About

The NorCal Women's Duck Hunt for novice duck hunters began in 2011 with one simple goal: Help women who had hunted ducks five times of fewer with a crash course in all things waterfowl, followed by a mentored hunt at a private duck club in California's legendary Upper Butte Basin. A really sweet club.

It was an instant hit. Participants loved the camaraderie of learning and hunting with other women, and from the start they began forming long-lasting friendships. To this day, many of them still hunt together from time to time.

The event is conducted under the auspices of co-founder Judy Oswald's non-profit Kids Outdoor Sports Camp. Almost everything is donated, from instruction to the hunts to the popular goodie bags, which helps keep costs down. Registration fees cover food and lodging.

Oswald and co-founder Holly Heyser are enormously grateful to the event's supporters and volunteers, which have included (in alphabetical order):

• California Waterfowl
• Closed Zone Farms
• Delta Waterfowl
• Karen Fothergill
• Tyler Gullick
• Hunter Angler Gardener Cook
• Jeff Smith
• Little Dry Creek Farm
• Il Ling New
• Mom's
• Red Bank Outfitters
• Sportsman's Warehouse (Redding)

In 2014, they are pleased to welcome two outstanding new instructors: Mike Carion, chief of enforcement for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife; and Chris Cheng, Season 4 champion of Top Shot.