Limited to 35 women, participants must pre-register as soon as possible

CHANUTE — On May 30, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Lil Toledo Lodge, the Kansas Wildlife Officers Association, and the Kansas State Rifle Association, the Women of the National Rifle Association (NRA), and the Kansas Bow Hunter Association will join forces to conduct the area’s fourth Women on Target Shooting Skills For Women shooting clinic.

The event will be held at the Lil’ Toledo Lodge, southeast of Chanute. Activities will run from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.. Lil’ Toledo Lodge sets along the banks of the Neosho River providing an esthetic setting in the outdoors. The grounds are covered by native oak and hickory trees, and mowed walking trails allow wildlife to be viewed in a natural setting.

This event is for women only and is designed for women who may have never handled a gun. Women who have some experience are also encouraged to attend. Each participant will learn to shoot a variety of guns and bows and enjoy fellowship with other women. The event will give participants the opportunity to shoot shotguns, revolvers, semiautomatic handguns, small-caliber rifles, big bore rifles, and black powder rifles, as well as longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows. Participants will also have the opportunity to use the Laser Shot shooting simulator. Activities are conducted so that each woman can participate at her own pace and at her own experience level. This shooting clinic will also reinforce safe gun handling techniques, the mechanics of loading and unloading guns, and how to use bows and tree stands. In the shotgun shooting portion of the event, all women will be consistently breaking targets in the air before the day is over.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided by Lil’ Toledo Lodge, where women will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the other women about the experiences that they had in the morning events and what they have to look forward to in the afternoon. Women will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the instructors and trainers. There will also be a drawing for items that have been donated by local businesses.

The registration fee is $30 per person, which helps cover the cost of shooting supplies and targets. This event will be limited to the first 35 women who register and pay the fee. All women must be 18 years old. Participants do not need to bring guns or ammunition. All guns and equipment and supplies will be provided. However, participants may bring their own 20-gauge shotguns if they wish. All guns must be checked by the person in charge of the training before they are used.

To participate in the Shooting Skills for Women event, contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Pratt Operations Office at 620-672-5911. Ask for Stacy in Hunter Education to pre-register. The event is first-come, first-served, so those wishing to participate should pre-register as soon as possible.