Meet: Liberte Austin

INSPIRED PROFESSION: BY: ENTREPRENEUR AMERICAN SOLDIERS

BACKGROUND: Legal

FAVORITE FIREARM: Benelli Super Black Age Eagle II Began 12 gauge Shooting: 12

may/june 2015 TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 1 and perspectives. We are excited focusing on woman’s best friend. to have Liberte Austin on our Without our four legged friends cover! Liberte is Texas born into a the hunting experience would be hunting family and began shoot- nearly impossible, or at least much ing at an early age, then rediscov- less fun. Meet rescue lab Birdie ered shooting as an adult. Learn Mae inside. more about her on page 3. Finally, thanks to all our our ad- Check out our profile of the War- vertisers, partners and readers for rior Pack’s Sassy Pack. This pack is your support and patience as we a different take on the wonderful continue to grow our publication. array of conceal/carry purses we We couldn’t do it without you! have seen. It sits on your hip like Dear Fellow Shooters, a fanny pack. You can wear it in Lucretia Free We roll forward into Spring for addition to your purse, or alone. Owner and Publisher 2015. It is a very exciting time of The American Woman Shooter year...spring cleaning, fresh starts We begin our new regular series [email protected]

The American Woman Shooter www.facebook.com/TheAmericanWomanShooter

Founder and Publisher: Lucretia Free Ad Sales: [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 520.398.7745 520.398.7745 Marketing Director: Briden Beal Gun Powder And Diva Power™ [email protected] Firearms Fashion Show Tour 520-260-0620 520.398.7745 Editor: Tarra Stoddard [email protected] Contributors (In article appearance order): Phone: 864.243.1430 Andy Morales Gloria Esguerra Courser Managing Editor: Julie Loeffler Monica Taliani Whitney Tawney [email protected] Patricia McLelland-Merydith 614-286-3431 Tarra Stoddard Candace Swanson Assistant Editor: Sheila Rockwell Sheila Rockwell [email protected] Marcus Kahn Julie Loeffler K.L. Jamison Art Director: Rhonda Hoffman Linda Gilbertson Andy Tolbert [email protected] Courtney Johnson Melody Lauer The content in The American Woman Shooter does not necessarily represent the opinions of the owner. No additional fact-finding was conducted to verify the information contained here-in. 2 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com 2 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com CATCHING UP WITH LIBERTE AUSTIN by Andy Morales

Liberte Austin grew up in the hunt- into something I could wear on ing culture and knew how to shoot hunts and, being from a fashion "I also want people to know that I am at a very young age, but life took her world myself, we created something very pro American and I support our down a different path until she was incredible." troops all the way. It's very import- able to rediscover something that ant to me and it's who I am. I'm also came very natural to her. A sometime model, Austin inherited a Christian and it defines me as a her fashion sense from her mother person." "I knew how to shoot and I knew and a bit of hunting and guns from about guns," Austin explained. "But her father. Of her many skills, Austin is also fluent the culture of my family was orient- in Spanish. Expect to see her a lot of ed towards the notion that only the "I know how to take apart a gun her over the next few years. She is a men hunted. I also had children and and put it back together. My father natural. a career to take care of before I was is very proud of me and he brags really able to do something for me. about me all the time. At first I just Something that I loved." went on hunts with no knowledge Andy Morales was recognized by the AIA of taking pictures or documenting as the top high school sports reporter in Born and raised in Texas, her family them in that way. One day I posted a 2014 and has been a youth, high school had the tradition of hunting on Christ- few shots and people started to take and college coach for over 30 years. His mas but it was always the men. At notice. So that's how people started unique perspective can be found at least that's how it was until the winter to become aware of who I was." AllSportsTucson.com and on the pages of 2007 when an uncle took her along of the Vail Voice and the Tanque Verde on a place next to the King Ranch in Austin is now part of the ProStaff of Voice. Texas and put her in a blind for her Lethal Products and she is a leader first real family hunt. in the change of the industry to in- clude hunting gear and clothing for "It was amazing. All the women gave women. She is booked on hunting me a hard time and didn't think I trips for pretty much the rest of the would do it but I went out and bought year and has had offers to host hunt- hunting gear, clothing and a . ing programs for several television When I came back with my whitetail companies but her "celebrity" status they all went crazy and that's all they seems to be an accidental outcome talked about." of doing something that she really loves and is very good at - hunting. In those early days, Austin found she couldn't just go out and buy hunting She exploded on clothes for women. As a testament to the social media her incredible abilities as an entrepre- scene so there is no neur, Austin bought medium men's turning back now hunting clothing and took them to Austin is the real her mother who is a master seam- deal. "The response stress and the two transformed the has been mostly material into something fit for a true positive because hunter. people know I'm not just a spokes "I could find clothes online back then model. They know I but I couldn't just go to a store and can shoot and they buy hunting clothes," said Austin. "My know I can hunt," mother helped me turn the clothing she added.

TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 3 THE COMPETITIVE EDGE by Monica Taliani

As I was navigating the aisles of the you a quick boost of energy and they the time to check their equipment, sit local grocery store this past weekend won’t melt. down for a bit, and grab a snack and a I had the job of restocking my “match drink. snacks” for the beginning of my · Freeze your drinks the night be- shooting season. While I piled protein fore the match so as the day heats up · It is important to wash your hands bars, beef jerky, cases of bottled water they begin to melt and not only does thoroughly before eating after shoot- and sports drinks into my shopping it mean you will have a cold drink all ing and keep drinks closed or covered cart I started thinking about match day it keeps other items in your cooler up to minimize lead exposure. day nutrition. I shoot a large variety cold. of competitions that vary from about Until next time, be safe and shoot 4 hours at local clubs to matches that · Jerky, beef sticks, and trail mix/ straight! require shooting over multiple days nuts are good sources of protein that that involve quite a bit of travel. Some won’t go bad being out in the heat. of the matches I have attended in the past have been physically challenging Monica Taliani has been a competitive even for the most seasoned athletes. · Bananas are the perfect amount shooter for about three years. In that time Being exposed to elements such as of sugar for quick energy without she has won several women’s awards. extremely high and low temperatures, overdoing it. You can also eat them Currently she is shooting on the Phoenix humidity, sleet, and long hours really without getting lead from your hands Trinity Firearms Team. Any time Monica can take its toll on the body. This can on them. is not on the range she can be found out- wreak havoc on a shooter’s perfor- side, usually biking or hiking, and loves mance especially when competing · Keep hydrated on the way to the spending time with her two boxers. requires you to be focused both men- match if you are traveling. You may tally and physically. Every shooters have to make a few extra stops along caloric and health needs are different the way but this way you aren’t start- so I asked shooters what their favorite ing the match dehydrated before you tips are for avoiding hunger at the even start shooting. range. Here are some of the respons- es. · Eat a little bit every hour to keep · Payday candy bars, non-choco- your energy up. Some shooters don’t late granola/power bars, fruit snacks, eat the lunch available at the range on and energy blocks are great to carry their lunch break to avoid the sudden in your range bag because they give urge to take a nap. Instead they use

Advertise With Us! CALL BRIDEN BEAL at 520-260-0620

4 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com CAN CAN CONCEALMENT CORSET by Tarra Stoddard

Can Can Concealment has released a brand new slimming corset made for concealing 2 large firearms and a mag- azine. The flexible design works for both right or left kidney carry. It also holds my smaller Sig P238 perfectly with a extra in the ribbon magazine pocket. The corset is quite pretty with red stitching and ribbon. The curves made with the stitching are flattering for all body types. The corset is made with tank top style shoulder straps for additional comfort. The black tank has a delicate flower pattern and is made of stretchy material, making it an ideal choice for everyday wear. The corset’s heavy duty zipper is located in the front, making it easy to take on and off. The base of the corset is standard 6" military grade elastic to securely hold your firearms in place. It is designed in a longer length to cover the top of your hips. Now you can carry your firearms securely with the Can Can Corset!

