Lisa Learns to Roller Ski!

Lanny & Tracey Barnes (WOMA members and Olympic Biathletes) attended a recent Babes with Bullets camp in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  The twin sisters “roller ski” to stay in shape for their 2014 Olympic quest.  Here they are showing Lisa Munson, our Babes instructor, how to roller ski.  I suggested we start Lisa at the top of the hill and just push her on the roller skis to go down; we’d catch her at the bottom.  No one thought that was a good idea except me.   As you can see in this photo they all survived the lesson just fine!

Palmetto Glock Girl Shootout a Resounding Success!

It’s only Saturday and already we have seen 90 entries in our first ever Ladies Only GSSF match!  They came from all around the southeast to the small town of Reevesville, South Carolina to compete.  Many of these women had never touched a gun or participated in any organized shooting event.  Just the type of shooters that GSSF and Glock are looking for!  GSSF was started 20 years ago for the purpose of introducing Glock owners to a small level of safe and fun competition with the hope that these shooters would continue to participate in not only GSSF, but other shooting competitions around the country.

The Palmetto Glock Girl Shootout is being hosted by Lisa Marie and Tommy Judy, local firearms instructors, at their home range: B.E.L.T. Training, LLC .  The competition consists of 3 courses and takes approximately 100 rounds per division to shoot. You can sign up for multiple divisions and depending on the number of entries, prizes given are guns, cash and merchandise.  For more information on GSSF, visit their website at www.gssfonline.com.  Lisa Marie is already looking forward to next year, but you still have time to attend on Sunday, May 29th from 9am – 2pm!

WOMA Members Attend Babes With Bullets Camp

 

We received our camp updates from Kay Miculek.  She is head instructor at Babes with Bullets, as well as multi-time National and  World Champion.  Our latest update informed us that May is spring time in many parts of the country, but in Steamboat Springs,Colorado, the snow was still coming.    She was in touch with us with last minute reminders, preparations and housing information.  We were unable to get to Bear Mountain Ranch, where we were supposed to be staying, so Kay sent info with a new location to be called home for three days.   We made our trek to camp and I joined up with fellow WOMA members, Marsha Petrie Sue, Chris Quam, Lanny Barnes, Tracy Barnes, Anne Draper and Deb Ferns.

Due to the weather, the Babes with Bullets crew had to do a lot of improvising and they didn’t miss a step.  They made camp happen without a glitch and teh 20 ladies, including our WOMA members, were able to relax, have fun, and most importantly, learn a lot in just a few days.  We did quite a few dry fire drills with our pistols, learning to safely quick draw, raise, steady and shoot our pistols and then finally learning to shoot and reload while on the move.  It was so amazing to see ladies who had never touched a pistol quickly maneuver and shoot the various stages at the camp.

Despite the snow, rain, sleet and hail, the camp was outstanding and I would recommend it to any lady whether they are long time shooters or have never touched a firearm.  The instructors are athletes who hold multiple National and World titles and, despite their grandiose achievements, are very professional as well as extremely friendly.  The ladies at Babes with Bullets were fabulous.  We learned a lot and met and made new friends.  Thank you to the WOMA for giving us the opportunity to meet such outstanding women.

Life on the Mississippi River

Life in the batture lands…that’s the land between the levees; on the river side, has had a rough spring!  My hunting camp is on the Mississippi River, surrounded by an oxbow lake. So depending on how high the river is, sometimes this area is a peninsula and sometimes an island.

I was able to get to the Jackie Pugh hunting camp in early April where I called in a turkey for Jackie. The first photo was taken April 9^th with Jackie (along with his turkey) standing on the ground under his camp house, which is approximately 8 ft. off the ground.

The next photo of the same camp was taken just over a month later on May 11^th. As you can see from comparing the photos the Mississippi River had already risen very high and very quickly; more than 1 foot per day for several days at a time.  The Mississippi River still had about 4 feet to rise before cresting nearby at Vicksburg, MS.  Once the river is manageable to cross again, we can help Jackie reclaim his camp.

Spiritwood, Saskatchewan Spring Black Bear Hunt

I had the wonderful opportunity to go on a bear hunt recently in Canada.  This was another first for me and only my second time hunting.  Had I not been prodded by my younger brother from Pennsylvania, who suggested we look for a bear hunt, I may never have done this.  In hind sight I am so glad I did!

