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Women of Inspiration

Shoot Like A Girl is reinvigorating our “Women of Inspiration” Article Series.  As we continue to empower women to participate in shooting sports with confidence, we want to highlight ladies who have and continue to push through glass ceilings in the shooting sports industry so that others may follow!   We hope you are inspired!

Recently, at the National Rifle Associations’ Women’s Leadership Forum Luncheon, I ran into our friend Liz Sharp, Vice President of Investor Relations at Smith & Wesson.  I was very impressed when she introduced two other women who were also corporate executives from Smith & Wesson: Deana McPherson, Vice President and Corporate Controller; and Anne Bruce, Vice President of Human Relations.  It was an honor to meet these three accomplished women, and a privilege to introduce them to you through Shoot Like A Girl’s “Women of Inspiration” article series.  We hope you find inspiration in their words and accomplishments!

Women of Inspiration with Governor Bobby Jindal
From left: Deana McPherson, Liz Sharp, Gov. Jindal, Anne Bruce

Elizabeth Sharp, Vice President of Investor Relations, Smith & Wesson

SLG:  How long have you worked in the industry?

ES:  10 Years

SLG:  What made you decide to work in the gun industry?

ES:  I was unfamiliar with guns or the gun industry in general. But as I was doing some independent consulting in investor relations, a friend told me about a new public firearm company (Smith & Wesson) that had an opening.  I thought it was intriguing so I pursued.  Long story short, I signed up full time, and began to learn a lot of wonderful things about our industry and I’ve been hooked ever since. Now I shoot every chance I get and I love bringing other newcomers, particularly ladies, into the sport.

SLG:  Why do you think it is important to encourage women to participate in shooting sports? 

ES: I think the shooting sports are very well suited for women.  There is obviously a self-protection element that I think is important for every woman to master.  But beyond that, it’s a sport where women can rally explore a new skill set, excel, and develop wonderful comradery with other women shooters.

SLG:  If you could tell ladies one thing about the key to your success, what would it be? 

ES:  Remain open minded to new opportunities and never stop learning new things.

SLG:  Would you please make a comment about shooting safety? 

ES:  There is absolutely nothing more important in the world of sport shooting than the element of safety.  It must permeate every situation where a firearm is present. I strongly recommend availing oneself of every opportunity to take any and all classes available to help keep safety concepts fresh and  “front of mind” when shooting.

Deana L. McPherson, Vice President and Corporate Controller,  Smith & Wesson

SLG:  How long have you worked in the industry? 

DM:  8 years

SLG:  What made you decide to work in the gun industry?

DM:  For me, it wasn’t a decision to work in the gun industry. It was a decision to work in a dynamic, strong, fast-paced environment, in a publicly traded company with other hard working and fun people. I just took for granted that the company made a constitutionally protected product and didn’t think much more about it than that.

SLG:  Why do you think it is important to encourage women to participate in shooting sports?

DM:  The sporting aspect of our second amendment rights is a great way to enable women to become more comfortable with the operation and safety regarding their weapons.  We all want women to become more empowered to protect themselves and this goal is really furthered when they feel confident that they know how to handle their firearm of choice.  And, besides, once we get a handgun in their hands, they realize how fun it really is!

SLG:  How did you get introduced to shooting sports?

DM:  I was lucky enough to not only work for a firearm company, I also had a great co-worker who really wanted the other women in the company to participate in shooting.  She made it a priority to schedule range time with the other female executives and gave us an opportunity to learn in a low-key, safe, a non-judgmental environment.  We didn’t have to feel like “silly girls” in a man’s environment.  I will always credit her with taking the time to show me how fun shooting can be.

SLG:  If you could tell ladies one thing about the key to your success, what would it be?

DM:  I think, to be successful, you have to play on the same field as the men do. You can’t make excuses or expect to be given anything. You have to work just as hard (and sometimes twice as hard). There will always be something to prove and someone that doesn’t think that a woman can measure up. I have the confidence to believe that I more than measure up. 

