NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
INCORPORATED 1871
1125 WAPLES MILL ROAD – FAIRFAX, VA 22030

Community Service Programs Division
Communications Department
Telephone (703) 267-1595
Fax (703) 267-3994

For Immediate Release
November 29, 1999
For More Information: Mary Sue Faulkner (703) 267-1595

“WOMEN ON TARGET”
REVEALS A LONG-KEPT SECRET

Millions of men have long known the fun and excitement of shooting and hunting. Today, millions of women have begun to discover that those same shooting and hunting sports are perfect for women as well, and the women of the NRA are leading the way.
“It’s time for women to be encouraged to shoot and hunt,” says Sue King, an NRA Board member, who has actively participated in and promoted the shooting sports for women for over half a century. King and four other highly respected sportswomen from across the country urged NRA’s Women’s Issues Department to launch a program designed to create shooting and hunting opportunities exclusively for women. This new program, Women on Target, From the Women of NRA, will give thousands of women recreational and educational opportunities in shooting and hunting.
Having organized over 60 shooting and hunting opportunities in the past two years, the women of the NRA have clearly seen the demand. Melinda Bridges, manager of the Women’s Issues Department and Women On Target, states that, “Only lack of opportunity and mentors have kept millions of interested women from participating. Women on Target has been created to address those issues.”
Peggy Siler, owner of the Ozark Shooter’s Center in Branson, Mo., confirms how rewarding these events are for women. “Once women break their first clay, drill their first bullseye, or harvest their first game, their self-confidence and their enthusiasm for shooting skyrocket. Women and the shooting sports are a natural,” Siler states.
To make the program widely available across the country, a grassroots network of experienced, able volunteers has been established. These women, and many gentlemen supporters, will create and organize shooting and hunting opportunities, act as mentors and promote the sports to women. Women on Target will partner with state game departments, shooting clubs, conservation groups and state associations to expand the horizons and opportunities of women in the shooting and hunting sports.
The inaugural sponsorship event for Women on Target will be a shotgun shoot held May 13-14, Mother’s Day weekend, at Siler’s range in Branson, Mo. All events are purely recreational and 14 of the year 2000 shotgun and handgun events will benefit local women’s charities.
“Shooting and hunting are time-honored American traditions,” said Bridges, “and we are thrilled to help women become a bigger part of those traditions. As our network of volunteers continues to grow, we intend to help women nationwide take their place in the shooting and hunting world.”

Those interested in taking part in a women’s shoot or hunt should call (703) 267-1413 or (800) 861-1166 for more information.

You may also e-mail me for more info:
Lee Ann Tarducci
Management Group/Regional Coordinator