Category: Uncategorized

By Becky Yackley
World Champion Pistol Shooter

As a mother and competitor, the yearly August chorus of “It’s National Shooting Sports Month!”, always makes me grin. August is a time when many people switch to “back to school” mode, but I’m still in full-tilt competition season and I enjoy seeing my sport recognized nationally for the month. In that spirit, I want to share a bit of my own belief on why shooting sports are as American as apple pie, and as much fun (or more) than traditional school sports.

Safety

First and foremost, the shooting sports are safe. When firearms are respected, and when safety policies and strict rules are followed, it makes the shooting sports safer than just about any sport you can name. Don’t just take my word for it thought, take a peek at this graphic, which makes football and soccer look like risky parenting:

The stats on safety in the shooting sports extend to recreational hunting as well, where the data shows hunting is actually safer than bowling, tennis and fishing. A big reason for that is the dedication to safety training that is passed down from generation to generation of hunters.

Fun

The primary reason I think shooting sports are more fun than most traditional school sports is that everyone can participate. There is no “first string,” no sitting on the bench, no playing out in left field.  Everyone can participate in the way they want to. Everyone can find a shooting sport discipline that suits their desires.

Want to go fast and push yourself? U.S. Practical Shooting Association events might be your ticket. Want to learn to focus and keep it low-key on physical exertion? Trap or sporting clays might be your jam. Want to take your whole family and let everyone take part instead of mom and dad managing the concession stand while the kids compete? Go shoot a falling steel match, or get really into it and shoot a 3-gun match! And here’s the thing: you don’t have to win the match. Your “win” can be doing something as a family, or with your siblings or best friends. The shooting sports are unique in that the opportunities are really as varied as you choose to make them.

So when you hear, “August is National Shooting Sports Month,” pause a second and decide if that isn’t your hint to step away from the 5 a.m. wake up to haul your family to a crowded sports facility and miss out on family time. We started shooting local pistol and 3-gun matches when our youngest was nine years old because we had become disenchanted with the crazy lifestyle of kids’ sports — where we had to volunteer (on top of paying for them to compete) and miss being with them.

Responsibility and Heritage

Aside from family time, shooting sports also foster responsible future gun owners and teach firearm safety in a positive and meaningful way, from handing and using them correctly to storing them securely and responsibly when they’re not in use. Guns are not scary or dark —there are even ballerinas who become shooting sports Olympians and have beautiful guns and stories to share. Shooting sports afford young people (or new gun owners) time with parents and coaches who help them learn the rules of firearm safety properly. Shooting sports are truly part of our American heritage and a wholesome experience just waiting for your family to enjoy.

Becky Yackley is an award-winning competition shooter, mother, photographer, social media manager, blogger and contributor to NRA Women.

By Mary Tucker
Olympian & NCAA Champion

When I was in eighth grade, I decided I wanted to attend a different high school than my older sisters. My mom wasn’t sold on the idea, but I applied anyway. When I got in, we made a deal: I could go, but I had to play a sport. My mom, who has always been very athletic, encouraged me to try more conventional sports, but I was drawn to something different—the rifle team.

Although it taught a different discipline from collegiate and Olympic shooting, my high school rifle team gave me a glimpse into sport shooting and the learning curve that comes with it. I struggled at first, and ultimately it was best for me to leave the high school team. But that experience sparked something in me. I began researching what equipment professionals were using and watching YouTube videos to slowly improve my technique. I was able to take myself far, but when I met a personal coach, I began to thrive.

At the time, I had no idea what the world of shooting could entail. I didn’t know it was an NCAA scholarship sport, an Olympic sport or that there were competitions all over the world. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to experience all of those things. Over the last eight years, shooting has given me a life I never could have imagined, friendships I will always treasure and an appreciation for the sports world. I encourage everyone to try shooting sports, because no matter who you are, you can find success and camaraderie.

