My mom hunted too.
Posted on 03/28/2006 9:48:54 AM PST by kiriath_jearim
More Women Learn to Lock and Load
March 27, 2006, 06:44 AM MST By Elizabeth Ries
It's a sign times have changed as today's wives and mothers learn how to lock and load. The National Rifle Association says more women are buying and using guns than ever before -- and we're seeing evidence of that right here in Wisconsin.
"Back when I was growing up, my mother would never have thought of going hunting," Janice Keller said, "and now my husband's constantly telling me I should go hunting with him."
Both hunting and target practice are things Keller and Sherill Kleinhans say they wanted to do. So they, like an increasing number of women, took a civilian training firearms course at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay.
"I really enjoy shooting guns, like at target practice, and I'm glad that I learned the right way to do it rather than learn the wrong way by doing it myself," Kleinhans said.
In instructor Randy Revling's current class, half the students are female. And Revling says they get high marks. "The women usually shoot better."
Managers at Gander Mountain in Green Bay say they're seeing the same trend with their customers. "It's really been dramatic, especially over about the last ten years," store manager Don Kirby said. "The amount of women versus men coming into our Gander Mountain store has really equalized a lot."
Because of that, Kirby says equipment manufacturers are responding. "In firearms, almost all the major firearms manufacturers are building models specifically suited to women. They might have shorter stocks for the smaller body sizes and things like that to make those tools more applicable for ladies' bodies."
Kirby says the influx of women is making gun-related sports more of a family activity.
But for these women it's a hobby that's turned into a major confidence booster. "Just that feeling of having a gun in your hand, and you're not going to use it to hurt anybody, it's just, it has a feeling of empowerment," Keller said.
"I feel I would have the confidence to handle myself in any situation," Kleinhans said.
The NRA now devotes an entire section of its web site to women and says participation in its "Women on Target" program has increased more than 1,000% since the year 2000.
Keller and Kleinhans say their gun education isn't over. "I've actually gone out and purchased a gun, so I'm excited for the next class," Kleinhans said. "It's like an adrenaline rush. It's a good feeling!"
Wow, if these ladies ever get CCW permits, then we may have another definition of "Green Bay Packers".
My mom hunted too.
Of course not! Not when such a course of action would intersect with the goals of the thrice-damned NRA. Didn't you ever see Bowling for Columbine? Ideological purity is far more important than the NAGs' stated objectives.
Good. Now join the NRA so we can keep this right.
A hatred of Americans especially white folks....
La Raza (the race)
For La Raza todo. Fuera de La Raza nada." (For those of the race...everything...for those outside of the race...nothing)
Too bad WI doesn't allow her citizens the right to carry.
Why didn't you post this story?
bump
Because some days I have to actually earn a living, versus hanging out here all day? This great Economy hinges on my actions you know. I'm doing it for you, LOL! :)
Thanks for the ping. I'll alert the other Gun-Tottin' Mamas around here.
Ping-a-Ling! :)
Bump THAT! LOL!!!!!!
If they want a real rush, they want to take a self-defense class. Shooting around corners, from down on the ground, while being very distracted by trainers, and at targets rushing at you, are each a flat-out hoot!
BANG BANG!
BANG BANG!
BANG BANG!
Now THAT works!
"If they want a real rush, they want to take a self-defense class. Shooting around corners, from down on the ground, while being very distracted by trainers, and at targets rushing at you, are each a flat-out hoot!"
Can you see why I miss Army Life every d@mn day? LOL! I don't practice nearly enough. I could defend myself, and I can STILL hit the broad side of the barn, but Oh, how "Youth is Wasted on the Young!" ;)
I'm going on my first turkey hunt, in May!
LOL! Man, isn't that the truth!
You'll have a blast. They are plentiful as rabbits in this state. There are always a dozen or so hanging around on our back hill, and it's not unusual for them to come feed under the bird feeders when we're having a rough patch of winter weather.
DH is slightly disabled (his repaired neck discs can't take a shotgun/rifle recoil anymore), so he's got his crossbow permit and will be stalking them with crossbow this season. THAT should be interesting, LOL!
Good Luck! Have Fun! Be Safe! Report back to us with your successes and turkey recipes. :)
My wife and I now have CCWs. She's an avid shooter too.
I will let you know how it goes! Good luck and best wishes to DH in his recovery and the cross-bow.
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