Reflecting on the Sables Women’s Aim Adventure Event, three main feelings stand out: humility, inspiration, and gratitude. I feel eager to keep building stronger ties within the Sables community. Attending the inaugural Aim and Adventure women’s event at Thumbtack Ranch near San Antonio, Texas, offered outstanding chances for professional development, community involvement, and personal growth. As someone new to the experience, I appreciated the valuable conversations, learning moments, and sense of camaraderie. The event inspired humility, thankfulness, and a renewed dedication to sharing the importance of hunting with family and the Sables Sisterhood.
Community Impact
Despite managing a demanding family schedule, I was able to attend with my husband’s full support. The ranch’s welcoming environment is a testament to the leadership of Tom and Marissa Snyder, who operate their nonprofit entirely on a volunteer basis—neither receive compensation, and most staff contribute their time and expertise without remuneration. The ranch’s initiatives, including “Dream Trips” for individuals at the end of life, programs for veterans, and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth, exemplify a deep commitment to service and community enhancement.
Skill Development and Instruction
The event opened with a hearty breakfast, followed by professional shotgun instruction from Tricia Kocurek, a national-level competitor. Her expertise and approachable teaching style created an ideal environment for skill acquisition, even for those new to the sport. Later, I had the chance to receive personalized rifle training from Sables President Irene Dudley-Hanlon and Texas Trophy Hunters Association President Christina Pittman. Their guidance provided me with one-on-one instruction on handling and shooting a rifle, something I had never done before. Thanks to their support, I managed to hit three bullseyes from distances ranging between 50 and 200 yards, boosting my confidence in marksmanship.
Fostering Connection and Experience
Evenings at the ranch included guided wildlife viewing sessions, communal dining experiences, and live musical performances by Julia Hatfield, who has been recognized as the state’s leading young artist. These events served as a forum for meaningful discussions regarding the advancement of women in hunting and enabled participants to engage with this Sisterhood beneath the Texas night sky. Additionally, an afternoon tour of Fredericksburg provided a structured opportunity for group activities such as shopping, wine tasting, and outdoor exploration.
The Significance of Empowering Women in Hunting
Enabling women to participate actively in hunting is vital. As primary organizers of family life, women often find hunting inaccessible; however, Aim and Adventure demonstrated the importance and feasibility of women’s involvement. Completing hunter safety certification alongside my son was both empowering and unifying, and our family’s forthcoming attendance at the Safari Club International Convention underscores our commitment to this pursuit.
By equipping mothers, aunts, and grandmothers with the skills and confidence to introduce hunting to the next generation, we cultivate patience, responsibility, and self-reliance—qualities that enrich families, schools, and communities. Sharing these experiences with extended family creates lasting bonds and meaningful traditions. I’m thankful for this experience with these women and look forward to more events with my Sables community.
