Tracy Hughes – WOMA Member

Tracy Lynn Hughes was raised around a hunting family and like most little girls, shot her first pistol with her dad at the age of ten.  The spark turned into a flame about five years ago when she took classes from a female instructor and learned proper shooting fundamentals.   Since then, shooting and teaching others to shoot, especially women, has become a passion.  From getting her Concealed Handgun License to winning the Top Shooter Award in her Citizen’s Police Academy to shooting IDPA competitions, she has pursued learning all about handgun shooting.  In order to share the passion, Tracy decided to become an NRA Certified Instructor and Range Safety Officer.

Tracy joined A Girl and A Gun Club, becoming the Chapter Facilitator for the Greater Houston area, after learning that the organization had a mission that paralleled her own for introducing women to the world of shooting and shooting sports.  In addition to the AG&AG events, Tracy is busy with other ladies only classes.  She is a coordinator/instruction for the Ladies Program at PSC Shooting Club in Pearland and teaches Women on the DRAW (Drill, Revise, Attain, Win) at High Noon Indoor Gun Range in Crosby.  Recently she was selected to be an instructor for The Women’s Safety Academy of Texas.

Tracy has a Bachelors Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management.  As an emergency preparedness specialist, Tracy recently paired her education with her passion for shooting and began a blog that will discuss both firearms and emergency preparedness entitled Is the Shooter Ready? (www.istheshooterready.com).

Tracy and her husband and tactical life partner, Bill Hughes, own Highlander Readiness Training and Consulting, offering firearms and personal preparedness courses.   To exercise her creative spirit, Tracy paired her creativity with handguns, creating Brilliant Backstraps, a company that puts a little “bling” to the grip of a handgun.

Lee Zeidler – WOMA Member

Lee Zeidler is the Executive Director for the Great Lakes Outdoors Foundation, and lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Lee was the Chairman of the MCRGO Political Action Committee (MCRGOPAC), and is a Life Member of the NRA. Lee is certified to teach NRA Courses in Shotgun, Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home, Reloading (Metallic and Shot shell), Home Firearm Safety, and is a Certified Range Safety Officer. He has taught NRA courses for 9 years in Michigan. An avid hunter of Deer, Black Bear, Upland Birds, Turkey, and other small game. Lee also likes to fish, and enjoys traveling to camp in the Upper Peninsula. In the past Lee has been active in Michigan Firearms issues, and legislation, and also shoots Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays.

lee@grloutdoors.org

Tammy Sapp – WOMA Member

Tammy Sapp has worked as an outdoor writer, photographer and public relations professional throughout her 25-year career. She worked for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for more than a decade before accepting the challenge to grow the communications department for the National Wild Turkey Federation. As the NWTF’s vice president of communications, she supervised the production of six national magazines and played a leading role in launching three national television shows and several websites. Today, she coordinates communications and business development efforts for Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc., a leader in outdoor safety education products.

Caitlin Connor – WOMA Ambassador Member

Growing up in the country I have always loved the outdoors. I’ve been hunting and shooting things before I could walk. When I was 15 I joined 4-H Shooing sports in my hometown of Winnfield, La. At 16 I started shooting sporting clays and after a year I changed to International Skeet. I made my first team in 2008. In 2009 I was offered a resident spot at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. As of now I am on the US National Shotgun Team, and this year I am trying to make 2012 Olympic Alternate for Women’s Skeet. I also hope to make the 2016 Olympic Team. I absolutely love the outdoors whether I am hunting or shooting in competition. I love meeting new people everywhere I go I try to convince young women to get involved with the outdoors and shooting sports.

Road to Russia: End of Year Summary

The snow is melting and another awesome biathlon season is behind us! We wanted to wrap things up by first thanking you for all your help and support that allowed us to make history once again this winter and bring home some international medals!! We were really happy with how our season went and couldn’t have done it without your help and support! We like to think of you as part of our team and family and we hope you will continue to join us as we push, in just two years, for that first ever Gold Medal for the US in Biathlon.

