Friday, February 23, 2018

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Firearms Instructor Janeen Wyatt

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Janeen Wyatt a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Janeen lives in Oklahoma and is an avid firearms teacher and firearms instructor with SLG.



What are you most passionate about as an instructor?
Educating and empowering ladies to feel more protected by being more aware of their surroundings and knowing how to safely use there firearms.

What has been your biggest challenge as an instructor?
I am the leader of a ladies shooting group as well.  Keeping things fun and interesting for beginners and more advanced women is always something that can be challenging at times. Balance and offering different classes seems to be key.

What has been your greatest success story with teaching?
I have a lady in my group who was so scared and nervous about guns, but she was determined to learn because her husband had passed away. She finally conquered her fear and now is quite the shooter.  That is a great success story!

I also had a lady with very high anxiety come into the SLG trailer who thought she wouldn’t be able to shoot. With a lot of encouragement and some training, she shot very well and was so excited that she was able to do it.  That makes my heart happy!

I have had several ladies thank me because of things they learned in my Self Defense Situational Awareness class that has detoured them from being a victim. That is why I love what I do. If I can help one lady to not be a victim of a crime, it is all worth it.

What is your motivation to teach others how to shoot?
I teach firearm safety in order to help others not have a negligent discharge or possibly hurt themselves or someone else.

Another motivation is when a student has an “aha moment”.   Whether it’s regarding sight alignment or conquering their fears, I know I’ve done my job well.

How do you help ladies overcome their fear with shooting?
I remind them how they felt when they first learned to drive a car. How everything felt awkward and scary. Now you jump into the drivers’ seat of a car and drive to the store without really thinking about how you got there. Shooting becomes easier the more you do it as well. Anyone can overcome the feeling of being nervous just by getting more practice while still being cautious. Remember, guns are a tool, just like a Skil saw. Learn how to safely use them and always follow the safety rules, and you will be just fine.

Hunting Themed Q&A
 If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
Deer season

What’s your favorite location to hunt?
I am definitely a newbie at hunting, but my first experience was in a blind that had a swivel chair and a heater. I’m thinking this is a great way to hunt. LOL 😉

Who introduced you to hunting?
My wonderful husband.

What do you hunt for?
Deer so far, but I am wanting to try duck hunting too.

What hunting skill would you like to master? Since I’m a newbie, all of it.

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned?
Sun in my eyes when looking through a scope at a deer  is hard to see the target. Remember I’m new to this, so I have a lot to learn. LOL

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?  
The fundamentals of firearms. I could also teach an awareness and a Self Defense Class pretty easy.

NON – HUNTING OR SHOOTING RELATED
What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
I love interacting with all the different ladies who come into the trailer. I love knowing our team is making a difference in these ladies’ lives. All the hugs, high fives, and smiles lets me know how much they appreciate the help.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
My somewhat new hobby is oil painting. A great way to relax. I would also spend more time with my family and grand babies providing they didn’t require sleep too. :)

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I would love to travel more.  Cruising and snow skiing would definitely be on the list of adventures.

What non firearm related skill would you like to master?
Photography, I love capturing memories.

What non hunting related .. do you wish you knew more about?  Medical things.  I sometimes wish I would have gone to nursing school.

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
 I actually keep my license up as a cosmetologist. Although I don’t work at a shop,  it’s nice to get the discounts for hair products.
Oil painting and I would also love to learn how to fly fish.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
My husband and I love to cruise. Puerto Rico and the surrounding islands were the farthest.

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?  My sister and I married brothers,  so we enjoy going to TX to visit our siblings where they live.

Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus, if I can be more like Him, everything else falls into place.

What are three interesting facts about you?
I watch Self Defense  and oil painting videos for fun.  I’ve been married to my best friend for over thirty years.  I have three sons and almost three grandchildren, one is due any day now.

What is your biggest fear?
Losing someone I love.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mexican of course.

List two pet peeves?
Someone who complains ALL the time and NEVER looks for the good in others. We all have situations we go through and need to vent at times to family or a close friend. I am talking about negative people as a whole, who never seem to be happy.  If your around that too much, it can rub off.

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Touch

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do?
Oil Paint

Mountains or Beach?
That’s a hard one, I love both.  Since I love to cruise I will say beach.

Anything else you would like to add?

I feel very blessed to be able to use some of the gifts God has given me to help others.  He has opened doors for me to do the things I love and am passionate about. I am very grateful.  The best recipe for a happy life for me is...God First, my family second and everything else after that.

Friday, February 16, 2018

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Firearms Instructor Taryn Stewart

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Taryn Stewart a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Taryn lives in Oklahoma and is an avid competitive shooter and firearms instructor with SLG.