Being in shooting sports has also given me the opportunity to educate more of the world on firearm safety. Whether I am traveling to other countries or am in the U.S., secure storage of my firearms protects me, my loved ones and my community. Every firearm owner should educate themselves about secure storage and safe handling and take pride in upholding high standards of safety. Building this habit helps to prevent accidents, theft and misuse and should become second nature to all responsible shooters.

Safety isn’t just personal, it sets a standard. We can’t build future champions without a culture of respect and responsibility, both to each other and to our equipment. Whether you are picking up a firearm for the first time or are a seasoned competitor, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe is a great resource to check out. They offer information on secure storage and how to talk about firearm safety with the people in your life.

My 2025 goals included enjoying the journey and setting an example for future shooters around the world. I am proud to partner with Project ChildSafe to ensure safety is at the forefront.

Mary Tucker is an Olympian, 11-time NCAA Champion, and passionate advocate for mental health. She has represented Team USA twice on the international stage, with a silver medal from Tokyo in shooting sports. When not competing, Mary coaches Ambition Performance LLC, the clinic she founded to promote a balance between physical and mental well-being.

By Robyn Sandoval
President, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of A Girl & A Gun

Purchasing a firearm is exciting, but it also can be overwhelming with all the options available. Before making such an important decision, it’s essential to ask yourself a few key questions. Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or a seasoned enthusiast, asking (and answering) the right questions can help ensure you’re making an informed, responsible choice.

1. What Will I Use This Gun For?

The first and most important question is about the purpose of the firearm. Guns are designed for a variety of uses, including self-defense, hunting, sport shooting or collecting. The type of gun you choose will largely depend on its intended purpose. Understanding your primary use will guide you toward the right firearm, ensuring that it meets your needs in terms of size, power and capacity.

2. Do I Have the Necessary Skills and Knowledge to Purchase a Gun?

Owning a gun requires more than just purchasing it; it’s crucial to ask yourself whether you have the skills and knowledge to handle it safely. Many first-time gun buyers underestimate the amount of training needed to use a firearm responsibly. You might consider taking a gun safety class like NSSF First Shots class before making a purchase—and if not, definitely take one after your purchase.  Make sure the first time you fire that gun isn’t in an emergency situation. For women, A Girl & A Gun Chapter Facilitators can also recommend classes and chapter clinics that cover safe handling, maintenance and marksmanship techniques.

3. What Are the Mental and Emotional Considerations to Purchasing a Gun?

Gun ownership requires thoughtful planning and diligence, especially if, like most people, you’re buying it for self-defense. It’s important to consider your readiness to make split-second decisions in various situations where you may need to use your firearm.

• In a self-defense scenario, you may have to make quick decisions under high stress. Are you mentally prepared to use a gun if the situation arises?
• Owning a gun means taking responsibility for it at all times. Can you maintain the discipline to secure it properly and ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands?
• Even if you use your firearm lawfully, there are legal and emotional consequences that can arise from using deadly force. Do you understand the potential legal and emotional impact of firing a gun?

Mental preparation is essential for responsible gun ownership. Training classes with a qualified instructor can help you explore different aspects of readiness and help you gain confidence for the journey. Participating in the A Girl & A Gun Book Club can also expose you to different ideas and philosophies that can help you prepare for whatever life brings.

4. 4. Where am I going to keep it?

Protecting yourself and your family doesn’t end with bringing a gun into your home.  You need to consider how you’re going to securely store it so it can’t be found and mishandled by a child, stolen, accessed by a person at risk of suicide or in any other way fall into the wrong hands.  As you’re exploring what kind of gun may be right for you, take a look at the Gun Storage Options for Your Lifestyle infographic from Project ChildSafe to make sure you’re also considering the storage option that’s going to work for you.

5. What Are the Legal Requirements in My Area for Gun Ownership?

Gun laws vary significantly by state and even local jurisdiction. Before purchasing a firearm, familiarize yourself with the legal requirements for gun ownership in your area. State laws vary, for example, for private sales. Some states require a permit to purchase and carry concealed.  Some allow you to carry the firearm on your person without a concealed carry permit, others do not.  Some states even have mandatory storage laws in place.  Most firearm retailers can help you research and understand your local gun laws, but be sure to check the requirements thoroughly to ensure you’ll be fully compliant.