We made important steps in our training this year to get closer to that medal in the 2014 Olympics by increasing our ski speed and bringing our shooting again to a whole new level. We joined forces this year with Advanced Technology International (ATI) and not only did their support, but their stocks allowed us to find new and inventive ways of challenging our shooting.  As two of the best in the world at shooting, with a heart rate of 180 beats per minute, we have to be creative in reaching new heights for biathlon. One thing we discovered that has help us tremendously is 3-gun or multi-gun events. Similar to mini biathlon, you are shooting while on the fly with rifles, pistols and shotguns. The rifle shooting has been the most beneficial and the best transfer. We’ve been using .223′s provided by Bushmaster for not only competing, but an important training tool for biathlon. We saw instant improvements in our biathlon shooting and were also hooked into this exciting event. We plan to continue our 3-gun training to not only bring our level of shooting up, but to challenge ourselves in yet another endeavor.

As two of the best biathlon shooters in the world, we can’t take all the credit. Our entire careers as biathletes, shooters, and hunters, we’ve been relying on Otis Technology to keep our firearms not only functioning properly, but throwing some of the tightest groups we’ve seen in our barrels in -30 degree temperatures.  Another addition and help to the tight groups is the Teludyne Tech Straight Jacket that wraps around our barrels and makes them more rigid, thus allowing for a straighter bullet trajectory and tighter groups.  These two, along with an awesome dad that coaches us in our shooting, and the opportunity to set up a private range on our fitness coach, Rick Crawford’s land, has given us the edge we need to stay ahead of the game.

Now since biathlon isn’t all about the shooting, we’ve also been working really hard on our skiing, as that is where we are still a small step behind the Europeans, but we are quickly gaining.  We’ve seen a steady improvement every year and were skiing even with the Europeans in several races this year.  By next year we plan to be consistently matching their ski speed as well as having faster split times than them in World Championships with a timed peak.  This means another push in training and at a higher intensity.  We’ve got a great plan set with our coach, Rick Crawford, and have already started our training for next year.

We were able to make huge gains in our skiing and training this year thanks to several things. First, the Enell… this sports bra has allowed us to train in comfort day after day, hour after hour.  When you are pushing yourself to the limit, it helps to have a few things that are comfortable.  Second, We were lucky enough to get our hands on some phenomenal new skis by Atomic. Their new skis not only rock this world, but they have added a riser under the binding to help the skier push off of a flat foot and get in a better forward position.  This makes a huge difference when you think of how many thousands of times you push off of that ski over a 15km loop.  Third, SportLegs… We’ve wanted to keep this our secret for a long time because it works so well, but it’s hard not to share something that has helped our training and racing.  SportLegs eliminates the lactic acid burn and allows us to train long and harder at a lower heart rate.  It’s one of those things you have to try it to believe it.  Fourth, not done yet, when it comes to recovery, one really important tool is ICH (no it’s not German):  Ice, Compression, and Heat all aid in recovery if utilized at the right time.  You’ve heard of ice baths and hot baths, well 110% brings that idea to any place in the world.  Right after a race or workout we can put on 110% compression shorts, tights, arm bands and add alternate ice and heat packs into built in pockets to stimulate blood flow and speed recovery.  Simple, but it works.

A few other really important weapons in our arsenal are Sealskinz waterproof socks and gloves and Smith Optics.  You may ask, why are socks, gloves and sunglasses so important…well because if you’ve ever been in -30 degree weather and can’t feel your fingers or toes and tried to do anything let alone compete in a World Cup, then you can appreciate something that will not only allow you to keep your fingers and toes at the end of the day, but helps you to make precision movements.  Also imagine driving through a snow storm or a heavy rain storm without a windshield in your car or your windshield fogged up… it’s scary.  That’s how we felt before we found Smith Optics. Now we can not only see, but we have the confidence to attack the course in conditions where our competitors are left squinting through the flakes. Smith Optics also has optics in their Elite division that are safety rated and will protect your eyes from just about any accident on the shooting range.

