Friday, August 3, 2018

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Chelsey Petit

We asked Chelsey Petit a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Chelsey lives in Wisconsin and is and an avid hunter.

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

What’s your favorite location to hunt? So far I’d say Wisconsin, only because my opportunities to go to other states have been limited. I’d love a chance at a big Iowa buck though.

Who introduced you to hunting? My dad and brother first ignited my passion for all things rifle/shotgun, however I credit my husband for getting me into archery.

What do you hunt for?  Right now deer and game birds.  I’d absolutely love the opportunity to get out for an elk or black bear!

What hunting skill would you like to master? Being able to efficiently master calling a variety of species and the spot and stalk – I’ve never really had opportunites to give it a real go.

What’s your biggest hunting challenge? I’d say it’s a tie between being quiet and being patient! Somehow I manage to get lucky, but my husband says I sound like a bear waltzing through the woods; I always tell him it’s a matter of opinion on that one. I tend to be very impatient and have a hard time hanging on without seeing signs of what I am hunting.

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list? – I would LOVE an elk hunt! I think to be able to hear their bugels in person and watch them in their natural setting would be phenomenal.

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about? I’ve always been fascinated by recurve bows. I think to learn to make your own and master shooting it efficiently would be awesome.

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned? Sadly, that some shots are not always as good as you think. I’m a confident shooter and have made some great shots, but having that one shot that merely wounds an animal is the worst feeling in the world.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? All things whitetail from signs, feeding, patterns/moving, etc! I have to credit (again!) my husband. He’s like the deer-whisperer and if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have half the knowledge I do now.

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own? 4. Although, lord knows I’ve been through a shoe-store size share trying to find the ones that work best to keep my toes warm. November in Wisconsin can be brutal and my toes are forever frozen!  Feel free to send me some WARM recommendations!

What style of hunting are you most passionate about? I love my rifle, however I’ve fallen for archery. I think its so easy to be passinate about because I feel you put so much into it. Your so much closer to the animal your hunting with a much higher margin of error. I havnt had the opportunity to yet harvest an animal with my bow, but theres nothing like sitting there full-draw waiting on that shot that may or may not come. It’s a rush.

NON – HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about Shoot Like A Girl’s Mission? That this collective group of ladies with all different skillsets from all different walks of life, and all different ages,  are laying the groundwork, showing women that anyone can and giving them to the tools to empower themselves, via self protection, sport, or just plain enjoyment. Theres nothing like seeing someone whose never shot before walk out of the trailer with a huge smile, saying “I did it, and I can do it”!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? I would’nt even know what to do with the extra time! As a mom of two and working full time, I would really probably hang out the couch and catch up on my DVR! Haha. Or catch up on my to-do list around the house, that baby is never ending.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? Restoring old mid 50’s-70’s American muscle cars. I was fourtunate to grow up with a Dad in the car business and had the opportunity to drive, learn about, and fall in love with numerous old cars. It would definatley be the hobby for me, I’m a closet motorhead.

What non hunting related skill would you like to master? Grilling! I can grill brats but that’s about it. I’d love to expand into using the grilling baskets and specific racks to grill veggies, horederves, and other things. You can get pretty creative, I recently learned you can grill pizza! Look out Traeger! You’re on my Christmas list!

What non hunting related item do you wish you knew more about? Geology/Palentology. Im a huge science nerd and I’ve always been intrigued by dinosaurs and cool stones. Lets be honest, who didn’t collect rocks when they were younger?!

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? Forestry/Logging… Yes, loggers are real (I married one 😊 ) and no, they don’t just clear cut forrests. Its actually really cool what they do and how much of what they do effects the environment for the better. My husband is super passionate and knowledgable about what he does and you cant help but be interested when he’s speaking about it. I learn allot from him and its really cool to go watch him at work.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home? Here, there and everywhere 😊 Continental States,  Alaska, and I would LOVE to go back. It is one of the most amazing places I have had the opportunity to visit.

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? Time off? What’s that?! Haha, I usually spend the time outdoors with my kids. Whether its on the water, or in the backyard we stay pretty busy. Or go wander aimlessly around Scheels since my nearest Cabela’s is 2 hours away 😊 Guilty pleasures!

Who inspires you to be better? My dad. I lost my dad 5 years ago now and he was my best friend. He constantly pushed me to do everything I set out to do and to be everything I wanted too. I find myself always striving, even now, to have him be proud of me.

What are three interesting facts about you? 3?! Gosh…
1. I enlisted into the US Air Force at 17
2. I was a ballerina for 13 years
3. I’m an advocate for Suicide Prevention and Awarness, I’ve lost two immediate family members to suicide.

What is your biggest fear? Spiders! For the love, spiders are my worst enemy. I still cant wrap my head around the need for any more than four legs.. Centipedes would make this list too if were talking numbers of nessecary legs.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Oh gosh, I don’t have the slightest clue… I LOVE food. If I had to pick just one thing though, I guess I could say maybe anything chicken? I think I could live off different chicken entrees.

List two pet peeves. I cant stand liars/cheaters! Honesty is key! Everything in life can be earned fair and square! And bad drivers! I hate when drivers don’t use their signals or when they drive slow in the passing lane!

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest… Hearing! My 5 year old may disagree on this one (selective hearing ya know!?), but I have phenomenal hearing when I want too.

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? I’m guilty of being a reality tv watcher Not all reality, but like … MTV’s the Challenge… They could totally hit me up!

Mountains or Beach? How about a “beachy” lake with moutains in the background… best of both worlds… I cant take real beaches, their to packed and I tend to get anxiety in overally large crowds.

Anything else you would like to add?
You can do anything you set your mind to and no one, other than yourself has the ability to hold you back.

Friday, July 20, 2018

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Cindy Minor


We asked Cindy Minor a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Cindy lives in Oklahoma and is and an avid competitive archer.

Are you a competitive shooter? Yes, I’ve competed in various archery competitions since 2012.

What types of matches / shoots do you participate in? My favorite is the outdoor 3D shoots because of the challenges (wind, shadows, terrain, weather, etc.). I also shoot some indoor during the winter to try to keep up my form and muscle memory.

What types of firearms / archery do you shoot competitively? I shoot a compound bow…tried a recurve once and I swear the foam animals laughed at me! I have a ton of respect for those that can accurately shoot a recurve or long bow! I’m going to stick to my training wheels (compound).

If you could only shoot one type of competition what would it be? 3D for sure. My all time favorite part is the people, they have all become our archery family!

