With Safety and Responsibility Top of Mind, Shooting Sports Are Among the Safest

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.