Guns a blazin'...

That is a bullseye!

The first time I shot a gun was about 18 years ago. Dad hauled sis and I out to the flattest, most open part of our yard and handed me a revolver of some sort and said, "fire away."

Granted, he didn't just hand it over. We got the lecture that ensured we would most likely die or be disfigured if we touched a gun without him around. That fear he instilled seemed to work-most and kept us from doing a lot of stupid things. Handling firearms without adult supervision was one stupid thing neither of us would ever do.

Fast forward a couple decades and I'm an adult, who is still a little gun shy. I know it's only due to my lack of experience, and that prompted me to think about getting more experience. Being a single gal without a big mean dog to eat any bad guys (dogs are way too much commitment), I am pondering gun ownership for my protection. Before I take the plunge I'd like to be a little more skilled and knowledgeable. I'm not going to run off and join the NRA, I just want to be a responsible gun owner.


This prompted me to enroll in Camp Wild Women, which is a day camp designed to help women get comfortable with guns. There were four rotations: pistol, rifle, shotgun, and compound bows (hunting was the main focus at this rotation). Kansas Wildlife and Parks Law Enforcement, as well as hunter safety instructors came out to instruct 24 women.

Pistol shooting. Not bad for being rusty!

It was not at all intimidating. In fact, one instructor said women were much easier to teach because they listen and generally don't have ego issues. As I hit my first rotation for pistol shooting I was a little nervous because I was rusty and I didn't want to look like an idiot. However, three of the six in my group had never even held a gun. Our instructors showed us how to release the clip, load the clip, and reload before firing at targets. I surprised myself because I actually hit the target!

The next rotation was rifles. We learned about and shot each action type. I preferred the semi-automatic and the pump over the bolt and lever action. When we retrieved our targets at 50-yards I was surprised that I had hit target, and hit the bullseye. It was most likely luck, but I was the only one in my group that hit the center.

After lunch we went to the compound bow. I have recently developed an interest in bow hunting after reading a story of a woman who took down a lion with a bow. Yes. A real lion. Like, Simba real. Reading her story was pretty exhilarating as she talked about the adrenaline rush, and having to refine her skill and strategy to get it done. I find the skill and strategy interesting, so I was excited to jump into the rotation. Keep in mind I had no idea what I was doing, and I have the battle wounds to prove it. The bow snapped my arm pretty good, and although I didn't cry-it stung! With a few modifications to my grip, stance, and arm placement I was able to get it down pretty good. In fact, I've considered buying me a compound bow and a decoy for stress relief in the back yard.

Lesson learned.

I was not expecting much from the trap shooting rotation. If the first two rotations gave me confidence, the bow round kind of shot it down. I was pretty sure the chances of me hitting a blaze orange disk were pretty slim. Our instructor was a retired game warden and quite the storyteller. He showed us all about the guns, and then explained that he had brought "girl guns" that were more suited for women. The recoil is almost non-existent and the barrels are a little shorter for stability and ease of control. He said most women go out and shoot Dad's (or a boyfriend's) gun that is too big, it kicks back and then some won't ever shoot again because it hurts like hell. As we started our round some of the women in my group did pretty good. It was now my turn and I was worried. What if I was the only one that didn't hit a target? Even the gals that had never shot before were making the discs explode.

I started shooting and I surprised myself with only missing one out of eight. Jim told me I had great form and follow through, and I don't think he would lie to me - he didn't seem the bullshit type - and yes, I can spot them. We went through three rounds. One pigeon from the back, one from next to the shooting spot, and then both at the same time. I hit a lot of targets, so I didn't feel like a total wimp.

The entire day was a blast. I met a few women from the area, got to shoot stuff, and even had a sunburn. Would I go back? Yes. In a heartbeat. Did it help ease my mind about my abilities with firearms? Yes. The bow? Well, that might need a little practice.

I'm glad I have a big backyard.