THE number of new women members joining BASC each year has risen a third over the last four years.
BASC welcomed 1212 new women members in 2011 and that figure rose to 1603 in 2015, as the Association recorded its highest total membership level since its creation more than a century ago.
Professor Ann Mortimer, one of three women on BASC’s council of 15 elected members, said: “It is heartening to see that shooting’s rising popularity amongst ladies is being reflected in the numbers joining BASC.
“The Association embraces the entire family of shooting, and we are delighted to have as many ladies as possible in the ranks. More women are coming into shooting sports; lady gamekeepers are not uncommon. This is all about diversity and being welcoming, rather than the perpetuation of traditional notions that shooting was not for women.
“I have loved my time working with BASC since I first became a member more than 10 years ago. I am now a council member, and I hope that shows that there is a role for women in shooting. The greater the number of women members, the greater the availability of female talent and influence within the sport.”
BASC now has almost 10,000 women members, but is keen to cater further for the upsurge in women shooters in recent years.
David IIsley, BASC’s head of marketing and membership services, said: “We have seen the evidence in recent years that more women are being attracted to shooting, which is no surprise considering the benefits the sport offers.
“BASC has worked hard to attract women members. We have done that in numerous ways, including the promotion of dedicated Ladies’ Days and encouraging women to sign up as accredited shotgun coaches.
“As BASC celebrates record membership figures for the last year, it is important we continue to look forward. We have already taken steps to create a dedicated team that promotes the interests of women in shooting, which is an exciting development to build on.”