Are you a competitive shooter? Yes, I just started in 2017

What types of matches do you participate in? I shoot USPSA, and Steel challenge

What types of firearms do you shoot competitively? I shoot PCC (pistol Caliber Carbine)

If you could only shoot one what would it be? USPSA

How did you get involved with competitive shooting? My husband started shooting competitively when he retired from the police department 2 years ago, I would go with him and think to myself I want to do it to! I watched a few people shoot PCC and I knew that’s what I wanted to shoot to. So I told him and luckily we own a gun shop and he builds customs guns, so he built me a pretty awesome PCC ( her name is Matilda)

How long have you been shooting competitively? Only a year

What shooting skill would you like to master? Speed

What’s your biggest shooting challenge? My biggest challenge is my confidence. A lot of times I am the only girl out there so that can be very intimidating. But I have learned the “shooting world” is very supportive and helpful and encouraging.

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list? The PCC national championships!

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned? The amount of practice and commitment that is required to shoot competitively

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Basic Fundamentals


NON – SHOOTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer? I am honored to be a part of Introducing women into the shooting sports, and watching the huge smiles on their faces when they leave the trailer.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? I would load up our 5th wheel and Travel the United States. There is so much out there to do and see.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? Shooting more! I would love to go somewhere every weekend to shoot and meet new people and see the world!

What non-shooting related skill would you like to master? Baking, I’m a horrible baker

What non-shooting related .. do you wish you knew more about? I love to cook I just don’t have the time. I would love to have some mad cooking skills and be on one of those cooking competition shows.

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?  Honduras

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? I’m not really sure what time off is!! I’m either working, or shooting somewhere. We do make a point to take our family on vacation during the summer. We pick a national park every year to visit.

Who inspires you to be better? My husband for sure! Every time I say I can’t his response is always “why can’t you”

What are three interesting facts about you?
I have been a dental assistant for 11 years
I don’t like to shop
I love teaching

What is your biggest fear? Heights! I won’t go above the 2nd step on a ladder no way no how!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chocolate cake
List two pet peeves: Clutter, and being late

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? Hearing, I swear I hear everything

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? I love to load up the camper and just go.

Mountains or Beach? Both for sure. They are both beautiful and relaxing

Anything else you would like to add?
My husband and I own a gun shop/range Firearms Solutions in Duncan OK.
Certified, NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor
Certified, Oklahoma Self Defense Act instructor
Certified, CLEET instructor
Certified, NRA Personal Protection in the Home Instructor
Certified, NRA certified Chief RSO
Certified, NRA Refuse to be a victim instructor
Certified, The Well Armed Woman Certified Instructor
Certified, USCCA Instructor
Certified, Glock Armorer
The Well Armed Woman Chapter Leader
The Well Armed Woman Regional Trainer

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Shoot Like A Girl & Sisterhood of the Outdoors Women's Arkansas Waterfowl Hunt

Extremely cold temperatures, ice, and mud is usually not the perfect situation for what some call a great adventure, unless you’re a duck hunter.  The 5th annual The Sisterhood of the Outdoors/Shoot Like a Girl duck hunt at Bust a Duck guide service in Augusta, Arkansas was a continued success.  This year’s hunt was a special one, with two of the ladies taking their first duck ever.
First Duck!!
First Duck!!

The arctic air found its way South in the last few days of December making the 2017 women’s waterfowl hunt one of the coldest yet.  There is nothing like sharing the duck blind with fellow female hunters, no matter the conditions.  Introducing new waterfowl hunters is one of my biggest passions.  Waterfowl hunting is unique compared to other species, as hunters don’t have to worry about scent control or talking too much in the blind, unless the birds are working.  This is the perfect combination for bringing a new female hunter into the field. Duck hunting has so many opportunities for social interaction in the blind, and new hunters are able to ask questions right after the action takes place.
Our group enjoying fellowship and a successful hunt!! 
Because of the harsh weather conditions, our new hunters got to experience all the challenges that waterfowl hunters face.  The combination of ice and clouds are a duck hunter’s nightmare.  Cloudy days create less shadows allowing ducks to see your decoy spread better.  Combine that with big chunks of ice floating around in your decoy spread and ice freezing to your decoys makes for a challenging day.  Although the conditions were not favorable, it allowed for many learning opportunities.  We had safe and fun hunts in both traditional and pit style blinds.  Through all the hard work, challenges, and worst-case scenarios our new duck hunters still fell in love with duck hunting.
Mr Bust a Duck Buster Cooper with our group of female hunters at the BAD Lodge
SLG Chief Operations Officer Cristy Crawford
with Sisterhood of the Outdoors Owner Amy Ray
SLG Chief Operations Officer Cristy Crawford shooting
the Beretta a400 Xtreme 12ga shotgun & Federal Premium
Blackcloud shells
 
