The Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program today announced a one-day workshop for women who are interested in improving their shotgun shooting skills, May 3, at the Brooklyn Sportsmen's Club, located in Jackson County.

"This Beyond BOW workshop is an introduction to sporting clays, which is the fastest-growing shooting sport in the nation," said BOW Coordinator Lynn Marla. "Sporting clays is becoming more popular because the courses are laid out in natural surroundings and typically include 12 to 15 shooting stations, with shooters moving from one station to the next to complete the course. The set up is designed to simulate actual hunting conditions, and there is no question that sporting clays can make anyone a better shooter."

Marla said the workshop is limited to 18 participants so everyone will receive plenty of hands-on instruction in shooting, as well as proper gun fit and stance. Women are encouraged to bring their own shotgun if they have one, and several lightweight guns will be available for participants to try.

"Participants should bring at least four boxes of 20-gauge light target load ammunition if they would like to try one of our guns," Marla said, "or four boxes of whatever gauge fits their own gun."

The $55 fee covers instruction by certified Level I and Level II sporting clays instructors, all the clay targets, eye and ear protection, snacks during the morning session and lunch. The registration form is available online at www.michigan.gov/bow.

Many other outdoor programs for women are scheduled this year across Michigan. To learn more about this program or additional opportunities, contact Lynn Marla at (517) 241-2225 or e-mail marlal@michigan.gov.