My brother had suggested this in early January and while attending SHOT Show a few weeks later one of our HIVIZ Pro Staff members, Marty Fischer, also co-host of TNT Outdoor Explosion, mentioned they were hosting a bear hunt in May in Saskatchewan.  Not knowing which outfitter to go with, or even where to go, this was perfect!

I told Marty we’d take the last two spots they had available for the camp.  I was soon to learn all the ins and outs of traveling with a rifle into Canada.  The outfitter hosting the hunt was helpful but I also researched and was able to get the firearms forms online.  There are only a few ports in Canada where they actually allow you to pre-register your firearm.  Saskatoon Airport was one of those.  I filed the proper paperwork and faxed it to Canadian Customs about 6 weeks prior to the trip.  Receipt of approval was returned via fax about 3 weeks later.  I’m thinking this is a “cake walk” so far!  There is, however, a US Customs form, which I found out upon my return to the US, that I should’ve filled out for getting my rifle back into the US.  There is a registration form with the Homeland Security for firearms. This needs to be filled out and signed by a US Customs official prior to leaving the US….and apparently before arriving at the airport, in other words at the local Customs Office, which for me was in Denver.  I was able to get it back in, but was a little rattled by the Customs Officer and at the same time trying to tow a cooler with the bear hide, gun case and large suitcase all by myself.  So check and be aware of ALL the requirements prior to hunting in Canada.  Makes for less stressful travels!

We stayed at Larson Lake Lodge in Spiritwood.  The first day we took our rifles out one at a time to make sure they were still sighted in before the guides would take anyone out.  At about 3:00 PM we broke into groups of two and three per guide to drive to the various stands.  Larson Lake Outfitters hunt over 6600 acres in the area.  With trucks parked we loaded up the quads and headed the rest of the way on small paths through the woods to our tree stands.  Marty went up the tree stand before me and attached his portable stand above where I would be sitting so he could film.  The stand was about 20 feet up.  Marty now settled and camera secured, I headed up and affixed my rifle rest and settled in.  As the guide was readying to leave on his quad, he whispered up for me to load my rifle now, before he left, as bears have been known to come in to the bait even a few minutes after they leave.

Well almost four silent hours and many squirrels later, suddenly there is crashing from behind us.  My adrenaline starts and I think here we go…get ready.  At the same time, I’m thinking that crashing is way too loud and fast for any bear!  A huge moose came crashing through the stand area and ran up the other side of the hill.  Beautiful!!!

Back to silence again, except for thousands of tree frogs and one duck that didn’t quit the entire time…for two more hours and no bear sightings.  It is now about 9:15 PM, starting to get dark and I’m getting a little chilled.  Marty breaks the silence from above and behind me and asks if I still have light in my scope.  Checking, I could still see fine.  No sooner had we stopped whispering, I heard foot steps on the leaves coming in behind us.  I knew immediately we had a bear coming in finally!  I couldn’t believe it!  Two minutes ago I was ready to pack it in for the night!  I got down on my scope and sighted on the bait area, continuing to hear him walking in from behind.  I don’t think Marty heard the footsteps until the bear reached the base of our tree stand.  He stopped just below the stand, sniffed and snorted around the ladder at our foot steps.  I was afraid to move off my rifle to look down at him, thinking I might startle him with too much movement.  It is getting darker out.  I hear him starting to move towards the bait barrel and I finally peek over my rifle and see he is a cinnamon colored bear!  I’m whispering to Marty to make sure he is a big enough bear and Marty is whispering back, “YES!”  Now I have the bear in my scope and this uncontrollable adrenaline hits.  Thank goodness for the rifle rest!  The bear is at the barrel and standing up making his way around the entire barrel.  Before hand, Marty had told me to not shoot right away because he wanted to get as much bear footage on the camera as possible.  So I am waiting a bit…it’s getting darker, …with head down on the scope I’m whispering to Marty, do you have enough footage?  He’s whispering back and both of us being shooters, neither one of us can hear what the other is whispering!  Ok, time for my lone executive decision now as it is getting darker.  I have the perfect shot and a good solid hold, despite the adrenaline rushing through my body still.  I pulled the trigger and will never forget the view through the scope, almost dark with red muzzle flash and the bear going down!  I was elated!  He went down, struggled to get up and ran a bit.  He made a semi-circle back towards the tree stand…..I’m reloading now just in case, and he drops about 15 feet from where he started.

WOW!  I can’t tell you what a satisfying feeling it was to know I did this on my own.  I was apprehensive prior to the trip, traveling to Canada by myself with firearms and never having shot from a tree stand and at a bear nonetheless.  I am definitely hooked on hunting now!  The people at the lodge were fantastic and I hope to return later next year for an elk hunt with my daughter in tow this time.

