Le Roy hosts Kansas State Women in the Outdoors Saturday

Long gone are the days when women are content to let the men partake in outdoor excursions like hunting or fishing.
Iolan Jennifer Foster, an active member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, has seen firsthand just how popular outdoors activities are for women.
“I see a lot of moms and grandmas who love to take their children outdoors,” Foster said. “With events like these, this helps them build confidence so they can do it on their own. Women and children are easily the fastest-growing segments of the hunting population.”
As much as 10 percent growth, according to one statistic.
Foster is speaking of the second Kansas State Women in the Outdoors event, set for Saturday at rural Le Roy.
There, women will be treated to a plethora of activities, from trapshooting, hand gun and long rifle ranges, a 3-D archery range, fly fishing and self-defense courses.
In addition, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has sanctioned a Hunter’s Education Field Day training, followed by an evening bird hunt.
On hand will be Brenda Valentine, dubbed the “First Lady of Hunting” for her extensive affiliation with Bass Pro Shops and the NWTF.
She is co-host of Bass Pro Shops’ “Real Hunting” show. She’s also been a guest on several other outdoor and conservation oriented programs.
Because Saturday’s session is a statewide event, organizers drew some hefty sponsorships, including Cabela’s, Foster said.
That has cleared the way for an impressive list of prizes available throughout the day, including an Orvis fly rod, a Mathews, Inc., bow, a Remington 870 20-gauge, pump-action shotgun, a .22 Smith and Wesson pistol and a .22 long rifle.
In addition, Jerry Daniels, owner of Humboldt Helicopters, will be on hand to offer rides.
Registration for the event is $45, and can be paid at the gate, Foster said.
The session will be at 2078 S.E. Third Rd, near Le Roy. Participants headed to Le Roy from Iola should turn left at Underwood Road from K-58, about two miles east of Le Roy, then follow a curve to the west. Road signs will clearly mark the location, Foster said.
For more information, call Foster at (620) 496-8062.