Category: Uncategorized

By: Karen Butler
Founder and President of SLG2, Inc.

March is Women’s History Month and a good time to reflect on the positive impact women have made and continue to make in their communities, which in turn benefits the shooting sports industry.   

History is full of women that influenced positive attitudes towards the use of firearms and who excelled as ambassadors of the shooting sports by promoting firearm safety and teaching shooting fundamentals.  Currently there are numerous women who in leadership positions throughout the shooting sports industry, serving as exceptional brand ambassadors for safety and the sport, and who also work within their communities to educate people on safety and firearm use. 

Obviously, there are too many women to call out by name who have influenced positive attitudes to use of firearms usage, but two stand out to me.  Molly Pitcher is my first choice, because she, according to The American Battlefield Trust, represented thousands of women who fought in the American Revolution.  The legend of Molly is that she was a nurse on the battlefield, and when her husband was killed, she continued the fight by firing his cannon.  Another woman who I read about in an article by NRA Women who embodies the right to keep and bear arms is Ida B. Wells.  Ida was a civil rights activist in the later 1800s who exercised her First Amendment rights to speak out for African Americans.  She was brave and realized after her friend, Thomas Moss, was killed by lynch men that she needed a gun.  She later had to use that gun to protect herself.  These two women stand out to me, because it is awful to think about where we would be as a nation had they not made the choice to use a gun. 

Our original firearms brand ambassadors are easy for most of us to identify.  The iconic images of Annie Oakley performing in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Shows are of a confident, skilled and proficient shooter, but did you know she also taught women to shoot?  Historians estimate that she taught more than 15,000 women about gun safety and use of firearms to target shoot and defend themselves.  

Gun safety and use was also taught by many people who ran “Cellar Clubs” across 1940s America.  Sponsored by Colt’s Manufacturing, these clubs were advertised to encourage women to learn how to shoot.  There is not a lot of data on the impact, but in a time when women were rising in status, it must have been extensive. 

In the shooting sports industry, there are many women who broke some glass ceilings and excelled to leadership positions.  Here are a few who should not go unnoticed:
Cyndi Flannigan, who has over 40 years in the firearm industry and was VP of Marketing at Walther; Deana McPhearson, who is the Chief Finance Officer for Smith & Wesson; Brandi Collins, who is the Marketing Director at Glock;  Sara Simonow, who is the Marketing Director of Colt; Abbey Clary, Director of Media, Advertising & Public Relations at Ruger; Ozge Cumberland, Chief Revenue Officer for Primary Arms; and Marion Hamner and Sandy Frohman, who were Presidents of the National Rifle Association.  The women listed are just a few of the many more women who should be mentioned here. 

We also have some amazing women who serve as brand ambassadors for our industry.  Julie Golob is an ambassador for NSSF and Smith & Wesson, and she also has written a children’s book promoting safety, Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules.  Tactical Mia, a ten year old, is representing women in shooting sports and promotes families learning about firearm safety.  Check out your favorite gun company’s website and you will find women and young girls who are representing women in shooting sports. 

Some of the biggest influencers of firearm safety and shooting sports in communities are the women who are certified instructors across the country.  Some are part of Armed Women of America, A Girl and A Gun or local women who have created their own groups at their gun ranges (maybe like the Cellars Clubs) and teach classes within their communities.  Many additional women have their own small businesses and are in their community promoting safety and firearm education.  If you consider the positive impact that Annie Oakley made as one women, you can exponentially multiply that for all the phenomenal women instructors that are teaching firearm safety today.    

I would be remiss, if I didn’t mention men as we talk about Women’s History Month.  Women have made incredible impact in the firearm industry, and many of our male counterparts have been extremely supportive as we rise to the challenge to promote gun safety and education.  I am grateful for the men who have supported all of us over the years. 

Women will continue to make a positive impact in shooting sports.  If you want to make a positive impact, even if you are not an industry professional, brand ambassador or instructor, you can make a difference by using the resources put out by the NSSF’s Project ChildSafe. 

