PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about SLG Archery Instructor Leslie Cotner

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Leslie Cotner 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. Leslie lives in Arkansas and is an avid hunter, competitive archer and Archery Instructor with SLG.

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

Deer season

What’s your favorite location to hunt? 

Haven’t been many places , but Poteau Mountain is a fave

Who introduced you to hunting? 

Went with my dad some when I was younger but my ex husband got me more involved in hunting.

What do you hunt for?  

Deer and turkey

What hunting skill would you like to master? 

I try to be ethical and make good shots in the field. The more I practice competitively and in the off season helps me with this.

What’s your biggest hunting challenge? 

Elk in Colorado with a bow

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

Bear archery hunt in Alaska

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about? 

Learning to age deer for more mature bucks

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

Archery Competitions 

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

Shooting Archery 

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own? 

3 pairs 

What style of hunting are you most passionate about? 

Bow Hunting 

NON – HUNTING RELATED 

What do you like most about Shoot Like A Girl’s Mission

Educating women about guns and archery and introducing them to the outdoors

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

Shoot guns and bows all the time and hunt 

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

3 gun competitions 

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

Las Vegas

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

Love being in the woods

Who inspires you to be better? 

My son inspires me to be better

What are three interesting facts about you?

3 facts: graduated college at 38, I am a physical therapist assistant, and my son is a police officer

What is your biggest fear? 

Falling

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

Deer steaks, gravy, potatoes and biscuits

List two pet peeves

Drama starters and liars

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

Drive dirt roads with music blaring

Mountains or Beach? 

Hard choice love both mountain and the beach

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about SLG Firearms Instructor Kristy Titus

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Kristy Titus 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. Kristy lives in Oregon and is an avid hunter, competitive long range shooter and firearms instructor with SLG.

If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
That would be archery elk. It’s a tradition for my dad and I. We both look forward to our time on the mountain all year long.

What’s your favorite location to hunt?
Location for hunting to me isn’t as important as the people that you are hunting with. Memories are what matter to me and there is no greater gift that you can give someone than your time.

Who introduced you to hunting?
My dad introduced me to hunting at a very young age. He never let being small or a girl keep me from joining him on hunts.

What do you hunt for?
My passion for hunting is the pursuit of big game. Primarily, I hunt out west but whitetail deer has my attention right now. Those rutting bucks are sure fun to watch.

What hunting skill would you like to master?
I never stop learning and I am always trying to be a better sportsman. That has led me to competing in the PRS series. I am completely addicted to the rush of competition and the skills directly translate into being a more ethical and proficient rifle hunter.

What’s your biggest hunting challenge?
Wing shooting has been my nemesis. I am cross-dominat so I don’t bird hunt because I will pretty much miss everything. I haven’t taken the time to invest in bettering myself as a marksman with a shotgun. Perhaps someday.

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list? –
Sheep hunting is my number one. The physical challenge and sheer remoteness of the hunt is so alluring to me.

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about?
I would love to spend some time on the mountain with South Cox. He has mastered spot and stalk mule deer hunting with a recurve and is successful every year. That is no easy feat- learning the technique behind that success is certainly on my list. Now, I just have to talk South into taking me hunting. LOL.

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned?
Losing an animal is the hardest lesson that every hunter eventually faces. I train extensively with my firearm and my bow so that if it happens, I know that I have done everything within my power to make ethical, terminal shots. The heart-ache never goes away but it makes it easier to sleep at night afterwards.

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time?
If I am not hunting, you could find me shooting guns. I love to shoot. But most importantly, I love being in the country so regardless of my ability, I cant imagine not being somewhere wild.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Lots of things, elk hunting, elk calling, backpack hunting, positional shooting, packing with horses and mules, scouting, nutrition, fitness. That’s a good start I guess. The question is, who would want to listen? LOL.

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own?
Ha!! A lot!!!

What style of hunting are you most passionate about?
Spot and stalk

NON – HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about Shoot Like A Girl’s Mission
In order for our hunting and shooting sports traditions to survive the changes that our culture is facing, we need the participation of women. SLG is spearheading the empowerment of women to participate.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would clean off my office desk. I seem to never have enough time to get that done.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I’m not sure I pretty much do everything that I want to do.

