The 24-25 season is well and truly underway, and alongside a huge sense of excitement, in my house at least, there is a tinge of trepidation.
In May this year, I became a mother for the first time. Alongside excitement for my incoming bundle of joy, my passion for my sport weighed heavy on my heart. Once I became a mother, how would I carve out time for my hobby? Guns and babies – not the traditional combination. There is yet to be a baby in the line… at least not that I’m aware of!
Across our community, there has been a noticeable increase in female shots, many of whom are mothers, with CGUK proudly leading the charge. In fact, Britain’s very own Amber Rutter won Silver at the Paris Olympics just three months after giving birth. But (and this is a big but), as an industry, can we say that we’re 100% inclusive of women with young children?
Now, I hear you cry, there are plenty of children out there, shooting their first clays, beating, picking up, on peg, but these children are traditionally above the age of five, and (if we’re honest), accompanying their father…
As I write this, I have just dropped my four-month-old daughter off at her first day of nursery. Very early, some might say, and it is a decision I have grappled with, but due to the nature of my work, it is a necessity. In the same breath, it is also a necessity to be able to participate this season. A mum’s catch-22.
As I began the process of mulling over how to enable myself to get out in the field this season, I put the question – As a Mother, How Welcome Do You Feel in the Field? to the new mums in our CGUK community. The responses were mixed. Some have found it a relatively painless transition, with shoots welcoming their children with open arms, while others (in reality, the majority), have found it an almost impossible juggling act.
There was a common thread throughout all the responses – women looking to enter the sport, which they had already found challenging, were now finding it almost unmanageable as a new parent. What’s more, maternity healthcare professionals were doing their best to steer women away from their guns during pregnancy, a situation I also found myself in.
So, what is the solution? A creche run by the underkeeper comes to mind, or perhaps the cost of a nanny included in the price per bird.
But in reality, I believe it all starts with education. Clear, concise advice from healthcare professionals, and the ability to help our loved ones, friends and family understand why we need their support. Most importantly, giving yourself a break and allowing yourself the time to enjoy your sport – be that out in the field or at the local clay ground. And when your kids are old enough to come out with you, then embrace this truly special experience.
At CGUK, we want women to encourage and support each other, inspiring more to embrace their love for their hobby and the fieldsports industry, children or no children.
Or another way to look at it – fieldsports men everywhere – pick up that nappy bag, strap on your baby carrier and embrace your childcare duties! It’s time for the women in your lives to get back out in the field and get shooting!
Happy season everyone!
Written by Jennifer Monk
Message from Tania Coxon, CGUK Founder: For mums navigating the world of shooting, we have a wonderfully supportive community within our membership. Our newest addition is the ‘CGUK Mums’ group—a safe space where mums of all ages can connect and share advice, making the journey through fieldsports a bit easier. Our ladies discuss everything they need support with, creating a truly encouraging environment. If you’d like to know more, feel free to reach out on info@thecountrygirlsuk.com
