RONDA CARMAN

Ronda Carman is a lifestyle journalist, travel writer, and Rizzoli author, and the founder of Ronda Carman Confidential, a platform centered on Travel. Field. Table.

Her work explores how people live, travel, and gather.

She took up clay shooting in 2024 and now shoots competitively, bringing a firsthand perspective to the sporting life she champions.

After a decade living in Scotland, where traditions of field sports run deep, she returned to Texas, where those influences continue to shape her work.

Her work has appeared in Forbes, Traditional Home, Elle Decor, Veranda, House Beautiful, Southern Living, and Australian Vogue Living, among other international publications. She has also appeared on Martha Stewart Radio, Houston Life, Good Day DC, Good Morning Arkansas, and Pittsburgh Today.

She is the author of Lynn Wyatt, The Art of Pantry Cooking, Entertaining at Home, and Designers at Home. In 2019 she was named to the Salonnière 100, a list recognizing the most influential hosts and connectors in the United States.

Through Ronda Carman Confidential, she writes about travel,food, and design. She hosts curated gatherings bringing women together in the field and at the table.

Ronda is a Private Client Dealer for Perazzi USA, one of Italy’s most revered heritage sporting houses.

Her work sits at the intersection of storytelling, design, travel, clays, and the art of keeping company—less influencer, more cultural curator with a strong point of view.

Q&A WITH RONDA

Each shot begins with the command, 'Pull'. What occupies your attention in that moment?

Quieting my mind. Clay shooting is a discipline of focus and timing, rooted in tradition. It is technical, certainly, but deeply rewarding. Breaking a bird never loses its thrill. What excites me most, however, is seeing more women step confidently onto the fields—alongside men, taking their place within the sporting world.

You came to the sport later in life. How did that influence your approach?

I first picked up a shotgun in my fifties, so I understand how intimidating shooting can feel—particularly for women who have never handled a shotgun before. With proper instruction, correct gun fit, and the right equipment, that hesitation quickly disappears. The sport becomes challenging, satisfying, and surprisingly empowering.

What role do you see women playing in the future of clay and field shooting?

A very active one. Women are not newcomers to the sport historically, but many have felt unsure about how to enter or begin. My focus is on creating environments where women feel welcome to learn the sport properly—from selecting the perfect Perazzi to progressing from sporting clays to field shooting—while honoring the traditions that make the sport fun and special.

Is this approach exclusively for women?

Not at all. Men are very much part of the shooting community and always will be. But there is value in intentionally encouraging women to participate—whether they are complete beginners, returning to the sport, or refining their skills. When women feel supported and properly introduced, the entire sporting culture benefits.

How do you approach instruction and practice?

It begins with fundamentals—proper gun fit, safety, and sound technique. I practice several days a week and have had the privilege of working with many exceptional instructors, but nothing replaces consistent practice. Instruction provides the framework; repetition refines it.

What do you personally shoot?

I shoot a Perazzi MX8 for its balance and adaptability. I pair it with GAMBORE ROSE GOLD Shells, which are designed to increase performance while minimizing felt recoil.

How important is comfort to performance?

It’s essential. Reduced recoil allows you to stay focused and relaxed, particularly as a newer shooter. Confidence follows naturally when your equipment supports you.

Is there room for personal style in shooting, or must function come first?

I want both. Comfort and function are essential, but style matters. I gravitate toward well-made, yet practical pieces that are made for the sport or can be adapted—clothing from Kevin’s catalog, Veronica Beard and Adidas Gazelles for footwear, and Pilia shooting glasses. Comfort allows natural movement, and performance follows.

What do you hope women—and men—take away from their shooting experiences?

That clay and field shooting are far more approachable than they seem. With proper guidance, the sport becomes welcoming, disciplined, and deeply rewarding. When women feel supported and confident from the beginning, they don’t simply try the sport—they become part of it.

What defines your luxury sporting clay retreats?

Luxury means different things to different people. For me, it’s beautiful, thoughtfully chosen settings, expert coaches who teach the sport with care, time to enjoy the experience, and meaningful connections with interesting people. When these elements come together, the result is a sporting retreat that feels personal, considered, and memorable.