OUTAGAMIE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Dozens of women took to the outdoors Saturday. Many tried something new.
It was all part of the 22nd Annual Women’s Outdoor Workshop at the Outagamie Conservation Club north of Appleton.
From paddling kayaks on the tiny pond, to fishing on the shore nearby, 11 different outdoors skills were on the schedule. There was a class in teaching dogs different hunting techniques, and a session led by Outagamie Conservation Club President Mike Kohl on how to safely operate a chainsaw.
“It’s a good time for them to get out, and just have fun. We have 22 years and this year, we have over 100 women signed up. It’s a record,” said Mike Kohl, Outagamie Conservation Club President.
Megan Fitzsimmons and her friend Janine Connolly were at the workshop for the first time. They were eager to shoot on the pistol range.
“I think it’s great. It’s definitely outside of my comfort zone, and I’m just excited to do something different,” said Megan Fitzsimmons, Freedom.
“I’m not really outdoorsy, so I wanted to learn to maybe become more outdoorsy, and bust out of my comfort zone,” said Janine Connolly, Neenah.
After some basics in safety, the women took to the range. Fitzsimmons and Connolly each started with a .22 caliber pistol, and then moved up to a .45 caliber.
“It was awesome. A great way for me to get out of my comfort zone, and to learn new things about gun safety,” said Fitzsimmons.
“I never shot at anything before, so it was really, it was fun, and it was good to experience what it felt like,” said Connolly.
Back on the trap shooting range, sessions continue. Club leaders say the women choose the events each year.
“It’s just a way to get outside, and get to do stuff in the outdoors,” said Kohl.
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