PHOENIX – Have you ever wanted to learn the exciting shooting sports of trap, skeet or sporting clays but didn’t know where to start?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department begins its Ben Avery Desert Roses women’s shotgun program on Thursday, Oct. 18 with an introduction to sporting clays. The program is free to newcomers and includes loaner shotguns, a limited free supply of ammunition, and free instruction. Ear plugs and eye protection will be provided. Participants are advised to bring hats or visors. 

“This is a great opportunity for women to experience the fun of shotgun sports in a safe, non-intimidating environment,” says Marty Herrera, range manager for the Ben Avery Shooting Facility.

The program is held at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility at 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd. in Phoenix (take I-17 to Carefree Highway and go 1/4 mile west). Check-in begins at 6 p.m. at the Activity Center, followed by an orientation from 7-8 p.m. Participants will then be shuttled a short distance to the Ben Avery Clay Target Center for target-shooting opportunities on the shooting range from 8-9:30 p.m.

Session size is limited to 30 people. Preregistration is required by calling (623) 582-8313.

The Ben Avery Desert Roses women’s shotgun program will continue the first and third Thursday of each month. Skeet shooting will be taught on Nov. 1 and trap shooting on Nov. 15, and then sporting clays, skeet and trap will be taught on a rotational basis thereafter.