LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Cindy Minor

We asked Cindy Minor a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Cindy lives in Oklahoma and is and an avid competitive archer.

Are you a competitive shooter? Yes, I’ve competed in various archery competitions since 2012.

What types of matches / shoots do you participate in? My favorite is the outdoor 3D shoots because of the challenges (wind, shadows, terrain, weather, etc.). I also shoot some indoor during the winter to try to keep up my form and muscle memory.

What types of firearms / archery do you shoot competitively? I shoot a compound bow…tried a recurve once and I swear the foam animals laughed at me! I have a ton of respect for those that can accurately shoot a recurve or long bow! I’m going to stick to my training wheels (compound).

If you could only shoot one type of competition what would it be? 3D for sure. My all time favorite part is the people, they have all become our archery family!

How did you get involved with competitive shooting? Our son, Seth, started shooting when he was 9 (almost 12 years ago). Then as our daughter, Cassie, grew big enough to pull a bow back she began competing (Cassie is also on the SLG staff!), so my husband and I decided if we were going to travel to all these competitions, we might as well look into competing too (also because doing archery is a lot more fun than watching archery). Apparently the good Lord agreed because He aligned the stars for us. I was so fortunate that a bow was donated to me, completely set up, thanks to a wonderful man I nicknamed Santa. Our son won a bow that was too much poundage for him at the time, but perfect for my husband. So we figured it was meant to be and we’ve paid it forward every chance we get since then!

How long have you been shooting competitively? 5-1/2 yrs (wow, time has flown!)

What shooting skill would you like to master? I need to work on holding steady and achieving the same anchor point every time with my release. I’d like to be able to make podium next year and win out of my class (Women’s Known 40). 

What’s your biggest shooting challenge? Making time for it. 

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list? Winning a national championship!

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned? When you start to get tired, STOP shooting. After shooting 40 targets at a fun shoot, I decided to go through one more time with other friends that had arrived. It was hot that day and I was already tired. I swore I had knocked an arrow, but I had not and I dry fired my bow. If you have never dry fired a bow, it sounds like a gun going off and the string hits your arm HARD causing your heart to jump to your stomach and nearly wet your pants! DON’T SHOOT WHEN YOU ARE TIRED (and never pull a bow back without an arrow knocked).

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? The safety steps of archery and checking your equipment every time before shooting. 

NON – SHOOTING RELATED 

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer? It provides a feeling of a safe and secure area for women to learn without judgement.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Shoot my bow of course!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? Travel to more archery competitions and hunting expeditions

What non-shooting related skill would you like to master? Building flower beds that thrive

What non-shooting related .. do you wish you knew more about? History (love museums)

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? I help bag food for the school backpack program so children have food on the weekends during the school years.

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? To archery competitions

Who inspires you to be better? My husband, Doug. He’s my major support system that encourages me, picks me up when I’m down, and reminds me to live life to it’s fullest. 

What are three interesting facts about you? I have a Masters in Engineering, I make puff quilts and T-shirt blankets, and I mentor women in leadership and young ladies working for their engineering degrees.

What is your biggest fear? STORMS! I’ve had 3 homes hit by lightening and 2 homes that had tornadoes go over them with minimal damage. 

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Seafood!

List two pet peeves – Negative and degrading people and littering

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

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? Randomly secretly pay for a meal, especially for elderly and veterans. 

Mountains or Beach? Mountains

Anything else you would like to add? A few things I try to live by daily:

• Always set goals for yourself and make a plan to achieve them. If you set goals without a plan to achieve them, they will never be met. 

• Accept failure as it means you were willing to take a risk and learn. Failure is just a stepping stone to major success. 

• Lead by example.

• Everything happens for a reason and it’s not for us to question…it’s always part of His plan for you! 

• Live life to it’s fullest without regret. 

God bless you all!

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Beth Edwards

We asked Beth Edwards a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Beth lives in Alabama and is and an avid hunter.