This hunt continues to be one of my favorite hunts of the year.  Seeing the excitement on new hunters’ faces continues to fuel my passion for waterfowl hunting.  Special thank you to Federal Preimum Ammunition and Beretta. The team at Bust a Duck guide service go above and beyond to make us feel welcome at the lodge and in the field. It is without a doubt a female friendly operation.  You can find out more about Bust a Duck Guide service at www.bustaduck.com .  We are so happy to continue teaming up with The Sisterhood of the Outdoors and bring together ladies of all walks of life to enjoy duck hunting.  The Sisterhood of the Outdoors’ mission is to empower the next generation lady hunter and provide ladies with quality hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures at an affordable price.  They have numerous opportunities for fishing and hunting.  To find out more information about Sisterhood of the Outdoors go to www.sisterhoodoutdoors.com .  A small deposit holds your spot in the 2018.  Comes hunt with us!
Cristy Crawford - Shoot Like A Girl Chief Operations Officer 

Friday, February 2, 2018

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Archery Instructor Debi Martin

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Debi Martin a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Debi lives in Mississippi and is an avid competitive shooter, hunter and archery instructor with SLG.

If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
Big Game 

What’s your favorite location to hunt? 
At home in Mississippi

Who introduced you to hunting?
My Dad. 

What do you hunt for?
Whitetail, squirrel, rabbit, duck, turkey, dove, alligator, predator, bear and moose.  Pretty much anything in season and anywhere we have to opportunity to hunt.   

What hunting skill would you like to master?
I would love to learn to shoot a recurve bow. I am so envious of the skill and dedication that it takes to hunt with a recurve.   

What’s your biggest hunting challenge?
I strive to make clean and ethical shots with my bow.  I shoot competitively in the off season and I find this has helped me become a more skilled archer.  

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list?
I would love to hunt elk with my husband in Colorado.  Brad and I both have traveled a lot of places to hunt, but we’ve yet to go to Colorado together.      

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about?
I have learned a lot about aging deer over the last few years.  This helps me to insure I harvest a mature deer.  I would like to continue to do so and teach others about deer management.  

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned? 
Things don’t always work out and sometimes it just isn’t your day.  That’s why they call it hunting and not killing.  

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time?
Traveling shooting competitive archery on an international level.    

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
I would have to say something to do with archery.  I love talking with people about archery and the whole shot process.  Regardless if it is hunting or competing, I always have plenty to talk about.   

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own?
Five.  Two hiking, two rubber (insulated and non-insulated) and one snake. 

What style of hunting are you most passionate about?
Archery hunting is my favorite.  I even like to bowfish.   

NON – HUNTING RELATED 

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
Getting to introduce archery to someone that has never shot before. Seeing the look on their faces after making the first shot makes my heart happy. Having those ladies give us feedback and tell us about their bow purchase and personal accomplishments is worth more to me than a pot of gold.    

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Practice on the range and spend more time with my family.  

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I would have an indoor range built and shoot dots all day long. 

What non hunting related skill would you like to master?
I would like to learn to speak French.  

What non hunting related. do you wish you knew more about?
I would like to learn to play the piano again.  I took lessons as a child, but I don’t remember how to read the music.  I am so drawn to any music with a strong presence of the piano.  

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
I love photography.  I like to take pictures of landscapes and sunsets.  They to me are the most natural.  I feel like its Gods masterpiece that he allows us to capture.  

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
Newfoundland Canada

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
Time off??? What’s that??? 

Who inspires you to be better?
My husband.  He is the kindest person, next to my late father, that I have ever known.  He tries to find the good in everyone and doesn’t let bad things get to him.  

What are three interesting facts about you?
Green is my favorite color. 
I used to team rope. 
I love all genres of music.  From gospel to rap, you never know what I am going to be listening to. 

What is your biggest fear?
SPIDERS!!!! True story!!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Anything with bread.  I love bread!

List two pet peeves
Smacking and when someone says pacific instead of specific.  

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Hearing.  My friend calls me “Tune in Tokyo”

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do?
Stay at home from time to time. It is such a rare event, that most people would think I don’t like to do it.  

Mountains or Beach?
Both…. The best of both worlds!!

Anything else you would like to add? 
Never miss an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.  A few kind words can change a life in the blink of an eye.