Women can receive free instruction on how to shoot sporting clays at Chris DeWitt’s Game Farm in Ellerbe.

Rick Mitchell, who works with Chris DeWitt, is a National Sporting Clay Association Certified Instructor and a Level 2 Gun Fitter. He wants to hold instructional courses for free for women who want to learn how to shoot sporting clays. The only cost would be the ammunition and targets.

“We want to get ladies involved so they support their kids,” said Mitchell. “We’ll be shooting clay targets at the 5-stand, with shotguns.”

Mitchell said normally his instruction costs $75 an hour, but because ladies will receive free instruction, the associated cost would be $20 which includes 50 targets (25 cost about $8) and two boxes of ammo (one of which costs $5) — the instruction is free but the targets and ammo are not.

“It takes a lot to shoot 50 targets,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell noticed the parental support coming out in droves to youth shoots that he said were as crowded as a N.C. State - UNC Chapel Hill football game.

“If we can get the mothers introduced to what we do with the kids, they will be supportive,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell will instruct women on the differences between over/under barrel shotguns and side-by-side barrel shotguns, posture and gun safety while he studies stance, face, eyes, pupils and general comfort. He will match a gun and a gauge, either 12 or 20, to the female appropriately. Mitchell said his goal was to reduce fear of recoil, make the shooter comfortable and teach the shooter how to take accurate shots.

“I can fit a gun to anyone,” said Mitchell. “If you shoot a light load, it will not hurt you. We want you to be able to shoot often and to be able to break a bird. You’ll have a lot of fun.”

In order to contact Mitchell about signing up for a free lesson at the DeWitt Game Farm at 443 Jimmy Carriker Road in Ellerbe, call 910-691-2644.