6. What Are the Costs Associated with Owning a Gun?

Buying a gun is just the beginning. Understanding  the ongoing costs of gun ownership can help you budget accordingly.

Some of these costs include your storage and security device, ammunition, range fees and other costs associated with accessories and maintenance.  Beyond these, some gun owners also choose to buy self-defense insurance or a legal plan in case a situation arises that involves them in the legal system.

Buying a gun is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. By asking these  critical questions, you can ensure that you’re making an informed, responsible choice that aligns with your needs, abilities and obligations. For a deeper dive, I’d also recommend Project ChildSafe’s “Road to Responsible Gun Ownership” Module, which walks through these kinds of considerations in more detail.

Ultimately, whether you’re purchasing for self-defense, recreation or any other purpose, prioritize safety, secure storage, training and knowledge to make sure your experience as a gun owner is a positive one.

Robyn Sandoval is the President, Chief Executive Officer and Owner of A Girl & A Gun. She is an innovator and leader, who runs the day-to-day operations of the organization, shaping its strategic agenda and sharing the story of how A Girl & A Gun brings to life its purpose: inspiring women to live their best lives through firearms education, competition, and community. 

Local law enforcement from coast to coast joined NSSF® – The Firearm Industry Trade Association – and Project ChildSafe® to commemorate Gun Storage Check Week®, which ran June 1 to June 7 to coincide with National Safety Month. During this week-long national observance, gun owners are encouraged to check their firearm storage practices and, if necessary, make adjustments to prevent unwanted access. Together, police departments, community organizations and industry leaders reminded gun owners and their families to Make Sure It’s Secure®.

In Prescott Valley, Arizona, local law enforcement shared Project ChildSafe’s safe storage module and offered free gun safety kits for community members. The Prescott Valley Police Department’s press release was featured in the local newspaper, The Prescott Times.

“Secure firearm storage is the most effective way to help prevent firearm accidents, suicides and theft. There are secure storage options available to all gun owners, such as cable locks, lock boxes, and full-size safes to make sure that firearms are secure when not in use,” the department said. “Keeping our community and residents safe is a top priority for our agency, especially when it comes to educating gun owners on the importance of securely storing firearms.”

In DeKalb County, Georgia, a county in the Atlanta metro area, members of the DeKalb County Police Department’s SWAT marked Gun Storage Check Week by spending a morning distributing 60 Project ChildSafe gun locks. For those unable to attend the event, the department posted on Facebook that gun locks are also available at all four county precincts.

Dallas Police Department Community Affairs in Dallas, Texas shared pictures on Facebook of law enforcement and volunteers unloading a shipment of 15,000 Project ChildSafe gun safety kits at Dallas Police Headquarters on June 5. Police officers handed out free gun locks and gun safety materials during community engagement events.

In Arapahoe County, Colorado, a county covering part of the Denver area, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office posted about Gun Storage Check Week on Facebook and Instagram:

“Proper gun storage helps prevent accidents, especially in homes with children. Secure storage reduces the risk of firearms being stolen and potentially used in crimes. As a gun owner, it’s your duty to ensure your firearms are stored safely and responsibly.

Please take a moment this week to review your gun storage practices. Are your firearms securely locked away? Are your locks in good condition? If not, the Sheriff’s Office has 100 gun locks we’re giving away for free.”

And even after Gun Storage Check Week concluded, local law enforcement continued to share safety messages and resources.

The City of Raliegh Police Department in Raleigh, North Carolina, posted on X, “There are many ways to safely store firearms, including a full-sized gun safe, a cable lock, a lock box/locker, a gun case, a console/vehicle gun safe, and a trigger lock. Decide which storage device is right for you and lock up!”

