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LADY SHOOTER

Life Styles

MARCH/APRIL 2022

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“You don’t have to play masculine to be a strong woman.”

ON THE COVER: 2021 westy hogans trapshoot elysburg, pa photo by joshua buchiere LadyShooter LifeStyles

macy ledet

Health & Wellness Editor m.milescoaching@gmail.com

Blog Editor elrodb@clhs-tx.org

—Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Actress

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Contents

Gray’s

Contents

Shotgun Cache 24

Dry Eyes

What Do All Those Acronyms Stand For?

Cultural Differences

Range Etiquette

Fashion 16

Our Favorite Concealed Carry Options

Tips 22

Coaches Corner

Reviews 46

CZ-USA SCTP Sterling

Profiles

“Where Our Customers Send Their Friends”

Doug and Susie Gray 806-622-8142 www.mynewshotgun.com LadyShooter LifeStyles

USA Shooting: Nicosia

USA Shooting: Peru

Casey Chase: Score Chaser

Trap Queen Becky Noble

Features 10 Uncharted Outdoorswoman

14 Is Purse Carry Safe?

30 Atlanta Charity Clays

56 2022 Trends in Hearing Protection

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UNCHARTED OUTDOORSWOMEN Creating Space For Women In The Outdoors PHOTOS BY CHRIS DOWELL

LadyShooter LifeStyles

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LadyShooter LifeStyles

reating space for women in the outdoors. Uncharted Outdoorswomen formed with this mission in mind. Missed the bird? No heckling happens, just encouragement that she took a shot. Hunting with women feels completely different. Encouraging, empowering. The female guides of Uncharted Outdoorswomen are joining forces in Colorado to put on events guided by women. Some of the women, such as founder Erin Crider, are the first female guides in their sport, such as waterfowl. “I was hoping there was another gal out there, but if there is, I can’t find her”, says Erin. The Dream Team, as Erin calls it, is made up of 12 female guides, a strong number and growing— in fact, expanding to new states! The girls host events for duck hunting, upland birds, shotgun clinics, small game, big game, fly fishing, fly tying, hiking, foraging, and wilderness survival. “The more gals we hire, the longer the list gets,” Erin says. No more being heckled by men or left behind to not fill your limit because the boys got theirs. The Uncharted Outdoorswomen is a fully licensed outfitter in the state of Colorado and guide from Rocky Mountain National Park, all the way down to Gunnison in Curecanti National Park. They are a dedicated team of women empowering other women via their educational events and taking new guides under their wings to grow the movement as well. The more women that have careers in the outdoor space, the more LadyShooter LifeStyles

uncharted outdoorswomen

knowledgeable the population is about conservation. Women will be able to make more educated decisions on voting in their state when conservation policy arises, which it seems to keep doing. The more women that are in the outdoors, the better off the future of this planet. And who do women tend to bring with them? Their kids! The team of female guides creates events where women, women of color, and those that identify as women can connect and recreate with each other. The Dream Team knows women want to find other like-minded friends to go explore together. They say this is the number one reason women sign up for the events, so Uncharted Outdoorswomen created a space to connect them. Women from all over the country are in their private Facebook Group looking for women with similar interests in their area. Check out the website and events at UnchartedOutdoorswomen.com. Find them also on Facebook, Instagram, and Linked In. Register as a free member to get their monthly event emails. They are also hiring, so if you are a knowledgable outdoors woman, looking to combine your passions with a career, this may be a great fit. We hope you join them, either as a participant or as a guide, and learn a little more about hunting, fishing, and conservation. n

Erin Crider

Founder/Shenanigator Waterfowl Guide & Retreat Host Erin has always been connected to the outdoors and had a hunger to learn more. She learned to fly fish after moving to Colorado from Missouri in 2014. Grandma put a rod in her hand at a very young age and they reeled in crappie and catfish together. Back then, she would try and put them back, now, she understands why Grandma cooked them up. Catch and release was a new concept when she started fly fishing in 2015. It was almost impossible to find other women that fly fished and would let her tag along. She joined a club, but it just was not her vibe, so she looked around and found a group “Colorado Women on the Fly” that was inactive on Facebook. Reviving the group, she soon traveled the state fishing with other women. Then she took an interest in hunting birds, which seemed very intimidating. She became an adult-onset hunter and harvested her first duck in 2019. Then came pheasants and

chukar, then came the Covid turkey. Finally… Pre-Covid she took a break from her career as a financial planner to get in touch with her mental health and explore more of the Rocky Mountains. Life changing to say the least! She is constantly busy connecting with people and finding shenanigans to empower and help others. She loves to fish in different fundraisers such as the Denver Trout Unlimited Carp Slam where she has never caught a carp (Carpless Crider) but enjoys raising money for the Denver South Platte, which is essential to the farmers and ranchers out East. Her education is in sustainable beef and dairy production. The folks out East, and now the habitat out in Eastern Colorado, are very important to her. The waterfowl and the local producers. She also enjoys fishing the “25 on the Fly” for the benefit of the Mayfly Project and the ”8 River Rodeo“ benefiting Project Healing Waters and Colorado Trout Unlimited. She loves to get outside, learn new skills, protect the environment, and meet new people. Erin is Wilderness First Aid certified. LadyShooter LifeStyles

