The National Rifle Association’s (NRA) Women On Target program was designed to create opportunities for women to experience the wonderful world of hunting and shooting, without pressure or intimidation. The NRA realized that women are the fastest growing segment of the general population that takes up the sport of hunting, which explains why these programs have become so successful. Each year the NRA Women on Target program adds more outfitters and more destinations to the already long list of opportunities specifically designed to help women enjoy the sport of hunting.
This particular hunt, like most WOT hunts, was held at a first-rate location, Granite Springs Lodge in Alexandria, South Dakota. The name comes from a large granite quarry that sits directly below the towering windows of the lodge. The old rock quarry is filled to the brim with rainbow trout, large-mouth bass and a variety of other species. The scenic overlook is spectacular; as rolling native grasslands surround the lodge, creating an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for a WOT Pheasant hunt. Even though this was an upland bird hunt, the hosts offered the women an opportunity to fish the quarry. Despite the high-winds that constantly blow across the region, the fly-fishing was incredible. The clear, ice-cold waters of the quarry provided exceptional fly fishing for a variety of species including trophy size rainbow trout, several of which couldn’t resist the presentation at the end of my line.
Before the hunt, the ladies received expert shooting instruction from Kevin Yeo, a former All-American Trap Shooting team member and owner of Granite Springs. Kevin instructed the ladies through the finer points of shooting moving targets; soon the women were ready to partake in their first pheasant hunt and for many their first hunt ever. Kevin stated that he, “always enjoys watching a person’s first hunt. First, I see a person trying to control their nerves and anticipation, plus remember what they’re supposed to do, then add the flush and rush of excitement as the bird flies. Then I see the feeling of accomplishment when a person is able to master all those skills and make the shot. It’s like watching somebody win the lottery the first time they do that.
The program was designed to create positive experiences: “The NRA WOT program made me feel comfortable and that I was in good hands. The NRA staff made it a point to see that all the ladies were comfortable with their shooting abilities. They were very encouraging. You knew going into the hunt that this was why you were there. I didn’t have any experience and other women present were in the same boat. It immediately set everything at ease. There were no expectations. It was upbeat and encouraging all around. It was just great,’ praised Michelle Scheuermann, Director of Communications, and The Sportsman Channel.
Programs like the NRA’s WOT hunts, are changing the way women look at hunting. Never before has there been such a surge in women that are participating in outdoor recreation. Denise Conni, [Coordinator of the NRA WOT events] Conni suggests women take classes, especially an NRA Basic Course and a hunter safety course and then ask lots of questions. “Learn everything you can and then apply those lessons,” she says. Conni also believes that women can benefit greatly from hunting and shooting sports. “It can be a real confidence booster. Women realize they can do it.”
For more information on the Women On Target program go online to http://www.nrahq.org/women/wot.asp to experience excellent South Dakota pheasant hunting and fishing contact Granite Springs Lodge at http://www.granitespringssd.com/ or call them at 605-239-4404.
*This WOT hunt was filmed for Wingshooting Adventures for the Sportsman Channel and will be aired this spring.