While the weekly observance is a great reminder for all gun owners—firearm safety is an everyday practice. We all have a role to play in protecting our families and neighbors and helping prevent firearm-related accidents.

Project ChildSafe is grateful to all law enforcement partners and supporters for helping share the message of Gun Storage Check Week nationwide. We look forward to future partnerships to bring firearm safety to local communities.

NSSF and Project ChildSafe will launch a second Gun Storage Check Week observance September 1-7 to coincide with National Suicide Prevention Month.

By: Top Shot Chris Cheng
American History Channel’s Top Shot Champion and Author of “Shoot To Win”

Buying a firearm is a serious decision—and a personal one, especially if it’s your first time.  Whether you’re considering it for personal or home defense, sport shooting, hunting or all of the above, owning a firearm comes with a responsibility that goes far beyond choosing the right make and model. It’s about learning how to use it safely and responsibly and giving special thought to where that gun will be kept when it’s not under your direct control.

There are a lot of questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a gun. If it’s your first time, I recommend looking at Project ChildSafe’s “Road To Responsible Gun Ownership” guide, which covers step-by-step questions and tips to consider.  One of the most important is, “Where and how am I going to store it in my home?”

Unfortunately, most people don’t think about this question — especially if they’re buying a gun for personal or home protection. Obviously, if you have kids in your home — ever — you want to make sure that firearm is secured, where only you can access it.  The last thing anyone wants is a tragedy involving an unsecured gun being picked up by a child.

Even if you never have kids in your home or if you live alone, securely storing your firearm is still vitally important. Guns can be stolen from your home. They can also be stolen from your vehicle if you’re taking them to the range (or hunting) and need to stop somewhere along the way where you can’t bring the gun inside with you. In fact, thefts of guns from vehicles is becoming one of the most common crimes across the country.

It’d be bad enough to have to suffer the loss of property, but to think your firearm is now going to be used to commit a crime is never a burden anyone should have to bear. There are several options for securely storing your firearms at home and in your vehicle … taking that step plays a direct role in keeping your community safer.

Owning a Gun Means Understanding It

The most important step after buying a firearm is learning how to handle it properly. If you own a gun, you owe it to yourself and your family and loved ones to know how to safely operate it, how to handle it safely and how to safely clean and maintain it.

Misunderstanding how your firearm functions—or worse, never learning—is a recipe for tragedy. Every year, accidents happen because someone mishandled a gun they didn’t fully understand how to operate. Don’t let that be you. Make safety your first priority.

Take a Training Class

One of the best things you can do as a new gun owner is take a firearm safety and handling course at a local shooting range. Most likely the retailer who sold you the gun has recommendations on local ranges or may even be part of a range already.  If not, check out the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Where to Shoot webpage for a state-by-state directory of ranges.

These classes are often affordable, beginner-friendly and led by certified instructors who know how to walk newcomers through everything they need to know, from basic safety rules and handling, to how to shoot accurately and with confidence.

Training gives you more than just knowledge—it gives you familiarity. The gun becomes less intimidating once you understand how it works and develop your safe handling skills. You’ll stop thinking of it as a scary object and start seeing it for what it really is: a tool that demands respect and discipline.

Your First Shot Shouldn’t Be in a Crisis

Perhaps the most critical message for new gun owners is this: the first time you fire your gun should not be in an emergency.

In a high-stress situation—like a home invasion or self-defense scenario—your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. Fine motor skills decrease, adrenaline floods your system and decision-making becomes harder. If you’ve never held or fired your gun before that moment, it’s unlikely you’ll use it effectively or even decide it’s best not to use it. Worse, you could hurt yourself or someone else by accident.

There’s a popular saying that in a crisis it’s much more difficult to “rise to the occasion” than it is to “fall back on your training.”  Regular practice at the range, guided by professionals at first, builds muscle memory and confidence. When you’ve trained in a safe, controlled environment, your ability to stay calm and act appropriately in an emergency increases dramatically.