Karen Butler is the founder and President of SLG2, Inc. an experiential marketing company that includes promotes firearms safety, shooting sports, and personal protection through interactive experiences with its brands Shoot Like a Girl and SafeLivinG.  Karen retired from the Department of the United States Army after 22 years of distinguished civilian service in November 2016. She shot a bow and a rifle for the first time in 2000, after camping with some friends, and was instantly hooked. She went on to become an accomplished hunter, speaker and writer.  She launched Shoot Like A Girl in February 2009 at the World Archery Festival in Las Vegas, NV, and has achieved tremendous success since then. She was named the NRA Woman of the Year; recognized by Outdoor Life Magazine as one of their 2011 Top 25: Leaders in Hunting, Fishing and Conservation; and named Entrepreneur of the Year by Women’s Business Center of North Alabama in 2017. She has been featured in Time Magazine, on multiple television shows, interviewed on National radio shows and conducted seminars at numerous events, including the NSSF Range and Retailer Business Expo.    

By: Jan Ennenga
Executive Director of Armed Women of America 

As we enter March, my thoughts are about lions and lambs, and how women are a mix of both. We are nurturers, gentle, calm and caring — and yet there is a fierce side as well. Throughout history, women have defended and protected their loved ones, keeping them safe from harm.

From mythical warrior/protector goddesses like Diana and Artemis to frontier women keeping watch over their homesteads, the instinct to protect is deeply ingrained in us. In today’s modern times, that instinct remains just as strong, but the ways in which we protect ourselves have evolved. Today, more and more women are choosing to become firearm owners, recognizing that self-defense — protecting themselves and their families — is one of their most fundamental rights.

The number of women purchasing firearms has surged in recent years, and for good reason. We understand that when danger presents itself, we may be the first and only line of defense for ourselves and our loved ones. Women from all walks of life—mothers, daughters, single professionals and retirees—are embracing their right to bear arms. It’s empowering to take control of our personal safety, to refuse to be a victim and to ensure that we are prepared should the unthinkable happen.

But that involves more than just buying a gun.  It means taking training courses and learning how to safely and effectively use firearms. Owning a gun without knowing how to use it under stress is like having a fire extinguisher but not knowing how to pull the pin. Regular practice at the range, situational awareness drills and even courses on de-escalation and conflict resolution are part of responsible gun ownership.

Equally important, owning a firearm means understanding how to store it securely to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. No unauthorized individuals — especially children — should ever have access to your firearm.

In that spirit, anyone considering a firearm purchase should think first about how that gun will be securely stored in your home when it’s not in use.  There are several safe storage options available, ranging from a simple lock and key to full-sized armored and fireproof gun safes. Ammunition should also be stored separately as an additional layer of precaution.  The last thing anyone wants is for something that’s meant to be a tool for your personal and home protection to become a source of tragedy.

As we honor Women’s History Month, let’s recognize the strength, resilience and courage of women throughout history who have stood as protectors of their families. And let’s commit ourselves to being responsible, educated and prepared defenders of ourselves and those in our care. Because being both a lion and a lamb means knowing when to be fierce and when to be gentle—and ensuring that our means of defense are as safe as they are effective.

Jan Ennenga is the Executive Director of Armed Women of America, a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to enabling women to be their own self-protectors, creating freedom, peace of mind, and confidence in themselves.

This year’s SHOT Show® – the firearm industry’s annual trade show  – truly stood out among all previous events. From January 21 through January 24, the Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum in Las Vegas buzzed with constant energy throughout the week. Industry professionals were busy forging new relationships, reconnecting with long-time friends and looking for innovative ways to collaborate. 

This year, we introduced a unique storytelling component at the Project ChildSafe® booth, where attendees were encouraged to sign a whiteboard and share a personal anecdote on “Why Secure Storage Matters to You.” To enhance this experience, attendees were offered Polaroid cameras to capture a tangible, immediate snapshot of meaningful moments while at SHOT Show. At Project ChildSafe, we believe responsible firearm ownership goes beyond flashy activations; it’s about making personal connections and engaging with people on a deeper level.

