The shooting sports are not a “man’s game” these days. Far from it. More and more women have taken up target shooting. A recent survey showed an 80% increase in the number of women target shooters from 2001 to 2016. In total, six million American ladies participated in target shooting in 2016. Likewise hunting has become more popular with American women. Female hunters in the USA numbered 1.1 million in 2016. That represents a 104% increase from 2001.

Recognizing that ladies are an ever-increasing part of the shooting sports, Shooting Industry Magazine published its first-ever Woman’s Issue dedicated to female shooters and huntresses. This 2019 special issue can be accessed for FREE online. CLICK HERE to READ.

While the issue is focused primarily on SELLING products to women, there is some very useful information that can help match directors and club officials. The magazine interviews many business owners and range directors who have developed female-focused shooting and training programs.

Female Participation in Shooting Sports and Hunting
The Shooting Industry Woman’s Issue spotlights female participation in target shooting and hunting. One key article summarizes a nationwide survey conducted by Southwick Associates. One interesting finding was that much of the increase in female participation can be tracked to younger ladies: “Female participation in both hunting and shooting may be highest among younger women[.]” Notably, 16% of respondents among target shooters in the 16-24 age category were female. Southwick concludes: “Future generations of hunters and shooters will contain more women than ever before”.

One Hundred Men vs. One Hundred Women — get ready for the Battle of the Sexes at the Second Annual Babes with Bullets 3-Gun Challenge. The match takes place May 20th and 21st at the Miculek’s Shootout Range near Shreveport, LA. In this unique match, there will be an equal number of male and female participants, for a total of 200 competitors. The first place in men’s division will be a $2,000 check as will the first place in the ladies division. This match follows an “equal pay” philosophy rarely seen in the shooting sports. The prize tables, valued at over $50,000, will also be divided equally between men and women’s divisions. Each division will also have a junior and senior category.

Match directors state: “Our goal is to have an equal number of female and male participants. All competitors will shoot the same stages of fire, with the Women’s Domain and Men’s Domain scored separately. Equal play, equal pay!” Men’s and Women’s Domains will have separate prize tables with Tactical Optics Division winners guaranteed $2,000 cash OR first pick from the respective prize tables.

Otis Technology Sponsors Event
Otis Technology, makers of gun cleaning products, is the presenting sponsor of the BWB 3-Gun Challenge. Otis’s Marketing Manager, Heather Pleskach, notes that “Last year’s inaugural match was a well-organized event that welcomed shooters from all experience levels. We couldn’t be more proud to continue our participation for 2017 and look forward to another successful event.” At this year’s 3-Gun Challenge, Otis Technology will partner up with Thompson Center/Smith & Wesson for an exciting side match at the event. Tracy and Lanny Barnes, former Olympic Biathletes, will be competing in the match on behalf of Otis.

About Babes with Bullets: Since 2004, Babes with Bullets have provided firearms handling and safety training for women. Co-founders Deb Ferns, camp director, and Kay Miculek, head instructor, have led these camps for almost thirteen years. See the 2017 camp schedule at BabeswithBullets.com.

“This is an unusual training opportunity” stated Miculek “with all-female handgun champions picked for their abilities to work with novice women in a way that is empowering without being over-powering.” According to Miculek, many of the campers will shoot a gun for the first time and after completing the 3-day program they will have shot hundreds of rounds from various calibers of handguns. Miculek added, “Each woman will leave from this camp with a new life skill. Our emphasis is to show the ladies that shooting is a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding sport for women of all ages.”

According to Camp Director Deb Ferns, there are over 2,100 camper alumnae, ages 18 to 78, the majority having very little experience with a gun prior to camp. Ferns explained: “Think of this camp as part firearms training, part adventure camp and part pajama party”. Deb Ferns provides an introduction to the program in the video below.

Watch Babes With Bullets on the Outdoor Channel
Babes with Bullets has been a popular feature on the Outdoor Channel. Videos of Camp training sessions can be previewed at www.outdoorchannel.com/babeswithbullets. Camp registration forms and additional information are found at www.BabeswithBullets.com. If you have questions, contact Deb Ferns at (520) 331-3400 or e-mail Deb [at] BabeswithBullets.com

Smith & Wesson Supplies Guns for Camp Participants
The cost of camp is $675, which includes housing, food, range fees, instructor costs and use of complimentary firearms, provided by Smith & Wesson. Campers also qualify for discounts on Smith & Wesson handguns and rifles.

2012 Babes with Bullets Camp Locations

March 16th to 18th, 2012
Rocky Creek Ranch near Sarasota, Florida. Handgun camp for both novice and intermediate women.

April 13th to 15th, 2012
Bang-Inc.com, home range of Kay Miculek, located outside Shreveport, Louisiana. “Combo Camp” for novice and intermediates, offering two days of handgun work and one day of AR-15 rifle training. Three full range days.

May 18th to 20th, 2012
Willow Lake Sportman’s Club near Kalamazoo, Michigan. Three-day camp for novice and intermediate women. Campers stay at deluxe Willow Lake SC Lodge.

June 29th to July 1st, 2012
Routt County Rifle (and Pistol) Club near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Novice and intermediate camp with lodging located near the range.

September 7th to 10th, 2012
Rockcastle Shooting Center in Rockcastle, Kentucky. New “Combo Camp” offering beginner and intermediate handgun and rifle training.

October 12th to 14th, 2012
Tucson Rifle Club in Tucson, Arizona. Novice and intermediate camp at home range of camp director Deb Ferns.

November 2nd to 4th, 2012
Babes with Bullets is planning a Texas “Combo Camp” of handgun and rifle training first weekend of November. Site TBA.