On Target: More Than Just Shooting

by Sarah Waake

Back with another write-up about another amazing experience I’ve had with Wild Chix!

I’d had my eye on giving clay bird shooting a go for a wee while now, but I’d never had the chance to try it. That was until Wild Chix announced they were doing the “On Target” event, which was - you guessed it - clay bird shooting!

I’d always wanted to give it a try, not only for the experience itself, but also so I could get a fair idea of whether I’d be any good come duck shooting season. So, I booked my spot as quickly as humanly possible.

Sarah & Bob

As the day of the event rolled around, I developed similar feelings to the ones I had when attending the “Intro to Hunting” course. I was nervous, unsure of what to expect, and anxious about walking into yet another group of strangers - other than Nat, of course, who I’d met at the Intro to Hunting.

But yet again, as soon as I sat down and we all started chatting about life, what brought us to the event, and what we were hoping to get out of the day, all those feelings disappeared. They were quickly replaced with excitement, support, and a sense of belonging.

We sat around chatting for a while, waiting for Tim to arrive and take us further into Bracu Estate - which, by the way, is an absolutely stunning location! While waiting, I got talking to one of the other ladies, and we realised we’d been through similar situations in life: navigating sole motherhood, long-term relationships ending, and simply trying to find ourselves again. We also discovered we already followed each other on Instagram because of the Intro to Hunting course! It really is amazing finding women who have gone through similar experiences and want the same things as me.

Once Tim arrived, we piled into the van, not really expecting what was about to come from that ride! Tim must’ve been some kind of rally car driver in a past life, but it made the whole experience even more fun, and the entire van erupted in laughter. Poor me had unknowingly taken the front passenger seat, completely unaware of what was ahead!

We finally reached our destination and were greeted by Zach - another Bracu worker assisting us for the day - and Bob the dog. We got a debrief on what the day would consist of, which was obviously clay bird shooting, but also knife throwing and target shooting with air rifles.

After the debrief, it was time to lock in. We took turns learning how to use the shotgun and shooting at the clay birds. After my first shot, my body was flowing with adrenaline, passion, and excitement for more. Tim and Zach were incredibly supportive, fantastic teachers, and genuinely wanted the best for all of us.

After we’d finished our box of ammunition, it was time to stop for some delicious food and drinks, give Bob some snuggles, and have a go at the other activities.

All the women who attended were so supportive, and we all had such a great time helping one another, encouraging each other, and having plenty of laughs along the way.

Afterwards, we were offered the chance to buy more ammunition if we wanted to continue having more turns and practice. Of course, I said, “Yes please!” I’m so glad I was able to continue building my confidence and comfort around shotguns.

Walking away from this event, I left with confidence, new skills, and a lifelong friend.

With what I learned from the “On Target” event, the confidence I gained, and the pep talk from Tim, I was able to go duck shooting this season and put everything I’d learned to the test.

I am, and always will be, incredibly grateful to Izzy for creating Wild Chix and for building such a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for women all across New Zealand. I know for a fact that without her and the other Wild Chix, I wouldn’t be where I am - or who I am - today.

Sarah - On Target