How did you get involved with competitive shooting? Our son, Seth, started shooting when he was 9 (almost 12 years ago). Then as our daughter, Cassie, grew big enough to pull a bow back she began competing (Cassie is also on the SLG staff!), so my husband and I decided if we were going to travel to all these competitions, we might as well look into competing too (also because doing archery is a lot more fun than watching archery). Apparently the good Lord agreed because He aligned the stars for us. I was so fortunate that a bow was donated to me, completely set up, thanks to a wonderful man I nicknamed Santa. Our son won a bow that was too much poundage for him at the time, but perfect for my husband. So we figured it was meant to be and we’ve paid it forward every chance we get since then!

How long have you been shooting competitively? 5-1/2 yrs (wow, time has flown!)

What shooting skill would you like to master? I need to work on holding steady and achieving the same anchor point every time with my release. I’d like to be able to make podium next year and win out of my class (Women’s Known 40). 

What’s your biggest shooting challenge? Making time for it. 

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list? Winning a national championship!

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned? When you start to get tired, STOP shooting. After shooting 40 targets at a fun shoot, I decided to go through one more time with other friends that had arrived. It was hot that day and I was already tired. I swore I had knocked an arrow, but I had not and I dry fired my bow. If you have never dry fired a bow, it sounds like a gun going off and the string hits your arm HARD causing your heart to jump to your stomach and nearly wet your pants! DON’T SHOOT WHEN YOU ARE TIRED (and never pull a bow back without an arrow knocked).

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? The safety steps of archery and checking your equipment every time before shooting. 


NON – SHOOTING RELATED 

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer? It provides a feeling of a safe and secure area for women to learn without judgement.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Shoot my bow of course!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? Travel to more archery competitions and hunting expeditions

What non-shooting related skill would you like to master? Building flower beds that thrive

What non-shooting related .. do you wish you knew more about? History (love museums)

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? I help bag food for the school backpack program so children have food on the weekends during the school years.

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? To archery competitions

Who inspires you to be better? My husband, Doug. He’s my major support system that encourages me, picks me up when I’m down, and reminds me to live life to it’s fullest. 

What are three interesting facts about you? I have a Masters in Engineering, I make puff quilts and T-shirt blankets, and I mentor women in leadership and young ladies working for their engineering degrees.

What is your biggest fear? STORMS! I’ve had 3 homes hit by lightening and 2 homes that had tornadoes go over them with minimal damage. 
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Seafood!
List two pet peeves – Negative and degrading people and littering

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? Hearing

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? Randomly secretly pay for a meal, especially for elderly and veterans. 

Mountains or Beach? Mountains

Anything else you would like to add? A few things I try to live by daily:
Always set goals for yourself and make a plan to achieve them. If you set goals without a plan to achieve them, they will never be met. 
Accept failure as it means you were willing to take a risk and learn. Failure is just a stepping stone to major success. 
Lead by example.
Everything happens for a reason and it’s not for us to question…it’s always part of His plan for you! 
Live life to it’s fullest without regret. 

God bless you all!

Friday, July 13, 2018

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about SLG Firearms Instructor Kelsey Stewart

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Kelsey Stewart a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Kelsey lives in Oklahoma and is an avid shooter and Firearms Instructor with SLG.

What are you most passionate about as an instructor? Teaching ladies how to protect themselves.

What has been your biggest challenge as an instructor? Being a young female instructor is challenging sometimes.

What has been your greatest success story with teaching? Whenever they all  have the AH HA moment.

What is your motivation to teach others how to shoot? I want less victims so teaching women how to defend themselves is my motivation.

How do you help ladies overcome their fear with shooting? By talking them threw the process and making them feel comfortable before we take our first shots.

NON – HUNTING OR SHOOTING RELATED
What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer? I like seeing the smiles and excitement on the ladies faces after shooting.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? I would love to have time to sleep, Right now All I do is Study and work

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

What non hunting or shooting related .. do you wish you knew more about?  Gardening

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?  To see my niece

Who inspires you to be better?  Planning for the future inspires me to be better.

What are three interesting facts about you?  I’m starting my final year of RN School next month, I like to remodel houses, I plan on going to Nurse Practitioner school

What is your biggest fear? Snakes!

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

List two pet peeves? When people eat crunchy stuff and I can hear it, slow drivers!

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? Definitely not site, my hearing is a little off too lol. So I’ll go with Taste

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

Mountains or Beach? Beach

Friday, June 29, 2018

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Christina Krajcsovics

We asked Christina Krajcsovics a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Christina lives in New Jersey and is and an avid hunter.

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

What’s your favorite location to hunt?
Montana

Who introduced you to hunting?
My step-father when I was a teenager.

What do you hunt for?
 Deer, Turkey, Bear, and Elk so far.

What hunting skill would you like to master?
How to spot and stalk, we don’t do much of that type of hunting in the East coast.

What’s your biggest hunting challenge?
To outwit your pray

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

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about?
Spot and stalking or traditional bow hunting.

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned?
To be patient and not rushing a shot.

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time?
My artwork, painting and drawing.

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

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own?
4 or 5

What style of hunting are you most passionate about?
Any type really as long as I am hunting.

NON – HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about Shoot Like A Girl’s Mission
Empowering women to feel brave enough to follow their passion. Getting Women in the outdoors and teaching them survival, shooting and self-empowerment skills.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I love my art and I am pretty active with the NJ Special Olympics.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I love the hobbies I have already. Archery, shooting, painting, drawing and spending time in the outdoors.

What non hunting related skill would you like to master?
Fishing, I love to fish, but I am not very good at it.

What non hunting related do you wish you knew more about?
Photography

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
Most of my interests are shooting, outdoor or art related.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
Iraq, Turkey, Alaska, Germany, Holland

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
Spend time on my farm taking care of my many animals. Practicing archery at my home or at my archery club.

Who inspires you to be better?
My spouse

What are three interesting facts about you?
I am very artistic, I am full time Military (Air Force) and I love farming.

What is your biggest fear?
Loss of a loved one.

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

List two pet peeves
Lying and cheating

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest
Hearing

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

Mountains or Beach?
Mountains for sure.

Anything else you would like to add?
Just to never be afraid to follow your passion. We all have to start somewhere. Reach out for help if you need it.

Friday, June 22, 2018

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Beth Edwards

We asked Beth Edwards a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Beth lives in Alabama and is and an avid hunter.

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

What’s your favorite location to hunt? Butler, Alabama

Who introduced you to hunting? My husband, Jason

What do you hunt for?  Deer, Hog

What hunting skill would you like to master? Growing healthy deer with enhanced planting

What’s your biggest hunting challenge? I cannot climb in a climber any more due to a leg injury

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

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about? Archery

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned? Being aware of your surroundings

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

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

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own? 1

What style of hunting are you most passionate about? Archery

NON – HUNTING RELATED

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

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

What non hunting related skill would you like to master? Competitive shooting

What non hunting related do you wish you knew more about? Competitive shooting

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? Noodling

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? On the boat

Who inspires you to be better? My husband, my mother and my boys

What are three interesting facts about you? I was a paramedic before becoming a nurse; I am a grandmother of an 18 month old little boy; I live on an island

What is your biggest fear? Falling, ….and bears

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Fish
List two pet peeves: Lying; Gossip

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? Hearing

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

Mountains or Beach? Beach

Anything else you would like to add? I live in the southernmost part of Alabama on an Island. I love to do activities with my husband and boys.