SLG:  Would you please make a comment about shooting safety? 

DM:  Safety is so important.  To pull out my inner Star Wars geek, Yoda says, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”  You cannot try to be safe. You must be safe.

Anne Bruce, Vice President of Human Relations, Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

SLG:  How long have you worked in the industry: 

AB:  2.5 years

SLG:  What made you decide to work in the gun industry?

AB:  From a career perspective, I have always chosen to work for companies with strong, highly recognizable brands.  Additionally, when I met the leadership team here at Smith & Wesson and learned about the strategy and the business, and I was hooked.  To work for a company that has meaning and makes a difference is very important to me.  From a personal standpoint, I grew up on a ranch, and have been around firearms my whole life, whether it was hunting or other activities. Additionally, my family is heavily military – my grandfather was a Rear Admiral in the Pacific during World War II, my Uncle was a Captain in the Navy, and my father was a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy as well.  The importance of firearms was always stressed from a standpoint of maintaining individual liberties but also for shooting sports.  It was always communicated to me in the context of history, learn from past mistakes. 

SLG:  Why do you think it is important to encourage women to participate in shooting sports?

AB:  As the mother of two teenage daughters and as the daughter of parents who always encouraged me to break barriers – it is really important to me that women feel empowered to participate in activities that they choose to or pursue opportunities that are interesting and fulfilling.  Shooting sports is fun – it’s a lifestyle sport much like tennis or golf. It also takes skill and to master a skill is definitely empowering.  From a personal safety standpoint, knowing that you can take care of yourself and not have to rely on another person is a very empowering feeling.  Being able to be independent in today’s world is very important, knowing you can go places and do things because you CAN is a phenomenal feeling.

SLG:  How did you get introduced to shooting sports?

AB:  I was introduced as a child, I think I received my first gun – a pellet gun when I was about 5 or 6.  After several lessons and a stern talking to by both parents, we were allowed to target shoot and take guns out with limited supervision.  Target shooting was acceptable, but we were also told never kill anything unless you were going to eat it!  With several older siblings who liked to hunt as well as, parents firearms were fairly common in our household.  Safety was a priority.  While I don’t shoot enough – my husband still hunts often to this day and our girls shoot when they have time.  I am not interested at this point in formal competitions but it’s a great family activity and I really enjoy introducing people to the shooting sports.

SLG:  If you could tell ladies one thing about the key to your success, what would it be?

AB:  I don’t know that there is one thing that would make any one person successful.  I can tell you I have always given this advice to men and women alike:

·      There is no such thing as “normal” – do not subscribe to stereotypes, do not subject yourself to stereo types.

·      Life is a series of balancing acts – having it “all” is a myth, realize that sometimes you will short your family and sometimes it will be your career, but be aware of where you are at.

·      You will find opportunities and help where you least expect it – take the jobs others don’t want, ask for advice from the people who are hardest on you, opt them into your solutions.

·      The right thing to do is rarely the easy thing to do – learn how to and be comfortable making hard decisions, that in and of itself will distinguish you from others.

·      Keep a sense of humor and keep things in context.

SLG:  Would you please make a comment about shooting safety?

AB:  Can you ever say enough about safety!  There really is no in between.  You are or you are not, take it seriously and be comfortable ensuring others take it just as seriously.

Shoot Like A Girl will continue to highlight Women of Inspiration like Liz, Deana, and Anne!  I know I'm inspired, and I hope you are.  We are all capable of achieving any goal we set for ourselves! 

Young At Heart

by: Michelle Webb

I was so excited to receive a private message on my Facebook page from a gentleman that was in my husband’s bass club named Bill Cameron.  Bill is a 69-year-old gentleman retired from the U.S. Army and his wife, Elaine, is a 64-year-old retired Army Nurse.  Bill said he noticed on my Facebook that I loved archery with all the pictures I post of my family and I shooting, plus all of the 4-H kids that I instruct. I especially love sharing the 4-H kids accomplishments.