Is Purse Carry Safe? LadyShooter LifeStyles

off body carry

The “Natalie Bag” is a collaboration between Cameleon Bags and Elegant & Armed. It is available for purchase at both websites: Cameleonbags.com elegantandarmed.com

off body carry

4 WAYS TO MAKE PURSE CONCEALED CARRY MORE SECURE BY NATALIE STRONG

arrying a gun in a purse. Is it safe or unsafe? I’ve spoken with experienced men and women gun carriers about “purse carry” and have received feedback both for and against it. Those opposed were adamant about never using a purse to carry a gun and expressed valid reasons. For example, if you’re distracted, someone could take the gun out of your bag. This doesn›t necessarily mean an attacker – it could be a child or anyone who has access to the bag. Similarly, an assailant grabbing your purse leaves you fighting to protect yourself and keep control of your gun. If the aggressor is victorious, they have your firearm and personal information, which is not a great combination. Those in favor view your carry method as a matter of personal preference and say a woman should carry a gun in her purse if the alternative is not having one. People on this side of the argument promote training and encourage preventative measures to ensure safety. I believe that purse carry has its place. I can find a way to carry on my body with most of my clothes, but when I want to wear a form-fitting outfit, a purse is very convenient. Even when carrying on my body, I almost always use a concealed carry purse as a backup holster. When I remove the gun from my on-body holster in a public restroom or a dressing room, it provides a safe place to temporarily holster the firearm. This bag has saved me from awkward and potentially dangerous situations. Such a bag also provides a discreet way to transport your gun, whether you’re taking it to your car or going to the range. So, what can you do to ensure safety? Because there are pros and cons to every concealed carry method, you must weigh the risks and decide what makes you comfortable. If you go the purse route, here are some tips for carrying safely.

keep the purse with you at all times

Maintaining control of your bag is vital when there’s a firearm inside, so I recommend a trial run. First, pretend you have a gun in your purse and mentally note your purse-handling behavior. How many times did you set it down? Did you leave it unattended (even just for a few seconds)? Remember, a bag off your body and out of your hands is not in your control. The next step is to practice carrying an unloaded gun in the purse. Only move to the final stage of concealing a loaded firearm when you’re confident that you can maintain control of the bag.

store the gun in a separate pocket

A good concealment purse will always have a special pocket for the gun and a holster. Both features prevent accidental discharge by keeping the gun away from other items in the bag and protecting the trigger. The holster should also anchor the gun in place, so you’ll know exactly where to reach for the grip every time without fumbling. When drawing the firearm with one hand, the holster remains secured inside.

choose a purse with safety features

When it comes to purse straps, styles vary. No matter how you hold your purse, choose a bag that comes with a cross-body strap. When your hands are full with groceries, or perhaps you’re carrying a child, you can add the longer strap to be hands-free while keeping the gun in your control. Some bags have additional safety features, such as wire-reinforced straps to prevent cutting. You may also find one with a gun compartment that locks but only use this feature when the gun is not serving as a self-protection tool.

practice your draw

Remember, merely owning a gun will not keep you safe. You must also have the skill to use it. Life-threatening situations don’t leave much time to think, so you need to rely on your instincts. Fortunately, you can mold these through training. Take whatever time and instruction you need to become proficient at drawing your gun. Practice makes perfect! Be mindful. The choice is yours. If you decide to carry in a purse, I hope these tips help you carry safely! n LadyShooter LifeStyles

concealed fashion

Our Favorite Concealed Carry Bags As women have become the fastest growing demographic of new gun owners, so too have the options grown for where and how to carry your favorite or newly purchased firearm. Today, in conjunction with our article on tips for safely carrying your firearm in a concealed purse, we bring you our favorite bags that are perfect for when your outfit doesn’t allow you to carry on your person, or when you just need a little more glamour. Who says we need to sacrifice fashion when it comes to protecting ourselves? Check out our favorites here and be sure to visit these retailer websites as there are so many more choices! The Natalie bag is named after Natalie from Elegant & Armed in a collaboration with Cameleon bags. Made from high quality leather that’s oh-so-soft, the Natalie features a top access secret compartment, complete with nylon holster. Even when the bag is not full, its structure doesn’t allow the collapse of the sides, ensuring the direction of your firearm is always known. $219 elegantandarmed.com

