Women of the Gun Quarterly Updates—Celebrating Women In The Hunting, Outdoors And Shooting Sports

Welcome to 2026!

It’s been a busy start to the year! We kicked things off with SHOT Show^®, the true Super Bowl for NSSF^® and the shooting sports and outdoor industries. A big part of SHOT Show for us is the annual “Women of the Gun” reception, and as you’ll see in the article below, this year’s event — our 7^th annual — just might have been our best ever.

Our first newsletter of the new year also has valuable information on how you can help emphasize the importance of secure firearm storage in vehicles. Ask anyone in law enforcement and they’ll tell you that thefts of firearms from vehicles is one of their biggest challenges today in their communities. We have several resources for you to help champion the message of secure vehicle storage, so please share these with your neighbors, on social media and with your students and customers. Together, we can all do our part to make our communities safer.

Looking ahead, March is Women’s History Month, and we’d love to work with you to help tell your stories. If you’d like to help with a blog or a social media post, please contact us.

Finally, along with our news and updates on the achievements of women in the industry, we’re excited to include a new section of the newsletter: “Programs for Women,” where we highlight opportunities for classes, education and other experiences exclusively for women.

Thanks as always for your support — and here’s to a great 2026!

Sincerely,

                                         

~Barbara Baird                                                           ~Bill Brassard

Women’s Outdoor News                                    National Shooting Sports Foundation

Women of the Gun: A Celebration of Connection and Impact

One of the most inspiring moments of SHOT Show 2026 was the 7th Annual “Women of the Gun” reception, which brought together nearly 250 attendees to celebrate the contributions of women in the industry, highlight the importance of Project ChildSafe and network with other women leaders in the industry.

Keynote speaker and Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the importance of defending civil rights, including the Second Amendment, while Julie Golob and NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi shared heartfelt remarks of thanks and empowerment.

The reception went beyond a gathering — it was a space for authentic conversations and connections. From the “Polaroid Wall” to the “tiny mic” interviews, every element was designed to foster engagement and build relationships. These personal touches made the event memorable and reinforced the importance of listening, collaborating and supporting one another.

 

Firearm Storage in Vehicles: Help Keep Your Community Safer

One of our bigger ongoing initiatives, particularly during Gun Storage Check Week^®, focuses on encouraging gun owners to think carefully about how they store firearms in their vehicles. There are too many stories of gun owners stopping at the store, for dinner at a restaurant or on the way home from the range or a hunting trip only to find their car has been broken into and their firearms stolen. Law enforcement considers thefts of guns from vehicles a growing problem, and it’s one that can be prevented.

Project ChildSafe has videos, brochures and other resources (in English and Spanish) to help gun owners take steps to secure their firearms while in transit and help prevent their guns from being stolen (and possibly used in a crime). Please share these resources with your customers or members, in your classes and in your social media posts. Together, we can help reduce the number of firearms stolen each year and make our communities safer.

 

Celebrate Women’s History Month

Last year we were honored to work with several amazing women to share their stories about the role of women in firearm safety, changing perceptions about firearm ownership, protecting women’s rights and women buying their first gun.

As 2026 Women’s History Month is around the corner, we welcome the chance to work with you to share your stories, thoughts and tips. Please contact Bill Romanelli (bill@archerpac.com) if you’d like to write a blog or collaborate on a social media post. We look forward to working with you!

 

More Amazing Achievements from Women in the Industry

Competition News:

• Kim Rhode has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from NSSF in recognition of her achievements as one of America’s most decorated Olympic athletes and a lifelong ambassador for the shooting sports. She was awarded the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award — the highest honor presented by NSSF — during the 2026 SHOT Show.
• Hillsdale Student Ava Downs (Class of 2027) took home the Bronze Medal at the 2025 International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Shotgun World Championship near Athens, Greece, on October 18.
• Team Remington’s Madison Sharpe has been named to the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) 2025 USA Sporting Clays Team.
• Team Ruger’s Randi Rogers took first place in the Enhanced Service Pistol Division, and High Lady award, at the 2025 Space Coast International Defensive Pistol Association Challenge.
• Team Ruger’s Lauryl Akenhead performed well at the 2025 PRS Pro Series Finale, taking 3rd in the Ladies Division and fifth in the Production Division.
• All the women of Team Krieghoff represented at the 2025 NSCA National Championship in San Antonio, Texas, earned multiple podium finishes across several divisions and events.
• Team Krieghoff’s Kayle Browning took the Women’s Open Trap Silver Medal at USA Shooting’s 2025 Fall Selection Match in November.
• Burris Optics celebrated the 2025 championship season of Team member Camdyn Powers.
• Clay Shooting pro Karen Miles has been named to the Blaser Shooting team.
• Team Mathews Shooter Amanda Mlinaric earned a second-place finish in the Women’s Compound Division at the 2026 World Archery Indoor World Series.
• Kestrel Ballistics announced its New Pro Shooter Staff Program and welcomed Kristy Titus to the Team.
• Federal Ammunition congratulated Kayle Browning on her gold medal performance in Women’s Trap at the Abu Dhabi Shotgun Grand Prix held in the United Arab Emirates.
• Darton Archery, Black Eagle Arrows and Conquest Archery all celebrated standout performances at the 2026 Lancaster Archery Classic by Chloe Nelsen and Trista Klemish
• Houston Safari Club Foundation has named Sadie Lester as the recipient of the 2026 Youth Outstanding Achievement in Hunting Award, presented at the 2026 Houston Safari Club Foundation Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention.