What non hunting related skill would you like to master?
Right now, I am working on my pistol shooting skills.

What non hunting related do you wish you knew more about?
Gardening. I love my garden.

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
I spend time with my parents.

Who inspires you to be better?
Everyone. With social media, there are so many incredible people to look up to!

What are three interesting facts about you?
I owned a catering company in High School. Needless to say, I like to both cook and eat.

I am a dog mom to a tiny white maltese named Zoie and a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Kruger.

Although I am very outgoing, large crowds of people make me uncomfortable.

What is your biggest fear?
Losing our Second Amendment.

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

List two pet peeves
A dirty house. I cant stand it.
People that drive too slow.

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest.
I would say taste just because I enjoy eating food.

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do?
I am addicted to cardio. I do it everyday. Sometimes for hours. Yet, it doesent really show. LOL.

Mountains or Beach?
Mountains

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.

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Firearms Instructor Jessica Fisher

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Jessica Fisher 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. Jessica lives in New Mexico and is an avid hunter and firearms instructor with SLG.


If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
Any small game season – they are long and there is lots of shooting opportunity.

I started going hunting before I could hunt. My brother and I tagged along with our dad way before we were old enough. When I was 12 and passed my hunter education class in Oregon I started deer hunting. I hunted a lot of years before I successfully harvested my first mule deer. Public land hunting in the west is so different than whitetail hunting from a stand. My favorite place to hunt was in Eastern Oregon with my family and friends. Since my family and I have moved in different directions, out of Oregon, I haven’t found my new favorite place or season.

What do you hunt for?
I have lived in New Mexico for almost seven years, since moving here I have taken up small game hunting – upland birds and waterfowl. I hope to someday harvest a NM bull elk and maybe an Oryx – I hear they taste really good.

What hunting skill would you like to master?
I would like to become skilled at reading animal behavior. Where will they be and why?

What’s your biggest hunting challenge?
The challenge I have right now is shooting proficiently. Right now I am practicing on the clay range so I will stop missing with my shotgun in the field.

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list?
I wouldn’t say that I have bucket list hunt, but I would love to be able to hunt with my dad again. I also would like to see my nephew harvest his first animal. I know a lot of people have a bucket list hunt, I would love to go with someone on their dream hunt – just to be a part of something fabulous. Personally for me – this is super simple sounding – but I would like to take a turkey with a bow.

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about?
I wish I knew more about game calling and how and when to do it.

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned?
Selecting good hunting partners is a hard lesson for some. I have been lucky or maybe just that picky in selecting who I hunt with. This is one the things we really stress in hunter education – just because someone is your friend does not mean they will make a good hunting companion. Ethics, skills and safe gun handling are important characteristics I look for – and having a dog.

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time?
Go to the shooting range. I enjoy shooting as much as I enjoy hunting. I get as much satisfaction out of breaking a clay as I do harvesting a dove. The clays don’t taste as good though.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
I do this frequently when I teach hunter education classes. I cover safety, parts of the firearm, and eye dominance. I never follow a script and the presentation just rolls off of my tongue. I am very passionate about safe firearms handling.

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own?
Two pairs of boots but sometimes I wear my regular old Keens hunting. Do I count my waders?

What style of hunting are you most passionate about?
I am very involved in getting new hunters in the field with my 8 to 5 job, so I am passionate about small game hunting for new hunters.

NON – HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
I love having a first time shooter, who is a little or a lot timid about firing a gun and after their first shot thy have a great big smile on their face and say “that was fun!” The controlled, safe,  environment allows women to try something that they thought they would never do for a variety of reasons – one being fear. When a first timer overcomes that fear because I and SLG were able to help them it is very rewarding to me.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
What kind of question is this! I love to sleep. But if I didn’t have to I suppose I would travel and spend more time with friends and family.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I would open a shooting range and make it free to all women and children – and some men. I guess that is “work” not a hobby. Racecar driving! I love to drive and feel the need for speed.

