Number of Women Hunters, Shooters Rising

Women’s participation in hunting and the shooting sports is going up, according to new data from the National Sporting Goods Association.


Between 2003 and 2008, the number of women hunting with firearms rose from 2.1 million to 2.9 million; women who bowhunt rose from 400,000 to 600,000; and women who target shoot increased from 4.1 milion to 4.8 million.

These nationwide figures are consistent with the participation trends NRA has seen in its Women On Target program, which began in 1999. Women On Target conducts women-only hunts and instructional shooting clinics. Both serve as ideal ways to introduce women to the shooting sports, and to provide a venue for experienced women hunters and shooters to mentor newcomers. Guides and outfitters are seeing women as a growing market, and gun clubs seeking members are often shocked at how many women will sign up, if simply given some friendly instruction.

In fact, the number of clubs running Women On Target instructional shooting clinics increased from 211 in 2007 to 289 in 2009, a 37 percent jump. A total of 6,066 women attended those clinics in 2007, and by the end of 2009 we’ll record nearly 8,000 for the year—a 32 percent increase. The program’s women-only hunts are growing steadily, too, and 10 high quality excursions are planned for 2010. A wide variety of destinations and game species will be offered—click here to see the full schedule.

One can even argue that because of Women On Target and other programs like it, it is now easier than ever for women to learn to hunt and shoot. NRA screens guides and outfitters carefully to ensure their willingness to work with women who might be brand new to hunting. And instructors at shooting clinics are fully aware that some of the women who show up may never have set foot on a range before or even touched a firearm. So in both the hunts and the clinics, a great deal of emphasis is placed on safety, fun and ensuring the women are comfortable in the environment. 

While mainstream media continues to find it astonishing that women have any interest in guns, experience at Women On Target events proves otherwise. 

"This was great," Jennifer Iverson told the local newspaper after a clinic in Alpine, Calif., "because it was different kinds of shooting (firearms). I had never done moving target shooting before." Aloma Richards, who attended the same clinic, added, "I liked the pistol, because it was easier for me to hold. The first time I shot the pistol I got a bulls-eye!"

Lisa Metheny, an experienced hunter and outdoor writer who has instructed at several NRA's women's events, commented, "The Women On Target program is the best place I know where women can experience all the best things about hunting—skill development, focus on safety, sharing camp with like-minded women, exceptional chances at success, outfitters that go above and beyond—and endless hours of fun. These are the things that make hunting special."

To learn more NRA’s women's hunts, clinics and other women’s programs, visit: http://www.nrahq.org/women/.