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

What’s your favorite location to hunt? Butler, Alabama

Who introduced you to hunting? My husband, Jason

What do you hunt for?  Deer, Hog

What hunting skill would you like to master? Growing healthy deer with enhanced planting

What’s your biggest hunting challenge? I cannot climb in a climber any more due to a leg injury

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list? – Anywhere north of Alabama

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about? Archery

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned? Being aware of your surroundings

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time? Fish

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Hunter safety

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own? 1

What style of hunting are you most passionate about? Archery

NON – HUNTING RELATED

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Spend more time with my family

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? Shooting competitions

What non hunting related skill would you like to master? Competitive shooting

What non hunting related do you wish you knew more about? Competitive shooting

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

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? On the boat

Who inspires you to be better? My husband, my mother and my boys

What are three interesting facts about you? I was a paramedic before becoming a nurse; I am a grandmother of an 18 month old little boy; I live on an island

What is your biggest fear? Falling, ….and bears

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Fish
List two pet peeves: Lying; Gossip

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

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? Shoot guns

Mountains or Beach? Beach

Anything else you would like to add? I live in the southernmost part of Alabama on an Island. I love to do activities with my husband and boys.

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Stacy Mitchum

We asked Stacy Mitchum a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Stacy lives in Arkansas and is and an avid competitive archer.

Are you a competitive shooter?
Yes

What types of matches / shoots  do you participate in?
I compete in 3D archery tournaments from January - August

What types of firearms / archery do you shoot competitively?
I shoot a compound bow in the Women’s Hunter Elite class.

If you could only shoot one type of competition what would it be?
I would shoot 3D competitions on the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) Pro/Am Tour.

How did you get involved with competitive shooting?
It was actually an accident. I had just begun bow hunting and some friends told me 3D archery would help make me a better hunter. One shoot and I was hooked! It’s quite addictive.

How long have you been shooting competitively?
7 years

What shooting skill would you like to master?
I truly believe archery is a sport one can NEVER master.  My biggest problem is controlling that space between my ears. I tend to think too much.

What’s your biggest shooting challenge?
See last question… Conquering the mental part of the game!

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list?
I would love to compete in the Western Classic Trail Shoot in Redding, CA!

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
Do not take competition so seriously! I am not a professional with $10,000 riding on one arrow. My life is not going to change based on my placement in a tournament. I’ve learned to just enjoy the friendships and memories I am creating with every tournament, and to appreciate the strong, awesome women that I would never have met without this awesome sport.

NON – SHOOTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
It’s an awesome place for women to try out bows and firearms with absolutely no pressure from salesmen or significant others. It’s a place to get help from women who understand that sometimes things are just different for girls!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Spend time with my grandchildren- being a Grammy is the best thing ever!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
Big game hunting- Arkansas is mainly whitetail deer, black bears, turkey, hogs, dove and ducks.

What non-shooting related skill would you like to master?
Reading my husband’s mind. Hmm, on second thought…

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
The archery range

Who inspires you to be better?
My one year old granddaughters, Kinsley and Brayleigh, who were born on the same day just six hours apart.

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

List two pet peeves
*Misusing homophones- your/you’re, there/their/they’re, to/too/two
*Saying seen instead of saw- I think it’s a southern thing!
I know that’s a little picky, but I’m a 3rd grade teacher so…

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Definitely smell… not always a good thing!

Mountains or Beach?
In a perfect world…skiing down a mountain to get to the beach!

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about SLG Firearms Instructor Susan Hansen

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Susan Hansen 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. Susan lives in Washington and is an avid competitive shooter, Firearms Instructor with SLG.

What types of matches do you participate in?
I am a competition shooter. I am a member and participate in USPSA pistol, and multigun matches. Along with 3 Gun Nation, UML and outlaw 3 gun matches.

What types of firearms do you shoot competitively?
I mainly shoot a sport called 3 Gun/Multigun. I shoot pistol, rifle, &  shotgun on each stage of a match. Each of my firearms have been tricked and blinged out for competition. Pistol is a custom 40mm, Shotgun is a customized 12 ga with a 12 round tube, Rifle is a custom AR-15 223 Wylde that I built from scratch with my son.

If you could only shoot one what would it be?
That’s tough…. I really enjoy the challenges of all 3. If I had to choose, I would choose rifle.

How did you get involved with competitive shooting?
I grew up raising, training, and showing horses. 11 yrs ago I had a terrible horse accident that left me with a broken back in two places and head trauma. I was told I should not ride again because of my back and balance issues. I was devastated and went into a deep depression hole for years. On a whim, I went to an indoor range, 3 yrs ago, and the fire was started! I started shooting indoor pistol leagues, which grew to outdoor action shooting matches, and then to 3 Gun!  I am also an NRA Pistol & Rifle instructor, Chief Range Safety Officer, A The Well Armed Woman/TWAW instructor and a member of A Girl and a Gun/AGAG, United States Practical Shooting Association/USPSA, and United Multi-Gun League/UML.
I now shoot matches all over the US and locally. Competitions are great exercise for me, as well as for my brains memory issues. Not bad for a 53 y/o Nana!

