BLAZE Magazine Special Edition 2006-2016 | Page 15

T
he novice in the field is the
challenge! Let’s not forget that each
outdoorsman and outdoorswoman,
had an educational point of entry!
Outdoor Women Unlimited recognizes the
need to provide every opportunity to capture
that moment of interest, motivate the passion,
identify the need and develop the skill!!
OWU has created an initial “showstopper”
that has played a key role in identifying the
outdoor beginner enthusiast to the advanced.
The events held throughout the year by OWU
are built off a main event, the Southern
Classic. The Classic wears many colorful hats
that seem to attract each participant to one
or more classes. Our professional teams of
instructors and volunteers have one common
factor….all members are learning something
new!!!
The Southern Classic offers classes that give
women the opportunity to experience a
variety of outdoor activities in a hands on
outdoor venue with one on one interaction
with instructors. After the Classic, evaluation
forms are filled out by OWU participants to
rate the popularity of the activity based on
instruction, safety, skill achievement and
Fun! OWU takes the most popular events
and designs secondary events to be held
throughout the year that cater to each activity.
Unfortunately, for many outdoor enthusiasts
abroad, continuing to develop and improve
their new found skill(s) can be difficult.
Reasons may include, but not limited to,
ownership of the tool(s), access to proper
location, financial, instructor/guide access,
and more. The one question that seems to be
asked most often is... “I want more training,
but where do I go from here?”
OWU offers a path of leadership supported
by a strong volunteer/instructor program with
outreach for contact. I have created a 5-Step
process for our Outdoor Women Unlimited
members and supporters.
• Attend a women’s outdoor educational
event. ie shooting sports
• Connect with your leadership at the event.
This includes volunteers, instructors and
sponsors.
• Maximize your experience. Identify your
objective.( I want to learn how to shoot a
shotgun) Research your event to include
professional instruction, safe environment,
provisions included in registration fee, etc
• SET goal(s) and SHARE with others, both
on/off the field.
• Always leave with Contact information that
support your objective and provide other
opportunities for continuing to strengthen
you skills.
OWU encourages our members to stay
connected!! In November 2014-15, OWU
hosted a Hog Hunt in Alabama. Sixteen
hunters/huntresses
attended.
States
represented by members included Alabama,
Mississippi, North Carolina and Virginia.
The majority of the hunters/huntresses were
novice to hog hunting. The hunt consisted of
two and half days of great hunting, food, fun
and fellowship at Great Southern Outdoors
in Union Springs, Alabama. Hogs were heard
and seen. No harvest was made. However,
our hunters/huntresses and guides secured
safety as priority.
Outdoor Women Unlimited has always
believed in the success of the outdoor
adventure is measured in the friendships
nurtured.
How did my 5-step process make a difference
in our OWU Alabama Hog Hunt without
hogs harvested? Why, I declare! The Southern
hospitality is contagious. After the hunt, two
attendees, OWU members from Alabama and
Mississippi, crossed state lines and shared
in two deer hunt adventures. One of our
OWU members, who is a seasoned deer
hunter, invited our first time hunter, new
OWU member, to visit the deer camp!! It
begins with just saying “I can!”
The novice/beginner fosters her niche
while making connections with instructors,
members and the OWU executive team both
on and off the field. Sharing interests opens
many opportunities for further outdoor fun
and fellowship. Members leave with contact
information that will encourage options to
stay connected in their new, or pre-loved,
activity that fits each individual need.
Over the years, women’s interest in shooting
sport education has soared. Creative design,
in women’s educational training shooting
events, is the magic! The outdoor industry must
embrace and reach out to the women who
have found the Magic! Statistical surveys, for
example: Southwick Associates, provide
up-to-date professional outdoor educational
information.