15 awesome industry leaders accepted 2015 CAN CAN CONCEALMENT, LLC.® LADIES CHOICE AWARDS for Guns and Gear for the Modern Woman in Las Vegas . . .

• Barnes Bullets TAC-XPD® Defensive Ammunition • Beretta’s NANO 9mm • Black Hills’ New Am- munition • Blackhawk’s SERPA® Holster • Breakthrough® Advanced Cleaning Fluid • Designer Concealed Carry’s Santa Fe • Looper Law Enforcement’s “We believe what’s most important in our holster... “The Flashbang” Holster is the Woman who’s wearing it.” • LaserMax Controlled Activation Lasers 4 Built-In Holsters & 3 Mag Pouches • North American Arms 22 Magnum Mini Revolver Hypo-Alergenic Non-Slip Tacti-Grip™ • Sig Sauer P238 Magnetic Weapon Retention • Springfield Armory EMP 9mm and the XD-S 9mm Military-Grade Elastic • Stealth Gear USA ONYX IWB Holster Re-Holstering Tabs • Taurus Holdings, Inc. The Judge and 738 TCP. • TKL Outdoors INNOVATIVE 24/7 PROTECTION® • Walther Arms P22. HIPHUGGERS~GARTERS~CORSETS www.gunsandgearforwomen.com 888· 753· 9298 WWW.CANCANCONCEALMENT.COM TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 5 TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 5 JUNIOR COMPETITIVE SHOOTER REANNA KADIC by Sheila Rockwell

TAWS got the chance to catch up with Junior Shooter Reanna Kadic, a rising star in the 3 gun competitive shooting circuit. At age 16, Reanna is a very busy young woman, currently a sophomore in high school and a Varsity Cheerleader, and for the 2015 season she is on the 3 Gun Nation Lady Pro Tour, but kindly took the time to talk to us!

TAWS: Reanna, tell us about your first and allow me to safely handle and TAWS: What are your goals in regards to experience with firearms? help clean his weapons. As I grew your shooting career? older, he would take me shooting and REANNA: “My father was in the hunting with him. I started shooting REANNA: “My immediate goals are military and is an avid hunter so I was when I was 7. When I was 9, I shot my to persevere, train, and improve my around guns all the time. When I was first deer. skills so I can remain a part of the 3 younger, he would satisfy my curiosity Gun Nation Lady Pro Tour. My long TAWS: How did you get started shooting term goal is to stay in the sport as competitively? a professional shooter and be an ambassador for the 4 gun sport.” REANNA: “I started in competition shooting through my father. My TAWS: Any advice for other young dad would compete in local 3-gun girls who may want to start shooting matches…I thought that it looked like competitively? fun and that it was something I might be good at—we started practicing REANNA: “My advice would be to not and my dad thought that I was a be afraid of a challenge. There are a lot decent shooter. He signed me up for a of great female shooters out there and few matches and I didn’t do half bad. they did not become accomplished by Eventually, I was shooting Regional being a prisoner to their fears! When I and National matches. I love it!” am on the range or in a competition, I have only received kudos and TAWS: Is there anyone else who has constructive criticism. No one has been influential or inspirational to you ever told me that I didn’t belong in as a competitive shooter? the shooting world. Shooting isn’t just a man’s sport; anyone that has an REANNA: “Janna Reeves is definitely interest in firearms and competitive the person I admire the most! She has shooting should give it a try.” taken me under her wing from day one, mentored me, and has shaped TAWS: Reanna is sponsored by Freedom me into the shooter I am today!” Munitions, La Rue Tactical, Benelli, Hayes Custom Guns, Invictus Practical, TAWS: Do you have any hobbies or XRail by RCI, and Copperhead Creek interests outside of shooting? Shooting Club. You can follow her career on her Facebok page, “Reanna Kadic”. Thank you for talking to us, Reanna! REANNA: “I love to go hunting and You are truly an inspiration. We here fishing with my family and friends in at TAWS wish you the best of luck this the Great Outdoors. I also like dancing season on the pro tour! and hanging out with my friends!”

6TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 6 MODERN SPARTAN SYSTEMS & YOUR Fast forward to now. I am partners in a and clean up better faster than ever SAFETY!!! chemical company that has revolution- before!” ary technologies. Our formulas are so I had put off growing up for as long powerful at optimizing the performance - Candace Swanson is the Florida state as I could. While friends were starting of firearms that they could, in the right leader for The Well-Armed Woman not- careers and families, I was having "fun". circumstances, save lives. In four words for-profit national shooting organization. I moved from my cake-eater Chicago this translates to “FIREARM RELIABILITY suburban homeland to live on the east = YOUR SAFETY.” coast, middle-south and even a Carib- bean island. I put off getting a real job, A huge reason women learn to shoot got into bodybuilding, power-lifting, is for protection. If at the crucial time professional wrestling and even got to when you need protection there is try out for the Olympic bobsled team. a malfunction, "you lose." Among all Mixed in there with everything else was the "real" benefits we provide (im- martial-arts. proved firearm accuracy, GREEN, safe, nose-friendly, fast/easy cleaning…), What does this all have to do with our products have shown to “VIRTUAL- cleaning firearms? Great question and I LY” ELIMINATE THOSE MALFUNCTIONS. am getting close to answering it. Many This means “YOU WIN!” This means I times while we would train, we would again get a chance to help women draw a crowd. Lots of women would not only feel safer, but stay safer. Same watch us (my ego loved that). One day need, different application - I love it! after training, a few college age girls, came up and asked if I could teach Feel free to call if you would like me to them self-defense. They said they felt a explain the products and benefits… little vulnerable and thought it would You can contact me at 847-669-1640 help. Being chivalrous and protective, or Marcus@ModernSpartanSystems. I accepted the challenge and set up a com. If you want to try the products small class. and get FREE SHIPPING, go to www. ModernSpartanSytems.com and After teaching a good handful of wom- use the code “AMERICANWOMAN- en over the next few years, I learned a SHOOTER”. Dealers wanting info can few things about female vulnerability mention the same code. and confidence. I learned that with the right training and some healthy encour- Customer Testimonial: agement, women not only started be- “I use Modern Spartan Accuracy Oil lieving they could protect themselves, because it does not leave a greasy but they could actually put bad guys on residue on my firearm or hands while their butts. I loved that fact that I got to using. Since using this product, both take part in the transformation. my handguns and run smoother

TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 7 WARRIOR CREEK PACK REVIEW BY TARRA STODDARD

The Warrior Pack is a new style of netized flap compartment. There are HIGHLY recommend this bag to ladies concealed-carry purse that features other rings throughout the pack to that like to carry in a purse. With the an adjustable strap system that allows clip any additional items. The Pack’s Warrior Pack your carry is securely you to change the way you carry to waist strap adjust from a size 0 up 58” attached to your body. Your carry is se- suit your outfit, occasion, or mood! circumference. cure in the bag. You can draw from the The Warrior Pack and Sassy Pack bag in one fluid motion, one handed! allow eight different ways to carry. The Warrior Pack has a large zippered It eliminates the issue of going to the Use the pack as a purse, thigh holster, compartment behind the foldover restroom and having to hold on to shoulder holster, protected purse, flap. Inside the heavy-duty magnet your firearm if it’s clipped IWB. You’ll handbag, backpack, fanny pack or flap are two compartments. The first never forget your carry. If you have messenger bag. The Warrior Creek compartment has a smaller double children, this bag is ideal in many Pack comes with its own dust cover, as elastic band for smaller firearms with ways. Most importantly that the child fine bags do. or without a holster. It easily holds my doesn’t have access to your purse--or Sig P238 securely inside it’s holster. your carry-- without your knowledge The Warrior Creek style for this review The second compartment also has a because it is ATTACHED TO YOU at has inside bands to secure your con- double elastic band for larger fire- all times! (Of course, as responsible cealed carry. It’s made of high quality arms. The two differently sized bands adults with children, we all know to leather and hardware. The Pack has a give you different concealed storage lock up our firearms when not in use.) wallet securely attached with a chain, options. So ladies, these are the most import- sized perfectly for your concealed ant issues that we women normally face with concealed carry, that are carry license and other cards. The The company will even customize NO longer issues when you use the wallet fits inside the fold-over mag- your Pack to your holster so that it is a Warrior Creek Pack. Enjoy! perfect fit. I have started wearing my Warrior Pack on a daily basis. Tarra is a native of Greenville, SC & Dear- It frees my hands ing GA. “I grew up on my grandparents and I only have hog farm. I was plowing fields on the to adjust it onto tractor at eight, and learning shotgun my leg once. This safety/skills. To date I'm a avid hunter of is so much more what, wild boar, along with ducks and convenient than deer. I urge all women to educate them- carrying a purse selves in multiple facets of self-defense. all day! What start- ed out as review has turned into a regular, everyday carry for me. I have not found any drawbacks with this new style of concealed carry.

Love it--Let me count the ways! I

8 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 8 FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTER PART 1 HOW TO SELL A HANDGUN TO A WOMAN by Linda Gilbertson

Ladies, if you happen to be in the student heads for the 9mm, .40, or even and a few offset (or “ladies“) holsters. neighborhood of your local gun store, .45 caliber XD’s and 1911’s. Guys, get These are the holsters where there is a drop off a few copies of this magazine, over it. My students and many other spacer between the paddle/belt loops or give them the website to subscribe. ladies have well-formed ideas of what and the holster body - as you men have This issue has information that will they want! noticed, women are built differently benefit them and all women visiting than men, and need this feature. Also their store. The best shops are those who, after in this area are some aftermarket grips seeing several of my students buying - not all of us women have tiny, little The shooting industry has been full of guns with me, have asked for, and hands. As you already know, a larger advice on how to sell guns, from the listened to, the view from my side of grip completely changes the feel of a point of view of the folks behind the the sales counter. First, they diligently small frame revolver, and can make the counter. Now, here is how to do it, as train their staff to accept the ladies as sale for you. seen from the other side of the counter! customers, of equal merit with the men. Over the last 5 years I have trained over The younger salesmen seem to accept Treat the ladies right, and not only will 500 women how to shoot handguns, my ladies better than some of the older they come back, they will start bringing at my Ladies’ Day Firearms Training. As gents. They don’t talk down to them, their friends. The new trend among my part of the course, I offer to accompany but ask the right questions -as they students is the shopping trip - for gun them when they go to buy their first would of a man. gear. You can build a customer base firearm. for life with this fast growing segment Of course among the first questions of society. And you will find that when As a result, I have seen the good, the is “What are you going to use it for?’ the men have a shooting partner under bad, and the ugly of how men try to Obviously, a ‘house gun/training gun’ the same roof, they start shooting (and sell handguns to women. The truly can be larger than a carry gun. Some of buying) more too. ugly are the “tacticool” shops - where my students, having tried a lightweight all the salesmen act as if the customer 2” .38, gravitate towards them, while In Part II, we’ll discuss who to avoid is a threat, and they must be ready to others say “no way!” A surprisingly large when buying a pistol and also the value draw on them at any second. As soon number like the striker fired polymer of add-ons to make your shopping as we enter, we are observed - and guns (XD, Glock, S&W M&P), even as experience more complete and your ignored! Occasionally, a salesman will a carry gun. And smaller percentages subsequent shooting experience more come over and ask, in his most conde- want a 1911 style, perhaps in 9mm comfortable. rather than .45. scending tone, if he can help us “little Linda is a former law enforcement ladies”? Generally, they remain aloof, officer with several agencies. She can as if somehow our money is not as Your sales staff also needs to listen to be heard weekly with her husband Seth good as a MAN’s. Of course, they never the language the ladies use. If they Nadel on " The Gun Locker with Seth get to find out, as we do a quick about know the difference between a bullet and Linda", on kvslradio.com. Also check face and head for the door, and a more and a , and between the ‘han- out ladiesdayllc.com or information on welcoming shop. dle’ and the grip, your female customer Linda and her women only pistol and has had some training. They may not rifle classes. Linda M. Gilbertson Next up are the shops that are, shall know every bit of jargon about guns we say, stuck in the ‘50s. The salesmen (you men have grown up with it), but Ladies Day LLC direct the ladies over to the far counter, please, respond in kind. Be ready to www.ladiesdayllc.com where the “cute little” .25’s and super explain if your comment gets a quiz- 928-521-4821 light 2” .38’s with pink grips are stored. zical look, or to move on if she nods Some even offer .32 revolvers, to save knowingly. the ladies from the “bone crushing recoil of a .38 Special”. My students have The more ‘female friendly’ shops have already fired a .22, a lightweight 2” .38, a counter with a few of the “cute” guns steel framed 4“.38, 9mm Springfield and pink guns. They also have some XD, and .45 ACP 1911. They know they light weight 2”.38s, and the 9mm poly- can handle the recoil of all these guns, mer guns in the medium barrel lengths. some better than others. Some of the Also in this counter are a selection of salesmen appear shocked when my gun purses (Gun Toten Mama’s, Galco), TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 9 MOUNTED SHOOTING by Courtney Johnson

My love affair with horses began at and tears. It’s been five years and the the age of 5 with a few horseback connection Copper and I now have is riding lessons and turned into a amazing. She has carried me to State full-fledged addiction. When I got and Regional wins. She trusts me married I didn’t own a horse, so my enough to shoot guns off her back. husband had no idea about the She trusts me to guide her through depth of the addiction, but he found each course with precision. She trusts out fast. He loves me, so within a year me to have patience with her when of our nuptials I had a horse, a trailer, she is learning something new. and a pair of six shooters. With and a pair of six shooters. We com- mounted shooting as the goal, off I The relationship is almost like a municate without words and soar went as a wild woman of the west! dance. Have you every danced with without wings. a guy who was a great leader? Even The acquisition of my current shoot- if you’re not that confident on the Courtney Johnson is a schoolteacher ing horse seemed easy. The first time dance floor, he can make it easy and and lives in Eastern Washington. She I saw a picture of her I fell in love! I fun to follow his lead. The same is a Mounted Shooter and offers clinics brought her home over Thanksgiving goes for Copper and me. My job is to and private mounted shooting lessons. to “try her out”. My heart was gone lead, to make the course of fire easy In addition, she is a SASS shooter and from that first ride! We just clicked. and fun. Copper’s job is to trust me, a bow hunter. If you would like to So the check was written and the to feel the slightest change in my contact Courtney she can be reached transfer papers were mailed. Copper body position, and to follow and not at [email protected] became mine on December 25th. anticipate.

