Australian Women’s Shooter

Our ongoing SSAA Academic Bursary awards offer tertiary students a grant to further their studies in shooting-related matters and we profile worthy recipient Catherine Kelly, highlighting her harmonious deer research and art. In ammunition selection part two, we focus on the rifle to include a projectile’s type, weight and application. Laetisha Scanlan takes us through the trials and tribulations for shooters leading up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Colleen Woodford explains how shooting has become a family affair and the ultimate link that bonds she and her husband with their daughter. There’s also a 2020 women’s event list inside.

Environmental volunteer Michelle Pares offers an insight into our Conservation and Wildlife Management (CWM) program and how participation meshes with her love for animals and passion for firearms. In Part one of an ongoing series on ammunition selection, we look at shotgun shells and the best practice for patterning your shotgun. Taking aim with Laetisha Scanlan delves into the Economic and Social Impacts of Recreational Hunting and Shooting report that diligently highlights the health benefits associated with our favourite pastimes. We also showcase hunting on Australian soil and review the Guardian Deluxe firearm bag – with both ticking all the right boxes.

Spend a day in the life of a travelling Australian Shooting team member with AWS columnist Laetisha Scanlan. Meet dedicated mum and hunter Hayley Crichlow as she despatches feral pigs on the family farm with her kids and pet dogs. Take a look at what to expect as a newcomer on the shooting range and who can also point you in the right direction once there. See how NT shooter Arnya Olsen rose through the national and international shooting ranks in just four years. And stay well-equipped and comfortable out hunting and back at camp with our Ridgeline camo clothing review.

Taking aim with Laetisha Scanlan looks at shooting routine and practice, as we highlight the importance of process-based thinking and provide our top 10 psychological tips. Hunting may seem a little daunting to begin with but we run through all the necessary steps, from selecting a suitable firearm to using the appropriate calibre and what else to expect. In line with International Women’s Day, we take you to the extremely successful and fun Outpost Arms Women of Shooting event. We also feature reviews on the Swazi Shikari hunting jacket and Lowa Vantage GTX women’s boots, which will most certainly help you out on that hunt.

While current Australian shooting champion Laetisha Scanlan explains why education is key when it comes to youngsters shooting, we transport you back to 1984 when Olympian Patricia (Pattie) Dench shaped the history of women’s shooting in Australia. Meanwhile, one of the world’s biggest firearms manufacturers has just brought a shotgun series designed for women to Australia and we review their Beretta 691 Vittoria Sporting. We also feature a family hunting story, run you through why it’s so important your firearm has the right fit and take a glimpse at the outstanding fun and success enjoyed at the SSAA Bundaberg Ladies Day.

Three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Laetisha Scanlan befittingly graces the cover of our inaugural edition. Laetisha’s achievements, both on and off the range, at just 28 years old really are remarkable. The future remains bright for Australia’s sport shooting champion and the SSAA is excited to have teamed up with ‘Teash’ for her regular column from our next edition.

We’ve had fun field testing the impressive lightweight and slim Weatherby Camilla and our review highlights how this royal rifle that shoots with purpose is the ultimate fit for women shooters. Top Australian sports shooter Gemma Dunn kicks off her women’s practical shooting pieces with a focus on ocular cross-dominance in women, which takes you through the steps to see if genetics plays its part for you too.

We also visit the SSAA Rockhampton Branch, where female and junior numbers are on the rise. Our women’s only competition has three great prizes, with UpLULA pink magazine loaders, a Lithgow prize pack and a $100 SSAA Online Shop voucher up for grabs.