LadyShooter LifeStyles

concealed fashion

The American made multi-purpose Jackie is a lightweight nylon bag that can go from hobo to crossbody with an adjustable shoulder strap. The half moon concealed compartent features a leather holster with velcro so that your firearm can be positioned at any angle for a safe and comfortable draw. Did we mention it’s machine washable? Also available in black only. $99 hidinghilda.com

A spacious throwback to the 90s, the Aurora has it all—room for a tablet, books, whatever you need to stuff away with side access compartments for smaller things like keys or phones. The hidden pocket is located on the back and is accessible from either side. With removable cut-resistant straps, it can be worn over one or both shoulders. Also available in red, olive green and dark blue. $119 cameleonbags.com

LadyShooter LifeStyles

concealed fashion

This super cute and stylish Saddle bag features one deep and spacious main compartment with top access. The concealed pocket is right handed with one way zipper access. Inside is a matching holster with velcro for adjustable placement. Available in blue or cinnamon and includes a removeable fabric strap for crossbody wear. $239 cameleonbags.com

Brooks is a lightweight, American made crossbody that is the everyday solution to concealed carry in a bag. Water resistant, machine washable and durable, this bag is made of tight knit nylon and appears to be your typical everyday casual bag. The half moon shaped, easy access concealed compartment features a leather holster fitted with velcro for a customizable draw. Available in grey, black or camo. $89 hidinghilda.com LadyShooter LifeStyles

concealed fashion

All Candy Woolley bags are handcrafted and made with genuine skins. This Antelope Hobo is sleek and fashionable in the front, but all business in the back. Featuring a zippered concealment with one side access, fully lined with a washable suede-like material, this bag is extremely durable and lightweight. Price upon request candywoolley.com

The Smith & Wesson Dynamic Crossbody is another classic everyday option. With a roomy interior, it fits all your daily items. The three-sided, zippered, concealed compartment on the backside features access from either side and a velcro adjustable leather holster. Available in denim blue, brown or black. $209 cameleonbags.com

LadyShooter LifeStyles

concealed fashion

This fashion forward Ana Python bag has been redesigned from its former vertical zip access to zip across the top of the compartment for an ambidextrous draw. With a roomy interior and tab closure, this bag can stylishly hide more than just your firearm. Price upon request candywoolley.com

The Juno Gaia is a beautiful Italian-inspired leather carryall. With a spacious main compartment featuring an interior zip pocket on one side and two pouch pockets on the other, as well as an interior strap with dog hook for keys, you can keep all your items organized. The concealed compartment is accessible from the top and both sides with a velcro holster for personalized positioning. $299 cameleonbags.com

LadyShooter LifeStyles

concealed fashion

With an eye catching pop of color, Zoey completes our list of faves as a half moon bag that easily goes from day to night. The main compartment can be closed by a top zipper hidden under the magnetic flap. This shoulder bag also includes a snazzy adjustable fabric strap to quickly become a crossbody. Zoey’s rear concealment is a three sided zip compartment with a matching holster lined with velcro on both sides for secure and custom angle placement. Available in apricot or mint. $139 cameleonbags.com

There is a multitude of features to consider when shopping for a concealed carry bag, but there are so many options out there once you figure out what works for you and is comfortable. These are just a few of our favorites, please check out all the bags these retailers offer and find yours!

LS LS LadyShooter LifeStyles

coaching corner

Tired of hunkering down? Maybe it’s time to stop and smell the gunpowder at an OSP Shooting Clinic! Shoot on over to ospschool.com/classes

for a menu of dates and locations for upcoming renowned OSP Clinics.

281.346.0888 ospschool.com LadyShooter LifeStyles

Practice at the Beginning of your Shooting Year

s we begin a new shooting year you need to have a plan of what your practice should have in it and a goal for each practice trip. One thing we tell our students is that when you go practice, you need to eliminate three things: emotions, expectations and scorecards. Forget about the scorecard in the beginning. You need to go out and get in the gun. We most frequently see that people lose their feel and timing. It’s something that you have to work on, but if you’re aware of those things you can pretty much structure a practice session to pick them up. Here are some things that we see people lose in a layoff: When they come back, they have an erratic ability to focus. You think you are focusing, but you’re not. You have excessive eye movement. Typically, their hold point is too close to the trap. You get beat by the bird when you do that. Your gun movement is too fast, your hands aren’t working together, the gun gets in the way, and you see the gun. If you have been hunting at all, the gun comes to the shoulder first. You’ve been in a duck blind, or you’ve been hunting with somebody, and that gun comes immediately to your shoulder and you’re chasing the bird. Another thing we see is that the gun moves to the second target with your eyes. You have a loss of trust, and you check the lead. Then mechanical thinking comes in and nothing good happens.