How long have you been shooting competitively?
This year is my third season of shooting.

What shooting skill would you like to master?
I would love to learn more about long range precision shooting.

What’s your biggest shooting challenge?
I’m in the midst of my biggest shooting challenge right now.  I totally blew out my knee at a competition in Kentucky last fall. I had surgery to replace my ACL, and meniscus repair and more. I am just getting back out there!

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list?
I am lucky enough to be able to travel and shoot in many different places and all sorts of stages.  But what is on the top of my list is to shoot the Pro side of the ProAm 3 gun match at Rockcastle in Kentucky.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
That even though I feel young, I am not! :P

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Only 40 minutes?  Haha…. I LOVE to work with new and first-time shooters. Teaching them the fundamentals of shooting. Watching the fear of the firearm get replaced with the thrill of the first, safe shot! AMAZING!

NON – SHOOTING RELATED
What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
It is the perfect mixture of helping, teaching, and empowering women, while working next to the best women in the shooting industry! Can’t get any better than that!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
My time would be taken up with working on my new business!!!  I am now a patent pending inventor and starting a new business because of it! That takes up ALL of my extra time!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I love animals! It would definitely have to be something with animals….lots and lots of them!

What non-shooting related skill would you like to master?
The ability to sleep through the night without my brain working all night! :P

What non-shooting related .. do you wish you knew more about?
Pastry chef!  I love to bake!

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
That I will be with my two BFF’s on a TV show, Ammo & Attitude, airing next year! We film in Texas this July!

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
The beautiful city of Cartagena, Spain!

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
Alaska!!!!  We go out into Prince William Sound, out of Valdez, for 2 weeks. No people, no stores, no phones….nothing but nature! ….exhale…

Who inspires you to be better?
I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful women in the shooting industry. I am in awe and inspired by them all!

What are three interesting facts about you?
I used to be almost 400#.  I have recently found a sister I didn’t know I had. I am an introvert, at heart!

What is your biggest fear?
While I wish I could think of something profound, it actually is as simple as loosing another member of my family. Mainly, my hunky hubby, David. He is my rock!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would definitely be something Mexican! Arriba….YUM!!!

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
My hearing! UGH….blessing and a curse. I hear everything…too well.

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do?
BAKE!!!  I love to bake up a storm during the holidays! I hand it all out to whoever crosses my path…just so I can bake some more! :P

Mountains or Beach?
BOTH! The mountainous islands of Alaska!

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Shasta Sitton

We asked Shasta Sitton a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Shasta lives in Michigan and is and an avid author and hunter.

If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be? Fall whitetail 

What’s your favorite location to hunt? I live and hunt in Michigan the most, but I do love to do travel hunts as well. My favorite so far was a fallow deer hunt in Croatia.

Who introduced you to hunting? My mom and dad

What do you hunt for?  Whitetail, elk, bear, turkey, predators

What hunting skill would you like to master? Long distance shooting

What’s your biggest hunting challenge? Finding the time to go. Between jobs, family, and my kiddo, it can be difficult to always find the time to get out. 

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list? – Red stag in New Zealand. 

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about? I would like to get better with my calls, particularly buck grunts and elk calls. 

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned? That buck fever is a real thing. No matter what walks in front of you, you have to stay calm, take deep breaths, and take your time so you can make a good shot. 

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time? I’m an avid hiker and enjoy it as much as hunting. So if I could no longer hunt, I’d definitely put hiking at the top of my list. 

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Getting kids involved in the outdoors and hunting. I strongly believe that we owe it to our children to expose them to nature as they are getting less and less of that in their everday lives. That’s one of the main reason that I started my publishing company, Whitetail Press, and write children’s outdoor books. I have three out so far: “Wyatt’s First Whitetail,” “Grace Goes Bowhunting,” and my new release, “Grace and Wyatt’s Fishing Adventure.” My books teach hunting safety, morals, and the importance of respecting nature. 