Gimme Shelter! Babes shooting in the rain

A spring storm including rain, hail, snow and wind didn’t dampen the spirits of the Babes with Bullets camp led by WOMA Chairman Deb Ferns and World Champion Shooter Kay Clark-Miculek, Bang.Inc. They stirred up a batch of fun knowing that even the weather couldn’t rain on their parade.

Recipe for a good time:

20 eager shooters (Including 4 WOMA members)

2 Olympians and WOMA ambassadors (Lanny and Tracy Barnes)

4 fabulous coaches

20 Handguns

Paper targets and steel to taste

Stir in the unpredictable Steamboat Springs Colorado weather, creative thinking, humor and warm clothing and you have one very good time!

Expecting to stay at John and Anne Drapers fabulous Bear Mountain Ranch in Colorado, the campers were sent directions for travel. The winter weather, however, had been particularly relentless and access to the lodge, located at 9200 feet, was not going to happen. Emergency re-planning set in, condos were rented and the campers were redirected to similar luxury at Trapper’s Crossing Resort.

According to the weatherman, the storm was forecast to move through but of course it didn’t.  So waterproof outfits were pulled from suitcases and zip lock bags gathered to cover the guns.  Many insightful shooters carry umbrellas in their gun cases. The set up crew cleverly secured plastic cleaner bags and paper targets were covered.

We did take a break for coffee and hot cocoa when the lightening and hail started. Our pace quickened after the end of that cloudburst.

Fun filming by Marilyn for the Outdoor Channel and fabulous food by Mary Anne just added to this great event. Every day it just seemed to be more fun.  Thankfully the last day of shooting was greeted with sunny skies and warm temperatures. The dances of  “rain, rain go away” must have worked.

I’ve posted the pictures on flickr from our fabulous event!! Maybe our camp song should have been Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head: and my gun, ammo, targets, etc…

 

River Country Outdoors Adds Award Winning Outdoor Photographer and WOMA Member Gretchen Mueller Steele to Staff

Pinckneyville, IL  May 17, 2011:  River Country Outdoors, published by E
and R Media is pleased to announce the addition of award winning outdoor
photographer and writer Gretchen Mueller Steele to its line up of outstanding
outdoor writers. River Country Outdoors is a print publication that serves the Southern
Illinois, Southeast Missouri, Southwest Indiana and Northwest Kentucky area and
markets. Steele will also be part of the content development and advertising
teams.

“Gretchen is one the most well connected people in the
outdoor industry in our service area. We have been lucky to publish her
photographs and articles previously as a freelancer. We are most pleased that
she has accepted a position with our team.” Said Jeff Egbert, publisher.

Steele will be working with Production Manager Shea
Campanella to increase the variety of topics covered as well to introduce new
outdoor writers and photographers to River Country Outdoors. In addition to her
work with production, writing and editing, Steele can be contacted for
information regarding advertising as well.

For information concerning submissions to River Country
Outdoors, Sponsorship Opportunities, and Advertising , please contact Gretchen
Steele  by e mail steelephoto@gmail.com or by phone at
618-201-4180.

From Gretchen:

As part of my position I will be working in both advertising sales and content
development, so I will be looking to the many talented writers and photographers
at WOMA for help with our expanding coverage of women in the outdoors. Any
industry members who would be interested in advertising or sponsoring a  writer
and monthly column are also welcome to contact me for any details they may need.

As always, I look to WOMA for the brightest and best in the outdoor
industry.

-Gretchen

NSSF and Modern Sporting Rifles

This informative piece from NSSF was too interesting not to share.  Enjoy – and be sure to sign up for more information about the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Owners of modern sporting rifles (MSR)–those rifles based on the AR platform–are among the most passionate gun owners.

Most shoot their rifles often and wish they had time to shoot them even more. Most use them for target shooting. Most own multiple modern sporting rifles. Most enjoy accessorizing them.

Given these and other insights into ownership, it’s no wonder MSRs were among the hottest sellers during the firearms sales boom from late 2008 through early 2010.

With so many MSRs purchased during that period, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, wanted to learn more about owners’ use and attitudes related to these firearms. A survey conducted in 2010 on behalf of NSSF by Sports Marketing Surveys has been compiled into the NSSF Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR) Comprehensive Consumer Report. The complete survey and a description of the methodology used are available at www.nssf.org/MSR/facts.cfm.

