IDPA’s Joyce Wilson: ‘IDPA Is The Only Shooting Sport Run By Women’

The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is celebrating National Women’s Month now through March 31.

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor the many contributions of women in American history.

“We’re proud to say that IDPA is the only shooting sport run by women,” IDPA Executive Director Joyce Wilson said. “We work very hard to encourage inclusivity and to make everyone feel welcome at matches.”

“Women are still the fastest growing group of new gun owners,” IDPA Executive Director Joyce Wilson said. “We understand that for so many women getting into firearms for the first time, it can still be intimidating.” Wilson has led IDPA since 2007. (Photo by IDPA)

Wilson has been in the firearms industry for 23 years and has been running IDPA since 2007.

“I really am blessed to work in the gun industry. It really does mean so much to everyone, to have and to be able to celebrate our freedoms,” Wilson said. “We hear stories at IDPA HQ about how difficult it can be for our international members to even access firearms. It’s important to remember that not only should be grateful for the freedoms we have in America, but how those freedoms are so important to women. Now more than ever women should stand up and be heard.”

Working alongside Joyce Wilson at IDPA Headquarters in Bogata, Texas, are IDPA Operations Manager Mandy Bachman, IDPA Business Development Officer Kitty Richards and IDPA Marketer Chris Schmied.

Bachman is the 17th woman to become a Master class shooter in IDPA and has won numerous IDPA matches, as well as shooting professionally for Team Wilson Combat.

Richards has been shooting IDPA competitions since 2002 and is also an instructor for IDPA officials.

Schmied has been shooting IDPA since 2013 and is proud to work in the “freedom industry.”

“Women are still the fastest growing group of new gun owners. We understand that for so many women getting into firearms for the first time, it can still be intimidating,” Wilson said. “We want to recognize this year’s Women’s Month by honoring women in our sport, and by encouraging other women to join us. We hope all our fellow Ladies of IDPA will take time to encourage safety and camaraderie at the range, and to celebrate National Women’s Month with us as we encourage women gun ownership.”

More about IDPA: “The International Defensive Pistol Association is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real-life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts a membership of more than 23,000—including members in 75 foreign countries.” 

Learn more about the International Defensive Pistol Association at idpa.com.