Women’s Introduction to Wingshooting to be Offered in NC PA in July and August – Registration Required

The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is proud to announce that they will offer their popular Women’s Introduction to Wingshooting Program in Pennsylvania this summer. This year it will be held in the NC region of Pennsylvania, but any woman in Pennsylvania or adjacent states is welcome to attend AND you do not have to be a member of the RGS to attend this one-of-a kind shooting program – women teaching women how to shoot or hunt!

The Black Forest Conservation Association near Coudersport will host this year’s Women’s Introduction to Wingshooting program at 189 Back Road, Coudersport, Pa 16915. Women can register by contacting Bethany Ford at bjmf989@gmail.com for details. Four slots are still available on a first come, first serve basis.

The program will occur over two weekends – one weekend in July and a second weekend in August, and you must attend both weekends to graduate the program. The dates for this year’s program are July 18-19, and then August 22-23, 2026. On both Saturdays, the course starts at noon and ends at 4:00 p.m. On both Sundays, the course starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m.

Lodging is available, if needed, but is limited. For women interested in pay-for lodging, consider staying at a local inn, AirBnb, or a Bed and Breakfast, all near Coudersport, Pa.

A hunt will be offered to the graduates on Sunday, September 13, at a nearby birddoggers’ club.

No pre-knowledge of shooting is required. “We pride ourselves on helping a woman who has never even held a shotgun before learn how to become a wingshooter,” says Sue McClelland of Smethport, one of the instructors. “And owning a shotgun is not necessary; we have shotguns that the attendees can try for size and then use during the program. When you finish this training you can go on and shoot at targets for fun or hunt your choice of birds.”

You must register to attend this course, and it is on a first-come, first serve registration basis. “We only take twenty women into the program each year so we can maintain the quality”, offers Maureen McDonald of Coudersport, another instructor.

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Note to reporters: Maureen providing instruction at a previous WIW session.