Responsibility Comes First

Owning a gun is not just a right—it’s a responsibility. A firearm can protect, but only if the person holding it is informed, trained and prepared. Don’t let your first shot be a desperate one in the dark. Take the time to learn. Train regularly. Keep your firearm secure and never forget that safety is always the number one priority.

If you’re serious about gun ownership, start with education. Check out the Road to Responsible Gun Ownership guide, learn about firearm safety in the home, visit your local range, sign up for a class and ask questions. The more you know, the more confidently and safely you’ll be able to exercise your rights, protect yourself and protect the people you care about.

Chris Cheng is a champion American sport shooter, winner of the History Channel’s Top Shot Season 4 and author of the book “Shoot to Win, which offers tips for new gun owners and shooters.  A proud believer in personal liberty, he serves on the boards of the Asian Pacific American Gun Owners Association and Operation Blazing Sword/Pink Pistols, pro-gun liberty organizations for Asian and LGTBQ Americans, respectively.  Cheng is a former staff writer for The Firearm Blog and has appeared in Gun Stories with Joe Montagna, among other media outlets.  

By: Tim Schmidt
Chairman and Co-Founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association

The vast majority of gun owners, especially CCW permit holders, have taken steps already to make sure their firearms are securely and responsibly stored in their homes. It’s always essential to ensure that personal firearms can’t be stolen, picked up by a child, or misused in any way. If the statistics from the FBI are to be believed, however, many of these same gun owners are overlooking the importance of being equally vigilant to secure their guns in their vehicles.

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), firearms are frequently stolen from vehicles, raising not only concerns about property loss but also about their potential use in criminal activity. This puts both public safety and gun rights at risk. As responsible gun owners, we have a duty to take every possible step to prevent our firearms from falling into the wrong hands.

That’s why initiatives like Project ChildSafe — a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) — and national awareness events like the NSSF’s Gun Storage Check Week® (June 1-7, 2025) are so critical. They provide clear, practical guidance and public reminders that safe storage is essential, not optional.

The Risks Are Real—and Preventable

The reality is that a parked car, whether it’s locked or not, and whether a firearm is visible or not, is an easy target for thieves. A thin piece of glass is all that separates them from what’s inside.

In many cases, they’ll break in looking for money or valuables and then find an unsecured firearm. In other cases, they can be more deliberate. Many of us at the USCCA have heard stories of thieves tailing gun owners after they leave the range, waiting for the driver to stop at a coffee shop or grocery store on the way home. Once the owners are out of sight, the thieves break in and steal the guns, cases, ammunition, optics, and everything else not bolted down.

And therein lies the central message: Securing your firearm in a vehicle requires more than just locking the doors. It requires securing those firearms in a way that can’t be accessed or removed by any unauthorized person.

What You Can Do Right Now

NSSF and Project ChildSafe have several resources on gun storage, including a “Gun Storage for Your Lifestyle” infographic that discusses options for safe storage in vehicles.  There’s also a comprehensive brochure and videos with helpful information as well.

I mention these resources because even if you already take steps to prevent your guns from being stolen, you can still be a powerful voice in the gun-owning community to promote this lifesaving practice. Take the time to share and teach from these tools, and help us ensure that the gun-owning community (rather than organizations opposed to gun rights) owns the firearm safety message.

Protect Your Property, Protect Your Rights

Gun owners are among the most responsible citizens in America — but we must continuously work to uphold that reputation, or we risk undermining our own rights. As we recognize Gun Storage Check Week, I encourage you to take a few moments to check how you’re securing your firearm — especially in your vehicle.

Secure storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental tragedies and firearm theft. It protects our communities, our families, and our rights. By staying vigilant and storing your firearms securely, you’ll help to protect what matters most—your loved ones, your community, and your freedom.

Tim Schmidt is the Chairman and Co-Founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association

Project ChildSafe’s 2025 Friends and Family campaign is a time when Project ChildSafe invites gun owners across the country to join us in spreading the word about firearm safety. From May 12 to June 6, anyone can enter to win amazing weekly prizes by sharing Project ChildSafe resources with their friends and family.  

