Feathers & Tweed is a one-day, limited engagement that brings together the best of the industry in a time-conscience and easy-to-engage format. This dynamic event was founded by Minnesota’s very own Laura Schara in collaboration with Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club. She wanted to showcase her tried-and true-favorites for the outdoors. Laura understands fully how busy our schedules can be and knows how difficult it can be to cut through all the “junk” to get to what really works on the course and in the field. So, she is proudly bringing you the 2nd Annual Feathers & Tweed!
Sponsored by Syren USA
As we’ve seen over the past few years, women’s outdoor events are becoming more and more frequent across the country. There are hunting trips, learn-to-shoots, shopping trips for outdoor gear, cooking with wild game and more. All these opportunities offer fantastic ways to take a closer look at what personally interests you. They all invariably offer a more in-depth look into these single components. The only issue is that it does take time to be able to attend all these amazing opportunities.
Why is this event different?
For women. By women. Who hunt and shoot! As I mentioned, there are plenty of women’s events across the country. You’ve no doubt attended at least one. None of them bring together so many components for shooters of all abilities, hosted by an all-female staff. Feathers & Tweed is perfect for the absolute novice or beginner. It also is just as engaging for the avid huntress or competition shooter. Instead of cramming in multitudes of attendees, this event brings together small groups that can enjoy discussions and conversations while receiving maximum time within each module.
Ladies will be divided into three groups: Syren demo with professional instruction from Kate Ahnstrom (Va Shooting Sports), Grace Callahan and Jason Gentz (Gentz Sporting Arms); bird dog demo; upland gear review; wild game preparation and recipes and fabulous vendors from within the industry. Each module will rotate through the various activities, returning together as a community for a scrumptious wild game luncheon prepared by the club’s very own chef. Attendees will delight in a variety of vendors featuring unique crafts, jewelry and gear. The day will indeed be action-packed but at a leisurely pace as to allow attendees time to shoot, shop and savor the entire event.
Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club: A Venue Unlike Any Other in Minnesota
Nestled in the bucolic countryside of Prior Lake, Minnesota, sits Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club. Only a 40-minute car ride southwest of the Twin Cities, and open year-round to the public, the club has a rich history in the sporting lifestyle. Officially formed in 1985, the Minnesota Horse and Hunt offers premier shooting and hunting grounds for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. David Penn, owner since 2020, is an avid outdoorsman and loves bringing new and exciting activities to the public. He purchased the club after working for the previous owners as the general manager, where he saw the acquisition as a tremendous way to support the sporting community. David’s passion for the outdoors has led him to create multiple events across diverse platforms at the club.
The Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club offers an incredible list of activities including trap, skeet, 5-stand, leagues, upland hunting, field trials, archery, pistol and rifle, live music, banquet space, fundraisers and more. All of this is topped off by a dining destination, aptly named Trigger’s Restaurant and Bar.
When Laura was thinking about the ultimate women’s event, the “where” was the easiest decision. David and Laura sat down with the Minnesota Horse and Hunt marketing and communications director, Nikki Pietz, to sort out the details.
How Virginia ended up in Minnesota
Syren USA strives to bring together women who love the outdoors, with a motto of “No More Compromises.” After all, that’s how I met Laura! Syren shipped me up to Minnesota for a charity event a few years ago to assist with instruction and that’s where I was introduced to her. Toward the end of our day together, Laura and I were chatting about the possibility of a women’s event that brought together all the things we love in the industry. She already knew exactly where to host the event. Laura has been going to the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club her entire life and knew well how supportive and encouraging the staff is of ALL outdoor enthusiasts.
Nikki reached out to me, letting me know that Laura had brought them her passion project and they were starting to organize it, but needed a female shooting instructer. Well, hello Minnesota, here I come!
Staff with the Skills
Nikki, an avid huntress herself, had already been brainstorming with David about how the club could better assist women in getting started with or expanding their adventures in the shooting sports and hunting. When Laura came to them about her ideas, it appeared to be the perfect alignment of dedicated individuals in the industry. They all wanted to make it easier for women to access these core components and have strong foundations so they would be comfortable pursuing these skill sets.
Since Nikki loves chasing feathers, often found with her beloved setters in the woodcock and grouse woods, she knew firsthand how hard it can be to just find equipment much less a mentor. Feathers & Tweed creates a “one-stop shop” for ladies so that they have that strong foundation, supportive community and skill sets for success afield or on the course.
All the staff for this event are passionate about the outdoors, hunting, clay shooting, and creating success for others with no egos, no drama – just an incredible opportunity to shoot, shop and savor.
Details for Feathers & Tweed 2024
As we get closer to the event, be sure to stalk us all on social media. You can catch up with Laura on Facebook and Instagram as she brings you her favorites and you can see her adorable Frenchie, Bacon (he just might make a guest appearance at Feathers & Tweed, weather permitting).
You can follow all the fabulous happenings at the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club on Facebook and Instagram. While you’re at it, be sure to follow VA Shooting Sports on Facebook and Instagram for shooting tips, tricks and what’s happening behind the barrel.
The 2nd Annual Feathers & Tweed will be held on Saturday, June 1 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club. The club is conveniently located just southwest of the twin cities at 2920 220th St SE, Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372. Registration will open March 22, but you can sign up to be notified as soon as it does, just click HERE. Feel free to contact Nikki directly through her social media with any questions. Remember, this is a LIMITED engagement to maximize your time and interactions with all staff and within all activities so don’t delay in making your reservation.
Find out more about the Feathers & Tweed event.
Find the perfect gun for an event such as this one this year at Syren.
Kate Ahnstrom, owner of Virginia Shooting Sports, is a certified, professional instructor of the Paragon School of Sporting. She has dedicated her life to sharing her passion for the outdoors and diversifying the dynamics on the clay course and the hunt field. Her tireless dedication to her students’ success is obvious in each and every lesson. Kate is on the pro staff for Syren, the resident pro at Orapax Hunting Preserve and the Preserve at Dundee, department editor for “Woods and Waters” magazine and field staff member of the Sisterhood of the Outdoors. She and her husband, Mike, enjoy their small farm in central Virginia where they have a menagerie of animals and plenty of room to train and work their beloved GSPs. Kate loves getting behind the barrel of her Syren Tempio Sporting in 20 gauge for all things clay and feathered. View all posts by Kate Ahnstrom