Some of the attendees who shared their thoughts on why secure storage matters include: 

• Kia Glenn, National African American Gun Association (NAAGA): “I practice safety because our lives depend on it!” 
• Claire Houtsma: “It can create space between a person thinking about suicide and their firearm, so they can get help and support. 
• Stiffler Family, Stiffler Manufacturing: “Safety is our number 1 concern with us having two little boys. Thank you!” 

SHOT Show attendees who stopped by the Project ChildSafe booth also had the opportunity to learn more about Gun Storage Check Week®, which is a national awareness campaign that reminds gun owners to check on their storage practices to ‘Make Sure It’s Secure. Visitors received a variety of educational resources and were encouraged to sign up as supporters and participants for this year’s annual observance, which kicks off in June during National Safety Month and continues in September for Suicide Prevention Month. To spread the word, Project ChildSafe also appeared on multiple radio shows, such as KNZR 1560AM and The Lars Larson Show. If you’d like to be part of this year’s Gun Storage Check Week efforts, please sign up to become a supporter today! 

To conclude our week on a high note, we had Lexi Lagan, a two-time Olympian, visit the Project ChildSafe booth for a meet and greet, helping us spread the message of secure storage and suicide prevention resources with attendees. 

Overall, we’re grateful and excited to have built new relationships with inspiring individuals like King Pedford, who is educating the next generation of hunters on the importance of conservation, The Armory Project, a valuable partner on vital suicide prevention efforts, and A Better Way 2A, who shares our passion and mission to promote real firearm safety solutions for every community. 

Project ChildSafe and Gun Storage Check Week are programs of NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association®. NSSF owns and manages the SHOT Show.  

By: Pete Muller
Public Relations Director for the National Wild Turkey Federation

As a single father of three younger kids, a passionate outdoorsman and a staffer at the National Wild Turkey Federation, one of the most cherished times of the year for me is spring turkey season and spending time in South Carolina’s hardwood bottoms, planted pines or field edges with my kids hunting wild turkey and hoping to hear a gobble. But, as my home state doesn’t have a fall turkey season, many of our weekend mornings and evenings right now are spent chasing deer and countless other game instead of turkeys, as I try to pass along my hunting heritage to the next generation.  

Now teaching safe practices to kids is huge part of being a parent, and as a responsible firearm owner, firearm safety is something I have hammered home since they were extremely young. Even though my firearms are all locked away in storage, they know the base rules for encountering a firearm —STOP, don’t touch, leave the area and tell an adult. With me and the kids spending more time afield hunting, and them now even carrying or holding firearms while we hunt together, the rules have been broadened as we work to hunt safely together as a family. 

Here are just a few of the things you too can do to ensure safety for you and your kids while in the woods this fall: 

• Plan ahead for the hunt to make sure you are properly equipped: Whether tree stand harness, headlamp, Thermacell, knife, first aid kit, water and snacks, make sure you are prepared for your hunt and the conditions and terrain you may encounter.   

• Let someone know where you will be going: Kids can use a phone easy enough, but letting a family member or friend know where you will be helps ensure safety should issues arise. 

• Travel to and from our home to the field with the firearms unloaded and in a proper case: While just a good safety practice, in South Carolina I have learned this is also especially important as it is unlawful to have an uncased firearm when traveling on game lands.  

• Always keep a firearm pointed in a safe direction when transporting or in the blind: As my kids are allowed to hunt big game in this state, they now are holding and transporting firearms and understand this is a core rule of firearm safety. 

• Keep the safety on and don’t put your finger on the trigger or in the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot, and return the safety to on once you take the shot: The chance of a firearm discharging without pulling the trigger and with having the safety on is pretty much zero, so this safety measure can nearly eliminate accidental discharges. 

• Wear a harness and use lifelines when in elevated stands: Falling, even from shorter heights off the ground can result in injury. Staying “tied” to your tree or ladder stand can reduce the risk of injuries from falling. 

• Properly identify your target and what is behind it: Once you pull the trigger, you cannot take back that shot. So, make sure you know your target and ensure you have a proper backstop behind the target.  

• Unload, clean and properly store your firearms upon returning home: After a hunt, it is easy to get caught up in all the things that need to be done, but unloading, cleaning and returning your firearm to a lockable storage or safe means that your gear is safely and securely stored until the next time you need it.  