BY VICKI ASH When you go out and have your first couple of sessions, go to some easy targets. It’s okay to overshoot a little bit (within reason) for the first few times. Because you need to spend as much time shooting the first few times out as you can to get back in the rhythm. If you’re like Gil, Brian and I, you’ve spent some time hunting doves, quail, ducks, geese, deer and whatever is in season. So, you will have an overactive timing hand, causing a muzzle flip. That means your right hand is moving too fast which happens when you hunt. Unlike clays you don’t always know where the bird is or where it is going, and your first move is to get the gun up on your shoulder way too fast. The one thing starting a new season tells you is that you need to slow every move down. Plan your shooting year. n

eye health

Dry Eyes? BY GINA SIRCHIO - LOTUS

ry eyes. They are uncomfortable, sometimes itchy, and not easy to relieve. Nobody enjoys the feeling of dry eyes when trying to focus on a moving object. Sometimes, it seems the more we squint to gain focus, the more we rapidly blink to clear our eyes—we have an even worse time attempting to gain good focus! What causes these dry eyes and is there a solution for it? Let’s discuss. Our eyes are supposed to have a thin mucosal layer over them, protecting them from the air as well as containing its own microbiome of immune protection and saline tears as moisturizing agents. Also protective is eyelid blinking, this can block dirt and dust, as well as flush and refresh the surface of the eye. There are many factors that can lead to dry eyes, before you feel pigeon-holed to deal with the annoyance forever or ask for a prescription eye drop, let’s cover some ways to reduce this.

Windy, dry air. Clear glasses can help protect the eyes from the elements if sunglasses or tinted lenses are not needed or wanted. Many shooter’s eyewear come with a range of tints for shooting with various backgrounds, if no tint is needed, try sticking with the clear to help protect the eyes from the drying wind. Consider a hat with a brim or bill to block both some wind as well as UV rays from the sun.

Medications. There are many medications than can cause some level of dehydration. Anti-histamines and seasonal allergy meds are just one class of commonly used meds that can cause this. Another common offender is medication used to reduce diarrhea. Drinking more water in these cases is essential.

Hydration. With WATER. It sounds too simple to matter, but this is a big one. Our bodies need adequate hydration levels every day to cover a lot of work—healthy blood flow, skin function and digestion are some of the big hitters, but being dehydrated can often be noticed quickly within the eyes. Drinking juices, sodas, sparkling drinks and other nonwaters do add sugars and sometimes chemicals that can cause issues, but most importantly, they get in the way of simply bringing in enough water. How much water is needed varies by the individual and can be impacted by altitude, climate and exertion level. The 2 Cs are a great way to measure—Clear and Copious. The bladder when voided should have clear urine and a lot of it. ( yellow coloring from B vitamins is okay...looking at you riboflavin...but orange/ brown/cloudy urine is a sure sign of dehydration!) LadyShooter LifeStyles

eye health

4 Train like a champion, take the hard shots, and leave it all on the field. -Julia Stallings team USA Bunker Trap

Fatty acids. EPA and DHA from a variety of sources ( fish oils, flax seed oils, borage oils to name a few…) are main ingredients our body uses to build healthy cells and healthy mucosal layers. When we do not eat enough fats in general- yes, even butter, olive oil and steaks…it is difficult for us to build healthy mucosal layers. Remember, the mucosal layers act as barriers to dryness, particles and microbes. There are also supplements that can be taken to help improve uptake of these nutrients.

Auto-immune conditions. This is a wide category that can include a lot of different diagnoses. But, it is important to note that sometimes, no matter how well we try to address numbers 1-4 listed above, the body may be running the show differently. Hashimoto’s thyroid disease and Sjogren’s are two common auto-immune disorders that can give very dry eyes. So, let’s recap. If you find yourself frustrated and blinking like crazy to make your eyes comfortable, what are the options for relief ?

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Immediate help: Look in any drug-store for saline eye-drops. There are many brands and these are simply drops made to be artificial tears. They rehydrate the surface of the eye. They do not contain medications and can be used on an as-needed basis. These also offer great relief for anyone who has experienced the eye-burn from swimming in a chlorinated pool. Drink a liter of water and continue to rehydrate with water throughout the day. Don some eyewear, again, clear if no other tint is preferred.

