We caught up with Rosie Barker to chat about how she got into shooting, her thoughts on ethics as a vegetarian shooter, and her best advice for women looking to take up the sport.
Thanks for joining us, Rosie, we’d like to start with how you got into shooting?
It all started with the Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club! A friend had been to a few of their events and suggested I come along. I was hooked from the start. I loved the social side, and after a few events, I even won a rosette—but not for my shooting skills! It was for my cheese and marmite scones.
Sadly, the Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club is no longer running, but there are now so many great ladies’ shooting groups out there, offering a variety of shooting and field sports events. It’s brilliant to see how much the community has grown.
Speaking of ladies’ shooting groups, how did you come across them, and how have they helped you along your journey?
I actually found most of them through social media. It’s been fantastic meeting like-minded women who love the countryside as much as I do. Attending events has not only improved my shooting but also led to invitations to shoot days I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
The best part is that many of these events are beginner-friendly, so whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, there’s always a place for you. It’s given me a wonderful network of friends and a supportive environment to learn in.
We couldn’t agree more, it’s such a supportive environment. Do you have a favourite shooting discipline?
I love a driven pheasant and partridge day. There’s something exhilarating about it. I enjoy the sense of heritage and tradition that comes with a day in the field, but also the mindfulness it brings—there’s a real focus and presence required in the moment.
Do you have a non-negotiable when it comes to shooting?
Good ear protection, without a doubt. And comfortable, technical clothing. A top tip for the ladies—wear a sports bra, it makes the gun bus journey far more comfortable!
Great advice, one we live by ourselves! Do you have any advice for someone looking to getting into shooting?
Start by looking for group tuition days run by ladies’ shooting groups—these are often advertised on social media. Or, visit your local clay shooting ground and book a lesson to get a feel for it.
If you decide to invest in your own gun, make sure it fits you properly. A poorly fitting gun will make it harder to hit your target and could cause discomfort or even injury. Finding a good gun fitter is essential—it’ll make all the difference!
Sticking with advice, what’s the best shooting advice you’ve ever been given?
When it comes to clay shooting, consistency is key. A good routine will help you improve—recognising where you first see the target, planning where to take your shot, setting your gun position, and following through. If you do this consistently, it makes it much easier to troubleshoot when things aren’t going right.
It may come as a surprise to our reader, but you are a vegetarian. How do you handle conversations around the ethics of shooting?
Game bird farming contributes enormously to conservation—it’s the most ethical form of truly free-range farming.
I’ve been vegetarian since childhood, simply because I don’t enjoy eating meat. But if I were a meat eater, game would be my first choice because of how it’s sourced. These animals live freely and don’t experience the stress of long journeys to an abattoir.
I also became a Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust Accredited Game Shot last year, which helped me understand the impact of shooting sports on wildlife and habitats. That knowledge has made it much easier to have informed discussions about the ethics of shooting.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about being both a shooter and a vegetarian?
People assume I’m vegetarian for ethical reasons—especially since I’m a vet—so they’re often confused that I enjoy live quarry shooting.
What surprises them even more is that I love prepping and cooking the game I shoot for friends and family. There’s something incredibly satisfying about putting a dish on the table that’s come from a sustainable source that I’ve harvested myself.
And lastly, what’s your most memorable day out in the field?
Last year, I had an incredible day on a farm shoot in North Norfolk where I shot a duck for the first time. I was a little apprehensive beforehand because I’d never done any duck shooting before, and I was the only lady gun on the day. But everyone was so welcoming, and it turned out to be my best day of shooting yet!
We loved chatting with Rosie about her journey into shooting, the lessons she’s learned, and the community she’s found along the way. Follow Rosie's adventures on Instagram @RosieBloves.
