The Virginia State Chapter is proud to introduce, and welcome, our two new Women In The Outdoors Co-Coordinators, Cherie Smith and Karin “Buffy” Eppard.  

A very familiar face, Cherie Smith of the Tri-County Spurs, will be our new Eastern Coordinator. Cherie has proven herself over the years through her many WITO events, and was awarded the coveted Annie Oakley Award at the 2009 NWTF Convention.

Right: Cherie Smith accepts the Annie Oakley Award at the 2009 NWTF National Convention.

Heading up our Western region will be Karin “Buffy” Eppard. Buffy has assisted as a volunteer archery instructor at numerous WITO and JAKES event throughout the state, and anyone who has seen her in action knows we are honored to have her join our NWTF team.

Read Buffy's story below: 

I grew up in a family that didn’t hunt or fish, and never gave either much thought until I met my husband. He is the entire reason I become involved in the outdoors. He taught me respect for wildlife and nature, not to mention safe firearms handling. Along the way he taught me what it meant to be a sportswoman, to read the woods, and understand its allure. Without him I never would have experienced any of the wonder and beauty that can only be found in the great outdoors.

After a few years of being a Hunter Education instructor and competition archer I was approached by a friend to help teach archery at a WITO event. I didn’t know what to expect but with the help of fellow instructors as well as what I had learned from my husband, I jumped in feet first. It only took about 15 minutes with the participants to realize I had found my niche. Since then I have helped introduce well over a thousand women and children to the thrill of shooting a bow. I can’t say that I taught them everything I know, because I feel that I learn much more from the participants than I could ever teach.

The people who taught and inspired me to explore the outdoors will continue to guide me in this venture and for that I am eternally grateful. Without the passion that these individuals continue to instill in others the future of the shooting sports as well as the great outdoors itself could be lost for future generations. Programs like WITO are a prime opportunity to preserve our sporting traditions. 

Without a doubt, this is one of the most exciting opportunities I have ever been given. Looking ahead, I have a few ideas that I hope to develop into new offerings in the WITO programs. There are endless possibilities for new ways to introduce women to the outdoors and being a part of that is a great honor for me. I am eager to work with and learn from the countless individuals who make the WITO program such a success.

 Left: Buffy Eppard with one of her awesome bow trophies!