Sometimes the things that change your life start completely by accident. A Boxing Day invitation. A borrowed shotgun. A hand trap in the middle of a field. One clay hit cleanly out of the sky. And suddenly, something clicks.
For many women, stepping into the world of shooting and fieldsports can feel intimidating at first — especially when you didn’t grow up around guns, don’t know anyone who shoots, or feel like you “don’t look” like the typical person people expect to see on a peg.
But this conversation is proof that there’s no one way to belong in the shooting world anymore.
It’s the kind of story that will resonate with so many women sitting there thinking: “I’d love to try shooting… but I’m nervous.”
Thank you for joining us Natasha, your shooting journey started fairly recently — what inspired you to take up the sport?
I’d always admired people who shot, but I honestly didn’t know where to start. Like so many newcomers to the sport, confidence was the biggest thing holding her back.
My shooting journey is actually really recent. The first time I ever held a gun or tried clay pigeon shooting was Boxing Day 2024. Not at a formal shooting ground. Not during a lesson. Just friends, an open field, and a hand trap. I still remember getting my first clay — I was instantly hooked.
Since then, things have moved quickly. My friends taught me all about shotgun safety, etiquette, stance, and how to safely handle a gun. Fast forward only a few months and I booked onto simulated days, attended my first game shoot, and applied for a shotgun licence.
And I’m only just getting started. In the near future, I’d love to get into clay competitions too.
What an amazing journey, how did you discover ladies’ shooting groups — and how have they helped your journey?
I first came across The Country Girls UK on Instagram, I loved how they encouraged women to get involved in shooting and countryside pursuits.
Joining felt daunting at first. I became a member in late 2024 and finally bit the bullet — so to speak — and booked onto some tuition days in early 2025. And from that point onwards, I never looked back.
The experience changed my confidence, not just in shooting, but personally too. What started out as a bit of fun and doing something for myself has become something I genuinely take seriously. Since then, I’ve visited multiple shooting grounds, learned from different instructors, and gradually built confidence in environments that once felt intimidating.
But more than anything, I feel like I’ve found my people.
What advice would you give women who want to try shooting but feel nervous?
I was exactly the same. One thing I don’t want in life is regret — and my biggest regret is not trying this sooner.
Life is for living, just give it a go. You genuinely don’t know unless you try.
And yes, stepping outside your comfort zone can feel intimidating. But the nerves don’t last forever.
Finding a ladies group is so reassuring and welcoming. It’s nerve-wracking at first, but you’ll soon leave grinning from ear to ear and wanting to do it all over again.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Be a sponge. Stay open to learning and never stop learning. It’s advice I’ve carried throughout her entire shooting journey so far.
Just because someone teaches something one way doesn’t mean it’s the only way.
I’m still very much learning, but I’m excited to see where the journey takes me.
You have such an effortless eye for styling outfits — often using second-hand pieces from Vinted. What are your top styling tips?
I love a second-hand find! Spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean dressing well.
Instead, I believe good styling starts with strong basics. You can elevate simple outfits really easily with accessories.
One of my favourite styling tricks is the sandwich method. It sounds complicated. It absolutely isn’t.
The top section of your outfit — whether that’s your jacket, shirt, hat or sunglasses — should colour match the bottom section, like your boots, shoes or bag. Then the middle section creates contrast through texture, colour, or print.
Always match your belt to your shoes. Instantly polished. Effortless. Timeless.
Most importantly though — have fun with it.
You won the Welligogs Ladies Day in 2025 — what advice would you give women entering this year?
That honestly felt surreal, I couldn’t believe it when the judges pointed at me.
And for 2026, I’m returning as a judge! What I love most about the competition is the atmosphere, it’s incredibly inclusive and genuinely celebrates women in the countryside.
My biggest advice is just be yourself. Because while it’s easy to feel pressure to fit a traditional “country” aesthetic, I’d love to see more individuality. I want women to challenge the traditional mould.
It doesn’t need to cost a fortune, I proudly wore second-hand finds at The Game Fair.
Invest in pieces you’ll wear all year round. Challenge your wardrobe. And don’t be afraid to experiment.
Because real style always feels more authentic than simply copying trends.
Do you have ultimate go-to pieces for winter and summer?
Winter is all about practicality. A good waterproof coat.
Working outdoors daily and walking upwards of 25–30k steps means functionality matters just as much as style.
And for summer? My straw wide-brimmed hat. Elegant, timeless, and practical all at once. It instantly elevates an outfit while protecting you from the sun.
What makes this conversation feel so relatable is how honest it is.
It’s not about growing up immersed in shooting or knowing exactly what you’re doing from day one. It’s about curiosity, confidence, and allowing yourself to try something new — even when it feels intimidating at first.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s proof that women don’t need to shrink themselves to fit into the shooting world anymore.
You can love fashion and field sports.
You can shoot clays in a great outfit.
You can start later.
You can still be learning.
You can belong here too
You can shoot clays in a great outfit.
You can start later.
You can still be learning.
You can belong here too
Follow Natasha's journey on Instagram @curls.in.countryside