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own? 2

What style of hunting are you most passionate about? Definitely whitetailal with either a bow or a rifle. I enjoy both very much.

NON – HUNTING RELATED 

What do you like most about Shoot Like A Girl’s Mission? I love that Shoot Like A Girl is able to expose so many women to shooting. It can be a really intimidating process to learn to shoot a gun or a bow. Having other women there who can make the process easier is exactly what we need. Women learn and teach differently than men. Shoot Like A Girl is an amazing organization. 

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Probably read more or do my yoga on a more consistent basis. 

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? I’d definitely travel more. I absolutely love experiencing new cultures and seeing everything this amazing world has to offer.

What non hunting related skill would you like to master? Fly fishing

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? Shed hunting. I LOVE shed hunting. It combines two of my loves; deer antlers and hiking. I spend most of my late winter and early spring in the woods looking for sheds. 

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home? New Zealand. My hubby and I spent our honeymoon backpacking through the south island. 

Where do you usually go when you have time off? To the woods. I’m very lucky to live in the middle of nowhere, so I can simply walk out my back door and be in the wild. I spend a lot of time hiking and exploring.

Who inspires you to be better? My 6 year old son, Wyatt. He is the sweetest little boy. He watches everything my husband and I do, so I always try my best to be a good role model for him. 

What are three interesting facts about you? 

During high school, my family of 5 gave up our house and we lived in a small camping trailer for two years as we moved around the northwest. 

I played college volleyball. 

I have my Master’s Degree in clinical psychology. I was a practicing mental health therapist for 6 years in Washington State before moving to Michigan to help manage a private hunting and fishing club.

What is your biggest fear? 

Something happening to my son or husband. Also ticks. 

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

I love a good salad bar. Sounds lame I know, but there’s a lot of variety and that could be helpful if it’s the only food I could eat for the rest of my life. On second thought, a nacho bar would be even better. 

List two pet peeves

 People chewing with their mouth open

People with no concept of personal space. 

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

My hearing. My sense of smell has always been pretty horrible, but I think my ears must have made up for that for some odd reason. I have very sensitive hearing. 

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? Read. I love to read a good book. Fiction only. I read every single day and enjoy it immensely. 

Mountains or Beach? Mountains for sure. I grew up in Northern Idaho and all of my family still lives there. Getting back to the Rocky Mountains feels like going home every time I visit. 

Anything else you would like to add? You can follow me on social media if you like. 

Facebook: @whitetailpress

Instagram: @shasta_whitetailpress

Twitter: @whitetailpress 

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Chief Operations Officer Cristy Crawford

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Cristy Crawford 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. Cristy lives and works in Texas and is Shoot Like A Girl's Chief Operations Officer and an avid hunter, fisherman and competes in various outdoor related competitions.


If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
That's a tough question!! I love all aspects of hunting various species. I would have to say there is something special about watching waterfowl soar in from the heavens and work a decoy spread!

What's your favorite location to hunt?
I don't get to hunt in the mountains often.. But I have always loved trying to sneak up on things. Spot and stalk in the mountains gives me the opportunity to do just that.

Who introduced you to hunting?
My husband took my love for fishing and the outdoors and taught me everything I know about hunting! I will always be thankful for his patience and him going above and beyond to teach me all the "why's" and reasons we were set up a certain way. It made our relationship stronger and made lifelong "hunting and fishing buddies"

What do you hunt for?
Everything I can.

What hunting skill would you like to master?
I have been obsessed with calling all types of animals for quite some time. I have been successful calling animals in but I still strive to do that on a more advanced level.

What's your biggest hunting challenge?
TIME!  I have a wonderful family and job. Both help to support my obsessive habit. Although, traveling does seem to happen sometimes during the most magical times of the year .. such as the whitetail rut etc.

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list?
I have always thought (even though its expensive) It would be amazing to go on one of the hunts in Alaska for example. Where you are dropped off in the wilderness with only the gear on your back for a few weeks. Fishing and hunting. The other adventure I would like to go on one day would be to follow a big wave of migrating ducks all the way from the border of Canada to the coast in the Central or Mississippi flyway.

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about?
Anything traditional

What's the hardest hunting lesson you've learned?
I have been obsessed with hunting for 20 years now. In the beginning I would want every shot to be absolutely perfect. I have learned through time, experience and failures that you can still make an ethical shooting decision even when the animals approach isn't the perfect case scenario. Most of the time the animal doesn't have the same game plan that you have developed in your head for their approach.