What non hunting related skill would you like to master?
Fly-fishing – I feel like a fish out of water. Some people can make it look so graceful and I am just lucky to not hook myself or the bank or someone else or a tree.

What non hunting related .. do you wish you knew more about?
Music – while I played clarinet in the band in school; I am not very musically inclined. I think being tone deaf has something to do with that.

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
I love to read. When I was a kid and in college I hated to read – maybe it was the assigned reading that I didn’t like. I like to read historical fiction and biographies.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
Puerto Varas, Chile

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

I usually go to see my family in Alaska, Oregon and Michigan.

Who inspires you to be better?
The director of my agency – she is tough, charismatic, compassionate, intelligent, a fighter, a great mother and an incredible boss.

What are three interesting facts about you?
I am a cancer survivor.
I didn’t ever want to leave my hometown, but I am hundreds of miles away killing it.
I am tall for my height – I think this is a mental thing. I rarely feel as short as I am.

What is your biggest fear?
Being alone in the dark, especially outside or in new, uncomfortable places.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza… you can change the toppings!

List two pet peeves
Tailgaters and ignorant social media post – learn to spell!

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Smell! I can’t stand stinky things like trash – maybe that should be one of my pet peeves.

Mountains or Beach?
Mountains!

Anything else you would like to add?
A lot of these questions are about hunting, which I love to do, but I do not consider myself to be a big time hunter. I think Shoot Like a Girl is about so much more than introducing women to shooting to become hunters. Hunters are an intricate part of the North American model and we need hunters – new hunters especially. To me shooting is a great pastime, an empowering activity and a skill that everyone should have. Be safe and have fun!

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight: Learn More About Archery Instructor Suzetta Wise

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Suzetta Wise 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. Suzetta lives in Oklahoma and is an avid archer and hunter.



If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
Choosing one season is a very difficult task… I enjoy hunting season to season. I guess if I had to choose only one, I would choose hunting whitetail in the fall.

What’s your favorite location to hunt?
Living on one hundred acres in the hills of Eastern Oklahoma, I have been very blessed with the option to walk out of my front or back door and be in a tree stand in just a matter of minutes. So, hunting at ‘home’ has always been my favorite location.


Who introduced you to hunting?
Growing up, I was surrounded by a family who lived to hunt and hunted to live. I have to admit, growing up and hunting wasn’t always what my granny wanted to me do but I absolutely loved being in the woods with my grandpa, uncle, and Daddy. I always wanted to see and pet every harvest at ‘hunting camp’. (For the longest time, ‘camp’ was at our cattle corral.)

What do you hunt for?
Dinner and lunch. I primarily hunt small game, wild turkey, and whitetail. I occasionally hunt migratory birds when the opportunity arises.

What hunting skill would you like to master?
Harvesting a mature tom turkey with my compound bow on a self-guided, no blind hunt is at the top of my list! I set this goal a few years ago and plan to have a full body mount when it happens.

What’s your biggest hunting challenge?
As stated previously, it is definitely harvesting a mature tom turkey with my compound bow with no blind and self-guided.

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list?
I would love to hunt elk or even a moose preferably with my bow but would use a rifle if the opportunity provides itself. (I just really want to mount an elk or moose above my fireplace!)

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about?
I would love to learn to call more animals by mouth, using no call. I would also like to improve my recurve shooting skills.

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned?
Patience. Sometimes, letting an animal walk because it wasn’t the most ethical shot has been the most difficult task. Also, all of the “would’ve beens, could’ve beens, and should’ve beens” absolutely haunt me.

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time?
Oh my gosh, I have no idea. It’s not really an option. I would need to see a doctor for depression! Hunting is my passion but it really is my family’s way of life. I literally think about hunting or shooting every day of my life.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
I feel very confident with giving a presentation over the basics of hunting or archery. I really think the problem would be staying within the 40-minutes because there is just so much I have to say about hunting and shooting!

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own?
I actually own 5 pairs of hunting boots and one pair of waders – those count, right? But I actually am looking at buying another pair of boots before spring turkey season.