Preventative help: Plan hydration, drink enough water for at least the two days prior to a shoot and maintain good water intake throughout. It is ok to also have coffee, tea and even some alcohol, but water should remain the dominant beverage. Remember the 2 Cs! Consider supplementation. This can help bring in the extra fatty acids on a consistent basis. One good product is Dry Eye Care by Patient One MediNutritionals ( can be found at us.fullscript.com/welcome/lgih ). Wear eyewear to block dry winds and bright sun consistently—not just once the dryness can be felt. If you have a medical condition that gives dry eyes, speak to your provider about a prescription eye drop. These are medicated and can give more lasting moisture to the surface of the eye. Follow prescription for best usage and results. Dry eyes can be annoying and if rubbed can even abrade the surface of the eye. This can lead to further irritation and even headaches and loss of focus. Take care of your eye health and hopefully you can feel your best even under the worst of conditions! n Dr. Gina Sirchio-Lotus is a functional medicine provider and board certified clinical nutritionist located just outside of Chicago, IL. She has been in private practice for over 16 years and lectures frequently on health for sports performance, endurance, women’s health and auto-immune issues. She is also the owner of Electronic Hearing Protection, Inc that provides Soundgear electronic hearing protection.

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usa shooting ladies

Team USA’s Lady Trap Shooters Get It Done in Nicosia

BY MATTHEW GAY

usa shooting ladies

he 2022 World Cup season kicked off for Team USA at the ISSF World Cup in Nicosia, Cypress. Although a gold medal eluded the American contingent, team work and perseverance led the team to taking more medals as a nation then any other participating country.

Women Individual Trap Team USA’s Rachael Tozier posted a total day one qualification score of 46/50 which put her in the sixteenth slot. On day two of qualifications, Tozier powered through, posting a pair of 24s to elevate her to the top spot going into the qualification round. After five rounds Tozier’s 117/125 held her in the first-place spot and sent her to the semi-finals. Her 18/25 in the semis qualified her for the medal match facing Slovakia’s Rehak-Stefecekova, and a pair of Italian shotgun pointers, Rossi and Stanco. Rachael’s 19/25 in the medal match

earned her the bronze in the women’s trap individual event and added to her two previous silver medals earned at the Pan American Games.

Women Team Trap

A Dominant Performance Across all shotgun disciplines the US team took home seven total medals, finding much success in the team events. Team USA next head to Lima, Peru for another World Cup event and hope to build on their success in Cypress.

For information on the Team USA members and events visit: usashooting.org n Editor’s note: Matthew Gay is a shooting instructor from Michigan, the Head Coach of the Olivet College Clay Target Team, VicePresident of the Michigan Scholastic Clay Target Program Board of Directors, a bunker trap junkie and Master Class Sporting Clays competitor.

LadyShooter LifeStyles would like to congratulate all the excellent Team USA athletes who travel the world representing our nation. We wish them continued success in Peru and look forward to highlighting the hard work and dedication required to compete and excel at such a high level on the international stage.

The team trap event was held on March 14th in Nicosia. The three-person Team USA squad of Ida Brown, Aeriel Skinner and Rachael Tozier set the pace for the entire match by posting a 198/225 to take the number two spot in the qualification round by seven targets, guaranteeing their opportunity to face Australia in the gold medal round. In the gold medal round the Team USA squad posted a 49/75, just five targets shy of Australia to secure the Silver in the Women’s team trap event.

LadyShooter LifeStyles

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shooting for a cause

2022 Atlanta Charity Clays BY SCOTT DICKINSON

LadyShooter LifeStyles

shooting for a cause

Burge Plantation

he 31 Annual Atlanta Charity Clays was held March 16-19. Founded in 1991 by Will Lobb and Spike Wahlen, the ACC raises money to support more than 10 children’s charities with connections to the Atlanta area. Shooters and guests emerged from their covid shelters to socialize and support the cause beginning with the Wednesday night Kick-Off Party. Ryan Seacrest delivered a video introduction and 16-year-old Jack Burke shared his inspiring battle against neurofibromatosis (“NF”), a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves anywhere in the body, including the brain and spinal cord. Jack and his parents, Jake Burke and Beth O’Brien, have dedicated their lives to Cure NF With Jack, one of ACC’s beneficiaries. The crowd was energized by Ryan, Jack and a talented auctioneer, channeling their excitement into over $200,000 of donations in less than an hour! Entry fees, sponsor donations and raffle tickets brought the total up over $750,000. After a day’s break, the shooters gathered at Five Arrow Farm in Social Circle for Gold Day, a 72 target event contested over morning and afternoon rotations, interspersed with entertaining shooting games that demonstrated st

LadyShooter LifeStyles

the talent of the target setters and challenged the ability of the shooters. Chick-Fil-A made sure that a solid foundation of chicken biscuits and coffee prepared the crowd for the day. The weather was threatening from the outset and a strong line of thunderstorms closed the shooting early and sent shooters and volunteers scrambling for shelter under the well-appointed pavilion at Five Arrows.