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time?
I would have a hard time not being able to enjoy the outdoors in the same way, but I would fish a lot more. I get asked all the time if I had to choose between hunting or fishing which one would I choose. My go to answer to that question is.. well what time of year is it? If its winter I'm hunting if its summer I'm fishing. So I would without a doubt be a year around fisherman.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Calling especially ducks and turkeys.

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own?
I have a problem getting rid of old worn out boots so 7. Most are worn to the point they are no longer useful in the field , but they are useful working in the yard or other outdoor projects I end up doing.

What style of hunting are you most passionate about?
Having a whitetail deer in bow range or anything wing shooting. I love the challenge of a bow and the feel of a good shotgun!

NON - HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
Being fortunate to work for Shoot Like A Girl for 8 years now I have been able to watch first hand how SLG has grown from just archery in a little trade show booth into the semi tractor trailer of today. The thing I love most has always been watching the "wow" moments from women shooting for the first time. Watching all the anxiety disappear from their faces with a huge smile after executing the first shot ever!

If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If it was summer time I would definitely bass fish all night and work during the day. Winter time I would enjoy working on various projects & waterfowl taxidermy or European mounts at night.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
Non hunting related makes this difficult!

What non hunting related skill would you like to master?
Cooking! I have a few dishes that I cook well but a lot of my cooking has been trial and a lot of error!

What are you interested in that most people haven't heard of?
I love to have projects going. Most of my projects involve building something or tearing something apart and rebuilding it. I don't do well with just sitting around unless I'm hunting.

What's the farthest you've ever been from home?
Africa

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
Woods or Water

Who inspires you to be better?
The good LORD, My husband, My Daughter, My Family & Friends

What are three interesting facts about you?
1) I'm a competition junkie. I have competed in all sorts of various outdoor competitions from ASA Archery Pro/Ams to fishing team bass tournaments with my husband.
2) If something breaks around the house I usually try and enjoy trying to fix it myself
3) I use to be extremely shy

What is your biggest fear?
Extreme heights. I say extreme because I'm not afraid to be in a deer stand as long as it has a good sturdy platform. But you will not see me look over the edge of an extremely high cliff or drop off. I am to clumsy to risk tripping and falling to my death. Haha

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A good steak and tators.

List two pet peeves
Going to cities where people love to honk their horns the second the red light turns green..no matter if your 5 cars back from the light. It falls under rushing and I don't like to be rushed.
Rude and Inconsiderate people. Life's too short to not be nice to one another. Traveling as much as I have has made me realize that a lot of people just don't take the time to be nice to one another anymore. It really is sad.

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

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do?
Rebuild old motors

Mountains or Beach?
Mountains

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

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.   

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Firearms Instructor Rebecca King

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Rebecca King 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. Rebecca lives in Oklahoma and is an avid competitive shooter and firearms instructor with SLG.

Are you a competitive shooter?

Yes, I am.

What types of matches do you participate in? 

I participate in 3-Gun/Multigun the most. I also shoot some USPSA (action pistol).

What types of firearms do you shoot competitively?

I shoot an AR-15, a 12 gauge shotgun, and a full size 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

If you could only shoot one what would it be?

It’s a tough decision, but I would have to choose the pistol. It is a tool I am comfortable and confident with, which serves a dual purpose of recreation and defense.

How did you get involved with competitive shooting?

I’ve always been competitive by nature, so I started with the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification program competing against myself and moving up the ranks. That gave me a desire for more and I went to my first action pistol match in 2010. 

How long have you been shooting competitively?

Technically for seven years, because I’ve shot a handful of pistol matches back in 2010, but I’ve really only been serious about it for three years. I fell in love with 3 gun in the fall of 2014. 

What shooting skill would you like to master?

I’d love to master my long range rifle skills.

What’s your biggest shooting challenge?

Honestly, my biggest shooting challenge is my budget. Whether you are a serious or leisurely competitor, there are costs involved and 3 gun can be a pretty expensive sport.

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list?

I’d love to shoot Blue Ridge Mountain 3 Gun Championship at Rockcastle in Kentucky.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?

Don’t let a stage ruin your match. Everyone has a bad stage and dwelling on what you did wrong, or targets you missed, will not help your mental game. Shake it off and move on as quickly as you can. 