Friday, June 15, 2018

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Stacy Mitchum

We asked Stacy Mitchum a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Stacy lives in Arkansas and is and an avid competitive archer.

Are you a competitive shooter?
Yes

What types of matches / shoots  do you participate in?
I compete in 3D archery tournaments from January - August

What types of firearms / archery do you shoot competitively?
I shoot a compound bow in the Women’s Hunter Elite class.

If you could only shoot one type of competition what would it be?
I would shoot 3D competitions on the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) Pro/Am Tour.

How did you get involved with competitive shooting?
It was actually an accident. I had just begun bow hunting and some friends told me 3D archery would help make me a better hunter. One shoot and I was hooked! It’s quite addictive.

How long have you been shooting competitively?
7 years

What shooting skill would you like to master?
I truly believe archery is a sport one can NEVER master.  My biggest problem is controlling that space between my ears. I tend to think too much.

What’s your biggest shooting challenge?
See last question… Conquering the mental part of the game!

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list?
I would love to compete in the Western Classic Trail Shoot in Redding, CA!

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
Do not take competition so seriously! I am not a professional with $10,000 riding on one arrow. My life is not going to change based on my placement in a tournament. I’ve learned to just enjoy the friendships and memories I am creating with every tournament, and to appreciate the strong, awesome women that I would never have met without this awesome sport.

NON – SHOOTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
It’s an awesome place for women to try out bows and firearms with absolutely no pressure from salesmen or significant others. It’s a place to get help from women who understand that sometimes things are just different for girls!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Spend time with my grandchildren- being a Grammy is the best thing ever!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
Big game hunting- Arkansas is mainly whitetail deer, black bears, turkey, hogs, dove and ducks.

What non-shooting related skill would you like to master?
Reading my husband’s mind. Hmm, on second thought…

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
The archery range

Who inspires you to be better?
My one year old granddaughters, Kinsley and Brayleigh, who were born on the same day just six hours apart.

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

List two pet peeves
*Misusing homophones- your/you’re, there/their/they’re, to/too/two
*Saying seen instead of saw- I think it’s a southern thing!
I know that’s a little picky, but I’m a 3rd grade teacher so…

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Definitely smell… not always a good thing!

Mountains or Beach?
In a perfect world…skiing down a mountain to get to the beach!

Friday, June 8, 2018

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about SLG Firearms Instructor Susan Hansen

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Susan Hansen a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Susan lives in Washington and is an avid competitive shooter, Firearms Instructor with SLG.

What types of matches do you participate in?
I am a competition shooter. I am a member and participate in USPSA pistol, and multigun matches. Along with 3 Gun Nation, UML and outlaw 3 gun matches.

What types of firearms do you shoot competitively?
I mainly shoot a sport called 3 Gun/Multigun. I shoot pistol, rifle, &  shotgun on each stage of a match. Each of my firearms have been tricked and blinged out for competition. Pistol is a custom 40mm, Shotgun is a customized 12 ga with a 12 round tube, Rifle is a custom AR-15 223 Wylde that I built from scratch with my son.

If you could only shoot one what would it be?
That’s tough…. I really enjoy the challenges of all 3. If I had to choose, I would choose rifle.

How did you get involved with competitive shooting?
I grew up raising, training, and showing horses. 11 yrs ago I had a terrible horse accident that left me with a broken back in two places and head trauma. I was told I should not ride again because of my back and balance issues. I was devastated and went into a deep depression hole for years. On a whim, I went to an indoor range, 3 yrs ago, and the fire was started! I started shooting indoor pistol leagues, which grew to outdoor action shooting matches, and then to 3 Gun!  I am also an NRA Pistol & Rifle instructor, Chief Range Safety Officer, A The Well Armed Woman/TWAW instructor and a member of A Girl and a Gun/AGAG, United States Practical Shooting Association/USPSA, and United Multi-Gun League/UML.
I now shoot matches all over the US and locally. Competitions are great exercise for me, as well as for my brains memory issues. Not bad for a 53 y/o Nana!

How long have you been shooting competitively?
This year is my third season of shooting.

What shooting skill would you like to master?
I would love to learn more about long range precision shooting.

What’s your biggest shooting challenge?
I’m in the midst of my biggest shooting challenge right now.  I totally blew out my knee at a competition in Kentucky last fall. I had surgery to replace my ACL, and meniscus repair and more. I am just getting back out there!

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list?
I am lucky enough to be able to travel and shoot in many different places and all sorts of stages.  But what is on the top of my list is to shoot the Pro side of the ProAm 3 gun match at Rockcastle in Kentucky.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
That even though I feel young, I am not! :P

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Only 40 minutes?  Haha…. I LOVE to work with new and first-time shooters. Teaching them the fundamentals of shooting. Watching the fear of the firearm get replaced with the thrill of the first, safe shot! AMAZING!

NON – SHOOTING RELATED
What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
It is the perfect mixture of helping, teaching, and empowering women, while working next to the best women in the shooting industry! Can’t get any better than that!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
My time would be taken up with working on my new business!!!  I am now a patent pending inventor and starting a new business because of it! That takes up ALL of my extra time!

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I love animals! It would definitely have to be something with animals….lots and lots of them!

What non-shooting related skill would you like to master?
The ability to sleep through the night without my brain working all night! :P

What non-shooting related .. do you wish you knew more about?
Pastry chef!  I love to bake!

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
That I will be with my two BFF’s on a TV show, Ammo & Attitude, airing next year! We film in Texas this July!

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
The beautiful city of Cartagena, Spain!

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
Alaska!!!!  We go out into Prince William Sound, out of Valdez, for 2 weeks. No people, no stores, no phones….nothing but nature! ….exhale…

Who inspires you to be better?
I am blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful women in the shooting industry. I am in awe and inspired by them all!

What are three interesting facts about you?
I used to be almost 400#.  I have recently found a sister I didn’t know I had. I am an introvert, at heart!

What is your biggest fear?
While I wish I could think of something profound, it actually is as simple as loosing another member of my family. Mainly, my hunky hubby, David. He is my rock!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would definitely be something Mexican! Arriba….YUM!!!

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
My hearing! UGH….blessing and a curse. I hear everything…too well.

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do?
BAKE!!!  I love to bake up a storm during the holidays! I hand it all out to whoever crosses my path…just so I can bake some more! :P

Mountains or Beach?
BOTH! The mountainous islands of Alaska!