We want to greatly thank our partners and sponsors in this effort, without their generosity, this campaign would not be possible. This year set a new standard with the largest collection of prizes we’ve ever gathered – including a mix of gun storage and security items, optics, holsters, firearms and other tactical gear.  

With the campaign nearing the halfway point, we’re taking a moment to give our sponsors the opportunity to share a few words on why they support Project ChildSafe’s mission to spread the important message of gun safety: 

“At CrossBreed Holsters, we believe responsible gun ownership starts with secure firearm storage. Protecting families, preventing accidents, and promoting a culture of safety are core to our values. That’s why we proudly support Project ChildSafe—an important initiative dedicated to educating gun owners and providing free safety resources to help keep firearms out of the wrong hands,” says CrossBreed Holsters CEO Carol Craighead. 

“Supporting Project ChildSafe is a meaningful way to contribute to firearms safety and the well-being of communities across the US. All firearms sold by Davidson’s and Gallery of Guns include free gun locks. We believe if the proper tools are given to consumers upon the purchase of their firearm, the consumer can immediately take their purchase home and store their firearm securely,” says Davidson’s Inc. Strategic Implementation Manager Keri Pratt. “Our goal is to encourage new and experienced gun owners to become prominent examples of good citizens in their communities, reinforcing our ongoing support for Project ChildSafe.” 

“At Kinisium, we believe secure firearm storage is one of the most critical steps in protecting children and preventing tragedy. We created Kini to give families an added layer of real-time awareness so they can act immediately if a firearm is accessed,” says Kinisium Co-Founder Nicky Zabetian. “Partnering with Project ChildSafe was a natural fit. Together, we’re working to empower responsible gun owners with the tools and knowledge to keep their homes safe.” 

“Ensuring every firearm is securely stored is not just a responsibility—it’s a commitment to safety for our families and communities. There simply is no reason to ever have an unsecured gun in your home. Partnering with Project ChildSafe, SecureIT is proud to champion innovative, adaptable storage that keeps safety first without compromising readiness,” says SecureIT Tactical CEO Tom Kubiniec. 

“ZKT Group is proud to support NSSF’s Project ChildSafe because we recognize that bearing arms is both a privilege and a liability for every citizen,” says ZKT Group Marketing Director Mac Lu. “Firearm safety must be emphasized and educated extensively, especially to future generations. ZKT Group is committed to helping young citizens to exercise their freedom with firearms safely and responsibly.” 

There’s still time to win our final few prize packages featuring awesome products from our sponsors! Click here to learn more about the sweepstakes and to enter for your chance to win.  

The 2025 Friends and Family campaign concludes the week of June 1 with the giveaway of an exclusive Secure Storage Grand Prize Package featuring: 

• Kinisium: Kini SafeAlert Motion Sensor 

• ZKT Group: x1 Modular Fast Access Classic Gun Safe  & one  Prepackaged Gun Wipes  

• Crossbreed Holsters: Custom Holster 

• Sportsman’s Warehouse: gift card 

• Secure It Tactical: Fast Box™ Model 47 Gun Safe 

• Lockdown: Large Handgun Vault 

• Davidson’s Gallery of Guns: R92 Lever Action Rifle Davidsons Exclusive 

Be sure to spread the word and share Project ChildSafe resources with your friends and family for a chance to win between now and June 6. 

By: Todd Roggenkamp
Assistant Director of Education for Safari Club International Foundation

With the rapid technology advancements in the 21st century there has been a shift in the US population’s life experiences.  We’ve gone from a time when manual labor was required for almost every aspect of life to one of an automated and interconnected world.  We no longer have to rely as much on fulfilling basic human needs for food and survival. This in turn has impacted societal values on how animals, including wildlife, are viewed.

