The Mission Behind Wilderness Bonds
Wilderness Bonds is a video series that follows hunters Christen and Katey as they explore the outdoors, develop hunting skills, and introduce more women to the world of hunting and shooting sports. The mission of the show is simple: remove the intimidation that often surrounds hunting and prove that women can build these skills together through mentorship, training, and shared experience.
In the newest episode, Christen and Katey invite several women to join them for women rifle training at Gunsite, one of the most respected firearms training facilities in the country: Gunsite Academy. Their goal is to give these women the opportunity to train alongside experienced mentors and build the confidence needed to eventually step into hunting.
Learning the Fundamentals
Each participant arrives with a different level of experience. Some have never set up a rifle before. Others have fired rifles but want to improve their skills and learn proper shooting fundamentals. What they all share is curiosity and a willingness to learn.
The training begins in the classroom before anyone ever steps onto the range. Instructors walk the group through rifle setup and explain the purpose of the equipment they will be using. Optics are mounted. Bipods and slings are attached. For some of the women, these steps are their first hands-on introduction to how a hunting rifle actually comes together.
Soon the group moves out to the firing line, where they begin practicing the fundamentals that define women rifle training at Gunsite. Safety, body position, recoil management, and follow-through all become part of the process.
More Than Just Training
As the week unfolds, the experience becomes about more than technical skills. The women begin to form connections through shared challenges and encouragement. Nervous introductions give way to laughter, and confidence grows with every round sent downrange.
Moments like these highlight the real purpose behind women rifle training at Gunsite. Learning to shoot well is important, but the experience also builds confidence and camaraderie that can carry into future hunting adventures.
This Is Only the Beginning
This episode captures just the start of the journey. As Christen and Katey hoped when they organized women rifle training at Gunsite, the goal is to help these women build the confidence and skills that can eventually lead them into the hunting field.
But the story doesn’t end here.
This is Episode 1 of the Gunsite training experience, and the learning—and shooting—continues in Episode 2, coming soon to GetZone.
Watch Episode 1 now to see how the training begins and follow along as the journey of women rifle training at Gunsite continues in the next chapter.
Industry Partners Help Make the Training Possible
This unique training opportunity would not have been possible without support from several industry partners. Ruger provided the rifles used throughout the training, equipping the group with the Ruger American Gen II chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) is helped fund the production as an Official Training and Education partner.
“Choosing the Ruger American Gen II in 6.5 Creedmoor was intentional,” said host Katey. “It offers excellent accuracy while maintaining moderate recoil, which helps new shooters focus on fundamentals. Combined with quality optics and proper instruction, the platform gave the participants a reliable setup for learning how to properly zero and shoot a hunting rifle.”
To enhance the shooting experience, Jaguar Silencers also provided their CAS Shorty 7.62 suppressors for the rifles, helping reduce recoil and report on the range—an advantage that allowed participants to better focus on technique during training.
The women were also equipped with rifle slings from CrossBreed Holsters, optics from Maven Optics, and ammunition from Hornady. Together, these partners helped ensure the participants had the equipment and support needed for a successful experience.
Resources & Gear List
- USCCA | United States Concealed Carry Association
- Rifles – Ruger
- Gunsite Academy
- Optics – Maven
- Suppressors – Jaguar Silencers
- Rifle Slings – CrossBreed Holsters
- Ammunition – Hornady
Discover more unforgettable hunts in other Wilderness Bonds episodes.