Hunting together as a family is the greatest way to pass on our hunting heritage, so make sure your pursuits are not just successful, but also safe. 

Pete Muller is the Public Relations director at the National Wild Turkey Federation.  Follow NWTF on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and at nwtf.org. 

By: Kristy Titus
Producer and Host of Pursue the Wild and the Wild & Uncut Podcast

Making ethical shots in every hunting situation, whether it’s varmints or big game, is a must.  Every hunting scenario and shot opportunity is unique — often you have to make split-second decisions — so committing to ethical shooting can help you be in the right mindset in those moments. The last experience any hunter wants is to wound and then not locate an animal. It does happen sometimes, even to the best of hunters, but all of us can take steps to prevent that and stack the odds in our favor. 

• Ethical Shots Start Before the Season Does. Taking the time to get to the range and practice in advance is the best thing you can do to make sure you deliver the goods when the moment of truth arrives and the game of your dreams is in range. Know where that arrow or bullet is going to hit at different distances and get a sense for the maximum distance you can shoot accurately and confidently. Also remember, there are no shooting benches out in the woods. Once your rifle is sighted in, practice shooting from the more realistic positions you’re likely to use in the field.  

• Listen to Your Gut – and No One Else. Out in the field, when that opportunity presents itself, ask yourself if you have the ability to make an ethical shot. Do you have a clear view of the vitals?  Do you know where the shot placement needs to be on an animal that’s quarter to — or quartering away?  Are you even going to be able to retrieve the animal from where it is when you shoot?  If there is any question in your mind, or you feel uneasy at any time about taking a shot, it is always better to get closer or simply wait for a better opportunity. Don’t ever let someone tell you or pressure you to make a shot you’re not comfortable with, or rush you through the process. You know when it feels right, and any other hunter or guide worth their salt will respect you for passing on a shot you’re not certain about, so listen to yourself.  

• Look Beyond Your Target. Game animals are often found in groups, so be certain there’s not another animal — or another hunter — behind your target.  This is as much about safety as it is ethical hunting.  

• Lower is (Usually) Better.  Thinking about your shot setup, the closer to the ground you can get the more stable you’re shooting position is going to be. If you can get into a prone position, absolutely do it, but be aware of any brush or rocks that might be in front of your muzzle bore but not visible in your scope. Trust me, if you fire off your shot and hit a rock, bush or branch that is directly in front of you, your hunt is pretty much over for that day. If you do need to get higher off the ground and over the tops of vegetation, consider carrying some shooting sticks, a bipod or any of the other tools out there that will give you a solid, stable rest. They can add weight to a pack, but that’s a much lighter burden than the memory of a botched shot. 

• Breathe. Even in the heat of the moment, be sure to go through a mental checklist of all the fundamentals of marksmanship that you’ve practiced at the range. This mental checklist might seem long but as you become competent as a shooter — through practice — all of these things will become second nature. Your heart is most likely going to be beating wildly, and you might be breathless from hiking, so take one or two really deep calming breaths while settling in for the shot. 

• Press, Don’t Pull, and “Follow Through” on the Trigger. Press or squeeze the trigger with straight rearward pressure. “Pulling” the trigger can actually cause you to move your point of impact just enough to miss the vitals and send a wounded animal running.  Ideally, you’ll apply slow, rearward trigger pressure until the gun slightly surprises you when it fires. Don’t immediately look up, hold this trigger press and your head/eye position throughout the recoil process until your sight picture returns and, ideally, you can reacquire the target quickly.   

Ultimately, we all owe it to the animals we hunt, and to ourselves, to make clean, ethical shots. We don’t want to see animals suffer needlessly, and we spend far too much of our precious money and vacation time on hunting to be left with tag soup because we made a bad shot.  And finally, because an ethical hunter is also a responsible one, especially when it comes to gun safety, please be sure to store all firearms securely and safely when the hunt is over.     

