Coudersport, Pa.:  Ten women from all over Pennsylvania and one woman from Ohio attended the 4-day (2 weekends) Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) Women’s Introduction to Wingshooting Program recently held at the Black Forest Conservation Association in NC PA.  All of the graduates were then offered a Chukar and Pheasant hunt at God’s Country Wingshooting Preserve near Coudersport.

Bethany Ford, bjmf989@gmail.com, leads the program and offers this insight, “If you want to learn how to shoot a shotgun safely for target practice or learn to hunt birds of all types, then this program is for you.  As long as you are over the age of 11, you can participate in this ‘women-teaching-women’ program.”  The program will be offered for a weekend in July in 2027 and then another full program once again in August.  A hunt for graduates of both programs will be held in September.

“Next year we are going to make the instruction days longer and complete the program in one full weekend as we have many women tell us that they can’t make both weekends, but can make one or the other weekend,” said Bethany.

All graduates of the RGS program complete a review of the program, and here are some exact comments from this year’s graduates:

• It was empowering to learn from skilled female hunters and shooters, and the environment felt welcoming and encouraging rather than intimidating.
• It was a very welcoming and encouraging environment, especially for someone like me who was stepping completely outside of her comfort zone.
• I like the shooting experience and the information we got about different topics.
• I like the knowledge every single instructor brought with them and their passion for all of it.

Lodging is available, if needed, but is limited.  For women interested in pay-for lodging, consider staying at a local inn, AirBnb, or a Bed and Breakfast, all near Coudersport, Pa.

You must register to attend this course, and it is on a first-come, first serve registration basis.   The program is already half-full for next year.  Contact Bethany Ford at bjmf989@gmail.com to register for next year’s Women’s Intro to Wingshooting program offered by the RGS.