Friday, May 18, 2018

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

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Leslie Cotner a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Leslie lives in Arkansas and is an avid hunter, competitive archer and Archery Instructor with SLG.
If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be? 
Deer season

What’s your favorite location to hunt? 
Haven’t been many places , but Poteau Mountain is a fave

Who introduced you to hunting? 
Went with my dad some when I was younger but my ex husband got me more involved in hunting.

What do you hunt for?  
Deer and turkey

What hunting skill would you like to master? 
I try to be ethical and make good shots in the field. The more I practice competitively and in the off season helps me with this.

What’s your biggest hunting challenge? 
Elk in Colorado with a bow

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list? – 
Bear archery hunt in Alaska

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about? 
Learning to age deer for more mature bucks

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

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

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own? 
3 pairs 

What style of hunting are you most passionate about? 
Bow Hunting 

NON – HUNTING RELATED 

What do you like most about Shoot Like A Girl’s Mission
Educating women about guns and archery and introducing them to the outdoors

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? 
Shoot guns and bows all the time and hunt 

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

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? 
Love being in the woods

Who inspires you to be better? 
My son inspires me to be better

What are three interesting facts about you?
3 facts: graduated college at 38, I am a physical therapist assistant, and my son is a police officer

What is your biggest fear? 
Falling

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
Deer steaks, gravy, potatoes and biscuits

List two pet peeves
Drama starters and liars

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? 
Drive dirt roads with music blaring

Mountains or Beach? 
Hard choice love both mountain and the beach

Friday, May 11, 2018

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Shasta Sitton

We asked Shasta Sitton a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Shasta lives in Michigan and is and an avid author and hunter.


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

What’s your favorite location to hunt? I live and hunt in Michigan the most, but I do love to do travel hunts as well. My favorite so far was a fallow deer hunt in Croatia.

Who introduced you to hunting? My mom and dad

What do you hunt for?  Whitetail, elk, bear, turkey, predators

What hunting skill would you like to master? Long distance shooting

What’s your biggest hunting challenge? Finding the time to go. Between jobs, family, and my kiddo, it can be difficult to always find the time to get out. 

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list? – Red stag in New Zealand. 

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about? I would like to get better with my calls, particularly buck grunts and elk calls. 

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned? That buck fever is a real thing. No matter what walks in front of you, you have to stay calm, take deep breaths, and take your time so you can make a good shot. 

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time? I’m an avid hiker and enjoy it as much as hunting. So if I could no longer hunt, I’d definitely put hiking at the top of my list. 

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Getting kids involved in the outdoors and hunting. I strongly believe that we owe it to our children to expose them to nature as they are getting less and less of that in their everday lives. That’s one of the main reason that I started my publishing company, Whitetail Press, and write children’s outdoor books. I have three out so far: “Wyatt’s First Whitetail,” “Grace Goes Bowhunting,” and my new release, “Grace and Wyatt’s Fishing Adventure.” My books teach hunting safety, morals, and the importance of respecting nature. 

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own? 2

What style of hunting are you most passionate about? Definitely whitetailal with either a bow or a rifle. I enjoy both very much.

NON – HUNTING RELATED 

What do you like most about Shoot Like A Girl’s Mission? I love that Shoot Like A Girl is able to expose so many women to shooting. It can be a really intimidating process to learn to shoot a gun or a bow. Having other women there who can make the process easier is exactly what we need. Women learn and teach differently than men. Shoot Like A Girl is an amazing organization. 

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Probably read more or do my yoga on a more consistent basis. 

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? I’d definitely travel more. I absolutely love experiencing new cultures and seeing everything this amazing world has to offer.

What non hunting related skill would you like to master? Fly fishing

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? Shed hunting. I LOVE shed hunting. It combines two of my loves; deer antlers and hiking. I spend most of my late winter and early spring in the woods looking for sheds. 

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home? New Zealand. My hubby and I spent our honeymoon backpacking through the south island. 

Where do you usually go when you have time off? To the woods. I’m very lucky to live in the middle of nowhere, so I can simply walk out my back door and be in the wild. I spend a lot of time hiking and exploring.

Who inspires you to be better? My 6 year old son, Wyatt. He is the sweetest little boy. He watches everything my husband and I do, so I always try my best to be a good role model for him. 

What are three interesting facts about you? 
During high school, my family of 5 gave up our house and we lived in a small camping trailer for two years as we moved around the northwest. 
I played college volleyball. 
I have my Master’s Degree in clinical psychology. I was a practicing mental health therapist for 6 years in Washington State before moving to Michigan to help manage a private hunting and fishing club.

What is your biggest fear? 
Something happening to my son or husband. Also ticks. 

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? 
I love a good salad bar. Sounds lame I know, but there’s a lot of variety and that could be helpful if it’s the only food I could eat for the rest of my life. On second thought, a nacho bar would be even better. 

List two pet peeves
 People chewing with their mouth open
People with no concept of personal space. 

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? 
My hearing. My sense of smell has always been pretty horrible, but I think my ears must have made up for that for some odd reason. I have very sensitive hearing. 

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? Read. I love to read a good book. Fiction only. I read every single day and enjoy it immensely. 

Mountains or Beach? Mountains for sure. I grew up in Northern Idaho and all of my family still lives there. Getting back to the Rocky Mountains feels like going home every time I visit. 

Anything else you would like to add? You can follow me on social media if you like. 
Facebook: @whitetailpress
Instagram: @shasta_whitetailpress
Twitter: @whitetailpress 

Friday, April 27, 2018

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Lisa Reyes

We asked Lisa Reyes a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Lisa lives in Kansas and is and an avid hunter & fisherman.

If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
The season I enjoy hunting the most is deer. In Kansas we have a good population of whitetails and the rut is phenomenal.

What’s your favorite location to hunt?
I enjoy hunting from home, around Winfield Kansas. My land is very giving to my family and I. We live off of our land to provide for our family.

Who introduced you to hunting?
Honestly, hunting has always been something I’ve been around. My grandpa and my cousin Brett use to go all the time. When my cousin passed away my grandfather lost his hunting buddy. So I wanted to be the one to step up being the only girl in my family. I hunted for several years on my grandfathers land. Unfortunately, by the time I got into it he was to old to go into the field. My husband Danny was the man who has helped me develop my skills and harvest my first deer.

What do you hunt for?
Whitetail deer, turkey, ducks& geese, dove, alligator, varmints, coyotes

What hunting skill would you like to master?
I would like to master duck calling. Not something I’ve been very good at but working on

What’s your biggest hunting challenge?
My biggest hunting challenge is falling asleep! I fall asleep so many times in my blind or tree stand that I miss opportunities. I mean who doesn’t it is so peaceful in the woods.

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list? – Dream hunt would be a opportunity to spot and stalk a big game animal like an elk by doing a drop camp.

