It is common today to see women-only firearm training occurring in hundreds of gun clubs and on ranges around the country. When spectators see a group of women sending lead downrange, smiling, socializing and having a great time, it's just considered normal. That’s one positive sign that our efforts to be part of the Second Amendment community are here to stay. But there is a special camaraderie that develops when women train and shoot together.
In the past two decades we have seen an exponential rise in the number of “girl gun groups” and events geared toward teaching women to shoot for the purpose of self-defense or simply pursuing a new hobby. In fact, more than 25 years ago the NRA began one of the first organized programs for women—NRA Women on Target Instructional Shooting Clinics (WOT)—which undeniably inspired the women-specific training model that many other groups have gone on to emulate. While each of these new groups operate uniquely and independently, we NRA Women are proud that the foundation for each of these individual endeavors no doubt were built on the core safety and marksmanship principles developed by NRA and passed along through the thousands of WOT clinics. WOT is a proven method of introductory training that is still going strong across the country.
NRA Women recently sat down with WOT’s new manager, Cara Baylus, for an update on the program. Whether you are unfamiliar with the WOT program, or are a regular attendee at one of the clinics, here’s the current takeaway:
NRAW: What is Women on Target?
WOT: Women On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics (WOT) provide one-on-one, hands-on firearm instruction for women in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. Women learn firearm safety and firearm basics as a group, but out on the range it’s a personalized experience to make sure each woman feels comfortable. It’s a great way to try something new or brush up on skills.
NRAW: When was WOT established?
WOT: WOT Instructional Shooting Clinics were launched in 1999, and were designed to encourage, educate and mentor women new to recreational shooting and hunting sports in a friendly environment with likeminded females. Tens of thousands of women have since gone through these clinics, which are offered throughout the country. Now well into its third decade of serving women, I’m. happy to say that some of the original clinics that pioneered the concept continue to host events. In fact, the Oklahoma City Gun Club held its 25th annual Women On Target event last year.
Image courtesy Oklahoma City Gun Club
NRAW: Why was WOT created?
WOT: Women on Target is about breaking down barriers to entry—not just socially or psychologically (though those are important too). But let’s say I’ve never fired a gun before, or maybe just a few times. Is shooting something I will like? Or maybe I have experience with one kind of firearm, like pistols, but I always thought sporting clays look like fun. Or maybe I’m just plain curious—I feel like I should know something about firearms. Sure, I can go buy a gun and ammunition and a range membership and a bunch of equipment. With Women On Target, your clinic host will have guns for you to shoot, the correct ammunition for you to use, and even “foamies” for hearing protection. They’ll walk you through firearm safety, how guns work, and then take you out on the range for a one-on-one guided experience while other women cheer you on. It’s a lot of fun.
NRAW: Who is WOT for?
WOT: Women On Target is for women of all ages and experience levels who want to gain hands-on, practical experience with firearms in a friendly and safe environment among other women.
NRAW: Where are WOT events held?
WOT: Women On Target events are held everywhere—indoor and outdoor ranges all across the country. Find one in your area at wot.nra.org.
NRAW: Does each state have a WOT chapter—or how does it work?
WOT: Women On Target doesn’t have chapters. The NRA partners with clubs or ranges that are interested in hosting a clinic. Typically, an instructor at a range or an officer in a club will be looking for ways to benefit the women in their community and bring more women into shooting sports, and they reach out or visit our website. Women find events through word of mouth, ads from clubs, or through the “Attend a Women On Target” search feature at wot.nra.org. We’re here to help all the way. We even have welcome bags for hosts to give attendees.
NRAW: What does it cost to participate in a WOT event?
WOT: It varies a lot depending on the experience. Is it a half day or a full day? Is it one discipline or will you try several? Do they provide lunch? Most clinic hosts work hard to keep costs low.
NRAW: Do women need to have any shooting experience to participate?
Not at all! One of the great benefits of a Women On Target clinic is you will get the basics in a classroom and individualized instruction on the range, so it’s perfect for women who have never touched firearms before.
NRAW: How many women are typically at each WOT event?
WOT: They average event is around 25 to 30 women. But we have clinics of five and clinics of 500.
NRAW: What makes WOT different than other firearm training?
WOT: With most formal firearms training, you must commit that you are going to try to master the basics of a discipline. That means several hours or more of classroom instruction, and often a written test and a range assessment. You may be expected to bring a firearm or your own protective equipment. With WOT, there’s no tests, no scoring, and no expectation that you’ll bring anything or own anything. You will learn a lot—more than enough to have a safe and enjoyable shooting experience. But the goal is really to try shooting.
NRAW: Is WOT considered beginner’s level firearm training?
WOT: Yes. Most WOT attendees have never fired a gun. Many have never touched or held one. But we also get lots of women who were experienced shooters, but then took some time off. Life happens. They want a refresher but not necessarily a class. For them, WOT is a fun way to reconnect and get back into shooting.
NRAW: Are WOT instructors always women?
WOT: No. The important thing for WOT instructors is to be good instructors of and for women.
NRAW: What kinds of guns are used for WOT events?
WOT: In terms of disciplines, it’s up to the clinic director and the facility. Clinics can feature pistol, rifle or shotgun—or even all three. For every discipline, instructors will choose guns that will be enjoyable for newer shooters.
NRAW: Do women need to bring any of their own guns or gear? If they already have a gun, can they use it a WOT event?
WOT: It depends on the event. Some hosts invite you to bring your own firearm if you have one. Others think some of the fun of WOT events is trying out firearms your instructors have carefully selected for your use. You can ask your clinic host before registering. They will supply everything else you need, except eye protection. We recommend bringing your own eye protection because it’s specific to you and your circumstances—do you wear prescription glasses, for example, or if the event is outside, do you prefer clear lenses or tinted, etc.
NRAW: What kinds of skills are taught in WOT events?
WOT: You will learn NRA gun safety rules, the parts and operation of the firearms you’ll use, and basics you’ll need to get started, like stance, grip, sight alignment and eye dominance.
NRAW: Nationally, how many women participate each year in a WOT event?
WOT: Currently we are at around 5,000.
Image courtesy Oklahoma City Gun Club
NRAW: Are WOT clinics a one-time event or are there more advanced WOT follow-up events?
WOT: So far, we haven’t specifically created an advanced option. We do have a lot of women who have it down as an annual event on their calendars. It’s fun. It’s a shooting lesson and there’s a social aspect—getting to meet other women interested in shooting, and introducing women friends and family members to a sport you enjoy.
NRAW: What is the next logical step after attending a WOT event?
WOT: Most clinics will wrap-up by recommending next steps, like an upcoming NRA class. But should definitely feel free to ask questions of their instructors.
NRAW: You mentioned there were some exciting changes happening with WOT. Can you elaborate?
WOT: We are doing a big program refresh right now. We are looking at everything. We always want to be improving the experience. At the end of last year, we debuted a new logo and a new website. Over the next year, with input from our instructors, attendees and hosts, we are planning changes to the Guidebook for clinics. We are actually finalizing some changes now to make the hosting experience more seamless for clinic directors. And we are looking at program expansions and partnerships to get more women into all areas of shooting sports.
NRAW: How can a woman find a WOT event in her area?
WOT: Visit our website, wot.nra.org or email [email protected] or call the program office. We can help you find a clinic or start a clinic.
Image courtesy Oklahoma City Gun Club