Even though Copper and I had an Our partnership has an intangible instant connection, she was young, quality. When everything falls into so I knew our partnership would place it’s just magic. It’s like a movie, take time. Copper and I trained and where everything goes into slow practiced. There was blood sweat motion and all you can hear is the breathing of the hero as they strive for greatness. When this happens, I never hear the gunfire, I never hear the blaring music, or the voice of the announcer. It’s just Copper and me

SHE IS CLOTHED IN STRENGTH AND DIGNITY AND SHE LAUGHS WITHOUT FEAR OF THE FUTURE

10 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com TAWS PARTNERSHIPS DISCOUNTS We support and thank our fabulous partners! Our readers receive discounts below www.littleviper.com www.bulletsnbling.com TAWS15 for 15% o TAWS20 for 20% o www.prettydangerousaccessories.com www.deneadams.com Code will be GUN, 10% o & free shipping TAWS10 for 10% o www.tu products.com www.etsy.com/shop/doodledoocreations http://www.facebook.com/Tu Products TAWS20 for 20% o 1# is TAWS10 receive 10% o & free shipping #2 is the TAWS20 receive 20% o an order over $75. www.westerngunpurse.com TAWS15 for 15% o www.urbanmoxy.com AWS15 for 15% o www.ashbangholsters.publishpath.com/ TAWS15 for 15% o www.facebook.com/HandbagHeroine WAW10 for 10% o www.paracordstu andmore.com TAWS15 for 15% o www.sites.google.com/site/ladieswithlead/ AWS15 for 15% o www.stealthgearusa.com TAWS10 for 10% o www.pistolpackinpretties.com/ TAWS25 for 25% o www.proishunting.com TWAW20 for 20% o -Minus sale, boots, & gear www.pistolsandpumps.com TAWS15 for 15% o discount www.thewellarmedwoman.com TAWS10 for 10% o www.tacticalbabygear.com TAWS10 for 10% o www.cancanconcealment.com TAWS15 for 15% o www.ballisticcreations.net TAWS20 for 20% o www.shootingtulips.com TAWS15 for 15% o www.etsy.com/shop/tacticalbarbedesigns TAWS15 for 15% o www.thesheepdogsparacordplace.com TAWS10 for 10% o www.alittlesoutherncharm2014.com TAWS15 for 15% o www.mccrearms.com MCCAR15 for 15% www.etsy.com/listing/186990216/true- timber-pink-conceal-and-carrypadded?totes www.vltor.com TAWS15 for 15% o TAWS10 for 10% o www.o handgear.com www.cherrybalmz.com TAWS15 for 15% o AWS for 15% o www.bulletsintojewelry.com www.gunpowderandlace.com TAWS15 for 15% o TAWS20 for 20% o www.bamholsters.storenvy.com www.rinehartleather.com/pinkpistol.html TAWS20 for 20% o TAWS10 for 10% o www.skeletonoptics.com/ www.gwgclothing.com TAWS50 for 50% o TAWS15 for 15% o www.soterialeather.com/ www.45tacticaldesigns.com AWS15 for 15% o TAWS10 for 10% o www.warrior-creek.com www.FFhandbags.com TAWS15 for 15% o TAWS15 for 15% o & free shipping www.sassybrassbykell.etsy.com www.ashbangstore.com TAWS20 for 20% o TAWS15 for 15% o

Want to be a partner? Contact Tarra We’d love to hear from you. [email protected] TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 11 THE 50-50 BIRD DOG by Gloria Esguerra Courser

This is the story of a tail, a wagging don’t own one and second, because tail, and the dog that came attached I’m not great at shooting one. I also to it. Birdie Mae is a rescued Labra- thought it would be a great chance dor who joined our family almost to practice my handgun skills. After three years ago. Meeting Birdie for all, a grouse’s head is a pretty small the first time I thought she looked target. just like all of the old Remington advertisements I had seen. So, Birdie Birdie proved to be very good at the bird dog she was christened. The flushing birds; over and over again. only problem is that I was not a bird She just didn’t prove very good at hunter….yet. finding them. They would explode into the air and I would look at her Historically, I am a big game hunter; and say, “Find it! Where’s the grouse?” but after seven years of hunting I re- and she would look at me as if to alized that I might only see big game say, “You find it.” We would wander on the rare occasion but I would see around the timber with necks crook- a hunting dog is only as good as her grouse almost every time I was out in ed back and eyes scanning trees until human and that mixing dogs with the woods. They would flush up so either me or my hunting partner, my guns requires A LOT of training. What quickly and loudly that I nearly had a mom, found the bird. Birdie became else would you do during off season heart attack every time. After each of newly christened as “The 50/50 Bird besides dream about hunting again? these heart attack moments, I knew D o g ”. I would get my grouse one day. This It’s all worth it, though, because the past fall, a bird hunter I did become. My first grouse season, I finished sight of her eager brown eyes and with eleven birds. Half of those I seductively wagging tail tell a story. I headed out with the bird dog and give credit to Birdie. I learned many They tell a story every time I put my a .22 caliber pistol. A shotgun never important lessons while hunting hunting boots on now. They tell a crossed my mind; first, because I with my dog, though. I learned that story as she stands beside me at the front door as if to say, “Oh no, you aren’t leaving me behind this time.”

Gloria Esguerra Courser is a huntress and a poet. She shares her love of the outdoors through the crafting of words; leaving a legacy of this love and inspir- ing others to get outside too!

12 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com 12 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com SNOW GEESE by Whitney Tawney

kissed my and my ears perked for the faint fowl husband and calls. No sirens, no city sounds – I was lab, pulled on at peace. my warmest layers, triple As the light slowly began to fill the checked I had sky and I heard the feathered beat a ten pack of of wings begin to circle overhead – I hand warmers was in awe. The geese patterned and jumped across the sky in thousands like into my Mini. strings of pearls slowly becoming un- Leaving my strung. Twenty landed in our decoys rowhouse and and we waited. I made eye contact the city behind, with one bird as she strutted past me. all I could think 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10… we sat up about was last and took our first toll. Thirty-three year’s snow birds were taken. We cheered and fist goose hunt. pumped! We had gotten skunked after I drove back to the city, breasted out being in the the geese and as a neighbor asked field over six what we were having for dinner, my hours on a rare eyes gleamed with pride as I said below zero snow goose and watched their con- day. Sure, it fused reaction. Although I may be in was frustrating the city, my Montana roots are alive Moving to D.C. from Montana was a but the ten and well. tough adjustment. Not only are there other guys in the blind and I enjoyed more people in the metro area than every minute – swapping stories of Whitney Tawney is the Co-Founder my entire state but our yard is the other hunts over goose jerky from of Camo is the New Black, an online size of a postage stamp and we’re the previous season. And me educat- community of sportswomen chronicling lucky because we havegreen space! ing them about the merits of hand stories of hunting and fishing. How was I supposed to survive with- warmers. out the outdoors? Could this place of concrete and marble really become But this day was even colder. I met home? my best friend at the local sporting goods store a little past 5:00 AM, After learning some of the best wa- ditched the Mini to carpool in his terfowling in the country takes place truck and we drove another 40 min- on the Chesapeake Bay, I was more utes to our rendezvous point with than willing to make the hour drive the other hunters. to get in the duck blind. Since my inaugural east coast hunt, I have had In total, we were only 10 but the many days in the blind but nothing field was covered in decoys. Donning compares to my snow goose hunt white painter suits, we laid down on this year. the ground in a line. The quiet in the dark heightened every sense, the My alarm went off at 4:30 AM. I cold air sharply pierced my lungs TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 13 THE ROAD TO COMPETITIVE SHOOTING, WITH JANNA REEVES part 2 by Sheila Rockwell

