Celebrating the Outdoor Lifestyle with NWTF WITOs
The South Carolina NWTF State Chapter recently hosted a Women in the Outdoors Dove Hunt event in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Wildlife Partnership. As part of the NWTF's education and outreach programming, the event promoted and celebrated the outdoor lifestyle among women. Nine enthusiastic women participated, either new to wing shooting or had only tried it once before.
The South Carolina NWTF State Chapter recently hosted a Women in the Outdoors Dove Hunt event in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the South Carolina Wildlife Partnership. As part of the NWTF's education and outreach programming, the event promoted and celebrated the outdoor lifestyle among women. Nine enthusiastic women participated, either new to wing shooting or had only tried it once before.
To kick off the event, the SCDNR presented its Dove 101 class, which was followed by lunch and some time to practice shooting by shooting sporting clays. Each lady was also given a goodie bag of items like an SCWP hat, NWTF decals, WITO pens, and a grunt call.
Once the ladies felt confident in their accuracy, it was time to head to the dove field at a generous landowner’s property who often donates their land for hunter recruitment efforts. The women were thrilled to spend a day outdoors and learn a new skill or build upon an existing one. Four women in attendance harvested their first dove, a remarkable experience for them.
“I always feel super grateful when I get to participate in a women’s hunt,” said WITO hunter Carly McCalister. “I got to shoot doves for the first time, and it was so much fun.”
During the day, the ladies spoke about how hunting together as women is an enriching experience and allows them to create a bond with women who share similar interests.
“The celebratory laughs, smiles and hugs after the hunt formed a core memory for me that I will not forget,” said Sydney Broadaway, NWTF director of membership and event attendee. “I'm proud of the ladies that stepped outside of their comfort zones and accepted the challenge of learning to dove hunt, and I'm grateful that the WITO programs across the nation provide events like this to encourage women to enjoy the outdoors."
One of the WITO hunters, Jennifer McLain, said it well.
“When women uplift and stand by fellow women, incredible outcomes emerge,” she said.
The NWTF South Carolina State Chapter plans to grow the WITO dove hunt as it is an accessible starting point for new and/or learning hunters.
“I cannot wait to see this program continue to grow within our state,” said Billie McCarter, South Carolina NWTF State Chapter board member. “When you get women involved, especially those that have never hunted, you are reaching out to not only them, but their children, their spouses, their nieces, nephews and their whole circle. This is how we ensure the future of hunting and conservation for generations to come.’’
The demand for such activities among women has been increasing, and the NWTF has been at the forefront of engaging and being a resource for this growing segment of hunters.
The NWTF WITO program was created to cater to women interested in the outdoor lifestyle. In the past decade, the number of women owning firearms and participating in target shooting and hunting has risen significantly. Women comprise more than a quarter of all anglers and represent the fastest-growing segment within the hunting and shooting communities. The WITO program is an effective initiative to retain lifelong hunters by engaging and educating women about the great outdoors.