CASL began hosting Ladies Night on the third Thursday in May of 2022, and due to demand, started twice a month the following month. The first session included basic introduction to firearm safety, and basic grip and stance.

In 2022, Ladies Night at the Range had 179 attendances, including 57 different ladies from the community, all skill levels. The format has been simple logistics, a presentation by a guest speaker on different topics, followed by the ladies shooting different firearms. Topics have ranged from range drills and dry fire practice, in-depth grip and stance, trigger press, bullseye target shooting and learning about the AR platform.

In 2023, Ladies Night at the Range had 208 attendances, including 77 different ladies.

Our impact continues to grow. As of September 2024 we have had 234 attendances at Ladies Night at the Range, including 110 different ladies (and still 3 months to go!).  With such an influx of new and inexperienced ladies, we made sure plastic guns are available every night for additional practice of safe handling.  Our ladies were even featured in the Lansing State Journal with a published video.

Although keeping shooting basics as its core, the group has reached out beyond pistol and rifle topics to include:

●     revolvers

●     self defense shotguns

●     shotgun sports

●     archery

●     gun cleaning

●     red dot

●     conceal carry options

●     Gun Laws

●     situational awareness

●     other self-defense options, etc.

●     time and accuracy challenges

This group of volunteers with the support of Capital Area Sportsmen’s League and grants from the NRA and local business and instructors has sponsored the following:

- Concealed Pistol License classes for attendees at a reduced or free cost, CASL donating the facilities and licensed instructors donating their time and experience.

- Free NRA Certification classes for attendees for Range Safety Officer certification and Chief Range Safety Officer Certifications, again CASL donating the facilities and Ladies Night funds purchasing the textbooks.

If the weather is unfavorable for outdoor events, the ladies have the unique opportunity to be able to move the Ladies Night to the event/indoor .22lr range hall where they can continue their progression with indoor shooting with .22lr pistols and rifles.

During the spring and summer, Ladies Night is twice a month on a scheduled Thursday. Through the fall and winter, it will be held once a month on a scheduled Saturday. The cost is $10 per night, which covers the range fee, eye and hearing protection, and the cost of ammunition and targets.

All experience levels are welcome, from beginners to the advanced. Many Ladies have shown up with no previous experience with a firearm, and have ended up shooting for the first time the same night. Other ladies have brought their own firearms, and gained invaluable further instruction from either the experienced Range Safety Officers or the volunteer presenters or licensed instructors. Some ladies have used this valuable resource to become comfortable enough to shop, research, and intelligently purchase their own firearms with the knowledge they have the support and ongoing training to use them thoughtfully, efficiently, and safely.

This group is administered by a set of ladies that volunteer their time and receive no compensation. All monies collected are spent on resupply of ammunition and targets, safety gear and other range gear.

If you are interested in attending, volunteering, or donating to the Ladies Night, please contact Mary Hankins at info.capitalarea@gmail.com

2024 FALL & 2025 WINTER DATES (6 pm – 8 pm)

October 19

November 16

December 14

January 25

February 22

March 15

April 26