Seconds before the IDPA match was about to go hot in surrounding bays, AG & AG Founder Julianna Crowder turned to see two little kids playing on the top of the long-range impact berm. Immediately, in a voice that she has never used in her life, she yelled, “GET OFF THE BERM, GET OFF THE BERM, GET OFF THE BERM!” The entire range came to a halt as people in every direction turned and looked at her, and in shock as they saw the kids slide down the dirt. When the RSO approached the two dads, they apologized and said, “We just turned our back for a minute.” Somewhere in between the safety briefs that occur at the range, parents can create your own family safety briefing.
Talking to Dakota was a delight. The 15-year-old is very thoughtful in her responses, taking a few moments to compose what she wanted to say. Dakota has done interviews across the globe and has even met with members of Congress with The DC Project. She started shooting in July of 2015 when she was just 12 years old. Twelve! In this article, she shares wise advice for junior shooters and their parents.
David Power offers 5 pieces of advice for dads of junior competitive shooters.
By Katrina Reed. As a parent, I love that my son continues to appreciate all that the outdoors has to offer. Hopefully he will pass the knowledge we have shared with him to future generations.
Chad Francis offers 6 tips for dads of daughters competiting in shooting sports.
By Dani Durante. Over the years I talked a lot about wanting to try a shooting match, but I never took the time to look into signing up. With a career and then having children I put my interests on hold until I thought I would have time. After moving to Texas, I saw A Girl & A Gun signs and told David that I wanted to join and get into competitive shooting, but again I didn’t think my needs or wants were a priority over taking kids everywhere they needed to go or setting up those so important playdates. David bought me a membership in 2015 for my Christmas present. It was the best Christmas present a girl could get. Not only did it give me some quality time on the range, it also gave our family something to do together.
Anniston, a remarkable teen, has some sage advice for women shooters. “Don’t be intimidated by the guys and competing with them. I can see now that I can hang with the top guys and be competitive. Don’t get discouraged, there’s always room for improvement. Even if there is something they are doing and it doesn’t work for you, keep trying. You will find something that works for you.”
14-year-old Jenna Jones, an AG & AG Youth Member from Comfort, TX, is the recipient of scholarship from AG & AG to be a 2A Heritage camper.
Daughters at the Range is an annual event that promotes firearm safety through education and introduces girls to the sport of shooting.
Shooting is a perishable skill, so 9 months to 3 years is a long time to go without pressing the trigger. If you shoot reducing lead, noise, and contaminants; or choose safer training options for pregnant and nursing moms.