TAWS: Who helped you navigate the say proximity, cost, and timing are terrain of choosing/obtaining your first often deciding factors. There's a pretty sponsorships? What about choosing comprehensive list of each year's which matches/events to attend? How match schedule on the multi gun would you advise newcomers to the forum on brianenos.com. competitive circuit to proceed in these areas? Now, there are SO many 3 gun related up to me at a match and says I am the groups, pages, etc. on Facebook and reason she started shooting. Or when JANNA: “I consider myself incredibly social media, it's fairly easy to research a dad comes up to my booth at the fortunate to have been taken under matches and get people's opinions on NRA show and tells me I'm his daugh- the Noveske Shooting Team's wing what you like. After you start shoot- ter’s role model. Or when a lady tells right away. My first match ever is ing more matches you will see that me she shot her first 3 gun match af- where I met and attended a class by there are certain "styles" to the events ter watching my videos. Those things them and from there forward, I had and you can get a feel for what you make me feel like I've accomplished their knowledge and experience as a like. I love natural terrain with lots of something much greater than just resource. My first sponsorship was a running, long range shooting, and doing well in a match! handshake thing with a rifle company that are very physical so I gravitate that never really got off the ground, towards those now. If you're trying to My blunders are too numerous to which I actually obtained before I get sponsored or be a top competitor, name! Fortunately none have been shot a single match! This was due the more matches you can attend, non-recoverable and are mostly silly (to) prior work I had done within the the better! You want to meet as many things like falling on my face. Mistakes industry and a working relationship potential sponsors as you can and get are part of the game and when you with the company. Jansen Jones of as much experience as possible. Social make them, you're in good compa- the Noveske Shooting Team contacted media has been a great help to me ny because everyone does at some me shortly after my first match and in working out sponsorship deals for point!” told me they wanted to put me on the 2015, as it's clearly a great method of team in 2014. marketing and increasing visibility for my sponsors.” TAWS: Regarding your shooting career, is there anything that you would go I was very blessed to just be able to back and do differently if you could? take on the sponsors that the team TAWS: To date, what would you say had already been working with. With you are most proud of or has been your 4 months remaining in 2013 before I greatest accomplishment in your shoot- JANNA: “Absolutely! I would have was on the team, I basically followed ing career? Conversely, what has been started when I was much younger! the guys around to matches and shot your biggest “blunder”? Other than that, I wouldn't change a with them. Leeching their knowl- thing. Even though it's been only a year and a half since I started com- edge was invaluable and I'll always JANNA: It's hard to put a finger on peting, it's been one amazing journey be indebted to them for giving me a any single greatest accomplishment. so far and everything has taught me chance! For new competitors choos- Honestly the moments when I feel the something.” ing which competitions to attend, I'd most pride is when a little girl comes

14 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com TAWS: Being a woman in the tradition- JANNA: “I want to continue to ally male-dominated shooting sports, improve in my skills and abilities, have you been met with negativity or as I still feel like the rookie a lot of criticism from male competitors? If so, the time! I want to be regarded how did you handle it? with absolute certainty as a force to be reckoned with on the range. JANNA: “Yes I have. Generally, every- I'd love to be selected to repre- one is very supportive but there are sent the US in Italy at the World the holdouts who see women com- Shotgun Championships in 2015 peting alongside them in a negative so that's a short term goal for am considerably new to guns and way. I've heard some pretty rotten the new year. I am always preparing the reason this is important to me to things said about females as compet- by practicing and shooting as many reiterate, is because I want people to itive shooters. All it is to me is motiva- matches as I can because in this sport, understand that it's never too late! tion to work harder. It does often feel you really can never "arrive"! There's Just because you haven't been shoot- like we have something to prove, but always places to improve your skill set. ing your whole life doesn't mean you all I'm out to prove is that I genuinely In 2014, everything was so new and can't become a competitive shooter love this sport and that I work hard at shiny and when I went to matches, I and be good at it. being a better shooter and a better had no idea what to expect. In 2015, athlete. It's important to learn how I'll have a little bit more experience to Also, I speak to a lot of ladies who are to tune out the negativity and always rely on so I can hopefully step up to just very hesitant to take that first remember why you love doing what the next level.” step into competition, and I want to you do and not to let anyone mess encourage anyone reading this who with that.” TAWS: What else would you like our feels that way to go ahead and give it readers to know about you? Any addi- a shot! Don't build it up in your mind TAWS: Where do you see the road to tional advice to offer to new or upcom- to be an intimidating monster, and competitive shooting taking you in the ing competitors? go ahead and tackle that first match. next few years? Immediate goals/aspi- After that, you'll wish you had done it rations? How are you preparing/training JANNA: “I want people to know that sooner! And above all, remember why to continue on your own journey? I'm not some super shooter who was you do what you do and continue to born with a gun in her hands! I really have fun doing it!”

Sheila Rockwell Sheila grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, the youngest of 7 children. As a child, her older brother used to let her tag along with him on many fishing trips and skeet shoots and she would watch with great interest as he would reload shot- gun shells for shooting clays. Eventually he taught her how to shoot a rifle and a shotgun, and she still loves to fish and hunt with him to this day. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed their home in Slidell, Louisiana, Sheila moved to Knoxville, TN with her husband, Rusty, and daughters. She actively participates in an all-women’s gun club, Aphrodite Shooters, and intends to soon pursue her RSO and NRA instructor certifications. She is a member of the NRA and of the NSSF. Sheila is thrilled to finally be putting her degree in Communications/Journalism to use writing for TAWS after a long hiatus. She is also a stay-at-home mom to her four daughters, Competitive Junior Shooter Sydney, aspiring actress Sadie, and twins Jordan and Riley. Sheila can be reached at [email protected]. TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 15 TRAPSHOOTING by Patricia McLelland-Merydith

Trapshooting: is it on your bucket list, or included in your new year’s resolution? If so here are some tips to remember. Make sure you buy the right shotgun shells and take along ear and eye protection, wear a hat and buy a lesson with a coach. You might be able to try out different shotguns provided by the coach; you will learn the correct way to shoot, and avoid developing bad habits.

• Check in with the manager of the Don’t place the box on the ground and your friends are not speaking gun club when you arrive. This may and bend down every time to retrieve when not shooting or the speakers seem unnecessary if you have to buy a shell. You run the risk of hitting your that pick up your voice will be trig- tokens before you shoot, but there barrel on the ground, or swinging your gering the machine to throw targets. are clubs that operate on the honor barrel away from the trap house and You will be very disappointed when system and will let you shoot and pay breaking the routine of those with you see your targets randomly leave later. Either way, it is courteous to let whom you are shooting. the trap house, because your token is the manager know you are there. only good for 25 targets. • Be aware of and courteous to other • Keep your gun unloaded and your shooters; for example, turn off your cell • Clean up any coffee cups, soda open so others can see your phone. cans and water bottles found at your gun is unloaded. shooting site. Pick up your empty • Be prepared to shoot. Don’t show shot shell hulls when you are done • Only load one shell at a time unless up with game loads. Use 2 ¾ dram shooting; some clubs require this, but you are shooting doubles. Nothing is powder base loads, with 1-ounce of it is also a nice gesture to do at clubs more distracting or dangerous than number 8 shot. You may choose to use where this is not required. watching a new shooter load more a little heavier load once you’ve been than one shell, shoot at a target then shooting for a while, but low powder Here’s hoping you make good mem- stand with a loaded shotgun waiting base 1-ounce number 8 shot loads are ories with your family and friends, again for his/her turn. a good place to start, as they are effec- just like the family in this photograph tive and produce the least recoil. The who bought a group lesson with me • Wear a shell bag or at least a vest or largest size shot shell allowed when recently. Happy shooting! some means to hold a box of shells. trapshooting is a 3-dram load, with 1 1/8-ounce of number 7 ½ shot size.

