-eye targets and race against each other cutting wood with long saws and chain saws.

Members hold six world titles in various women's lumberjack competitions.

Alissa Harper of Bar Harbor, Maine, started the group in 2010. She says it's empowering for the women to compete in a male-dominated sport.

The group recently held an open house event in Vernon, Connecticut, to jump start its season.