Low Country BBQ managed to feed over 300 shooters and volunteers in spite of the torrents from the heavens and roaring winds that kept tournament organizers on the lookout for funnel clouds. Fortunately, no twisters formed, but the natural pyrotechnics continued and the decision was made to bring in the ammunition, close the course and open the bar. A few unnamed hardcore shooters (who respond to the names ACC kick off party and auction

shooting for a cause

Jimmy Warren and Spike Wahlen) protested that “the heavy stuff won’t come down for quite a while,” but cooler heads and thirsty attendees prevailed! Tournament Day at Burge Plantation dawned with low clouds, mist and a threat of more rain. Fortunately, this menace quickly dissipated and the clouds quickly parted in favor of bright blue skies and perfect shooting weather. The events consisted of an 80 target Main Event and a series of three games—Burge Blast (5-stand), Pair It Up (four challenging pairs) and the always entertaining Make-A-Break. Ed Prechel’s son, Owen, made his ACC debut and proved a “chip off the old block,” right down to the Browning shooting shirt and Magnum P.I. moustache! The Main Event targets once again proved that the only easy target is the one you just broke, as many a talented shooter walked out of the box muttering about missed “softballs.” The morning and afternoon rotations narrowed the field down to seven shooters, who assembled at the Make-ABreak stand to commence a “start from zero” shootout consisting of three report pairs and two true pairs. Before getting started, young Mr. Prechel relocated several traps to challenge the best of the bunch and prompt a few questions like “Is that a midi?” Ed Anderson, Todd Barnes, Bart Chandler, Paul Googe, Will Hinton, Cole Hudgens and Jimmy Warren took their turns in the stand, with Anderson and Chandler breaking four out of ten targets, Warren and Googe five, and Barnes and Hudgens six each. Will Hinton closed out the field with an overall score of seven, including smashing both targets in an arduous true pair with a 40 yard trap shot and a 60 yard quartering chandelle. ACC Co-Chairs Eric Hermanson and Niv Persaud presented trophies and prizes to the individual, team and game winners, as well as the lucky raffle ticket holders. Most importantly, the ACC continued its long tradition of providing much needed financial support to deserving causes. 2022 beneficiaries included Camp Sunshine, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Community Advance Practice Nurses, Cure Childhood Cancer, Cure NF With Jack, FACT Relief, Hope Thrives, Jacob’s Ladder, Power Up, Shepherd Center, Skyland Trail, Special Operations Care Fund, and Sunshine on a Ranney Day. n

LadyShooter LifeStyles

IT’S TIME TO SHOW WHO WE REALLY ARE.

Gun owners care about the safety, preventing unauthorized access to firearms, bettering communities, helping those in need and conserving wildlife and wild places for generations to come. You won’t hear these positive stories about real gun owners and pro-gun advocates in the mainstream media. In fact, you’re more likely to see insulting messages that try to shun or even shame gun owners due to some heinous acts of criminals. It’s time for gun owners to tell their stories, to show how we’re making a difference, to show that we don’t fit under one identity and to keep others accountable for trying to villainize lawful gun owners. We’re calling on all gun owners to join us.

WITH YOUR SUPPORT, WE CAN DO THIS — TOGETHER.

GunOwnersCare.org

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usa shooting: lima, peru

USA Shooting Ladies Dominate the World Cup in Peru BY MATTHEW GAY

resh off a great performance at the World Cup in Cypress, the USA Shooting Team women’s contingent was unrelenting, dominating the World Cup in Lima, Peru. The American delegation earned more medals than any other country participating and made the United States proud.