• Wear ear and eye protection, and a hat. The hat will keep the sun out of your eyes and rain off your glasses.

• Keep the barrel of your shotgun pointed in the direction of the trap house, and unloaded until it is your turn to shoot.

• If you are relying on voice calls rather than manual pulling, make sure you 16 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 16 I grew up in Newark, California, where Instructor of McLelland-Merydith Shot- my Dad Bud McLelland taught me gun Instruction how to hunt and shoot, and my Aunt National Rifle Association (NRA) Women Patricia Lester Moomjian taught me to On Target Instructional Shooting Clinics be the best at whatever I do. I am proud NRA Life Member to have raised and passed along my NRA Certified Shotgun Instructor love for shooting to my children Jason, Amateur Trapshooting Association Elizabeth and Ben. Certified Shotgun Instructor Member Coon Creek Trap & Skeet Club, Today I give shotgun lessons, and my Lincoln, CA husband Rod and I shoot trap competi- tively and hunt when we can. If you have questions for Patricia, you may email her at wot.patricia@yahoo. Patricia McLelland-Merydith is Owner/ com

WHAT'S IN YOUR RANGE BAG? by Candace Swanson

you’ll need for the day. outing. Stay safe and please share your • Snap Caps – I like to add these new found knowledge with others! with my live rounds at times for Candace was born and raised outside training to ensure I am not antici- of Pittsburgh, PA where she learned to pating recoil. shoot at an early age by her father. She • Bore Light and Bore Snake – is employed as a Construction Project These are always good to have Manager having worked on various high on hand in case you need to pay profile projects from Pennsylvania to A woman wouldn’t leave the house attention to any fouling that may build Florida. She also volunteers her time as without everything she needs in her up at the range. Just be certain your an instructor and leader of the NE Florida handbag, so why would she go to firearm is unloaded before using either Chapter, as well as State Leader, for The the range without a fully stocked and of these items. Well Armed Woman. She is a certified organized range bag? Let’s have a look • Gerber Multi-Tool – This is great to DuraCoat finisher and helps her husband at what I keep in my bag before I head have especially if you are training for run Swanson Armory, LLC. She currently off to the range. the AR platform. Multi-tool blades are lives in Jacksonville, FL with her husband • Eye Protection or “eyes” – I keep two great for scraping carbon and they can and their 11 month old daughter. pairs of eye protection in my bag. One be used for prying up take down pins. clear pair for indoor shooting and one • Safety Kit – I keep a small safety kit color pair for outdoor shooting. with gauze and bandages handy for • Ear Protection or “ears” – I like to keep those nicks and scrapes that might one pair of electronic muffs and one occur. pair of rubber plugs. This allows me • Hand Sanitizer – to clean up quickly to transition between and rifles before I can get to a sink to wash my comfortably as I find muffs tend to get hands properly. in the way when shooting rifles. Now that you have the basics, you’re • Ammo – bring enough that you think set to look like a pro at your next range TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 17 PERSONAL DEFENSE WITH A FIREARM: HOW DO YOU TRAIN? by Julie Loeffler

Let me ask you a question about the ranges have ‘date night’ or ‘dinner last time you picked up your firearm and targets’ to encourage and grow and took it to the range: What were the social aspect of shooting. I’ve your intentions? Were you preparing been to some of these events, and I for a competition, having fun with a think they’re great. And quite a few Do you have a group of friends, flying solo for a little of the attendees have little or no ex- concealed carry practice time, or were you enrolled perience with a firearm. Is this a form license? If so, do you in a personal defense class getting of training? Maybe. I think it would practice deployment from instruction on how to best protect depend on your skill level. For new your holster in your shooting yourself with a firearm in the event shooters I would absolutely consider drills? What plan do you have in you ever needed to? this training, maybe even the begin- place if you have to defend someone ning of personal defense training. else who is with you (child, family There’s no right or wrong answer. member, etc.) while also defending The mere fact that you were at For a competition shooter, their skill yourself? the range and shooting is a GOOD set will be much higher in the han- THING. But knowing how to shoot dling and shooting elements of fire- 3. What type of mental preparation and knowing how to defend yourself arms personal defense. The amount do you need to use a firearm for per- with a firearm may not always be the of time they practice, their accuracy sonal defense? same. and speed are more than likely better than the average social shooter. Their This article isn’t meant to be a train- reloading times might be faster. But 4. What are the legal aspects of ing exercise. The intent is to make it’s possible that they have never using a firearm for personal defense? you think. If you are proficient in considered what they would do in hunting or competition shooting, an attack situation where they would 5. What is your physical fitness lev- it doesn’t always mean that you are have to defend themselves with el? Have you thought about having adequately prepared for a personal their firearm. There is a mental and to be in a physical altercation with the defense situation where a firearm is physical aspect to firearms personal attacker before being able to reach involved. On the other hand, I don’t defense that takes skill development and deploy your firearm? think I could go out and shoot a com- as well. Overlap? Sure. But consider petition successfully tomorrow either these points: And the list goes on. Not to men- with my personal defense skills. But tion that shooting is a perishable I certainly believe a small set of basic 1. How would you defend yourself skill. How much do you practice? If skills are overlapping in either area of with a firearm in your home? Where you’re planning on using a firearm for shooting, and compliment one other do you keep your firearms in your personal defense, you will need to set if you decide to cross-train. home, where is the ammunition, are a consistent training schedule as you they on every level of your home or do for anything else in your life where Just to be clear, there’s absolutely would you have to retreat to a certain you’re looking to either maintain or nothing wrong with just having fun area to retrieve the firearm? increase that skill. and considering your most recent If you had never given any thought outing to the shooting range a social 2. How would you defend yourself to this topic before, maybe now you event. As a matter of fact, some with a firearm outside of your home? have a better understanding that 18 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com 18 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com simply owning and knowing how to Associate Instructor in the IMB Acade- information: [email protected] / shoot a firearm doesn’t mean you my, the school founded by Richard “The www.midohioimb.com are prepared to defend yourself with Iron Dragon” Bustillo, which continues it. Make sure to be one of the good to teach the concepts of Bruce Lee’s Jeet stewards in the firearms community: Kune Do, and also a brown belt Under Be responsible, get good solid training, Supreme Grand Master Cacoy Canete and practice! A firearm may not be the in Filipino Eskrima. She also teaches only manner of personal defense, but handgun basics to women and is a pub- it could be one of the most efficient lished author for The Personal Defense choices. Network. Julie believes that empow- ering individuals to identify and adopt what works best for them in armed and Julie Loeffler, owner and operator of unarmed defense is the most practical Mid-Ohio IMB (Delaware, OH), is an approach to personal safety. Contact THE GUNSHOW LAWYER (QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK ME AT GUNSHOWS) by K.L. Jamison AFRAID - It is a wonderful word, “afraid.” by a 911 recording from the defendant Say it proud. It is the basis of Self-De- People fear many different things, stating, “I was never so afraid in my fense. clowns, death, public speaking; there life.”1 was a girl who was afraid of butterflies. Kevin L. Jamison is an attorney in the Otherwise inexplicable behavior can Macho is the enemy of self-defense. Kansas City Missouri area concentrating be explained as a result of fear. One The aftermath of a self-defense shoot- in the area of weapons and self-defense. cannot act in self-defense unless afraid. ing is no time for ego or the posturing When authorities ask a self-defense of TV heroes. A YouTube video has Please send questions to Kevin L. Jamison shooter if she was afraid, the answer made the rounds showing a police 2614 NE 56th Ter Gladstone Missouri must be a resounding “YES! I was weak- officer in the aftermath of a shooting. 64119-2311 KLJamisonLaw@earthlink. kneed, pants pissing afraid!” Involun- He breaks down sobbing in front of net. Individual answers are not usually tary urination, defecation and vomiting his peers and the camera. This is a very possible but may be addressed in future are common in self-defense cases human reaction. A macho reaction, columns. because the body is dumping excess seen in nearly every one of Arnold baggage. This is not time for embar- This information is for legal information Schwarzenegger’s movie roles, is not purposes and does not constitute legal rassment, insist that the evidence be human and plays badly to the persons noted in the police report; the jury will advice. For specific questions you should who decide if charges are to be filed. A consult a qualified attorney. believe it. Detectives keep notes of macho reaction is a double defect for The Western Missouri Shooters Alliance how often subjects go to the bathroom women. Society is not accustomed to has a “Stay Out of Jail” card with a during interrogation. This is to prove women defending themselves. Society suggested outline for that critical first that the person was not coerced into is horrified when women act macho. conversation. See www.WMSA.net talking but also is an indicator of stress. Doing either is considered abnormal The notes can be evidence. and the last image that a shooting victor wants to project is that she is This wonderful word must be inserted abnormal. Society expects to see the into the first call to 911, and every con- Scarlet O’Hara reaction from Gone With versation thereafter. A prosecutor once the Wind. Scarlet killed a Yankee looter told a jury that the defendant “Never and was distraught; she was afraid. This said he was afraid, until he talked to a is what people expect and they react lawyer.” This was not entirely true, the badly when they do not see what they prosecutor was lying to the jury and have been taught to expect. It is not the judge was letting him get away fair, it is not just, it is not right. It just is. with it. It could have been prevented Afraid is a wonderful word. Say it loud. TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 19 women shooters across america™