Historically, most people held “traditionalist” or “utilitarian” values for wildlife, based on the belief that animals were a commodity for the benefit of people – primarily as a food source.  Nowadays, most of our food is farmed, and we have fast-food joints on every corner or order food from an app. We’ve largely lost the connection we used to have with wildlife as a critical element of our own survival.

That loss of connection extends into our wild “places” too, where the habitat necessary for wildlife to thrive has been replaced by structures and manicured parks, and fewer people have access to the truly wild places in our country. That pushes wildlife even further away and widens the disconnection.

A recent study America’s Wildlife Values Project is the first of its kind to describe how US residents within all 50 states think about wildlife. The study showed that in just the last 12-14 years there has been a shift in wildlife values, reflecting an increase in people viewing wildlife as part of their extended social network.  They view wildlife as their extended family or friends, deserving caring and rights like humans. This is in contrast with a decrease in traditional utilitarian values where wildlife is utilized for the benefit of humans

The good news is that common ground does emerge from these disparate views, and that common ground is “conservation.”  We all want to see wildlife thriving today and in the future, and the hunting community plays a vital role in that.

Most people don’t know that since the late 19^th century hunting has made substantial contributions to conservation, including bringing species back from the brink of extinction and reintroducing them to their native areas — like the reintroduction of wood bison in Alaska. Hunters have and continue to put wildlife first by supporting the overwhelming financial burden of conservation work. Important vehicles to financially support conservation like the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman Robertson Act), the Federal Duck Stamp program, licenses, permits, tags and hunting-focused conservation organizations like Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) are committed to spending dollars supporting conservation.

As an example, nearly $25 billion has been collected to use in conservation efforts since the inception of the Pittman Robertson Act weas passed in 1937. The Federal Duck Stamp program has provided an additional $800 million to directly support the purchase of more than six million acres for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Although this does not encompass all the funds that are raised for conservation, it does give a good picture of how much conservation efforts are supported through hunting.

Past efforts to educate the public on these successes have focused on creating awareness of how conservation funding has helped increase wildlife populations and habitat. However, knowing that the perspective of the public’s value of wildlife has changed, it is important to recognize the role of  past and present conservation funding to a variety of other conservation needs — and help ensure wildlife and wild places can be enjoyed and shared by all.

Public education should focus on topics such as how hunting provides funding for wildlife research, restoring ailing wildlife species and improving their habitat, benefiting non-game species and assisting wildlife biologists in fighting wildlife diseases. Each one of these topics is an example of the passion for wildlife shared by hunters who are committed to making sure our environment is bio-diverse, sustainable and available for all lovers of wildlife to enjoy and value into the future.

Beyond public education about how hunting provides the funding critical to wildlife and conservation, it should also focus on the commitment hunters make to fair chase, ethical hunting and safety, especially when it comes to the handling and storage of firearms at home, in the field or in vehicles.  The non-hunting public has been misled by tired stereotypes of who hunters are, and it’s up to us as the hunting community to model and advocate for firearm safety and responsibility.  As a first step, I invite you to check out and share the hunting safety resources from NSSF’s Project ChildSafe.

Moving the needle on how the US population views the role of hunting in conservation as well as safety in hunting will be important to help ensure conservation funding into the future. Doing so will illustrate that hunters are indeed first for wildlife, committed to responsible and ethical hunting, and dedicated to making sure there is wildlife for all future generations.

Todd Roggenkamp is the Assistant Director of Education for Safari Club International Foundation. He has spent the last 25 years helping develop and provide programs that focus on the importance of the role hunting plays in conservation. An avid hunter, trapper and angler, he is dedicated to helping educate the public about the importance of conservation, sustainability and being a good steward of our environment.

By: Cheryl Todd
Vice President of Arizona Citizens Defense League and co-host of the GunFreedom Radio Podcast

In the modern world, the intersection of women and firearms is often viewed as an unusual or even surprising topic, but it is one that carries significant weight in both history and the future of our nation. It is not just about the tools and training unique to the female physique but also about how women in the United States are engaging with the very foundation of our Constitutional protections, particularly the Second Amendment. 