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

Pistol parts, operation, and fundamentals of shooting.

NON – SHOOTING RELATED 

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?

We have travelled coast to coast in our great country and we’ve met women of all shapes, sizes, colors, abilities, and backgrounds, with an equally diverse set of emotions. Some are excited, apprehensive, curious, or afraid. I am so proud of the women who trust us to help them conquer their fears. What I like most about our trailer is the privilege to be a part of that positive experience for them, and to see them walk out with that huge smile on their face.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

We always make time for what is important to us. So, I’d probably fill it with more of the same. Or, maybe I’d finally organize that closet I’ve been meaning to get to.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?

I’d travel the world. I’d go to Asia, Europe, Africa, South America, and every national park in our own backyard.

What non-shooting related .. do you wish you knew more about?

I’d like to learn more about forging and blacksmithing. My son got into it a little while ago and it’s fascinating to me. 

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

I love logistics. The best example is event planning and all the details involved in making it happen. I have a checklist for everything. It’s one of my quirks.

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

I’ve been to Asia: Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand.

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?

I go home. I love being home with my family.

Who inspires you to be better?

My children inspire me to be better. It’s a huge responsibility to raise the future.

What are three interesting facts about you?

I’m a Navy veteran, I enjoy riding motorcycles, and I can say the alphabet backwards as easily as I can say it forward.

What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is something unthinkable happening to someone I love.

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

That’s easy. It would be breakfast cereal.

List two pet peeves

People who are habitually late and people who don’t pick up after themselves.

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

Smell.

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

I love Morse Code. I know it’s old school and a little nerdy, but occasionally I will listen and copy code on my computer at home, just because I can.

Mountains or Beach?

Mountains

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Firearms Instructor Jamie Meyer

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Jamie Meyer 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. Jamie lives in Oklahoma and is an avid firearms competitor & firearms instructor with SLG.

Are you a competitive shooter? Yes

What types of matches do you participate in? Mainly pistol, rifle and shotgun. USPSA, 3 Gun, Steel Challenge, NRA Action Pistol

What types of firearms do you shoot competitively? Pistol, Rifle & Shotgun

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

How did you get involved with competitive shooting? I started with just self defense training. Then it was recommended to me by a good friend that I should try competitive shooting. I was hooked after my first match.

How long have you been shooting competitively? About 6 years total off and on

What shooting skill would you like to master? Trap/Skeet shooting

What’s your biggest shooting challenge? Getting time to practice

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list? I would love to go to the Rockcastle Shooting Center in KY and shoot the 3 man 3 Gun team match.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned? Realizing that I needed to focus my shooting on one style of competition and not several at a time.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Competitive shooting basics covering what to expect at a match as well as gun and gear options.

NON – SHOOTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer? Having the opportunity to help women from all walks of life learn how to shoot in a stress free environment.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Spend more time with family, and my fur babies!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? Ship wreck diving

What non-shooting related skill would you like to master? Knife & Axe throwing

What non-shooting related .. do you wish you knew more about? Dog sport training

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

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? Home and spend time with family.

Who inspires you to be better? Family, & friends

What are three interesting facts about you? I’m a Firearms Instructor. I’m an Advanced Scuba Diver and used to help teach classes. I love turtles.

What is your biggest fear? Failure
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Ribs
List two pet peeves People who don’t practice what they preach. People who are cruel to animals.

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

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? Scuba Dive

Mountains or Beach? Beach

PRO STAFF / INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about archery instructor Stacy Sissney

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Stacy Sissney 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. Stacy lives in Oklahoma and is an archer, hunter and co-host of His & Hers Outdoors.

If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
Spring Turkey Season. It’s very near and dear to my heart. It was what I cut my teeth on. There’s nothing like hearing the woods come alive in the Spring

What’s your favorite location to hunt?
Love being able to hunt in Oklahoma because it’s close to home but there is something special about hunting in Texas.


Who introduced you to hunting?
My husband John. Always wanted to hunt growing up. John really encouraged me to shoot and hunt as a way to spend quality time together.


What do you hunt for?
Every season. If there is a season for it.. we are normally out there hunting.

What’s your biggest hunting challenge?
Staying in shape due to physical limitations.