What style of hunting are you most passionate about?
ARCHERY!!!! Hands-down.

NON – HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
EVERYTHING! I LOVE the trailer, every aspect of it. I love that women can step into the trailer and receive one-on-one instruction with women instructors who exhibit amazing passion for shooting sports. I also love seeing the women shoot a bow for the first time and exhibiting a WOW expression when they release an arrow.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would LIVE more --- jumping on whatever adventure presents itself! I would visit family more, shoot my bow more, ride my horses around my farm, and I would take my hunting buddy/dog, Hoyt, on more adventures.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I would rig up a boat for bowfishing or I would get into competitive horseback shooting sports (firearms and archery).

What non hunting related skill would you like to master?
I would love to write children’s books – specifically, The Adventures of Hoyt. (Which is actually kind of hunting related…)

What non hunting related .. do you wish you knew more about?
Writing and publishing books is an area I have always wanted to know more about.

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

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
I’m pretty sure Niagara Falls (US side) is the farthest I’ve ever been from home.

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
I can always be found outdoors doing just about anything really! I just love to be outside – hiking, mountain biking, riding horses, shooting my bow, gathering wild foods, fishing, kayaking, or any other adventure I can get myself into!

Who inspires you to be better?
Honestly, being a school teacher, I try my hardest to always be a positive role model for my students. I often think about how my student’s and of course, my family would view me and my choices. That drives me to strive to be a better person.

What are three interesting facts about you?
1. I am a national board certified elementary teacher.
2. I love knowledge and love to learn. I constantly am thinking and asking questions about most things I encounter.
3. In most situations, my mind spins in numerous directions thinking about ‘What if’ scenarios. (Survival – MacGyver style thoughts)

What is your biggest fear?
I would have to say that I have a fear of not leaving a positive legacy behind. I want to be remembered for good and encouraging memories.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Crawfish etouffee or chocolate gravy, either one.

List two pet peeves
I cannot stand when people lie or steal. Also, I wish everyone would use their blinkers more often. (Drives me nuts!)

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Taste – probably because it is my favorite! Sadly, eating good, flavorful food really excites me – like a happy dance kind of excitement.

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do?
I love to catch small lizards and frogs around my house – just to play with them for a short time and then I release them. I will also stop to move turtles across the road if it is safe to do so.

Mountains or Beach?
Mountains

Anything else you would like to add?
I love life. I just prefer to be happy and do not like to feel the other emotions, even though they come from time to time.

How We Measure Success........

Making memories in the field and enjoying the great outdoors is what hunting is all about!

In August 2015, Shoot Like A Girl was a featured exhibitor at the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show.  As part of the event, we teamed up with Monquin Creek Outfitters, of Virginia, to give away a spring turkey hunt for the 2016 season to one lucky shooter at our trailer from the show.  Monquin Creek Outfitters is known throughout the country as one of the premier places for turkey and I was thrilled at the opportunity to aid in this hunt’s success for our lucky winner.

Rita Cook was randomly selected as our winner.  I had such a great time talking with Rita in preparation for the hunt, her excitement was radiating through the phone! 

My April calendar was filling up fast!  What an exciting month! My daughter has accompanied my husband and I turkey hunting her entire life. At eight years old it was finally time for her to try and fill her very first tag. My family traveled to Kansas to hunt with our daughter for the youth season. What an emotional roller costar that was! Kansas is know for its large turkey population and we had many close encounters along with two missed shots. All the time spent teaching and helping assist my husband in molding here with all the needed skills for her success in the field I almost cried after those two missed opportunities. She didn’t get her first turkey but learned many valuable lessons in the field; and she would eventually harvest her first turkey towards the end of April.  Tears of joy flowed that day I must confess. After my families trip to Kansas it was time to go to work for Shoot Like A Girl.  We were a featured exhibitor at the Cabela’s store grand opening in Short Pump, VA. The Cabela’s grand opening was a success and I even got the chance to meet Rita’s family at the event.

