We are really fortunate that the development we live in (affectionately referred to as,”the ranch”) offers several sporting opportunities. Not only is it convenient, but it’s fun! In fact, it’s where I’ve been taking riding lessons. Today, I took advantage of a Ladies Shooting and Wild Game Cooking Workshop. I know you must be thinking…WHAT???

Let me start by saying that I’ve been to the shooting range with the guys a couple of times, and although it was fun it wasn’t something I was super excited about. When I received the email about this workshop, I thought it might be fun and immediately forgot about it. Several days went by, and as I was cleaning up my email I found it again and thought as long as I’m submerging myself inTexas culture I might as well give this a shot (pun intended!).

I woke up to a rainy day, put on my best shooting attire (because let’s face it, any activity is all about the clothes, right?) and headed over to the shooting range. The classroom portion of the workshop took place in an old structure at the equestrian center. This building looks like an old house and gives new meaning to the word rustic – in a good way. Old barn wood floors, walls, stone fireplace with a split tree trunk for a mantle. As I stepped out of the car and into the light rain, the scent of the wood burning in the fireplace was completely intoxicating. Even if I didn’t enjoy the workshop, the atmosphere alone was worth the trip!

There were about 12 participants, some experienced, most not. I wasn’t sure I was really interested in the wild game cooking portion and quite honestly, I was planning on leaving after the shooting session. The instructor was great, explained quite a bit, was so patient and answered a ton of questions. He had a variety of shotguns there and as I tried a couple on for size I realized that although I am right handed, my left eye is more dominant. Oddly enough, I play air guitar left handed also! Not really. I don’t play air guitar, but I do shoot pool like a lefty. The instruction and demonstration was mostly about shooting clays and unfortunately since it was raining, we did not actually get to go out and shoot. There will be plenty of opportunity for that when the sun comes out.

I found my self having so much fun that when the cooking portion began I decided to stay. I’m going to skip the details, but I will say that I tried the finished dish and it was actually pretty good.

I don’t think I can ever go hunting, but I definitely can see myself shooting clay pigeons all day long!