Empowering Women: Georgia SCI and Artemis Georgia Spearhead Women's Learn-to-Shoot Event
August 15, 2023
The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) in partnership with Artemis Georgia, a women’s initiative of the Georgia Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation, hosted an Introduction to Hunting Firearms event on Sunday, August 13, just outside of Macon. This half-day educational event, designed to recruit new women into hunting and the shooting sports, provided participants with professional instruction on how to shoot rifles and shotguns.
Due to the unusually hot temperatures, the day’s activities began early at 7:00 a.m. Following introductions, the ladies were briefed on firearm safety and coached on how to handle and shoot 20 gauge Beretta shotguns. Each of the ladies were able to use their newly acquired skills to successfully break clay targets. A special thanks to The High Adventure Company for supplying the shotguns used for this event.
After a short break, the participants moved on to the rifle range where they learned proper safety and shooting techniques when shooting from a bench. They eased into it by plinking targets at 40 yards with .22 rifles. Following trigger time on the .22s, they progressed to using suppressed CVA Cascade rifles chambered in 6.5 CM, where they engaged steel targets out to 350 yards. Each new shooter received one-on-one instruction, and everyone was successful in hitting all the targets at each distance.
Bre Bashford, Georgia’s R3 Coordinator commented, “These seven ladies braved the heat to further their interests in hunting. With an early morning start, these women eagerly challenged themselves and received a solid introduction to hunting firearms. We received great reviews and look forward to seeing them engage in conservation through hunting and shooting in the future.”
Georgia SCI’s Introduction to Hunting Firearms program is intended for first-time and novice shooters who are interested in becoming more familiar and proficient with hunting firearms, specifically rifles and shotguns. Participants learned about the mission of SCI and what the Georgia Chapter does to promote and protect the tradition of hunting and wildlife conservation. Eventgoers learned about how hunting and the shooting sports, through the purchase of licenses, firearms, and ammunition, contribute directly to conservation efforts.
"It’s always fun to see the excitement of a new shooter after they hit a target 350 yards away,” said Marc Stewart, Treasurer of the Georgia Chapter. “Many of the ladies commented that they enjoyed hearing the ping of the steel when the bullet made impact on the target.”
This event was made possible by Georgia SCI volunteers and supporters who generously donated their time, Bre Bashford, and the Georgia Wildlife Federation.
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About the Georgia Chapter of SCI
The Georgia Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting and protecting our hunting heritage through education, conservation, and humanitarian efforts. Founded in 1981, the Georgia Chapter is one of the oldest SCI chapters in the world. Visit www.GeorgiaSCI.org for more information.