'We are having a good time' - How more women are proving game for shooting

Traditionally a male-dominated pastime, today’s guns are being fired by female members of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) taking part in one of the organisation’s Women in Shooting events.

Statistics from BASC show women and girls account for 7.5 per cent of its total membership. Of the 496,904 shot gun certificate holders in England and Wales, six per cent (31,747) are women.

It is working hard to increase pathways for women into the sport.

Rob Newton, BASC Regional Officer for Yorkshire & North East, said: “There are quite a number of women shooting groups, Country Girls UK and Artemis Deer Stalking. There is a real big interest.

“Historically, shooting is male-dominated but we have to be inclusive. Sometimes women feel a bit intimidated perhaps in the field, so it is nice for them to have their own day.

"Women in Shooting is a BASC brand effectively and we have a really good following.

“Accessibility is most definitely a reason more women are getting involved. We want to encourage as many people to get involved as possible by running days like this.”

This winter Saturday morning is one of those pathways.

BASC and the North Deighton estate, near Wetherby, which has its own shooting syndicate, has teamed up for the first time to offer a day’s shooting solely to female BASC members.

The opportunity was snapped up by the women looking to hone skills, but most of all meet like-minded women and enjoy a day in the countryside.

Dispelling a common myth shooting is for the elite, these ladies are from all walks of life. Day jobs include guest house owner, firearms compliance officers and a former swimming instructor.

One woman who is part of a mixed syndicate still feels intimidation on occasion.

She says: “If I know people I feel more comfortable. I went on a syndicate game day and a guy was at the side of me, he was an excellent shot, but poached and picked my birds.

"I come on a game day to enjoy it and if I get a couple of birds, it is a bonus.”

These ladies are more concerned with pursuing shooting to improve skills and form friendships.

Sonya Smith said: “Seeing another lady doing well lifts us and we encourage each other. Empowering may not be the right word but there is something about it.

"It is a men’s sport but we are all out here having a good time, encouraging each other.”

It was a working Cocker Spaniel puppy which got her into shooting 20 years ago. The breeder would only let her buy him if she agreed to work him.

Ms Smith started beating with her second Cocker, got her shotgun licence and started clay shooting then game shooting on beaters days.

Every bird from this shoot was taken home by the guns or beaters.