PHOTO COURTESY USA SHOOTING’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Trap Women Team USA’s Kayle Browning posted a total day one qualification score of 66/75. On day two of qualifications, Kayle dropped only four targets of the 75 attempted, including a perfect 25/25. After five rounds Browning’s 113/125 sent her to the semi-final round in the third slot. A 21/25 in the semis jettisoned her to the medal match facing India’s Shagun Chowdhary, and a pair of Italian shotgunners, Gala Ragazzini and Alessandra Della Valle. It took 33 targets in the medal match to cement Kayle’s Silver medal for Team USA.

finals. After 30 targets in the semis, all three American shotgun pointers qualified to compete in the medal match, facing France’s Lucie Anastassiou. In a grueling final match after 30 targets, two American shooters stood alone vying for the Gold. Dania Vizzi and Austen Smith would duke it out for another ten targets in order to determine who earned gold and who got silver. After all smoke cleared, Dania Jo Vizzi claimed the top spot by a target. Smith’s brilliant performance earned her the Silver and the Bronze went to France’s Anastassiou.

Dania Vizzi

Austen Smith

Skeet Women The Team USA ladies shined in grand fashion during this event. Austen Smith, Dania Vizzi and Caitlin Connor posted scores of 119, 116 and 116 out of 125 targets attempted during the qualification round to secure spots in the semi-

Kayle Browning LadyShooter LifeStyles

usa shooting: lima, peru

Coach Jay Waldron with Trap Mixed Team members Kayle Browning and Derek Haldeman

PHOTO COURTESY USA SHOOTING’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Trap Team Women

Trap Mixed Team The mixed trap event takes a team of two shooters from a given nation, one from the women’s team and one from the men’s team. Those two-person teams then compete for medals after a 75 target qualifier. After posting a collective score of 129/150 the USA-1 team of Kayle Browning and Derek Haldeman secured a trip to the Bronze medal match against the Guatemalan team of Brol Cardenas and Soto Abril. After dropping six targets each, the match was decided in a shoot-off. Haldeman and Browning ultimately prevailed to claim the Bronze medal for the American team.

In what turned out to be a tight match, the squad of Taylor and Smith earned silver just one target behind the Italian squad in the gold medal match. In the bronze medal match, the team of Stewart and Connor only dropped three targets combined to handily bring home the bronze for Team USA.

The American ladies kept rolling in the team event and maintained a dominant pace throughout. The three-person Team USA squad of Kayle Browning, Aeriel Skinner and Rachel Tozier posted a 191/225 to take the number one spot in the qualification round by seven targets setting themselves up to face the Guatemalan team in the Gold medal round. In the gold medal round the Team USA squad posted a 66/75, outpacing the Guatemalan contingent by three targets to secure Gold in the Women’s team trap event.

Skeet Team Women The two international skeet juggernauts were not quite finished duking it out. The Italian team and the American team had to go head to head one more time in the team skeet event. In brilliant fashion, the squad of Caitlin Connor, Austen Smith and Dania Vizzi took no prisoners in this event. After 36 total targets attempted, the Team USA squad had dropped only one target. This precision was too much for the Italian team to overcome, resulting in another Gold medal for the American ladies.

Trap Team Women took Gold Aeriel Skinner, Kayle Browning and Rachel Tozier

As with the trap mixed team, the pairing of one male and one female shooter from a given country compete in 150 target qualification rounds to face off in both the Gold medal match and the Bronze medal match. At the end of qualification, the four Team USA pairings held the two, three, four and seven spots. The American squads of Dustan Taylor and Austen Smith qualified for the Gold medal match just one target behind Italy’s Simeone and Scocchetti. Team USA’s squad of Hayden Stewart and Caitlin Connor qualified for the Bronze medal match and would face off against another Italian squad. LadyShooter LifeStyles

PHOTO COURTESY USA SHOOTING’S FACEBOOK PAGE

Skeet Mixed Team

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usa shooting: lima, peru

Skeet Team Women took Gold Dania Vizzi, Austen Smith and Caitlin Connor

Parting Thoughts It’s extremely impressive to see how commanding the ladies of Team USA are on the national stage. Of the 11 medals won by Americans in Peru, the ladies had a hand in eight of them. It’s further extraordinary to see the amount of work and dedication these female athletes put in to perform at such a high level. They are great ambassadors of the sport and Americans are proud to have them representing our nation around the world. The team heads to Lonato, Italy for another World Cup which runs from April 19th through April 30th. Lady Shooter Lifestyles Magazine would like to congratulate Team USA on a phenomenal performance, and looks forward to chronicling their future achievements. For information on the Team USA members and events visit usashooting.org n Editor’s note: Matthew Gay is a shooting instructor from Michigan, the Head Coach of the Olivet College Clay Target Team, Vice-President of the Michigan Scholastic Clay Target Program Board of Directors, a bunker trap junkie and Master Class Sporting Clays competitor.