It was finally time to travel to Manquin, VA in preparation for an early morning date with the turkeys.  There is always something special about sharing the outdoors with another female that loves and shares in the same passion. Knowing the alarm would sound extremely early that morning we couldn’t help but sit up late the night before trading stories and getting to know one another better.

I wanted nothing more than to help locate and watch Rita successfully harvest a turkey, unfortunately, this is not one of those articles.

I had many highs this turkey season, my daughter harvested her first bird, which I must confess is at the top of the list, and I too, had several successful hunts harvesting birds in various states.  As I look back on the 2016 turkey season and the many days in the field, this hunt with Rita actually makes the top three.

Accompanying us on the hunt was Chip from Monquin Creek Outfitters, along with Hank who was representing Virginia Outdoor Sportsman’s Show. The turkeys were extremely quiet that morning and as you turkey hunters know, it is very hard to harvest a quiet bird.  A few distant gobbles from the roost and that was it, the odds were defiantly stacked against us!  Even through the struggles with the turkeys we were having a great time.  We all shared stories as we traveled to from location to location, looking for that hot lonely tom.  I have to applaud Chip, he tried as hard as he could to get Rita on a bird, we logged many miles and covered a lot of ground in our efforts.  As I got to know Rita better, I began to understand the various obstacles she has faced in hunting. Rita had struggled to find information of public hunting opportunities in her area; she also struggled with acceptance as a female hunter in her local hunting club.  As I learned of her troubles, I started evaluate how we measure success as a hunter.

Success is not measured in our harvest!  To me, success is enjoying the outdoors and passing along our knowledge and skills to others, to passionately appreciate the beauty and serenity of the outdoors that the good Lord created! Hank and Chip were able to share with Rita their knowledge of various public hunting opportunities and hunting clubs in her area that she had previously not known about.  I am so grateful I had the opportunity to hunt and share the outdoors with Rita, Chip, and Hank, and I am thrilled to call each of them friends!  It’s amazing how fast the outdoors bonds people together from various backgrounds.  I have enjoyed keeping in touch with Rita since the hunt and here are her thoughts about the hunt.

“I was fortunate enough to win a turkey hunt at Monquin Creek with Shoot Like a Girl’s Cristy Crawford.  To say I was excited is the understatement of the year!  I was going to get to hunt some of the best land in my area with a woman hunter that I totally admired.  It was a dream hunt for me. I made that fatal turkey hunting mistake of assuming that I was no doubt going to harvest a turkey.  How could I not, right?  Ha!!  Turkeys never make it that easy, which is exactly why I can’t stop!  The ups and downs of turkey hunting are what make it so exciting.  This hunt was no exception.  We heard some Toms early but they did not follow the script we had written.  We hunted all morning and I had a blast!  I did not harvest a turkey but the hunt was everything I dreamed it would be.  I met some awesome people and I got to experience hunting with them.  Never miss an opportunity to hunt with experienced hunters because they will teach you so much.  Cristy was no exception.  She shared stories and offered advice that will help me to become a better hunter.  This hunt was a HUGE success because I was able to hear turkeys, hunt beautiful land, and made friends that will last a lifetime and that is what hunting is all about.”  – Rita Cook

Making memories in the field and enjoying the great outdoors is what hunting is all about. Measure success by the memories and knowledge created in the field and you will always have a successful hunt! Take a friend hunting and help us pass on the blessings of the great outdoors!

Come Shoot a Pistol, Rifle & Bow with Shoot Like A Girl at the 2016 Virginia Outdoor Sportsmans Show! Click Here for More Details

For More Information on Monquin Creek Outfitters     CLICK HERE 

Cristy Crawford - Shoot Like A Girl 

Chief Operations Officer, Cabela’s Pro Staff

Shoot Like A Girl Releases 2016 1st Quarter Report

INSTRUCTORS CORNER: Why we Teach... An Inside View from SLG Instructor Brielle Eaton

I will never forget her. It was my first show, a trial to see if I had ‘it’ to become a Shoot Like A Girl Instructor. After a tough set up in the rain and a run through of range procedures, we were ready. I love teaching, it was a gift passed down from my mother who is a baby whisperer, I mean a swim teacher. I have watched countless hours of her tender and, firm but gentle approach, learning and emulating as much I could.