Kristy Titus is a prominent Second Amendment advocate, shooting sports enthusiast, a certified firearms instructor, Refuse To Be A Victim Instructor, Range Safety Officer, competitive long range shooter and an avid archer. She produces and hosts Pursue the Wild, as well as the “Wild & Uncut” Podcast, both presented by Ruger. In all areas of her life, Kristy advocates for adventure, wildlife and land stewardship, conservation through hunting, the Second Amendment, shooting sports and our time-honored hunting traditions. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.  

By: Laurine Wolf
Deputy Director of Education and Humanitarian Services for the Safari Club International (SCI) Foundation

The fall hunting seasons are in full swing.  It’s such an exciting time — there’s a crisp feeling in the air, and there’s a sense of anticipation as “the game is afoot.”  It’s also a time when we can get lax about basic rules that keep us all safe in the field. As the organization that is “First for Hunters,” SCI is proud to partner with NSSF and Project ChildSafe for the annual “HuntSAFE” initiative and offer these 10 Tips for Safe Hunting. 

1. First, be an ethical hunter by being adequately prepared — practice your shooting skills, review the rules of firearms safety and maintain your firearms to keep them working properly and reliably. 
2. If you’re going to be hunting alone, make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to return. Better yet, hunt with a friend — they’re someone who can administer first aid or go for help if needed, plus you can’t beat the camaraderie of hunting together.  
3. Any time you’re handling firearms, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. That includes at home, in the field, at the range, in vehicles and everywhere in between.  
4. When moving firearms into or out of a vehicle, make sure they’re unloaded and never grab, hold or move the firearm by the muzzle.  
5. Unload your gun when climbing into or out of a tree stand or crossing a fence or stream. 
6. When hunting, keep the firearm’s safety “on” and keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot. That’s important to remember because the safety is just like any other mechanical device: it can fail.    
7. If you’re hunting from a tree stand, always use a safety harness.  
8. Be certain of your target — and what lies beyond it. 
9. Make sure YOU are easily identifiable and not invisible to or mistaken for game by other hunters. 
10. Don’t forget that you haven’t completed a safe hunting trip until your firearm is unloaded and securely and safely stored — where children can’t access it, and where it’s not an easy target for criminals.  In that same spirit, store ammunition separately from the gun. 

In addition to these tips, Project ChildSafe has developed a HuntSAFE quiz and a Hunting Checklist for Families to help reinforce safe firearms handling and storage. And for families looking to pass on the hunting heritage, check out the new HuntSAFE Walk-Through Module and Childs Hunting Pledge.  

Laurine Wolf is the Deputy Director of Education and Humanitarian Services for the SCI Foundation, which works to ensure the future of wildlife through conservation, education and hunting. Learn more about the SCI Foundation by visiting https://safariclubfoundation.org/.

By: Ashley Malfitano
Founder of Kinsey Rhea

Years ago, our family owned a boutique where we sold clothing and accessories for the whole family. We prided ourselves on maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained while parents shopped. 

Our boutique wasn’t just a store; it was a place where families could feel comfortable and cared for. The children’s play area was a big hit, allowing parents to browse our collections without worry. We believed in creating a space that was safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

During a particularly busy holiday sale, we were showcasing a new selection of concealed carry bags to a customer. Out of the blue, she looked surprised and asked, “How did you know that I carry?” We hadn’t known – we were simply highlighting our new products. It was then that we noticed she had placed her purse on the floor. This interaction sparked a vital conversation about the importance of purse safety, especially around children, and led to a list of important purse safety tips everyone should keep in mind—whether you carry or not. 

1. Never leave your purse unattended

Leaving your purse unattended, even for a moment, can lead to theft. Busy shopping environments are prime spots for opportunistic thieves. Your purse contains valuable items such as your wallet, phone, keys and possibly even personal identification or credit cards — all of which can be quickly snatched if left unguarded. 

Beyond theft, an unattended purse can pose serious risks to children. Kids are naturally curious and may explore the contents of an unattended bag, which could contain dangerous items like medication, sharp objects or, in the case of concealed carry purses, firearms.

2. Don’t hang your purse on the back of your chair

One common mistake that many people make is hanging their purse on the back of their chair in a public setting. 