 He wrote me to ask if I would be willing to help he and his wife learn archery. He told me that he had shot before, but it had been so long ago that he wasn’t quite sure where to start.  He also told me that he had a bow, but he wasn’t quite sure if it was safe, as it was very old.  We talked a couple of times and I made arrangements to meet them at their house.  After packing up my truck with all the equipment I thought I might need to help them out, I got directions and was on my way.

Upon arrival I was greeted with great enthusiasm.  They were very excited. Bill brought his bow out to show me what he had. Honestly his bow was so old that I had never seen one like it. I was pretty sure with the string as old as it was, it was not safe to pull back. I retrieved the bows that I brought for them to try out.  It was a beautiful day and they had a beautiful backyard. It was the perfect setting. We sat down at their patio table under a huge oak tree. Per their request, I went over the equipment with them and explained what they would be doing. They were both very attentive and eager to learn. They were looking forward to shooting in their backyard and having another hobby to experience together.

After going over everything with them, Elaine said that she would like to go first.  After fitting her with the appropriate safety gear and showing her the proper stance, Elaine let her arrow fly. The smile she and Bill shared was completely worth the drive over there. After a few more shots, it was Bill’s turn. Bill shot several rounds of arrows. I spent a couple of hours visiting and letting them take turns shooting. They were both very eager to hear about the different bows on the market. After determining what exactly they would be using their bows for, we discussed several different brands and options for them.

About a week later I got a phone call and several pictures of their new bows and their target with arrows in it. They were completely hooked.  Since our visit they let me know that they have introduced another couple that they frequently hang around with to archery, both the husband and wife.  The last time I talked to Bill he had signed himself up for an archery course at the local college. He is thoroughly enjoying his new hobby.  I was so honored and privileged to have even crossed their mind when they decided to take on this new hobby and evidently new passion. 

Michelle Webb is a member of the Shoot Like A Girl Shooting Staff. To read more information on Michelle CLICK HERE. 

Ladies, Shoot with Shoot Like A Girl in Birmingham, AL July 17-19, 2015

Ladies, come shoot with us at the 32nd annual World Deer Expo in Birmingham, AL July 17th-19th, 2015

Go to www.WorldDeerExpo.com for more details

Women on the Rise in Shooting Sports: Bozeman News Wire

Women on the Rise in Shooting Sports

May 11, 2015 By Bozeman News Wire

Women on the Rise in Shooting Sports

by Craig Lamb

Why would anyone want to shoot like a girl? The answer might surprise both genders, as the face of America’s target shooters is evolving. New shooters are commonly younger females who live in big cities. Here’s the proof: 37 percent of new target shooters are female. This is in stark contrast to the 22 percent of established target shooters that are female, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

The gun industry is meeting the demand from this new market by downsizing popular models originally created for larger hands. Lighter weight, smaller profile handguns suited for the hands and concealment needs of women are top sellers. Because shooting and archery share the same marketing demographics, many shooting companies like TRUGLO are defining multiple female niches through archery, crossbow and shooting accessories.

While the industry ramps up, another need arises — creating educational outreach programs on the front lines that are customized for women. Shoot Like A Girl serves that purpose. The foundation seeks out women shooters at sports shows, clinics and hunting expos. Established female shooters, including a pro-staff, connect with newcomers to create a win-win for everyone.

What’s more, Shoot Like A Girl cleverly introduces women to a byproduct of gun ownership that resonates with many: the social aspect. Women like to bond with other women in the outdoors, and Shoot Like A Girl provides that opportunity.

Shoot Like A Girl follows up by presenting women the opportunity to learn about the natural progression from firearms to archery. The momentum from archery continues by creating excitement about whitetail deer hunting — a traditionally male-dominated sport. TRUGLO is on board to help foster this experience as a corporate partner with Shoot Like a Girl, along with other leading archery and gun manufacturers.

