DNR’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Offers Three Shooting Classes in June

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will offer a variety of shooting classes for women in June through the department’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program. Three classes are offered, all focused on providing a safe and comfortable environment in which women can learn shooting skills, ask questions, practice shooting and enjoy the camaraderie of sharing in one another’s success.

Introduction to Muzzleloading is offered Sunday, June 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress. Qualified instructors will start with a review of basic firearm safety, followed by a discussion of the different types of muzzleloaders and the basic steps of loading, firing and cleaning the muzzleloader. Participants will load and fire traditional and current inline versions under the direct supervision of qualified instructors. Ammunition and eye and ear protection will be provided. There is a $30 per-person fee for this class, which is limited to 24 participants. The Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress is located at 49800 Dequindre Road in Utica.

Introduction to Sporting Clays is offered Wednesday, June 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Island Lake Shooting Range. Beginners as well as experienced shooters are welcome. Expert instructors will provide the basics of sporting clays shooting, including where to watch for the target and proper shotgun mount. Participants may bring their own shotgun or one will be provided. Eye and ear protection will be available. There is a $40 per-person fee for this class, which is limited to 10 participants. Island Lake Shooting Range is located at 13600 East Grand River Road in Brighton.

Introduction to Handgun Shooting is offered Saturday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress. Instructors will begin with firearm safety and cover the fundamentals of pistol shooting. Participants will learn ammunition basics, pistol shooting for sports and hunting, and tips on purchasing a handgun. Students will be shooting .22 handguns on the shooting range. A firearms display will be set up for handling various firearms under certified instructor supervision. All firearms, ammunition, and eye and ear protection will be provided. There is a $30 per-person fee for this class, which is limited to 24 participants. The Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress is located at 49800 Dequindre Road in Utica.

BOW is a noncompetitive program for women, in which each individual is encouraged to learn at her own pace. The emphasis is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities, and sharing in the success of one another.

For registration forms and information on this and other BOW programs, visit www.michigan.gov/bow, call 517-241-2225 or email dnr-outdoors-woman@michigan.gov.