Industry News:

• Mary L. Webster has been elected as the Boone and Crockett Club’s 38^th President — she is the first woman to serve in this role since the club’s inception in 1887.
• Avery Skipalis, owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, was named as one of the 100 “Women to Know in Florida” in 2025. She is recognized for her brokerage, Skipalis Realty and for her firearms training company.
• A Girl & A Gun President and CEO Robyn Sandoval has been named a Featured Nominee for the 2026 Austin Woman Change Maker Award, recognizing women whose leadership creates meaningful and lasting impact in the Austin community.
• GrabAGun has appointed Beth Cross as Chief Revenue Officer.
• The Armory Life has announced it will feature a cover story on Julie Golob in its Winter 2025 print edition. Julie is also featured on the Guns & Ammo Buzz Podcast.
• Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets have announced the appointment of Madi Woodward as e-Commerce and Trade Marketing Manager.
• The NSSF has promoted Melissa Schilling to Vice President, Exhibitions and Events.
• The Boone and Crockett Club announced that Frankie McBurney Olson has been hired to serve as the organization’s Chief Operations Officer.
• Governor Katie Hobbs nominated lifelong hunter, angler and wildlife conservationist Jessica Manuell to serve on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.
• After 36 years of distinguished service, RSR Group, Inc.’s President and CEO, JoAnn Weisenford, has retired. The Board of Directors appointed Christina Fisher as her successor, effective January 2, 2026.
• Janette Palmer has rejoined 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group as Vice President of Sales.
• The South Carolina Waterfowl Association (SCWA) has named Cynthia Nuckols as the new Camp Leopold Coordinator, strengthening the organization’s conservation education efforts for students across South Carolina.
• Kinsey’s Inc., a leading distributor of archery, hunting and outdoor sports equipment, has announced the addition of Kelly Smith to its dealer sales team.
• OA Defense has announced that Heather Eckhardt has been named as the National Vice President of Business Development.
• The MidwayUSA Foundation has announced the appointment of Stephanie Femrite to the role of Deputy Director.
• Turkeys for Tomorrow has named Shannon McNally as its new programs administrative assistant.
• Silent Steel USA has appointed Kim Jensen as Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
• Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing has added Anne Mauro as director of special events and technical services specialist.
• The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) has selected Stephanie Spika Hickey as its new Executive Director.
• Michelle Scheuermann was recently featured in “Gal Gab,” a monthly column written by Madeleine Golob at the Women’s Outdoor News. Michelle is the owner of BulletProof Communications, LLC.

Women’s Programs:

• The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” (BOW) hosts a series of classes and programs for women all across the state. Check the BOW website for more information.
• The Wild Sheep Foundation’s Women Hunt program has launched a new podcast connecting outdoor enthusiasts through authentic, bold and educational conversations.
• Women for Gun Rights has announced the formation of its new Advisory Council, marking a significant milestone as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary.
• Gun Owners Foundation’s Empowered 2A has announced it will hold a National Women’s Range Day on June 6, 2026, at the SIG SAUER Academy and Experience Center in Epping, New Hampshire. The event will bring together leading instructors, advocates and influencers from across the nation to deliver a full-spectrum empowerment experience for women.
• Shoot Like A Girl (SLG2, Inc.) has released “A Story About Being A Mentor,” a heartwarming new video that captures the power of mentorship in hunting.

Special Thanks to Our Women of the Gun 2026 Sponsors!  

  

Sponsor Women of the Gun at SHOT Show in 2027!

It’s never too early to claim your spot! Companies interested in supporting the 2027 Women of the Gun event at SHOT Show should contact NSSF’s Chris Tatulli at ctatulli@nssf.org.