That’s good business — and smart for a sport that now appeals to women. Bows are easier to draw. Many features seemingly designed to make archery hunting more appealing and accessible for men are attracting women. Accessories like sights, stabilizers and releases are more technologically advanced. The technology improves the odds of success when shooting and that attracts more hunters — including women.

Search the aisles of sporting goods retailers and you’ll find apparel sections devoted to women. Pink is the new camo and you can find both in the same garment. If that’s not enough evidence that women are interested in hunting, here’s more. Of the participants in Shoot Like A Girl, 62percent plan to purchase a gun, falling in line with the rise in numbers reported by the NSSF. Growth numbers are similar in the exploding archery shooting and hunting segments. An impressive 51-percent of Shoot Like A Girl participants plan to purchase a bow.

Shoot Like A Girl is growing and so are the events on tap for sports shows and major retailers. Keep up with the latest schedule at shootlikeagirl.com. You’ll also find email addresses for the foundation’s staff and volunteers.

TRUGLO is the world’s leading company in fiber-optic technology for the shooting sports industry. Born from innovation, TRUGLO continues year after year to enhance the marketplace with technologically advanced and innovative ideas for the outdoor shooting enthusiast.  Based in Richardson, Texas, TRUGLO is a brand recognized worldwide, celebrating over 20 years of offering only the very best to shooters and hunters around the world. Giving back to an industry it loves, TRUGLO is involved in many conservation groups, youth programs and organizations that promote the values that it believes are necessary to guarantee the industry’s future. Visit www.truglo.com.  TRUGLO – When Brightness Counts!

Original Source: Truglo.com

2015 NRA Shoot Like a Girl Interview with Federal Premium

What's My Role? by: April Mack

What’s my role?

I recently had a conversation with my pastor (Sam) about my role in serving God... What is it? Where do I serve? Who can I help?
Now before I lose you completely, this conversation leads to one of my passions; teaching others to shoot and hunt.
But before I get into those details, let me continue with my conversation. The conversation went a bit along the lines of where I would fit into serving at the church, our church is young, so not a lot of existing programs for me to dive into. I do not feel confident enough with bible based knowledge to just create something on my own either. The few programs we do have in place are not where I feel I would be able to contribute effectively. Sam proceeded to tell me I am already serving in a sense.
You see, thanks to Face Book®, people get to see the example I set – unknowingly albeit. I am a Christian and I do not hide it. I love to hunt and I love to shoot, I am not shy about divulging that either.

I recently spent a weekend teaching others to shoot shot gun for the first time in preparation for a pheasant hunt that same afternoon. Teaching someone that is barely able to handle, load and shoot a gun with extreme confidence is an amazing feeling – add repeatedly hitting just about every clay pigeon they aim at into the mix and the feelings are indescribable. The excitement they display after being successful at hitting their targets is much like a proud parent moment.
Once practiced- we took those newly learned skills and put them to the test with the actual pheasant hunt. Some harvested birds, some did not. As sportsman men and women, spending time together in the field with a common bond and newly developed enthusiasm for shooting sports and hunting, despite the outcome, they all were very successful.
So, what IS my role? I believe it is just as I have been doing all along. Using my gifts and talents God has afforded me in leading others. Teaching those to shoot a bow safely, to handle a firearm confidently and having the tools to go out and pursue a newly found passion. I am serving God by serving others, teaching others to become part of such a unique and special community – sportsman and women, hunters alike.
What’s your role?

April Mack is a certified level II archery instructor; Hunter Ed instructor for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife; Pro Staff member for Shoot Like A Girl (www.shootlikeagirl.com), Hunt Staff Member for Prois Hunting and Field Apparel for Women (www.proishunting.com)and VP of Tournaments for Oregon Bow Hunters (OBH).