This makes it easy for someone to grab it and run away, and in an instant they have your purse and self-defense weapon all in one fell swoop. Instead, keep your purse close to you and place it on the floor or on your lap. 

You need to have situational awareness when in public of where you set down your bag. If you go to the bathroom while dining at a restaurant, take your bag with you. The other guests at the table are most likely not aware of where you put your purse and won’t be watching it while gone. This is a big one!

3. Keep your purse close to your body

One of the most important things to remember when carrying a concealed carry purse is to keep it close to your body. This means holding it in front of you or close to your side. You can also tuck it under your arm to make it more difficult for someone to grab it. 

Personally, I like to always carry my purse crossbody on my left hip. It is a habit, because I am right-handed and have my handgun easily positioned to grab with my right hand from my left hip where the purse is resting.

4. Use a purse with a built-in security feature

Some purses come with built-in security features like a lock or RFID-blocking technology. These features can help keep your purse secure and prevent someone from stealing your personal information. 

Using a lock on a concealed carry handbag is useful and a crucial safety feature with small children around because it prevents unauthorized access to the firearm, reducing the risk of accidental injuries or misuse by curious kids. 

Summary 

In conclusion, purse safety for moms on the go is not just about protecting your valuables but also about ensuring the safety of those around you, especially children. By following these simple tips—never leaving your purse unattended, keeping it close to your body, avoiding hanging it on the back of a chair and using purses with built-in security features—you can significantly reduce the risk of theft and accidental harm. 

Our experience at the family boutique taught us the importance of these precautions firsthand. Staying vigilant and mindful of where and how you carry your purse can make all the difference in keeping your essentials secure and your loved ones safe. 

Ashley Malfitano is the founder of Kinsey Rhea, a brand dedicated to providing stylish and functional concealed carry products for women. She is a busy mom to three little girls and wife of a fireman, with a passion for entrepreneurship and a commitment to designing products that empower women in their 2A lifestyle. Kinsey Rhea is a brand by women for women at the intersection of safety and style. Ashley’s vision is that every woman deserves to feel confident, and their concealed carry purses let women bring fashion-forward peace of mind everywhere they go. 

By: Gabby Franco
Director of Chapters and Membership
Olympian, Firearms Instructor, Competitive Shooter, and Author

Not even the hot sun on a clear day made me stop shivering. So, I returned to the gymnasium to wait for my turn to get to the line. I knew my unstoppable shaking had nothing to do with the cold room. It was a mental battle between thinking about what I needed to do and the consequences of winning or losing.

My coach, Otar, an older man of average stature, walked towards me with his hands clasped behind his back and with the serious look that often characterized him. He put his left arm around my shoulders while we stared at my shooting lane. I had qualified for the female air pistol finals, which was about to begin. I was standing in second place.

Otar said something in Russian while gripping my left shoulder tighter. Then, he whispered in Spanish: “Regardless of what you do today, remember you are a champion in my and your parents’ eyes. You know what you need to do. Think only about that and nothing else. Now, go and do what you love to do!”

That day, I won the silver medal in air pistol at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, earning me a spot to compete at the 2000 Olympic Games and becoming the first Venezuelan female shooter to compete at the Olympics.

My story is just one of thousands of competitive shooters’ who were blessed to have someone take them to the gun range to learn about firearm safety and how to shoot. For that, I will always be thankful to my father, an avid hunter, and my mother (who never liked firearms, but that’s a story for another day) for taking my siblings and me to the range and giving us the opportunity to thrive in shooting sports.

Like my parents, you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Encouraging gun owners to visit the gun range can help them improve their skills and creates opportunities to teach safe firearm handling to their children and grandchildren. Taking someone to the range who’s never heard about shooting as a pastime or sport can change their whole perspective about gun ownership and our Second Amendment rights. Regardless of the motive, education is a win for everyone.

You can participate in the movement in many ways, whether as a gun owner, firearm retailer, gun manufacturer or a gun range. Go to the National Shooting Sports Month website to learn more about the movement.

See you at the range!