Now to how all of this added up to our results and performances this season:  Lanny reached the podium twice while Tracy made it into the coveted top 10 3 times this season battling more than 100 competitors from all over the world to earn those placings.  Tracy finished the 2011 year with an 8th place in Ridnaun, Italy in the 15km Individual in the International Biathlon Cup.  From there she went into 7th place in the Individual in the IBU Cup in Forni Avoltri, Italy and placed 10th in the Sprint Race in Camore, Alberta Canada.  Lanny had both of her podium finishes on North American soil in Canada. She finished 4th place in the Sprint race and grabbed the silver medal and 2nd place in the Individual. She was beat out for the gold in the final seconds of the race by a Russian who had a later start. All of these results point to the potential for more podium finishes next year and a Gold in the Olympics!!!

So, as the snow leaves we will start running, rollerskiing, biking, and shooting and training even harder for all of you and the hopes of bringing home the gold.  All of you inspire us to push harder and train longer. We are so fortunate to have you as a part of our team and we hope that in 680 days (just under two years) you’ll join us in celebrating not only a fairytale victory in biathlon, but your success.  What you do everyday helps to carry us through the pain and sweat and make this journey worth every minute of it. Thanks again for everything and for helping us to a fantastic season.

-Tracy & Lanny

Editors Note:  Tracy & Lanny Barnes are part of the US Olympic Biathlon team. Their WOMA blog, “Road to Russia” gives wonderful insight into what these talented athletes are going through to take a medal in February 2014 at the Winter Olympics held in Russia. It will be their 3^rd Olympics, along with recently winning the Biathon World Team Challenge Shoot Out to add to their successful biathlon careers. We encourage all the members of the WOMA, along with companies you may know, to help these twin sisters with donations and sponsorships. For more information, or to make a donation, visit their website at www.twinbiathletes.com.

Kimberly Bortz – WOMA Member

I shot a gun for the first time in January 2004. You see, there was this guy I really, really liked. He was into shooting and said he would show me how. I was terrified, but said yes because I really wanted to impress him with how tough I was.

At the range, he laid out a variety of guns before me – even though he patiently explained what each one was and what types of bullets it shot – it all went in one ear-muffed protected ear and out the other. All I gleaned was there were semi-automatic and revolvers. I liked the revolvers more.

We both discovered that day I was actually a pretty decent shooter. All my shots stayed within the body outline of my target. If my aim was to impress my guy friend, it worked. He kept nudging the other guys in the range going “Check this out! This is her first time shooting!” Shortly afterwards, he dubbed me with the nick name “Bang Bang.”

In August of that year, my friend asked me out on our first real date. It was a great first date, the kind of night that you know is the start of something really special and someday you will tell your grandkids about.

The very next day we went back to the shooting range for date #2. Three months later, he asked me to marry him. He still refers to me as “Bang.”

Before my future husband took the time to teach me – guns mystified me. I was half in awe of anyone who knew how to use one and half terrified of the power it held. The first time I knew I wanted to learn how to shoot a gun was in 1998 when I had taken a tour of the FBI offices in Washington DC and the X-Files movie was still fresh in my memory. After watching a shooting demonstration and I was determined to go to college and become an FBI agent.

Life took me in a different direction, and I never did make it back to Washington DC. But just because I don’t have a badge or need a gun for work – it didn’t mean I didn’t need to learn how to use one.

After I got married and we decided to have a child, I got very serious about educating myself on firearms. I took a basic pistol class and any fear about guns vanished. Now it is an enjoyable hobby I can share with my husband. In the worst case situation, I know how to defend myself.

As with any pastime, I wanted all the accessories that went with it – but when I started searching for women friendly firearm accessories they were tough to find. I was having a hard time putting my personal touch on a hobby that was so male dominated. It seemed like my only choice was to suck it up and be one of the guys.

Then I came across a beautiful lavender range bag. That got me thinking that there had to be more stuff out there for female firearm enthusiast. Not just stuff that was girly, but made for women’s specific needs. Shooting doesn’t need to be masculine – it can and should have a feminine side too!