 ”The findings give NSSF a baseline for future research into the ownership and use of these popular sporting firearms,” said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF’s director of industry research and analysis. “Our goal was to learn more about this category, and we certainly did.”

Included in the survey findings are these 21 fascinating facts about owners of modern sporting rifles who responded to the survey:

• 60 percent of MSR owners that responded to the study own multiple MSRs, with the average owned being 2.6.
• 30 percent of all MSR owners purchased their first rifle in 2009 or 2010.
• 99 percent of all MSR owners owned some type of firearm prior to their first MSR purchase.
• 9 out of 10 owned a handgun prior to acquiring their first MSR, and 34 percent of those under age 35 owned a paintball gun before owning their MSR.
• Nearly half (44 percent) of MSR owners are current or former military or law enforcement members.
• 51 percent of MSR owners have a shooting-range membership.
• 8 out of every 10 MSR owners purchased their MSR new.
• 39 percent of all MSR owners purchased their most recent MSR at an independent retail store, with the average purchase price being $1,083.
• 3 out of every 4 MSRs most recently purchased were chambered in .223/5.56mm.
• MSR owners consider accuracy and reliability to be the 2 most important things to consider when buying a MSR.
• 84 percent of MSR owners have at least 1 accessory on their rifle, and they spend an average of $436 on after-market accessories and customization.
• 71 percent of MSR owners use a scope or red-dot as their primary optic. Older owners prefer scopes; younger owners prefer red-dot optics.
• One-third of MSR owners use a 30-plus round magazine most often in their MSR.
• The 3 most-owned accessories were a rifle sling (81 percent), soft carrying case (70 percent) and mounted rifle scope (68 percent).
• 25 percent of those who own 3 or more MSRs describe their MSRs as heavily accessorized (4-plus accessories).
• Recreational target shooting (8.9 out of 10) was the No. 1-rated reason for owning a MSR in terms of importance. Home defense was next (7.7/10), followed by collecting (6.28/10) and varmint hunting (6.23/10).
• 95 percent of owners said they have used their MSRs in the last 12 months, and 29 percent of owners shoot their MSRs more than once per month.
• 25 percent of owners shot more than 1,000 rounds out of their MSR in the last 12 months.
• 8 out of 10 owners feel they have not been able to shoot their MSR as much as they would like in the last 12 months.
• Not having enough free time and the cost of ammo are the 2 main issues preventing MSR owners from shooting as much as they would like.
• The typical MSR owner is 35-plus years old, married and has some college education.

NSSF has led the way in educating sportsmen and the public about modern sporting rifles. These AR-style rifles are sometimes incorrectly referred to as assault rifles or assault weapons. They are not. (The AR stands for ArmaLite, the company that developed the rifle in the 1950s.) The rifles do resemble military firearms such as the M4, but the similarities are cosmetic only. The AR-style rifle functions like other semi-automatic sporting firearms, firing one round with each pull of the trigger. Since the 19th century, civilian sporting rifles have evolved from their military predecessors, and the modern sporting rifle follows that tradition. Gun owners who want to be accurately informed on the subject can learn more at www.nssf.org/msr.

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

NSSF is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. Learn about the Foundation’s history at www.nssf.org/50.

NRA Women’s Hunts – Join Us!

The NRA Women’s Hunting Program has exciting hunts and adventures to offer for the remainder of the year.  There are hunts for duck, pheasant, trout, chukar, whitetail deer, grouse, hogs, coyote, and bobcat!   Everyone is welcome and no previous hunting experience is required.  Sign up to hunt and introduce a friend to the outdoors! Read more

Molly Smith – WOMA Ambassador Member

Molly Smith was born and raised in California, moving from the busy city to the close-to-country-side when she was ten. Within a few months after moving, her father took her to the range so she could get used to the concept of firearms. It only took one shot and Molly was hooked. That one shot was spurred on by the Range Officer that day telling her “Oh, I bet you shoot like a girl!” That is what convinced Molly this sport was for her. From .22 rifles she started to shoot .22 pistols, and from there she began shooting .38 revolvers in competitions. Molly enjoys the fun, excitement and challenge of competitive shooting.

Molly loves to talk to women and juniors who are interested in shooting and take her friends out to the range. She also instructs women when opportunity presents itself. Comfortable with height and strength challenges, she understands the issues faced by women and junior shooters.

Using her blog and interviews to speak to the public, she supports the shooting sports and encourages women and junior shooters especially to explore the sport. You can visit this blog at www.themollyminute.com .

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