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about?
I am always learning new things with every type of animal I hunt. I wish I knew more about about big game hunting and again with spotting and stalking. In Kansas big game is not something we have the opportunity to experience as we are flat!

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned?
The hardest hunting lesson I have learned is patience. Everything about hunting comes down to it. If it was easy it wouldn’t be called hunting.

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time?
If hunting was no longer an option I would probably spend my time fishing. If I’m not in the woods I am probably on a boat or river bank.


What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation? Presentation would be on deer movement and travel patterns. I enjoy this part of hunting because I feel it’s what makes it hunting. Since I bow hunt it’s really important that I am able to set up my stand or blind in the correct spot according to the movement of the deer and wind direction. You can’t always predict the wind of course because there are so many times the wind direction will change and completely send your scent in the wrong direction.

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own?
I lost count of boots. You can never have enough in Kansas. One day it will be 80degrees sun shining and the next day tornados with a chance of snow! I have boots for every temperature and terrain. Let’s guess around 9pairs.

What style of hunting are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about bow hunting. I feel it challenges me to be a better hunter and have more patience.

NON – HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about Shoot Like A Girl’s Mission
Shoot like a girl is an incredible company allowing women the opportunity to become more comfortable with the outdoors and shooting sports. Every woman has a different story and the company gives these women a chance to experience new things. Now that I have three step daughters of my own I feel I am a huge role model for them and want to show them how powerful women can be, it is not something to be feared.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
With the extra time from not having to sleep I would probably be way more organized and useful around the house! I would definitely make it to my tree stand on time for a morning hunt.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
If Time and money weren’t an issue I would probably spend more time with my daughters and husband by traveling the world and introducing them to new things. Travel the United States in a RV visiting all the national parks.

What non hunting related skill would you like to master?
Non related hunting skill would be woodworking or flying an airplane.

What non hunting related do you wish you knew more about?
I wish I knew more about gardening. Would love to be able to grow my own garden.

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
I am interested in bowfishing. Especially flying Asian carp bowfishing!


What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
I have been to Costa Rica! Which interesting fact is the first Latin country to ban hunting.

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
When I have time off from work we usually travel to Colorado snowboarding or spend the weekend camping at the lake.

Who inspires you to be better?
My dad inspires me to be better as he is my hero

What are three interesting facts about you?
I am a firefighter/Paramedic, Pig Rancher, and a full time college student.

What is your biggest fear?
Biggest fear is losing someone close to me.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Icecream!

List two pet peeves
When my husband does the laundry and empty toilet paper rolls!

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest
Definitely not hearing... so I would go with smell. I can smell things from a mile away. Especially deer!

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

Mountains or Beach?
Mountains

Anything else you would like to add?
My happiness is in the outdoors by sharing my experiences with friends and family. I am always saying “Hey I have an idea!” Everyone then knows I have an adventure in store for them. Did I mention I got lost in the mountains once and had search teams come looking for me? Yes, this is where I knew I could conquer anything in the outdoors as a woman.

Friday, April 13, 2018

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

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Kristy Titus a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Kristy lives in Oregon and is an avid hunter, competitive long range shooter and firearms instructor with SLG.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NON – HUNTING RELATED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is your biggest fear?
Losing our Second Amendment.

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

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

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

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

Mountains or Beach?
Mountains



Friday, March 30, 2018

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Firearms Instructor Diane Danielson

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Diane Danielson a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Diane lives in Virginia and is an avid firearms teacher and firearms instructor with SLG.

What are you most passionate about as an instructor? Safety, first. Then teaching others the correct way to shoot and watching the smiles of every new shooter as they succeed.

What has been your biggest challenge as an instructor? Dispelling the misconception that women can and should only consider a revolver because they are too stupid or inept to be able to handle anything else. This goes hand-in-hand with not being respected as an expert in the industry simply because I’m a woman.

What has been your greatest success story with teaching? Listening to a woman tell 60 fellow students and 60 instructors that she was forced to come to our class by her husband who had firearms in their home. He wanted her to know how they worked and how to safely handle them. As a result of our understanding, patience and skill, she was no longer afraid and was going to stop on her way home from the class to shop for her first gun.

What is your motivation to teach others how to shoot? My mother taught me to shoot when I was 10. My father taught me to hunt when I was 12. I have been passionate about both ever since. I love sharing what I’ve learned with others so their journey is enriched by my passion for all the shooting sports.

How do you help ladies overcome their fear with shooting? Start with baby steps. Teach them simple fundamentals. Be reassuring and get them to dry fire with dummy rounds. Take them to a quiet bay at the range and get them to take one shot with a .22. If they are ok, take another one, and another. If they don’t like it, stop, then thank them because they tried. I’m not going to change their mind if they don’t like it, but at least they can walk away knowing that they fired it safely and a gun does not jump off the table and harm people.

Hunting Themed Q&A
If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be? Turkey. It’s the only one that is truly interactive – just you and the bird.

What’s your favorite location to hunt? SE Wisconsin. Only because I hunted there for so long. In Virginia, if you don’t own or lease land, you don’t hunt. There’s no public hunting land.

Who introduced you to hunting? My dad first took me hunting when I was 12 – small game. Then later, we started going waterfowl hunting together. I was privileged to witness (and help drag) his first deer a few years later.

What do you hunt for? I haven’t had an opportunity to hunt for several years. I love to hunt upland birds, waterfowl, turkey and deer. Someday, I hope to hunt for elk, mule deer, and moose.

What hunting skill would you like to master? Calling ducks!!!!!

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned? Don’t hunt with drunks!

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?  Almost anything gun related, ammo reloading, field dressing, skinning and butchering, (turkey calling with a wing-bone), obedience and hunt-training dogs, dressing to keep warm when you don’t have a budget for fancy expensive women’s hunting clothes.

NON – HUNTING OR SHOOTING RELATED
What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer? Besides the owner, the gun rack, of course!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? Shoot and teach shooting.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? Travelling the US and Canada to hunt everything I’ve ever wanted to hunt. Oh, and get a new hunting dog.

What non firearm related skill would you like to master? Taxidermy.

What non hunting or shooting related … do you wish you knew more about? Web Design.

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? Bullseye (Precision) Pistol. Non-firearm related would be woodworking, sewing and crafts.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home? Sidney, Australia and the Great Barrier Reef in 2005.

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? Milwaukee. I still consider Wisconsin home even though I was born in Pennsylvania and live/work in Virginia. If you mean when I get a day off, it’s definitely to the range.

Who inspires you to be better? My mother. She lived her entire life with the constant pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis and never said a word or took a pill or a shot. She never had a joint replaced or wore a brace. I pray every day to be more like her as I deal with my RA.