We were preparing for a lunch break, when a woman entered. Karen had cleared the trailer leaving only the instructors, so this woman would be free from worry and stress of critical eyes watching. As she approached the rifle station, I could see her visibly trembling, I could sense her anxiety as she approached. I introduced myself and our eyes met. Tears were brimming and I asked if she was okay. She told the story of a violent childhood, where guns were used as a scare tactic, that she had witnessed a shooting and had never held a firearm. I told her, she didn’t have to participate if she didn’t want to and I would explain the process before even letting her handle the rifle. She nodded that she wanted to continue and said something that I will admire her for forever, “I want to have courage, this is me being brave”. I smiled gently and walked her though the mechanics of loading the firearm. She shouldered the rifle and shot once, tears streamed from her eyes and she asked me to take the rifle. With the flood of emotions she needed some air and exited the trailer. To be honest, I felt a little like a failure. Only one shot? That was all I could get her through?

As I was beginning to believe the sceptics in my own mind, she came back into the trailer. She came straight to me and hugged me still weeping. She graciously thanked me and thanked me for a chance to conquer her fears. Still shocked and amazed, I thanked her for her display of courage and told her it took a lot to be that brave after all she’s been through.

I know “Instructors Corner” is supposed to be tactical advise on gear or shooting techniques to help people become better shooters. But my advice from this experience and my own life, is that being brave will be uncomfortable but to have courage in those moments. For a lot of women, shooting (bows or firearms) can be intimidating. Heck, sometimes being a woman can be overwhelming. But doing those things which we think we cannot do, makes us stronger and more confident, if not wiser. Even Shoot Like A Girl was started by a woman calling deep on her courage and being brave. So my ‘advise’ is, to find opportunities to call deep on your courage and be brave, and encourage those around you to do the same.

With Rights Come Responsibility

Becoming a Safe Responsible Gun Owner

By Karen Butler, President, Shoot Like A Girl

Shoot Like A Girl has been growing the number of women who participate in shooting sports for the last 8 years.  We have safely and respectfully introduced women – gun and non-gun owners alike – to shooting pistols, rifles and bows, and educated them on firearms, firearm safety, the importance of the 2nd amendment and our hunting heritage.  We take our mission very seriously, and are dedicated to empowering women with confidence.  Shoot Like A Girl’s mission is gaining urgency with current world events, and we are committed to creating safe responsible gun owners, promoting the 2nd Amendment and encouraging active participation in elections.  This series of articles, “With Rights Come Responsibilities” will hopefully inspire activism.

We are very lucky to live in a country where we not only have our “inalienable rights,” but also fundamental rights guaranteed in the Constitution.  All Constitutional rights are important, but three in particular are intertwined and preserve the “inalienable rights” of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – especially for women; they are the right to keep and bear arms, the right to free speech and the right to vote.  With these rights come responsibilities – the responsibility to practice safe gun ownership, the responsibility to articulate and advocate for the importance of our rights and the responsibility to vote for candidates committed to preserving our rights.

As we look around the country and witness terrorists attacking us because of our freedoms, criminals stealing our possessions and/or doing physical harm to our loved ones, and politicians who seem to want to undermine the very document that defines our governance, it is no wonder that gun sales are at an all time high. I applaud and welcome each new gun owner, but buying a gun is just the first step in becoming a safe, responsible gun owner. A gun owner is responsible for the use of that firearm and understanding the laws for the area they live or travel to.  That includes how the gun is stored when it is not in use, how the gun is used, a plan for use in self-defense in the home and out of the home, practice for proficiency with the firearm, and proper maintenance to ensure good working condition.  This may seem overwhelming for a new gun owner, but truly it is not.  With the purchase of a gun comes fantastic literature that explains the mechanics of the gun and provides a safety overview.  The National Rifle Association has a multitude of courses to teach the skills needed – from basic firearms course, to personal protection in and outside of the home – and the NRA – Institute for Legislative Action has links to the laws in each state. 