they got involved in USPSA pistol, we when two large men wouldn't leave and all started shooting that and 3 Gun. So started to walk toward me, I picked up in all, I’ve shot competitively in at least the rifle and pointed it at them. I repeat- shooting 8 disciplines. -Becky Yackley ed my demand for them to leave. They finally did get into their car and left. I couldn't move and cried for hours. It was at that point when I made my decision to look into a pistol. It really doesn't make sense for me to carry a rifle all day. I found a class called "Intro to Pistols" for What would you like to tell women women only. I took this class because I who are interested in getting started in didn't even know what the parts on a competitive shooting? I would tell other pistol were called, how to hold one, what women to come out, have fun, and be the differences were between guns, or safe. It's intimidating at first, but once How did you get started with firearms? could I even clean one! -Heidi Kempin you jump in, shooting is so much fun! I was introduced to firearms as a little I've met so many really cool people at girl, by my dad. He didn't have any boys matches who've ended up being great so he taught me and my sister about friends. Yeah, sure, you're competing, guns, gun safety and the sport of shoot- but it always ends up being more about ing. We spent many afternoons at the friendships and having a great time. shooting range and then hours at the -Regina Milkovich house cleaning our guns afterwards. -Kirsten Daulton

I started my love for firearms when I started dating my husband, Jimmy Whitener. He showed me more than just how to shoot them. He taught me about firearms for my protection, and protection of our family. It is so much FUN because we shoot 3-Gun matches How did you get started with competition together! I hunt as well. It is an incredible shooting? I started shooting competi- feeling being able to bring meat to the tively when I was a teenager and took a How were you introduced to firearms? table for dinner. -Kirsten Whitener high power rifle class with my parents I did not grow up around firearms. I did and sisters taught by a retired Marine however purchase a 22 rifle for dispatch- who had been involved with their ing raccoons, skunks and other unde- service rifle team. Around the same time, sirable pests when we started playing I also started competing in Summer "chicken farmer" in 2011. In 2012, I had Biathlon and smallbore rifle. In the sum- an incident at my small hobby farm. It mers I shot service rifle (M-14) on our started with me shooting a possum in state high power team…did a little bit the chicken coop. When a trashy car of Palma and bolt gun shooting as well. pulled into the driveway, I went into the Then in college, I had a partial schol- side door to put down the .22 rifle and arship for shooting on the rifle team; meet the car at the front of the shop. NCAA air rifle and smallbore, and we also Long story short, I was fearing that shot air pistol. I took a break for a while my children would find me raped and How did you get started into firearms? when my boys were young, and once beaten or even dead in my shop and I've been around firearms my entire 20 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com 20 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com life, but have never been comfortable IDPA several years ago I was dead last. see people achieve within themselves. or confident in handling them until But I enjoyed it & gradually got better & I feel very blessed to have made it to recently. A friend of mine took me to better; now I actually win now & again. where I am in my sport. Its been a long an outdoor range and we shot various I also compete in USPSA, Action Pistol road with many callouses on my hands firearms from a Scar 17, to a Glock 19. & my newest passion - 3 Gun. I try to and rounds through my gun, and I want I've never experienced such a sense attend most of our local matches and as other people to feel the same sense of of empowerment and fearlessness many state, regional or national matches accomplishment. -Kenda Lenseigne as I did that day. Given the traumatic as I can fit into my busy schedule. Hon- events of my lifetime, I was instantly estly, I love it all. -Diana Hufstedler addicted. That one day at the range turned into several days a week and is now the center of my career focus. Tawny Lynn -(Photo by TracerX)

Shooting is just not a man's sport! Women can accomplish anything! I have It was a great honor to represent the done and accomplished things in the United States (USPSA) at the IPSC WORLD shooting world that I did not necessarily SHOOT XVII this year, I was able to bring aspire to do. I have watched professional home an individual Bronze Medal and female shooters like Janna Reeves, Diana a Team Gold Medal in the Ladies Open How did you get started with firearms? Liedorff and Lena Miculek and thought division for the USA. I would say that the Morgan ~ Our dad introduced us to that I would like to do what they do and accomplishment that I am most proud gun safety at a very young age, he let be as good as they are. Don't get me of is my performance at the 2014 USPSA us handle and shoot a lot of different wrong...it takes a lot of practice to get NATIONALS. Winning the Ladies Open rifles, shotguns and handguns he felt we "good". I am just doing what I love and National Championship was a long term could manage with his guidence. Our enjoy! -Reanna Kadic goal finally realized. In the process I was parents continued to educate us about able to finish 25th overall, 3rd in Mas- the guns our family owned so wouldn't ter Class and shoot 80% of the overall be curious and want to play with them Match winners score which had not be with no adults around. accomplished by a female shooter in the Mason ~ I remember going hunting history of USPSA. Another goal realized with our dad when we were very little, was making Master Class. I am very we would act as his retrievers during HONORED and humbled to be in the elite dove and duck season. I was so excited group of women that have achieved this for the day that we could actucally hunt milestone in USPSA. -Kaci Cochran along with him. Before we got our hunt- ing license we would carry a pellet gun What would you like to see for women in or our little bows along with him, so we the shooting world? The future of our would start learning hunting etiquette shooting sports, hunting heritage, and and weapon safety. -Mason & Morgan our very right to own firearms depends on women. I would love to see the com- munities we’ve built continue to grow and see more of our stories shared in all forms of media. We have the privilege of defining a new tradition in the field. I’m Where do you see yourself in the sport in eager to see what women will become a few years? It's my goal to continue to to each other at a point in time when a educate new riders and shooters on new definition of what it means to be how to be their personal best every time a hunter emerges. I’d love to show the they open their gun case or saddle up outdoor and shooting markets that it is I watched my husband compete for their horse. Whether the goal is to to absolutely worthwhile to design clothes several months before I decided to give have the confidence to ride through one and gear and build guns that meet the competition a try. It seemed fun and I pattern without fear, or to shoot in the unique needs of women. figured - why not? When I first started in 10 ring with true grit, I find it fulfilling to Christine Cunningham TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 21 girls can't do what? morgan and mason by Andy Tolbert

