By Dorothy Soulia

In August, I was honored to attend Media Lodge’s Wilderness Bonds Taking Aim event hosted at Gunsite Academy in Paulden, AZ. Media Lodge is dedicated to breaking down barriers for women in hunting. Their mission is simple yet powerful – to inspire and educate women to step into the field with confidence. They aim to equip women with the knowledge, experience and resources necessary for success. It’s about empowerment through education, giving women the tools not only to learn, but to belong in the hunting company truly.

I’ve always loved being outdoors and had some prior hunting experience, but this event offered something unique. It was an opportunity to slow down, re-focus on the fundamentals and gain hands-on experience. I was most excited about learning more about my rifle. Throughout my hunting experience, I have relied on the mentors around me. However, by the end of this course, my confidence in the field had been completely boosted.

From the very start, the atmosphere was encouraging. Our group consisted of a range of women with varying experiences with firearms and hunting. No matter where we started, everyone shared the same goal: to learn, grow and build confidence behind the rifle. The group was provided a mix of Ruger American Gen 2 rifle standards and ranch models in 6.5 Creedmoor, which were accessorized with a Jaguar silencer, bipod, sling and a Maven riflescope.

When it came to the rifle itself, it was clear how much a thoughtful design can impact success in the field. The American Gen 2 platform features a threaded barrel, which makes it easy to attach the Jaguar suppressor. This helps reduce recoil and noise, resulting in a more comfortable and steady shot. Next, the adjustable stock allows for easy customization of the length of pull, enabling each shooter to find the best fit for their body, which provides better control, comfort, and accuracy. This is a significant advantage for women shooters, enabling them to customize the rifle to fit their needs perfectly. The splatter finished stock isn’t only aesthetically pleasing, but also offers excellent grip, even in damp or chilly conditions. Lastly, these models feature the Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger™, which provides a crisp release and can be adjusted between 3 and 5 pounds. A key difference between the ranch and standard models is their overall size. The ranch model features a 16-inch barrel, making it lighter and more compact. In contrast, the standard model features a 20-inch barrel.

On the first day of class, we began by learning how to install your accessories, such as the scope and silencer. Next, we took our rifles out to the range and learned how to properly zero a scope, focusing on the small adjustments that make a significant difference downrange. After our rifles were getting consistent grouping, our knowledgeable Gunsite instructors ran us through a series of practical, hands-on drills designed to simulate field shooting skills. We started by learning and practicing different shooting positions for various scenarios, including standing, kneeling and seated. After testing different shooting positions, we went out to complete a multi-stage drill that required quick thinking: read the situation, select the best position, make the necessary adjustments and take the shot. Turning everything we’d learned into one flowing exercise. This was, by far, my favorite part of the week.

As the days passed, I noticed my confidence grow with each shot. Every drill built on the last, helping me not only improve my accuracy but also gain a deeper understanding of my firearm. The more comfortable I became, the more I realized this wasn’t just about hitting my targets; it was about trusting my gear, myself and knowing I was capable.

By the end of the course, our group had grown close. We encouraged each other through every challenge and celebrated each success. It didn’t matter about our previous experience- what mattered was the drive to learn and support one another. This course presents an excellent opportunity for women of all backgrounds and skill levels to gain confidence, learn at their own pace and discover how rewarding it can be to build new skills in a supportive environment—and most importantly, to make friends of a lifetime along the way.

When I was headed home, I wasn’t only excited for my next hunt, but I felt empowered. This experience reminded me that confidence in the field doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through knowledge, practice and the correct resources. I’m very thankful for this opportunity and putting these new skills and this rifle to the test this hunting season and seeing how far I’ve come.

For any woman, no matter your hunting or firearm experience, I cannot recommend taking a women’s hunting education course enough. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn, grow and step into the field with the confidence you deserve.

Thank you, AWA .50 Cal Sponsor, Ruger!

About the Author

Dorothy Soulia is a passionate hunter and outdoor enthusiast. She works at Ruger Firearms as the Media & Public Relations Coordinator.

Her hunting journey began in 2020, and she quickly fell in love with upland, waterfowl and whitetail deer hunting. When she’s not in the stand or the blind, you can find her camping out of her 4Runner and exploring new hiking trails.