Women take to the outdoors at ag complex

 

Soap-making, shotgun-shooting, vase-decorating, and blacksmithing. It¡¯s the ideal getaway for any country girl.

The Northeast Texas Community College ag complex recently hosted the Wild Turkey Federation¡¯s 20th annual Women in the Outdoors event of the Northeast Texas Chapter. The event offered women the opportunity to participate in educational, yet fun outdoor activities.

¡°This is a gal¡¯s day out,¡± Dorothy McCarver, coordinator of the event said. ¡°Every year, we see smiling faces and lots of learning happening and sharing and friendship and fellowship as they learn about conservation and saving the habits.¡±

Soap-making, shotgun-sh

One of the main focuses of the event is the shooting. While archery was also included, the event held three different gun safety courses: shotgun, handgun, and rifle.

Lydia Morales, a Chapel Hill High School teacher and coach, participated in the handgun safety and shooting class, despite the fact that she¡¯s been around guns since her childhood.

¡°I always feel like the more I can learn, the more off I am handling one, because it¡¯s second nature,¡± Morales said. Having the knowledge and knowing how to use a weapon, the safety and stuff, it just gives you a power you need to take care of yourself.¡±

NTCC Agriculture Director Rene McCracken said her department always enjoys working with the Women in the Outdoors program because they share a common interest to promote conservation and encourage a love of nature.

¡°NTCC Agriculture was thrilled to host our sixth annual Women in the Outdoors event with the Wild Turkey Federation,¡± she said. ¡°It is always a wonderful event full of informative classes, great food and even better fellowship.¡±