
SHE SHOOTS – Episode 40: Steady Hands, Strong Hearts – A Mother’s Day Special
Join us for Episode 40 of our new Podcast with Canadian University Shooting Federation Women’s Program, Project Mapleseed and Ladyguns!
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SHE SHOOTS – Episode 40: Steady Hands, Strong Hearts – A Mother’s Day Special
This month we welcome Cheyanne and Savanna Popp, a competitive mother-daughter PRS team.
About Cheyanne Popp
Growing up on a pig farm in Balzac, Alberta, Cheyanne’s childhood was steeped in outdoor life. Her rural home was perfect for hunting and shooting, and her first experience with firearms was learning to shoot a single-shot Cooey Ace with her father. This sparked her lifelong passion for shooting.
Life on the acreage was a blend of farm chores and outdoor fun. She learned to handle firearms safely with a .22 rifle and a shotgun, instilling respect and precision early on.
After moving out, she paused shooting until meeting her husband, Donnie. His enthusiasm rekindled her interest, and they enjoyed camping and target shooting across Alberta’s crown lands together.
With her children, Savanna and her son, she needed a nearby shooting venue. In 2017, she joined the Calgary District Target Shooters Association (CDTSA), finding a community of like-minded individuals.
In 2020 and 2021, they hosted private matches in Irricana. By 2022, Savanna and she shot their first rimfire and centerfire matches and in May 2023, she participated in two-day matches with the Southern Alberta Precision Rifle League (SAPRL) and represented Team Canada at the IPRF 2024 World Championship in Colorado.
As her skills grew, so did her support for shooters. She became a supported shooter for Apex Optics and Patriot Valley Arms, giving back to the community that enriched her life.
About Savanna Popp
Born in Calgary, Savanna was introduced to firearms at a young age. By 3, she was familiar with a pellet air gun, which she first shot while camping with her family. This sparked a lifelong interest in shooting.
At 5, Savanna began using a Cooey Ace single-shot rifle, the same one her mother learned with. By 8, Savanna upgraded to a Sako Quad, showing her growing skills and commitment to improving.
From 2019 to 2022, Savanna watched shooting matches with her father, learning the intricacies of competitive shooting. In 2021, at 10, Savanna shot a suppressed .308 at Rob Furlong’s workshop and tried the 6BR and 6.5 calibers, showcasing her versatility.
Savanna’s competitive debut was in 2022. On May 1st, she participated in her first rimfire match, followed by her first centerfire match on May 28th. Throughout 2022, Savanna participated in one and two-day matches, earning respect and recognition in shooting sports.
Savanna became a supported shooter for Apex Optics and Patriot Valley, aligning with brands that value precision in shooting sports.
Savanna’s journey from a young girl in Calgary to a competitive shooter is a testament to her passion and dedication. Her story is about personal growth and the supportive community in shooting sports. As she continues to evolve, Savanna is sure to leave a mark in the shooting world.
About SHE SHOOTS PODCAST:
SHE SHOOTS is a podcast for women in the shooting community and for those interested in learning more about it. It is hosted by women who shoot, hunt, and instruct and most importantly share a passion for introducing new ladies to the sport.
Coming to you on the second Tuesday of every month, the objective of SHE SHOOTS is to showcase various activities in the shooting sports and highlight the people who participate. We hope this will help you find something you are interested in learning more about and various ways to get involved.
Did you know the shooting community proudly boasts over 250,000 licensed women who participate across Canada? This sport has something for everyone and it’s easy to get out and give it a try.
Join us every month when we host SHE SHOOTS on a variety of social media platforms. This exciting collaboration is brought to you by the Canadian University Shooting Federation, Project Mapleseed and LadyGuns.