they’re able to put on the table RAPID FIRE: for not only their family, but also other needy families in their community, but Morgan prefers Favorite wild game recipe: bringing home duck and turkey Morgan: Bacon-wrapped BBQ while Mason fills the table with dove stuffed with jalapenos dove and deer. Mason: Goose Enchiladas

They’ve started competing in If you could only pick ONE gun to archery, in fact they took 1st shoot for the rest of your life, what and 2nd place in the women’s would it be? division of the local league, and Morgan: The AR15 her dad built they’ve been asked to start a her for Christmas trap team when they enter high Mason: Her Bow, a Diamond While you may see camo shirts all over school next year. This will be a family Infinite Edge the place touting “Girls Hunt Too” I affair as their dad Gunnar has been think most of them don’t. But that’s asked to coach it! What’s your favorite snack in the not the case for these 2 spunky twins! woods? 14 year old Morgan and Mason are While their personalities are 100% avid hunters and excellent stewards of Morgan: Granola bar individual, there are some things they the land and the wildlife where they Mason: Trail mix (with M&Ms) agree on: they want to use their posi- live. They started shooting when they tions as California state reps for New were about 4 and learned on bb guns What’s your favorite music? Generation Outdoors to educate other and .22 rifles but have grown into 20 kids about hunting and the outdoors Morgan: Luke Bryan gauge shotguns as their field guns of and hope to someday have their own Mason: Craig Morgan choice. TV show. What’s your favorite movie? Many girls their age might get Andrea “Andy” Tolbert is the founder of Morgan: Quigley Down Under negative feedback from other kids at Femme Defenses and empowers women (yep, with Tom Selleck) school, but Morgan and Mason are to victory not victimhood. She is an NRA Mason: Spaceballs! fortunate to live in a community with Certified Firearms Instructor in multiple similar values, in fact, the kids at their disciplines and often speaks to local Bucket List trip: school all take off for opening day of organizations on creating a personal Morgan: Canadian moose hunt dove season! safety plan. She can be reached through her website, FemmeDefenses.com Mason: Stag hunt in Ireland They agree that one of their favorite parts of hunting is the wonderful food Want to follow Morgan & Mason and see what they’re up to? Go to www.Facebook.com/2girlshunting

22 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com child of any age.

CARRYING A GUN All necessary gun handling should be done in separate rooms from children to limit distractions and sudden grabs. AND CHILDREN Children can be quick and unpredict- able and gun handling should have all by Melody Lauer of your attention to ensure safety.

By the time my husband and I had our the firearm in a safe direction and Safe carry around children is possible first child I'd been carrying a gun for being aware of your target and what with a strict adherence to the four three years, had multiple guns and is beyond). Until those rules can be rules of gun safety and constant con- dozens of holsters. I had attended followed consistently parents should trol of the firearm through on body several firearms classes and became a put off carrying a gun and seek more carry or truly inaccessible storage. basic pistol instructor. I had also spent instruction and practice. a little over a year working behind two gun counters. Improperly stored firearms are the most common reason for firearm Melody Lauer is an NRA certified Despite all of that preparation, adding related accidents with children. This instructor since 2007 and Rangemaster a child was still intimidating. I re- danger can be mitigated with the use Certified instructor since 2013. She’s a member the awesome responsibility of proper safes and storage lockers mother of 3 who is dedicated to safe of bringing a baby into our home when a firearm is not being carried carry and self defense training. filled with guns and wondering how for defensive purposes. Guns that are we might need to adjust to keep our carried should be carried on body in children safe while still being armed quality holsters that cover the ourselves. I've managed to do that area of a firearm and retain it in all thus far and I'd like to share how it has manner of positions and activities. been done. Every year children hurt themselves A commitment to safe gun handling and others by finding and handling cannot be undermined. Many firearms firearms that were left in bags. Car- accidents happen due to negligent rying in a bag is not recommended. handling. Parents must strictly adhere However, If a bag must be used it to the four rules of gun safety (treat- must be a bag designed for use with ing every gun as though it were firearms, controlled at all times and loaded, keeping your finger off of the stored properly when not in use. It trigger until ready to shoot, pointing should be kept out of arms reach of a WILD TURKEY ENCHILADAS

2 boiled and shredded wild turkey Boil turkey, cool and then shred. Melt with remaining cheese. Cook in a 350°F breasts butter in a sauce pan and sauté onions oven for 30 minutes or until bubbling. 2 Tbsp butter until tender. Stir in garlic salt and pepper Garnish with chips and sour cream. Small onion, diced then add shredded turkey. Add entire Garlic salt, salt & pepper to taste contents of green Chile jar and two cans of the green Chile sauce. Stir in two cups 1 small jar of mild green chiles of the shredded cheese until melted. (chopped) Grease an 8×10-inch glass baking dish 3 cans of mild Chile Verde or green chile with cooking spray. Place ¼ cup of tur- sauce key mixture in one tortilla shell, carefully 1- 4 cup bag of shredded Mexican rolling it up then placing it in the cook- cheese ing dish. Repeat this process until the 1 bag of soft tortilla shells mixture is gone. Cover enchiladas with Sour cream and tortilla chips for garnish third can of green Chile sauce and top TheAmericanWomanShooter.com I 23 23 I TheAmericanWomanShooter.com proudly celebrates our wonderfully diverse views and life experiences by: • Championing women in the firearms industry • Partnering with sister organizations in the areas of hunting and shooting sports • Fostering relationships between novice and expert shooters • Educating women about firearm selection, safety, and self defense

YES! I want to subscribe to The American Woman Shooter! Visit us at TheAmericanWomanShooter.com or fill out the form below.

Name: Address: Phone: Email: Form of Payment: Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard): Exp. Date: _____ /______(mm/yy) Security Code: ______Subscription Cost : $50 You will receive a window decal and one of the below: □ Hat □ Collared shirt with size: □ S □ M □ L □ XL Other sizes special order for $10 extra. See above picture of hat & shirt Fax Information to: 520-398-7742 Please allow for 2-4 weeks for delivery or send checks to: The Woman Shooter, LLC THANK YOU! 7739 E. Broadway Blvd. #158 520-398-7745 Tucson, AZ 85710 info@the americanwoman shooter.com