Women, especially mothers, have long been seen as the gatekeepers of safety in the home—responsible for everything from keeping sharp knives out of reach to securing medications, cleaning products and, yes, firearms. Just as women safeguard their homes from potential harm in countless ways, they are also key players in the conversation about gun rights and safety. 

A particularly poignant anniversary related specifically to women recently passed: the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. In a country that has been around for nearly 250 years, this right has only been available to women for the last 100. For many of us, it is hard to imagine there was ever a time when women couldn’t freely walk into a polling station to cast their vote, let alone that it was once a radical, illegal act for women to even think about voting. 

That right, however, was not handed to us; it was fought for and hard-won. Women who sought representation through the ballot box were seen as divisive and extremist, and the fight for suffrage cost many of them dearly. Some women were ostracized by friends and family, and others faced imprisonment. But after years of struggle, sacrifice and perseverance, the 19th Amendment passed and was ratified and adopted in 1920. From that day forward, women across the country gained the ability to shape the direction of the nation through their votes. 

So, wouldn’t you think that once we won the right to vote, women would be unwavering in defending every syllable of every other enumerated Liberty our Founding Fathers and Mothers fought, bled and died to secure? Wouldn’t we stand tall and proud, storming the doors of every polling place, defending our rights and the values that have defined our nation? 

Unfortunately, the reality is more complicated. As we passed the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, efforts are afoot to chip many of our rights slowly away — often led by other women. Misinformation, emotional appeals and political maneuvering have led some to make choices that undermine our freedoms. Many of us have allowed ourselves to slip back into thinking that government programs—rather than our own actions—can protect us and our families. We’ve allowed ourselves to slip backward in our thinking, voting for laws that separate us from our freedoms, including the most basic of rights—the right to defend our lives and our families. 

Perhaps the most significant right at stake today is the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, a fundamental right that protects our ability to defend ourselves. In an era where some organizations try to claim women are too fragile or incapable of handling firearms, we have allowed ourselves to be manipulated into seeking permission from the very government that we fought to gain even the most basic of rights. These voices suggest that women should remain helpless, waiting for a “big, strong government program” to save us, rather than empowering ourselves to protect what matters most. 

However, in defiance of this narrative, women across the country are rising up, taking action and fighting to ensure our rights—especially the right to bear arms—are not diminished. As the co-host of the GunFreedomRadio Podcast and the proud Vice President of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), a non-profit, grassroots organization that is dedicated to protecting and advancing the Second Amendment rights of Arizona citizens, I am working to educate legislators, the media and the public about the importance of the Second Amendment. Through these efforts, I am joined by thousands of other women and men in promoting responsible gun ownership through community outreach and advocacy. We believe that education—not legislation—is the key to safer homes and safer communities for our children and for all of us. We carry forward the legacy of the suffragists who fought for our right to vote, and our voices are helping to shape a future where freedom is not only preserved but strengthened. 

Women and guns are not an oddity, novelty or a contradiction—they are part of the same story. Women are at the heart of their families, their communities and our nation. We understand the power of our rights: the right to vote, the right to defend ourselves and the right to shape our future. These rights are inseparable. Through our actions, we teach our children the importance of showing up, speaking up and using the 19th Amendment to protect the Second Amendment. We understand that our rights are not just abstract ideas—they are essential to our freedom, our safety and our strength. 

So, when we talk about women and guns, we’re talking about much more than firearms. We’re talking about the power we have to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. We’re talking about the legacy of women who fought for our right to vote and the responsibility we now carry to defend that right—along with the Second Amendment—every day, not just during election seasons, but in every season of our lives. 

Cheryl Todd is the co-host of the GunFreedomRadio Podcast and a passionate advocate for the Second Amendment. As the Vice President of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), a non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the Second Amendment rights of Arizona citizens, she educates legislators, media and the public on firearm rights, safety and the importance of preserving individual freedoms for future generations.