Gabby Franco is an accomplished author, speaker, competitive shooter, and instructor, recognized worldwide for her shooting skills and advocacy for the right to own and bear arms. In addition to winning three gold medals at the South American Games, Gabby is widely known for her participation in the History Channel’s reality TV show Top Shot, where she became the only woman to advance to the finals. She is a firearms instructor, USPSA competitive shooter sponsored by Walther Arms and Primary Arms, and author of the book “Troubleshooting, Mastering Your Pistol Marksmanship.” Gabby is also a proud Army wife, a mother of one, and a Second Amendment rights advocate, working to educate and empower thousands of people through live and virtual training across the United States and Puerto Rico, hallmarked by her message of dedication, sportsmanship, and positive attitude. You can learn more about Gabby here.

By: Gracyn Rouse
Miss Missouri’s 2023 Teen 

When I was young, I was always at my grandpa’s house.  I was always right beside him no matter what I was doing. One day, he brought out a trap machine. I watched him for hours, breaking one clay at a time with his shotgun. At that moment, I knew that I wanted to do just what he was doing.  

I have been trap shooting for six years now, including two years at a competitive level. All of these years, I have loved every single minute of shooting, whether it was with my dad or my grandpa. Like most shooters, I was taught firearm safety early on — how to hold my gun, how to clean it and how to store it properly. It was second nature to me, but it really struck home when I was 11 years old. One of my dear friends took their own life with a firearm that was not secured correctly and safely.  

I was angry, sad and heartbroken. I look back on that day and think of what would’ve happened – how she might still be alive today – if that firearm was put away and not accessible to them. That terrible tragedy changed my life and became my drive to tirelessly advocate for firearm safety and responsible storage.  

As I got older, I was looking for a platform to tell my story and spread this message. Through many months of looking, I discovered the Miss America Teen opportunity. This platform gave me the chance to be an advocate on a local, state and national level. After months of hard work, I was fortunate enough to be crowned Miss Missouri’s Teen in 2023.  

During my year as Miss Missouri’s Teen, I travelled across the state to share this message, encouraged others to respect firearms and, at the same time, talked about the positive impact that safe enjoyment of the shooting sports has had on my life.  

During one appearance at a private school close to St. Louis, I was introduced to a class of young women as a competitive trap shooter. It was incredible to see those girls’ faces when they realized what trap shooting was and that someone like me — wearing a sash and a crown — could shoot clay targets with a shotgun. It gave me a huge sense of pride letting these young ladies know that this sport is not just for men, and show them they can break barriers like anyone else.  

Another fond memory that was a highlight of my reign was when I walked into the Miss America’s Teen interview and talked about my time in, and enjoyment of, trap shooting. Needless to say, the judges were taken back — I guess they don’t get a lot of shooting sports enthusiasts in front of them. But it was a great opportunity to educate them about a sport I loved, while also sharing my passion for emphasizing gun safety. 

Throughout the year, I was fortunate enough to be able to partner with organizations like Bass Pro Shops and the Missouri Department of Conservation to do safety seminars, group presentations and even walk young hunters and shooters through a gun safety class.  I was also able to form a partnership with Project ChildSafe, a program of NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, which provides educational tools and resources that I utilized in several classrooms to educate kids on the importance of firearm safety and what they should do if they or a friend ever find a gun. I tell them to “Stop, don’t touch it, get away and tell an adult.” I let parents know about cable gun locks, lock boxes and gun safes. 

As a trap shooter, firearm safety has been ingrained in me from a young age. This sport has taught me so much and continues to make an impact on my life. That is why I do what I do. I’m constantly advocating and spreading awareness about recreational shooting, yes to have fun, but more importantly, doing it in a safe manner.  

That’s also why I’m proud to celebrate NSSF’s Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1-7) during National Suicide Prevention Month to promote secure storage practices. Through safe practices, encouraging new participation and showcasing the sport’s diverse activities, these awareness campaigns help ensure the safe enjoyment and future of shooting sports for generations to come. 

Gracyn Rouse was crowned Miss Missouri’s Teen 2023 when she was 16. She spent that year advocating for firearm safety and the proper securement of firearms. She plans to attend the University of Missouri and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Biology. From there, she hopes to attend medical school and pursue a career in Emergency Medicine.