WBOB Original Reads

Third Annual "Women's Day at the Range"

7/19/2014

The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish & Wildlife will offer the third annual "Women's Day at the Range" on Saturday, August 2 at the Great Swamp Shooting Range in West Kingston. The free event is designed to introduce women to the world of shooting sports.

DEM Director Janet Coit said, "Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends and hone your skills on the target range." According to Director Coit, this educational and fun-filled program has continued to grow in popularity each year. One hundred sixty-two individuals took part in the first program, and last year attendance grew to 360 participants of all ages and skill levels.

No prior experience is necessary. Participants will test their skills with shotguns, handguns, rifles, and bow and arrow. All firearms, ammunition, and safety equipment will be provided along with one-on-one instruction from DEM's range safety officers and hunter education instructors. Range permit requirements will be waived for the duration of the event. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided free of charge by the Federated RI Sportsmen's Clubs. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Participants are advised to dress appropriately for anticipated weather conditions on the day of the event. Comfortable clothing that allows free movement of your arms and shoulders is suggested. Closed toe shoes are required.

Two sessions will be held during the day at the shooting range located at 277 Great Neck Road, with each limited to 100 participants. The morning session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, and the afternoon session will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Space is still available for both sessions.

Pre-registration is required. Registration forms can be downloaded from the DEM website at http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/pdf/womenarc.pdf and emailed to carolann.mcgovern@dem.ri.gov or sent by mail to DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife, c/o Women's Day at the Range, 1-B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI 02822. For more information, call DEM's hunter education office at 539-0019.