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list?
Elk and Mountain Cat

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about?
Practice with duck calls

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned?
Mistakes and bad shots happen. You just have to do your best to recover the animal you made a bad shot on. The hardest feeling as a hunter is no matter how much you practice sometimes bad shots happen.

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time?
I really don’t know..

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Introduction to archery

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own?
4

What style of hunting are you most passionate about?
Archery

NON – HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
I love the look on the women’s faces when they never shot before and they realize they can shoot and its nothing to be afraid of.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I use to love crafts and quilting

What non-hunting related skill would you like to master?
I have always wanted to start bee keeping. I have never done it but it definitely intrigues me.

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
I love to cook. I have tons of cookbooks.

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
Back home to visit family in Wisconsin

Who inspires you to be better?
Mason my daughter

What are three interesting facts about you?
1) I have two different color eyes
2) My birthday was on Cinco DeMayo
3) TV co-host, in 8th season, started it because we were filming hunts and wanted to put something out there. We realized it was a lot harder than we realized it would be. Check it out at www.hisnhersoutdoors.com

What is your biggest fear?
Extreme heights.. I do not like driving over bridges
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak and Baked Pototo
List two pet peeves
Lazy people & sometimes get mild road rage from slow drivers

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

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do?
Watch football

Mountains or Beach?
Mountains

More facts:  I am on the board of my local  SCI Chapter and are very active in NWTF

Shoot Like A Girl 2016 Turkey Season

Congratulations to all Shoot Like A Girl staff members on a successful 2016 Turkey Season!

DYI - Turkey Fans by Text- by Karen Butler

In 2015, after years of trying to harvest a turkey, I was finally blessed with not one, but two perfect set-ups, and was rewarded with two turkeys in the freezer.  I can't explain the feeling of accomplishment and pride I felt this past Thanksgiving when my husband, Todd, and our grandson enjoyed the turkey dinner that I had provided.  Success rarely comes by yourself, and I was thankful for the support of Todd, the help of great friends, a terrific outfitter and guide, and the grace of God.

This hunt was particularly exciting because Cristy and I had a film crew with us to capture footage for "how to" videos we are publishing, and had just come from the National Rifle Associations Annual Meeting where we had the trailer in full operation.  We were anxious to turkey hunt at Kansas Whitetail Addictions and Moore, Inc with Jason Michaels as our guide.  These were exciting and busy times, and even though I was very sick I was happy to have this experience.  The reason I mention that I was sick, is to introduce you to the reason why I was forced to learn to make my own Turkey Fan by Text, with the help of Cristy Crawford!

Cristy is a world of knowledge, I truly think there is nothing in the outdoors she can't do!  What makes that all the more special, is she is never shy about sharing it with others.  During the hunt we both got turkeys.  Jason taught me how to get my meat, and how to remove the feathers to make a fan.  Cristy taught me
how to preserve my spurs, and how to clean the meat from my tail feathers for my fan while we were at camp.  Then she went to the store and bought knee high panty hose, and we carefully rolled them up, and then over my turkey fans.  I was set, all I had to do was get back home, and drop them off at a local taxidermist.  Of course, by the time I got home, I was very sick, and down for the count....so my feathers sat.   One day, Cristy called me and said, "Have you taken care of your feathers?"  I said, "No, I will next week."  She emphatically explained, "Nope, you don't have time, you must do it yourself."  I'm thinking, there is no way I can do this, but knowing her knowledge I decided I had to try.  The following instructions and pictures are our back and forth texts, where I learned to create my own Turkey Fans from my very first successful turkey hunt.

Supplies Needed:
Turkey Tail Feathers
Knee High Panty Hose
Borax
2 Pieces of Large Cardboard (Cristy recommends 20 1/2 inches x 19 1/2 inches)
Several Pins
Wire Brush (I used a grill brush)
Tape
Turkey Fan Holder (I bought mine at Cabela's)

Step 1.  Cut the bottom off the panty hose, so you can roll off in the direction of the feathers.

Step 2.  Spread the feathers by grabbing the base with your fingers, and fan the feathers out.

Step 3.  Cover the part with any meat and/or tissue on it with Borax.  The excess will shake off later.

Step 4.  If you have a hard time getting the feathers to stay fanned out, pin through the quills and through the cardboard.  (All I could find at the house was safety pins...they worked)

Step 5.  Work from the back to the front and put the feathers in place.  Use a wire brush if you need to smooth them out. I used a clean grill brush.