It is exciting that so many women are exercising their right to keep and bear arms, and demonstrating their responsibility through education, practice and planning.  We also need to exercise our freedom of speech by speaking out on the importance of the 2d Amendment.  Typically, gun owners have an Achilles heel, ironically when non-gun owners voice their opinions, we remain respectfully quiet and realize they have a right to their opinion and to voice it.  The challenge is that we can no longer stay respectfully quiet, we must be what I call respectfully vocal role models.  Which means we talk about and demonstrate safe gun handling at all times.  During CNN’s “Guns in America,” a town hall with President Obama that I participated in, he loosely stated that guns used for self defense by women could be turned on the woman and could kill her children.  As responsible gun owners, we know we have safe guards against that happening.  Yet again, this is another scare tactic to make guns bad and women gun owners seem like idiots.  We must show them that this isn’t true – we must all be respectfully vocal role models and change the discussion in our country by educating ourselves and others, and demonstrating safe, responsible gun ownership.

Shoot Like a Girl Generates Revenue for Shooting Sports Industry

Results Show Over 13 Million Dollars to the Shooting Sports Industry

Athens, AL – January 14, 2016 – Shoot Like A Girl (SLG2), Inc., is an industry leader in growing the number of women in shooting sports and empowering them with confidence they can shoot. Survey results from their innovative Test Shots™ and Test Flights™ programs were announced today revealing an estimated $13.4 million was generated for the shooting sports industry in 2015. During the past year, Shoot Like A Girl traveled more than 14,000 miles with their 52’ mobile trailer range to 14 different venues, and provided nearly 2,700 women with an opportunity to shoot a pistol, rifle and bow in a safe, controlled women friendly environment. 

The data showed 69% of the women who shot in the trailer committed to buying firearms; 65% of those women were new or infrequent shooters. Their investment in the shooting sports resulted in a revenue increase of more than $4 million for the firearms industry. The archery industry impact was just under $3.7 million, with 42% of the archery enthusiasts committed to buying a bow, 85% were new or infrequent archery participants. There are opportunities for the industry to leverage the fact 31% of the ladies who experienced the Test Shots and Test Flight programs want to hunt, but don’t and 26% are current hunters; equating to nearly $5 million in potential revenue for the hunting industry. The revenue is multiplied by the influence women will have over generations of shooters.

Founder and President of SLG2 Karen Butler said, “The survey results from the Test Shots and Test Flights keep repeating themselves. Whether we’re on the east coast, mid-west or the south, once ladies experience that moment of shooting with us, women commit to participating in the shooting sports.” Butler added, “While the financial gains for the industry are overwhelmingly significant, the real treasure to all of us at Shoot Like A Girl is the reward to provide women with an activity they can enjoy with their families for a lifetime.” 

About Shoot Like A Girl:

Shoot Like A Girl (SLG2, Inc.) is a company dedicated to growing the number of women in shooting sports by empowering them to participate with confidence. Instructors introduce women to multi-disciplined shooting experiences in their revolutionary 52’ mobile trailer range, where women participate in a program called Test Shots and Test Flights. Ladies shoot a 9mm pistol, .223 rifle and/or compound bows in a safe, controlled environment in a short amount of time with qualified women instructors. Shoot Like A Girl’s Corporate Partners are: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, 3M Peltor, Hunter Safety System, Bear Archery, Beretta, BowTech, Cabela’s, Charter Arms, Colt, Danner, Federal Premium Ammunition, Game Plan Gear, GLOCK, Inc, Hogue, Hoyt, Leupold, Neet Archery Products, Mathews Inc, Mossy Oak, Nikon, Rock River Arms, Ruger, ScentBlocker, Smith and Wesson, S & S Outdoors, Taurus, ThermaCell, Trijicon, TRUGLO, PSE, Women’s Outdoor News, Upper Canyon Outfitters, and ASA. To learn more about SLG2, visit Shoot Like A Girl online, or visit at Facebook and Twitter.