I started Bang Bang Boutique for every woman who shoots. It is for ladies like me who recently picked up a gun and want to make it a new hobby. It is for the ladies who have been shooting since childhood. It is for their daughters. It is for the men who want to help make the ladies feel comfortable coming into the world of firearm ownership. In short, Bang Bang Boutique is for the marksWOman.

I hope that the products we offer at Bang Bang Boutique make gun ownership and the sport of shooting more attractive to women of all background and skill levels.

 

Kathy Dietert – Woma Member

Kathy has grown up loving the outdoors. Her family owns a large hunting ranch in Missouri as well as a livestock auction business. She is a life-long avid hunter, having hunted in Africa, Costa Rica and throughout the United States. She knows first hand what it takes to make a hunt successful because she has “been there and done that”.

She created Dry Hollow Ranch, near Junction, Texas, to develop a boutique hunting and getaway lodge to cater mostly to the special preferences of women. This includes pairing spa services with handgun training and designing hunts with “a little more comfort” than generally required by men.

Kathy never meets a stranger and will swap lies with the best of you. Her cooking is out of this world and she knows how hunters like to eat. But don’t be fooled by her charm, grace and pretty face.

A crackerjack businesswoman, Kathy has created, and currently manages, three businesses in addition to Dry Hollow Ranch including a Medical Spa and a Home Health Care service employing more than 100 caregivers and nurses.

And oh, by the way, Kathy also is a Registered Nurse, so if you have a cut or bruise while at Dry Hollow Ranch, she knows which Band-Aid to use.

 

Helen Pfeiffer – WOMA Member

Let me tell you a little bit about how I got the passion for shooting. My Mom & I would go to the range with my Dad ever since I was a baby. Finally my parents rewarded my persistence with letting me learn to shoot at the age of 8. What a sight I was a ballerina that was learning to shoot. At the ripe old age of 12 I began competing in bullseye matches with mom on team competitions and alone in junior leagues as well. Here is what surprised me the most. I was the tiniest girl out there and I was winning trophies. This continued through JROTC in high school where I received a varsity letter for my marksmanship!

I’ve been competing in IPSC & USPSA matches here in Atlanta and around the southeast since 2002 and have been fortunate to win my class and high lady in several major USPSA pistol matches. I also won high lady in tactical optics division of the annual Steel City Carbine match in 2010. I’ve grown so much and my goal is to pass all the kindness that my group has given me forward- that’s it “pass it forward”. The way I do this is I talk to non-gun people and talk to them about what good can come from our sports and safety. Don’t be surprised to see me walking up to a stranger and taking them under my wing for a match.

For my future goals expect to see more of my Team Tinkerbell blog writing more about the shooting sports industry, I hope to be mentoring more ladies and juniors this year. I will be shooting more challenging matches this year. I look forward to bringing home more wins as I help others along the way. Also, be looking for my new official Team Tinkerbell Shooter facebook page. I will be blogging, adding pictures and action videos. Please ‘like’ my new page. If you seem on the range say hello. And I look forward to meeting you all! Feel free to send me an email at TeamTinkerbellshooters@gmail.com I would love to hear from you.

 

Campbell Engle – WOMA Member

Campbell is the Deputy Executive Director of the NRA’s Office of Advancement. Before joining the NRA, she served as the Board Membership Director for the Republican Governors Association. Additionally, she worked on the McCain-Palin 2008 Presidential Campaign where she was the Southern Regional Finance Director. Prior to the McCain-Palin Campaign, Campbell served as the Finance Director to Senator Trent Lott’s PAC, the New Republican Majority Fund, and his re-election campaign, Trent Lott for Mississippi. Before beginning her career in the DC area, she was an Associate Vice President in the Fixed Income Department at Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. located in Memphis, TN. Campbell is a graduate of Ole Miss where she received both her BBA in Finance as well as her MBA.

Erin Simpson – WOMA Member

I am Erin Simpson, a commercial litigation attorney (semi-retired) and a firearms instructor. In 2011, I started a new business called Trigger Happy LLC, dba Trigger Happy Training. The goal of our endeavor is to help women become informed, capable and confident about firearms and then to continue on learning and practicing what activities and skills they find most interesting, including defensive shooting, practical shooting and target shooting. We also hope to transform the way that the gun industry views women as a market.

