Daughters of the land
In honour of International Women’s Day, we recount the stories of female gamekeepers in history who blazed a trail for generations to come.
- - Features
- - Features
BASC Women in Shooting: a day at Bisley
BASC’s Chelsea Jones reports on a thoroughly enjoyable BASC Women in Shooting Rifle Day at Bisley Shooting Ground in Surrey.
On Saturday, 5 October, Bisley Shooting Ground played host to a fantastic rifle shooting event that brought together 15 women from various backgrounds and shooting experiences.Â
With the aim of fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, the day provided participants with an opportunity to shoot a range of calibres, from rimfire to full-bore rifles, under the guidance of range safety officers (RCOs). For many, this was their first time handling a rifle, and the results were nothing short of remarkable.
Performance on the range
Despite most of the women having never shot a rifle before, the quality of shooting was outstanding. The participants, many of whom were new to the sport, were producing groupings that would rival even the most seasoned rifle shooters. It was a testament not only to the participants’ natural ability but also to the excellent instruction provided throughout the day.Â
Although some of the participants were seasoned rifle shots, others were familiar with shotguns but had never ventured into rifle shooting.Â
The event offered them the chance to step outside their comfort zones, and they were surrounded by like-minded people all eager to learn. The supportive atmosphere ensured that everyone, regardless of experience, had a safe and enjoyable day.
A Personal journey
I had the pleasure of hosting a group of six women, all of whom considered themselves to be beginners. Watching their progression throughout the day was incredibly rewarding.Â
The group started by shooting .22Â rimfire rifles at static targets. By the end of the day, they were confidently hitting targets on the 100m full-bore range. Their transformation in such a short time was inspiring, reminding me of my own journey into rifle shooting and stalking.
For beginners, having access to a network of experienced shooters and supportive environments is key to building confidence. These types of events are vital in showing women how accessible and welcoming the sport can be.
The importance of community
There was a great atmosphere throughout the day, kicking off first with bacon rolls or pastries on arrival, and the lunch break featured delicious game meat burgers and sausages.
During lunch, participants had the opportunity to come together and share their experiences, ask questions, and connect with BASC staff and the range officers. It was an invaluable time to reflect on the day and make contacts.
A bright future for Women in Shooting
As the day came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel proud of the progress these women had made. I hope that each of them left with the confidence and knowledge to continue their rifle shooting journey.Â
Events like the one at Bisley are crucial in showing women that shooting sports are not only accessible but also welcoming and inclusive. I have no doubt that we will see many of those in attendance return to the range, ready to pursue their newfound passion with gusto.
Women’s shooting events like this provide a fantastic introduction to rifle shooting, offering both instruction and expertise to progress their shooting journey.Â
As more women take part in these events, it is exciting to see the shooting community grow and diversify. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, events like these show that rifle shooting is a sport for everyone.
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Chelsea Jones
Chelsea is a regional officer in the South West. Before joining BASC she worked as a gamekeeper and then became a college lecturer, teaching game and countryside management. Chelsea is a keen game, clay and rifle shot.
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