Bringing Hill Country women together, the Texas Outdoor Women’s Network (TOWN) introduces women to a variety of out-of-the-box excursions and encourages community building through outdoor activities.
Kerrville’s chapter of Texas Outdoor Women’s Network was introduced to the Hill Country by Katy Kappel in an effort to bring outdoor activities to the women of the Hill Country in a safe and non-threatening manner.
The group hosts a variety of events for members every month, often bringing local professionals to guide the activity.
“ Katy wanted to bring a branch here and she has just really been spearheading this chapter. Here we do everything: hikes, kayaking, walks. It’s just a great group that’s gotten me outdoors more,” said TOWN member Rachael Carruthers.
The events TOWN sanctions revolve mainly around connecting with like-minded women, with the physicality of the outdoor activities always offering modifications based on experience.
Any level can come and be included, during hikes most people are just going to do the hour hike, but four or five of them will go the full ten miles, then we meet up afterwards at a restaurant,” said Carruthers.
The most recent event offered by TOWN was skeet shooting at Hill Country Shooting Sports. The event was guest-instructed by Schreiner University’s head shotgun coach, Caitlin Connor-Royer and shotgun team member Sidney Coffin to give the women in attendance a safe and guided skeet shooting session.
“Shotgun is nothing like pistol or rifle. My best analogy for shotgun would be catching a ball. In shotgun shooting, you’re gonna look at that target and your aim is just gonna naturally go to it. There’s no need to look at the barrel, because have you ever caught a ball while looking at your hand?” said Connor-Royer.
After a quick safety lesson from shooting range director Jack Burch and experienced gunman Ruben Timmer, the members were separated into groups based on their experience level before heading out to the range.
Beyond popular outdoor activities, TOWN offers other activities like concerts in caves and the Kerrville chapter is working towards getting a birdwatching blind set up locally.
For more information and contacts regarding the Texas Outdoor Women’s Network in Kerrville, visit their website at: www.tpwd.texas.gov/education/bow/town