What are three interesting facts about you? 1. I am a better person because of my two ex-husbands. 2. I love woodworking and building furniture and have remodeled three of my previous homes myself. 3. I have a vast collection of wild game recipes that will someday be compiled into a book.

What is your biggest fear? Dying in a fiery car crash.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Do you mean one meal a day or only one thing? Either way, the answer would essentially be the same: Breakfast or Bacon and Eggs with black coffee or a latte.

List two pet peeves? Clothes that are too tight. Anything out of order (it’s an OCD thing).

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? Hearing. I have very sensitive ears and hear way more than I probably should.


One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? Design. You name it – clothes, brochures, websites …


Mountains or Beach? Beach. I’m a water baby. I’m sure it has something to do with my dad being pure blood American Samoan.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

LEADERSHIP STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Angie Kokes

We asked Angie Kokes a few fun questions. Leadership Staff Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Leadership Staff a little better. Angie lives in Nebraska and is and an avid hunter.


If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be? – I feel like I’m cheating on all the other seasons by answering this question.  But I’d have to say bow season which also doubles as spear season.  Four and half months of chasing whitetails is heaven on earth to me.

What’s your favorite location to hunt? – Home!  Being from Central Nebraska and living along the North Loup River, I simply couldn’t ask for a better place to hunt.

Who introduced you to hunting? – My dad as soon as I was old enough to tag along.

What do you hunt for? – Basically whatever is in season and whatever I can.  I also trap during the winter months.

What hunting skill would you like to master? -  I want to one day spear a bear.

What’s your biggest hunting challenge? - Learning to master the spear has been to date the greatest hunting challenge I’ve ever taken on.  Since mastering it, the biggest challenge now is finding places where it is a legal means to hunt with.

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list? – Spearing a bear….can you tell I’m hung up on that?  I’ve put so much work into learning to exel with the spear… to be able to go after a bear I’m a little obsessed with it.  And someday I want to go after the giant non-typical muley that I’ve dreamt about for years!

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about? – My brother in law got me a blow gun for Christmas that has been a blast to play with, but so far I haven’t gotten a shot at a rabbit, but it’s coming I promise you that!  I’d like to get more accurate with the Atlatl, and get better at calling ducks and geese.

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned? – To listen to my gut.  I was hunting what may have been a state record bow whitetail in 2013 and we moved a stand in on where I had patterned him.  Just as we finished getting it set the wind switched and made it just all wrong to hunt the location that day.  After cleaning up and walking back in everything in my heart told me to not worry about the wind and get in the stand.  I didn’t listen and instead hunted the wind and had to watch the buck come from the opposite direction he’d been coming for three weeks, walk right up to the ladder stand and rub on it.  Watching the whole show from my upwind position just 200 yards away  I wanted to throw up, cry and scream all at once.  It haunts me to this day.

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time? – I’d like to think I would probably be dead if hunting was no longer an option, but if it did happen I’d probably trap and fish more.

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

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own? – Probably 2 or 3.  It might sound crazy but I will take off on a spot and stalk in my work clothes and cowboy boots if I happen to be out working and see something to go after.  Yes I always carry my bow with me everywhere during season.  So my work boots kind of double as my hunting boots.

What style of hunting are you most passionate about? Spear, Bow and anything Primitive or challenging.

NON – HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about Shoot Like A Girl’s Mission? – I love everything about SLG’s mission!  I’ve always been super passionate about introducing women to the sport of shooting.  And any chance to empower a woman with confidence, especially with a firearms or equipment she may have once feared is even better!

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? – I’m a hobby junky so anything working with my hands and mind and making and designing something.  I’d like to write a book someday too.

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

What non hunting related skill would you like to master? – I’d like to learn the fiddle or banjo

What non hunting related do you wish you knew more about? – Wood working with roots and tree stumps and different kinds of inlays.

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of? – I pretty much wear my life on my sleeve, so I think most people probably know everything about me, which relates to if something is a challenge or someone has suggested I might not be able to do something I’ll be out there trying it the next day.

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? – What is time off?

Who inspires you to be better? – The Good Lord and my husband

What are three interesting facts about you?
- I’ve had 28 broken bones including two vertebrae in my neck
- I’m a former Miss Rodeo Texas Tech
- I love hard, physical work

What is your biggest fear? Spiders and Helicopters, nope, nope, nope!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza or Steak it would be a toss up.
List two pet peeves
- Liars & Cheaters…I have no tolerance for either.
- People with skills they don’t appreciate or use.

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?- Although I’m hard of hearing around background noise, when I’m hunting my hearing is probably my biggest asset.

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? - I love fixing and building fence and do a lot of custom work for people.

Mountains or Beach? - Both

Anything else you would like to add? – With so much chaos in the world including the gun and hunting debates I’m thrilled the Shoot Like a Girl Trailer exists and is out there actively educating people with facts and not opinions.  I’m blessed and proud to be a part of this great team!

Friday, March 2, 2018

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Chief Operations Officer Cristy Crawford

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Cristy Crawford a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Cristy lives and works in Texas and is Shoot Like A Girl's Chief Operations Officer and an avid hunter, fisherman and competes in various outdoor related competitions.


If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
That's a tough question!! I love all aspects of hunting various species. I would have to say there is something special about watching waterfowl soar in from the heavens and work a decoy spread!

What's your favorite location to hunt?
I don't get to hunt in the mountains often.. But I have always loved trying to sneak up on things. Spot and stalk in the mountains gives me the opportunity to do just that.

Who introduced you to hunting?
My husband took my love for fishing and the outdoors and taught me everything I know about hunting! I will always be thankful for his patience and him going above and beyond to teach me all the "why's" and reasons we were set up a certain way. It made our relationship stronger and made lifelong "hunting and fishing buddies"

What do you hunt for?
Everything I can.

What hunting skill would you like to master?
I have been obsessed with calling all types of animals for quite some time. I have been successful calling animals in but I still strive to do that on a more advanced level.

What's your biggest hunting challenge?
TIME!  I have a wonderful family and job. Both help to support my obsessive habit. Although, traveling does seem to happen sometimes during the most magical times of the year .. such as the whitetail rut etc.

What would be the most amazing hunting adventure that is still on your bucket list?
I have always thought (even though its expensive) It would be amazing to go on one of the hunts in Alaska for example. Where you are dropped off in the wilderness with only the gear on your back for a few weeks. Fishing and hunting. The other adventure I would like to go on one day would be to follow a big wave of migrating ducks all the way from the border of Canada to the coast in the Central or Mississippi flyway.

What hunting skill do you wish you knew more about?
Anything traditional

What's the hardest hunting lesson you've learned?
I have been obsessed with hunting for 20 years now. In the beginning I would want every shot to be absolutely perfect. I have learned through time, experience and failures that you can still make an ethical shooting decision even when the animals approach isn't the perfect case scenario. Most of the time the animal doesn't have the same game plan that you have developed in your head for their approach.