This is my most recent blog post at TriggerHappyWorld.com:

Everyone in Tucson likely recalls the moment they learned about the shootings at a local Safeway on January 8, 2011. I was driving home from the hair salon, listening to great music, enjoying that crisp and sunny Saturday morning. My cell phone rang. Maizie, my 19-year-old daughter, related in an urgent voice, “Have you seen the news?”

I responded with dread, knowing well the tenor of her voice when she’s upset: “No. What’s going on?”

“Someone shot Gabby Giffords in the head! Mom, Gabby Giffords is dead!”

“WHAT? Where? What are you talking about?”

Unable to understand the magnitude of what had occurred from Maizie’s panicked report, I raced home, turned on the news and began, like everyone else in town, keeping vigil to try and sort out what had happened – what was happening – who the shooter was – who else was dead or injured. I was heartened to learn that the media got the part about Giffords’ death wrong; deeply saddened to learn that such wasn’t the case concerning Judge John Roll, a wonderful human being and beloved local federal judge. As we learned of all the casualties, I became sickened, disgusted and angry, and grieving for our loss as a community.

The next morning, I got up early and headed to the Pima County shooting range, the same as I do just about every weekend, for target practice.

I imagine that comes as something of a shock to some of you. You may be thinking that going to the range while the shots were practically still ringing in the air was insensitive and cruel. My reasons for heading out to the range that morning are the same reason I started teaching women to shoot and this blog: to be an example of someone who rightly understands guns and their role in this life, their place in society as a tool with numerous purposes. And who is committed to becoming as well-trained and competent with a firearm as possible.

I didn’t use to be such a person. As a child, I had limited contact with firearms. I remember enjoying shooting my brother’s BB-gun, and being pretty good at it, even garnering the nickname “Annie Oakley”. And I think I recall seeing a revolver somewhere in our house at some point, which I understood I should never touch. Otherwise, my only impression of guns was formed by TV shows and movies. Guns were innately masculine, mysterious, and almost god-like in power to wreak destruction. When I became a mother, I zeroed in on horror stories in the press of children accidentally killed while visiting homes with firearms, and developed a strong aversion to the notion of having one in my home.

Then my son became a teenager and asked if he could get a small caliber rifle to shoot things out in the desert. My husband thought this was a good idea – I did not – but the process of allowing that gun into our lives was transformational for me. A condition of having a gun in our home was that each of us to take a gun safety course. It’s a longer story that I’ll tell some other time, but suffice it to say I underwent a conversion experience in that classroom. The NRA-Certified Instructors who taught the course were anything but crazed gun nuts. They taught us some very basic information about guns, most importantly how to conduct oneself safely around guns and handle them safely, neither of which I previously thought was really possible.

The range portion of that day was even more significant. I learned that I could shoot lots of different guns without great difficulty. I enjoyed some calibers more than others, and found one that I particularly enjoyed, the 1911-style semi-automatic pistol in .45 ACP caliber. I also found that I deeply enjoyed the exercise – whether it was the feeling of directing a controlled explosion or the smell of burnt gun powder in the air or stress relief, I don’t know. I just liked it. Make that – loved it.

When I got home, relating what a FANTASTIC experience the day had been and which gun I needed immediately if not sooner, he asked the proverbial, “OK- who are you and what have you done with my wife?” question. I assured him that I was not a pod person but that something important had happened in my life that day.

I now believe it was because I was no longer irrationally afraid of guns. I had gained a healthy understanding of and respect for firearms. I understood that guns do not do anything in and of themselves. Like other inanimate objects, they just sit there until a person acts upon them. At the same time, I now understood what they can do when acted upon, and what kind of hole they make in a target. Thinking back, guns became in my mind something not to be feared but to be understood and mastered.

It’s been such a freeing concept, which I’ve found readily transfers to other areas of life as well. Don’t allow fear and ignorance of anything to guide your assessment. Understand, experience, know – be courageous. You might find a whole new part of yourself to enjoy.

@ 2012 Trigger Happy LLC

 

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