By Rebecca Stone

For women who are interested in shooting, whether expert or novice, Ladies Day at the Range Fun Shoot was a great success. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, approximately 40 women came out for the event.

Planned and organized by Chris Aydelotte, the day at the range was held last August at the Towanda Rifle and Gun Club located in Towanda, PA. Here, women were able to test their shooting skills and compete for prizes which included a .22 rifle as well as a muzzleloading rifle.

The day began at 8 a.m., and for a small fee of $15, the women could enjoy breakfast, lunch, and have all the day's worth of ammunition provided for them.

The women were divided into groups and sent to various shooting stations throughout the event. An hour at each station was devoted to training the women on how to properly load and aim each particular firearm. They then had the chance to shoot their own firearms at clay pigeons and bunnies.

"This is far better than cooking in the kitchen or doing laundry," said Barbara Smith, who shot down a whole row of clay pigeons clipped to chicken wire with clothes pins, and also hit two flying clay pigeons with one shot.

About half of the women attending the event had never shot before, and another quarter of the women were inexperienced shooters.

The participants agreed that the ladies-only format was extremely helpful. Similar events around the country have proven this formula.

Women & Guns was among the 70 sponsors to support this event.