Shoot Like a Girl event returning to MD of Taber Shooting Complex

Posted on September 17, 2026 by Vauxhall Advance

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Next week will see the return of the Shoot Like a Girl event down at the M.D. of Taber Shooting Complex. On Sept. 24, event organizers will open the doors for their shotgun clinic that aims to build confidence in females when handling firearms.

“This is the second one I’ve done in Taber this year. The first one was rifle and this one’s shotgun,” explained Jennifer Hallet, organizer. “It’s ideally for women who have no experience, but I’ll take women who are experienced as well. The event is really just to give women an opportunity to build some confidence behind a firearm.”

While the first event wasn’t full, the shotgun clinic is fully booked. Hallet says interest has been high for this event and they can’t wait to get started.

“I only had three participants (in the first event), but I’m not going to lie, we had a blast and one of those three is returning for this event. This event is full, and it filled in a day. And I have a crazy wait list,” explained Hallet.

In terms of how the shotgun clinic will run, there will be plenty for all those registered.

“We will run five stages at a time. We’re going to run it on the trap field at the Taber shooting complex there. Each participant will have a one-on-one coach. So, I do try and focus on female coaches, but that’s a little bit tricky. So I think there are three females and three males (instructors) I’ll have there,” said Hallet. “I think we’re going to start with, like, three rounds that you come up, you shoot three rounds, and you have a one-on-one coach. We’re going to walk you through how the firearm works,  we’ll show some safety, and then they’ll rotate, and each coach will have kind of three people lined up. We’ll just keep rotating through three to five shots at a time to give them as many opportunities as we can.”

Participants don’t need a PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) to attend. Cost is $20 per person, and those who have a shotgun can bring it along. For those who don’t, a shotgun will be provided. With this clinic already fully booked, Hallet is excited to do more moving forward.

“I do this in Lethbridge as well, and it’s a little bit different in Taber because the range doesn’t have its own firearms. So, I have to acquire all the firearms to put the clinics on. I don’t think I will do a handgun in Taber, just logistics of that. I believe we’ll just bounce between shotgun and rifle, but with the interest that came in rifle over shotgun, I will likely do a second of those,” she said. “I think the big focus is that this is just, this is to build the confidence. We are not here for competence. We are here for confidence behind the firearm.”

The event runs on Sept. 24 with registration at 5:45 p.m. and shooting begins at 6 p.m. If you’re interested in future events, email Hallet at femalesandfirearms2024@gmail.com for more information and to add your name to the waitlist.

“Our mission is to create a safe, welcoming environment where women can build confidence behind a firearm, regardless of their experience level. We believe confidence comes first and confidence is followed by meeting every participant where she is at,” added Hallet.  “We empower women to learn safely, develop practical skills and become part of a supportive community that encourages lifelong participation in shooting sports. So, confidence first, competence follows.”