GRITS targets Ancient Oak for new chapter

The first time Dayna Goss shot sporting clays, she left bruised and battered by the kickback of the shotgun. The second time, she hired a shooting instructor, but suffered much the same.

But on March 14, under the guidance of Elizabeth Lanier, founder of Girls Really Into Shooting, or GRITS, Goss danced in celebration after hitting two of three targets comfortably.

“I can’t believe it,” she said after hitting the second target. “It didn’t hurt at all.”

Lanier visited Ancient Oak Gun Club March 12, to generate interest in creating a GRITS chapter at the shooting range. Five women turned out on two days’ notice to meet Lanier, who had a last-minute opportunity to visit Florida to speak at gun clubs across the state. At each, she offered women tips on shooting and a chance to shoot sporting clays together under her guidance.

“There are a lot of women in the community and there are a lot of women coming into the sport,” Lanier said. “It’s about giving women a group to shoot with. It’s like a nine-hole club in golf.”

GRITS clubs typically meet at a set time once a month. Women shoot together and then enjoy a potluck lunch or wine — something social, Lanier said. 

Lanier notes most women have some fear — handling a gun, the loud noises and whether shooting will hurt, for example. But all those obstacles can be overcome with practice, camaraderie and good form.

Ancient Oak Manager Wayne Evans said he is eager for a GRITS chapter to get started at the club and believes women will become hooked on the sport once they try it.

“If somebody tries it, there’s a 90% chance they are coming back,” Evans said. “It’s a lot of fun — family fun.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

“It’s about giving women a group to shoot with. It’s like a nine-hole club in golf.” —Elizabeth Lanier, founder of Girls Really Into Shooting