If hunting was no longer an option for you what would you do with your time?
I would have a hard time not being able to enjoy the outdoors in the same way, but I would fish a lot more. I get asked all the time if I had to choose between hunting or fishing which one would I choose. My go to answer to that question is.. well what time of year is it? If its winter I'm hunting if its summer I'm fishing. So I would without a doubt be a year around fisherman.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
Calling especially ducks and turkeys.

How many pairs of hunting boots do you own?
I have a problem getting rid of old worn out boots so 7. Most are worn to the point they are no longer useful in the field , but they are useful working in the yard or other outdoor projects I end up doing.

What style of hunting are you most passionate about?
Having a whitetail deer in bow range or anything wing shooting. I love the challenge of a bow and the feel of a good shotgun!

NON - HUNTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
Being fortunate to work for Shoot Like A Girl for 8 years now I have been able to watch first hand how SLG has grown from just archery in a little trade show booth into the semi tractor trailer of today. The thing I love most has always been watching the "wow" moments from women shooting for the first time. Watching all the anxiety disappear from their faces with a huge smile after executing the first shot ever!

If you didn't have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
If it was summer time I would definitely bass fish all night and work during the day. Winter time I would enjoy working on various projects & waterfowl taxidermy or European mounts at night.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren't an issue?
Non hunting related makes this difficult!

What non hunting related skill would you like to master?
Cooking! I have a few dishes that I cook well but a lot of my cooking has been trial and a lot of error!

What are you interested in that most people haven't heard of?
I love to have projects going. Most of my projects involve building something or tearing something apart and rebuilding it. I don't do well with just sitting around unless I'm hunting.

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?
Woods or Water

Who inspires you to be better?
The good LORD, My husband, My Daughter, My Family & Friends

What are three interesting facts about you?
1) I'm a competition junkie. I have competed in all sorts of various outdoor competitions from ASA Archery Pro/Ams to fishing team bass tournaments with my husband.
2) If something breaks around the house I usually try and enjoy trying to fix it myself
3) I use to be extremely shy

What is your biggest fear?
Extreme heights. I say extreme because I'm not afraid to be in a deer stand as long as it has a good sturdy platform. But you will not see me look over the edge of an extremely high cliff or drop off. I am to clumsy to risk tripping and falling to my death. Haha

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A good steak and tators.

List two pet peeves
Going to cities where people love to honk their horns the second the red light turns green..no matter if your 5 cars back from the light. It falls under rushing and I don't like to be rushed.
Rude and Inconsiderate people. Life's too short to not be nice to one another. Traveling as much as I have has made me realize that a lot of people just don't take the time to be nice to one another anymore. It really is sad.

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Sight!

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

Mountains or Beach?
Mountains

Friday, February 23, 2018

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Firearms Instructor Janeen Wyatt

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Janeen Wyatt a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Janeen lives in Oklahoma and is an avid firearms teacher and firearms instructor with SLG.



What are you most passionate about as an instructor?
Educating and empowering ladies to feel more protected by being more aware of their surroundings and knowing how to safely use there firearms.

What has been your biggest challenge as an instructor?
I am the leader of a ladies shooting group as well.  Keeping things fun and interesting for beginners and more advanced women is always something that can be challenging at times. Balance and offering different classes seems to be key.

What has been your greatest success story with teaching?
I have a lady in my group who was so scared and nervous about guns, but she was determined to learn because her husband had passed away. She finally conquered her fear and now is quite the shooter.  That is a great success story!

I also had a lady with very high anxiety come into the SLG trailer who thought she wouldn’t be able to shoot. With a lot of encouragement and some training, she shot very well and was so excited that she was able to do it.  That makes my heart happy!

I have had several ladies thank me because of things they learned in my Self Defense Situational Awareness class that has detoured them from being a victim. That is why I love what I do. If I can help one lady to not be a victim of a crime, it is all worth it.

What is your motivation to teach others how to shoot?
I teach firearm safety in order to help others not have a negligent discharge or possibly hurt themselves or someone else.

Another motivation is when a student has an “aha moment”.   Whether it’s regarding sight alignment or conquering their fears, I know I’ve done my job well.

How do you help ladies overcome their fear with shooting?
I remind them how they felt when they first learned to drive a car. How everything felt awkward and scary. Now you jump into the drivers’ seat of a car and drive to the store without really thinking about how you got there. Shooting becomes easier the more you do it as well. Anyone can overcome the feeling of being nervous just by getting more practice while still being cautious. Remember, guns are a tool, just like a Skil saw. Learn how to safely use them and always follow the safety rules, and you will be just fine.

Hunting Themed Q&A
 If you could only hunt in one season which one would it be?
Deer season

What’s your favorite location to hunt?
I am definitely a newbie at hunting, but my first experience was in a blind that had a swivel chair and a heater. I’m thinking this is a great way to hunt. LOL 😉

Who introduced you to hunting?
My wonderful husband.

What do you hunt for?
Deer so far, but I am wanting to try duck hunting too.

What hunting skill would you like to master? Since I’m a newbie, all of it.

What’s the hardest hunting lesson you’ve learned?
Sun in my eyes when looking through a scope at a deer  is hard to see the target. Remember I’m new to this, so I have a lot to learn. LOL

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?  
The fundamentals of firearms. I could also teach an awareness and a Self Defense Class pretty easy.

NON – HUNTING OR SHOOTING RELATED
What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer?
I love interacting with all the different ladies who come into the trailer. I love knowing our team is making a difference in these ladies’ lives. All the hugs, high fives, and smiles lets me know how much they appreciate the help.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
My somewhat new hobby is oil painting. A great way to relax. I would also spend more time with my family and grand babies providing they didn’t require sleep too. :)

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I would love to travel more.  Cruising and snow skiing would definitely be on the list of adventures.

What non firearm related skill would you like to master?
Photography, I love capturing memories.

What non hunting related .. do you wish you knew more about?  Medical things.  I sometimes wish I would have gone to nursing school.

What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
 I actually keep my license up as a cosmetologist. Although I don’t work at a shop,  it’s nice to get the discounts for hair products.
Oil painting and I would also love to learn how to fly fish.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
My husband and I love to cruise. Puerto Rico and the surrounding islands were the farthest.

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?  My sister and I married brothers,  so we enjoy going to TX to visit our siblings where they live.

Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus, if I can be more like Him, everything else falls into place.

What are three interesting facts about you?
I watch Self Defense  and oil painting videos for fun.  I’ve been married to my best friend for over thirty years.  I have three sons and almost three grandchildren, one is due any day now.

What is your biggest fear?
Losing someone I love.