Step 6. Cover and press down to spread out any gaps in feathers, and tape.

Step 7.  Set aside and wait patiently (I'm not good at this step) for about two weeks.

Step 8.  Follow directions on Turkey Fan holder, and display your Turkey Fan with pride!

I am very proud of these fans; they represent the memories of the hunt, the dinner with my family and  satisfaction in the fact that I made them myself, with the help of Cristy.  To me they are perfect, and I wouldn't wanted to have had them made in any other way!  

For information about Karen, Cristy and Shoot Like A Girl visit www.shootlikeagirl.com.

11 Ways to Capture the Essence of your Hunting Trip with Photo

Capturing the essence of your hunting trip by taking quality photos gives you something to share and cherish with your friends and family for years to come. We have been guiding and outfitting hunters for more than 30 years here in the mountains of Montana. During this time we have come to realize the importance of quality photos for our clients to help capture those moments and give them memories to reflect upon. We are not professional photographers and don’t know all the tricks, but through our experience, we have come up with a few ideas for taking great pictures.

Here are some tips we give our guides when taking photos for the clients.

1. Remember to take lots of photos from several different angles and distances. With today’s digital cameras, it is easy to delete the ones you don’t want.

2. Top priority should be to wipe away the blood from the wound channel, antlers, nose and mouth. Leaving blood on the animal is one of the most common mistakes; also push its tongue back into its mouth. A picture with the tongue hanging out and with blood is unprofessional and can be a turn-off to others viewing your photos.

3. Position the trophy in an appropriate position. If possible, animals should be placed broadside to slightly angled to the camera. The belly needs to be on the ground. Deer and elk look best when they are resting on their front knees.

4. Stay low when taking the photograph. This will enhance the object you are photographing. You should be far enough away that the animal is the main focus. If you are too far away, then the animal will look smaller than it really is.

5. Try not to have your hand on the antlers and remember to keep area clean of backpacks, coats and blood in the background.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 feature the same elk, but the elk looks smaller with the photographer so far away and standing up. There is a backpack in the foreground. With technology today, you can crop this photo to remove the backpack. Pay attention to your surroundings and to detail so that you can see what is in both the background of a photo and the foreground. Let your photo tell the story – make it a good story. Figure 2 depicts what we would deem an appropriate photo, but wearing camo gloves would have masked the hunter’s hands and distracted less from the antlers.

7. These are wild animals and as ethical hunters we should respect this, so never sit on your harvest or show disrespect.

8. This also applies to taking the photo in the field with the background of the area it was harvested. Select an area that reminds the hunter of where that game was harvested. A dead animal in the back of a pick-up is not an ideal photo.

9. Prepare the hunter for the photograph. Remove any blood and dirt from hands and if clothes are bloody, then change them. Your clothes should enhance the contrast with the animal for better pictures. Hunter orange really brings out whatever is in front of it.

Figure 1 and 2 feature the same animal. But in figure 1 the antlers are lost in the hillside, and the hunter is a distraction sitting in the center of the antlers. Figure 2 just changed the angle of the photo, changed the lighting, and moved the hunter, making the deer more pronounced and horn set more visible.

10. Pick a good background. You want to contrast your animal against the background. A deer/elk with dark antlers will look more impressive against a light skyline. Light colored antlers will show better with a dark background.

This is the same elk in both photos, but in figure 1 the antlers blend in with the color of the grass and the photographer is standing above the hunters, which makes the bull look smaller. The guide has his bare hands on the elk and antlers. Again, camo gloves would have reduced this distraction from the elk and his hands wouldn’t reflect the flash. In Figure 2 the antlers are against the light colored sky. The photo shows the mountains and the intensity of the terrain. Plus, the location of the hunter’s hands is not taking away from the antlers. I would suggest in figure 2 the hunter not have his leg in front of the elk.

11. One last word of advice is to take lots of photos of the hunt, not just the harvest. It’s all an adventure and spending time in the outdoors is really what it’s about. If you can spend this time with friends and family, or introduce someone new to the sport, those are the photos you will smile about for years to come.

Donna McDonald is a member of Shoot Like A Girl Pro Staff and owner of Upper Canyon Outfitters in Alder, MT. Find out more about Upper Canyon Outfitters at www.ucomontana.com