Mt. Jewett, Pa.:  Women’s Introduction to Wingshooting is a two-weekend program offered by the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) to help women learn the fundamentals of shotgun shooting and hunting game birds of Pennsylvania.  This popular program is hosted by the Mt. Jewett Sportsmen’s Club on July 19-20 and August 23-24.  Women’s Introduction to Wingshooting is a course for women, taught by women.  On both Saturdays, the course starts at noon and ends at 4:00 p.m.  On both Sundays, the course starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m.

Register by contacting bjmf989@gmail.com.   Attendance is required for both weekends to graduate from the program.  Free lodging is available, if needed, but is limited.  In addition, local motels and campgrounds offer lodging.

A hunt will be offered to the graduates on Sunday, September 7, at a nearby sportsmen’s club.

No pre-knowledge of shooting is required.  “We pride ourselves on helping a woman who has never even held a shotgun before learn how to become a wingshooter,” says Sue McClelland of Smethport, one of the instructors.  “And owning a shotgun is not necessary; we have shotguns that the attendees can try for size and then use during the program.  When you finish this training you can go on and shoot at targets for fun or hunt your choice of birds.”

You must register to attend this course, and it is on a first-come, first serve registration basis.  “We only take twenty women into the program each year so we can maintain the quality”, offers Maureen McDonald of Coudersport, another instructor.