Well, 2022 certainly seems like it’s going to be my year for shooting. I certainly did not expect to be where I am, and achieved what I have so far when I started shooting 3yrs ago now.
Certainly feels like a snowball effect has kicked in, and starting to pick up pace; from winning the BASC star of target shooting award, sorting out some local pigeon & corvid control permission, to hosting another sell event for The Bun Club (and next event is half filled already!), I have now been offered and accepted, a peg on a local syndicate; which I will share with my dad, and am arranging a ladies charity competition shoot in memory of my mum.
I have decided to get back into the social side of clay shooting, and booked myself on a few ladies days this year, first one being at Honesberie last weekend, and can certainly recommend it as a ground to visit; not just for their ladies days.
It was on that ladies day, that I met a lady who had never shot before and it was her first time on an event, and she was relieved to see that all of us ladies were not ‘dressed in tweed & pearls’ as she had imagined we would be, which has made me think about the perception these ‘ladies days’ and ‘ladies shooting’ give to non-shooters and those who may be interested in this sport, but are too afraid to as they do not feel they will ‘fit in’ as they don’t have the right clothes/look.
It’s certainly made me take a step back and think; what image do we want to portray & how do we encourage and reassure those who may want to take up this sport, but do not feel they will ‘fit in’.
Maybe my view is very black and white; and I state now I am speaking as myself and from my own personal viewpoint, and not on behalf of/as The S&CBC.
I would like to think that all the ladies who attend the days I run/host, feel they are welcome and don’t have to wear a certain brand, look/style or be a member of the club. My main role is ensure the ladies enjoy themselves and to promote the sport. It’s why I laugh when it’s said I see myself as an ‘influencer’ ,as I’m loyal to no brand, nor sponsored or gifted by them; I refuse to be a ‘show pony’ and the only ‘influencing’ I can say I actually do; is influencing ladies to take up shooting via the route I took; which was a ladies day, lessons, and taking any opportunity I was offered; be it a game day, a SIM day or shooting pigeons from a hide.
While I certainly feel ladies days have their place in the shooting world; I for one would not be where I am now without them, that lady’s comment has made me think what can we/they do better to encourage more ladies into this sport. Maybe more posts about the confidence and empowerment this sport can offer ladies, Affordability also needs to be taken into consideration, what one lady can afford, will not be the same as another lady; the main aim should be at getting ladies into the sport at a cost they can afford and in an enjoyable way, and encouraging them to not rely on ladies days alone to get out and shoot, but promote lessons and other options/experiences.
Shooting should be inclusive to all who want to get involved, & although I host for the S&CBC, I promote ladies shooting first and the event itself, not just the club, & will continue to do so. I share posts for BASC days, a friends SIM days and other ladies days that I have been on myself, as what suits one person, may not suit someone else or give them the experience they are looking for, so instead of losing their interest to the sport and so possibly losing a newcomer to the sport, I would rather give them options and let them find what suits them and their personality, and they can start their own journey into the world of shooting, and maybe help spread the ripple effect of encouraging more ladies and newcomers into this sport I love so much.
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