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

List two pet peeves?
Someone who complains ALL the time and NEVER looks for the good in others. We all have situations we go through and need to vent at times to family or a close friend. I am talking about negative people as a whole, who never seem to be happy.  If your around that too much, it can rub off.

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
Touch

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

Mountains or Beach?
That’s a hard one, I love both.  Since I love to cruise I will say beach.

Anything else you would like to add?

I feel very blessed to be able to use some of the gifts God has given me to help others.  He has opened doors for me to do the things I love and am passionate about. I am very grateful.  The best recipe for a happy life for me is...God First, my family second and everything else after that.

Friday, February 16, 2018

PRO STAFF/INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Learn more about Firearms Instructor Taryn Stewart

Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight:  We asked Taryn Stewart a few fun questions. Pro Staff / Instructor Spotlight is designed to help you get to know our awesome team of Pro Staff / Instructors a little better. Taryn lives in Oklahoma and is an avid competitive shooter and firearms instructor with SLG.

Are you a competitive shooter? Yes, I just started in 2017

What types of matches do you participate in? I shoot USPSA, and Steel challenge

What types of firearms do you shoot competitively? I shoot PCC (pistol Caliber Carbine)

If you could only shoot one what would it be? USPSA

How did you get involved with competitive shooting? My husband started shooting competitively when he retired from the police department 2 years ago, I would go with him and think to myself I want to do it to! I watched a few people shoot PCC and I knew that’s what I wanted to shoot to. So I told him and luckily we own a gun shop and he builds customs guns, so he built me a pretty awesome PCC ( her name is Matilda)

How long have you been shooting competitively? Only a year

What shooting skill would you like to master? Speed

What’s your biggest shooting challenge? My biggest challenge is my confidence. A lot of times I am the only girl out there so that can be very intimidating. But I have learned the “shooting world” is very supportive and helpful and encouraging.

What would be the most amazing competitive stage that is still on your bucket list? The PCC national championships!

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned? The amount of practice and commitment that is required to shoot competitively

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


NON – SHOOTING RELATED

What do you like most about the SLG shooting trailer? I am honored to be a part of Introducing women into the shooting sports, and watching the huge smiles on their faces when they leave the trailer.

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? I would load up our 5th wheel and Travel the United States. There is so much out there to do and see.

What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue? Shooting more! I would love to go somewhere every weekend to shoot and meet new people and see the world!

What non-shooting related skill would you like to master? Baking, I’m a horrible baker

What non-shooting related .. do you wish you knew more about? I love to cook I just don’t have the time. I would love to have some mad cooking skills and be on one of those cooking competition shows.

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

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

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off? I’m not really sure what time off is!! I’m either working, or shooting somewhere. We do make a point to take our family on vacation during the summer. We pick a national park every year to visit.

Who inspires you to be better? My husband for sure! Every time I say I can’t his response is always “why can’t you”

What are three interesting facts about you?
I have been a dental assistant for 11 years
I don’t like to shop
I love teaching

What is your biggest fear? Heights! I won’t go above the 2nd step on a ladder no way no how!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chocolate cake
List two pet peeves: Clutter, and being late

Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? Hearing, I swear I hear everything

One thing that not a lot of people know you love to do? I love to load up the camper and just go.

Mountains or Beach? Both for sure. They are both beautiful and relaxing

Anything else you would like to add?
My husband and I own a gun shop/range Firearms Solutions in Duncan OK.
Certified, NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor
Certified, Oklahoma Self Defense Act instructor
Certified, CLEET instructor
Certified, NRA Personal Protection in the Home Instructor
Certified, NRA certified Chief RSO
Certified, NRA Refuse to be a victim instructor
Certified, The Well Armed Woman Certified Instructor
Certified, USCCA Instructor
Certified, Glock Armorer
The Well Armed Woman Chapter Leader
The Well Armed Woman Regional Trainer

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Shoot Like A Girl & Sisterhood of the Outdoors Women's Arkansas Waterfowl Hunt

Extremely cold temperatures, ice, and mud is usually not the perfect situation for what some call a great adventure, unless you’re a duck hunter.  The 5th annual The Sisterhood of the Outdoors/Shoot Like a Girl duck hunt at Bust a Duck guide service in Augusta, Arkansas was a continued success.  This year’s hunt was a special one, with two of the ladies taking their first duck ever.
First Duck!!
First Duck!!

The arctic air found its way South in the last few days of December making the 2017 women’s waterfowl hunt one of the coldest yet.  There is nothing like sharing the duck blind with fellow female hunters, no matter the conditions.  Introducing new waterfowl hunters is one of my biggest passions.  Waterfowl hunting is unique compared to other species, as hunters don’t have to worry about scent control or talking too much in the blind, unless the birds are working.  This is the perfect combination for bringing a new female hunter into the field. Duck hunting has so many opportunities for social interaction in the blind, and new hunters are able to ask questions right after the action takes place.
Our group enjoying fellowship and a successful hunt!! 
Because of the harsh weather conditions, our new hunters got to experience all the challenges that waterfowl hunters face.  The combination of ice and clouds are a duck hunter’s nightmare.  Cloudy days create less shadows allowing ducks to see your decoy spread better.  Combine that with big chunks of ice floating around in your decoy spread and ice freezing to your decoys makes for a challenging day.  Although the conditions were not favorable, it allowed for many learning opportunities.  We had safe and fun hunts in both traditional and pit style blinds.  Through all the hard work, challenges, and worst-case scenarios our new duck hunters still fell in love with duck hunting.
Mr Bust a Duck Buster Cooper with our group of female hunters at the BAD Lodge
SLG Chief Operations Officer Cristy Crawford
with Sisterhood of the Outdoors Owner Amy Ray
SLG Chief Operations Officer Cristy Crawford shooting
the Beretta a400 Xtreme 12ga shotgun & Federal Premium
Blackcloud shells
 
This hunt continues to be one of my favorite hunts of the year.  Seeing the excitement on new hunters’ faces continues to fuel my passion for waterfowl hunting.  Special thank you to Federal Preimum Ammunition and Beretta. The team at Bust a Duck guide service go above and beyond to make us feel welcome at the lodge and in the field. It is without a doubt a female friendly operation.  You can find out more about Bust a Duck Guide service at www.bustaduck.com .  We are so happy to continue teaming up with The Sisterhood of the Outdoors and bring together ladies of all walks of life to enjoy duck hunting.  The Sisterhood of the Outdoors’ mission is to empower the next generation lady hunter and provide ladies with quality hunting, fishing, and outdoor adventures at an affordable price.  They have numerous opportunities for fishing and hunting.  To find out more information about Sisterhood of the Outdoors go to www.sisterhoodoutdoors.com .  A small deposit holds your spot in the 2018.  Comes hunt with us!
Cristy Crawford - Shoot Like A Girl Chief Operations Officer