LadyShooter LifeStyles

RANK - NATION GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL MEDALS 1 - USA 4 3 4 11 2 - ITALY 3 2 1 6 3 - SPAIN 2 1 1 4 4 - PERU 1 1 2 5 – PUERTO RICO 1 1 2 6 - ARGENTINA 1 1 6 - GUATEMALA 1 1 6 - MEXICO 1 1 9 - FRANCE 2 2 10 - INDIA 1 1

Skeet Team Men took Gold as well Derrick Mein, Jake Wallace and Will Hinton

PHOTO COURTESY USA SHOOTING’S FACEBOOK PAGE

LIMA WORLD CUP MEDAL STANDINGS

SUPPORT AMERICA’S SHOOTING TEAM!

USASHOOTING

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LadyShooter LifeStyles

terminology

What Do All Those Acronyms Stand For? And What’s the Difference? A GUIDE TO FIREARM TERMINOLOGY BY CRYSTAL DUKE

he shooting world is famous for its abbreviations of terms. What’s the difference between CHL, CC, LTC and all those acronyms? Is an optic the same as a red dot or scope? How do I know if I have a DA pistol and what does that even mean? What does the abbreviation HPBT on my box of ammunition mean? I keep hearing people talk or post about IDPA. What is that? Being more knowledgeable of the following terms will help you understand the code speak with other gun enthusiasts at the range, match or training class. CHL is Conceal Handgun License. CC is Conceal Carry, LTC is License to Carry. HL is Handgun License. They all refer to having a license to carry a handgun in various states. The difference in terminology varies from state to state. For example, where I live in Texas it used to be called a CHL. Then it was called an HL. Texas has now gone to permitless carry but the Handgun License is still valid and encouraged due to reciprocity agreements across the country. Here is a list of other acronyms you WILL come across in the shooting world, spoken or written: IWB – Inside the waistband. This is referring to holster placement. OWB – you guessed it! Outside the waistband again referring to holster placement. SOB – Not what you’re thinking! This refers to a holster placed at the small of the back. AC – Appendix Carry holster position. This is used in conjunction with the IWB or OWB above.

RDO – Red Dot Optic. RDOs are a device placed on the slide of a semi-automatic pistol that places a dot where the bullet will impact on the target. NICS – National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Anyone wishing to purchase a gun must fill out the appropriate federal form and wait while they are checked with this system. If you hold a HL, usually this is waived as a background check was performed in order to grant said license. AR – Armalite Rifle. No this doesn’t stand for “Assault Rifle”. They are nothing of the sort and AR refers to the type rifle it is. SA/DA – Single Action/Double Action. This refers to the type of pistol action for some revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. In a semiautomatic pistol, you have an extra lever to activate to de-cock before holstering for safety reasons. In revolvers, most are double action which means the trigger performs 2 functions. Cocking the hammer back and then releasing it to strike the primer. FMJ – Full Metal Jacket. This refers to bullets completely coated in something like copper. HP – Hollow Point. These are bullets that expand more upon hitting a target. Its used mostly in self-defense ammunition in pistol ammunition. Lots of rifle ammunition also has a hollow point as it expands more upon hitting the target and effects a more ethical kill shot.

HPBT – Hollow Point Boat Tail. This is a specific type of bullet used in rifle ammunition. It a small hollow tip and has a streamlined boat shape to the base of the bullet where it is inserted into the brass case. This streamlined shape helps stabilize the bullet in flight over the trajectory until impact. JHP – Jacketed Hollow Point. The copper coating stops at the apex of the bullet and keeps lead fouling at a minimum in the barrel. Mil-Spec – Military Specification. Lots of pistols and rifles are advertised to be up to mil-spec. If it works for the military, it probably will for you too. But, it isn’t a necessary “rating”. Its marketing but sounds really cool. RSO or RO – Range Safety Officer or Range Officer. These essential personnel at every range have a certification in range safety and are very knowledgeable about gun action types, how to clear malfunctions and above all, safety procedures! They maintain the shooting bays and report issues to management, are authorized to enforce company policy on the range and more. CRSO – Chief Range Safety Officer. They supervise all the RSOs in the range environment, set policy, develop Standard Operating Procedures for the range and more. IDPA – International Defensive Pistol Association. The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense LadyShooter LifeStyles

terminology

scenarios and real-life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts membership of more than 25,000, including members in 70 foreign countries.

USPSA – United States Practical Shooting Association. The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) is the national governing body of practical shooting in the United States under the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). Our over 31,000 active members and over 440 affiliated clubs makes USPSA the largest practical shooting organization in the United States.

Other sport shooting organizations also include Glock Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF), National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) and many more! In addition to these terms each company usually has their own abbreviations for class offerings, programs, and internal communications. As a new shooter in any discipline, if you hear someone using a term that is unfamiliar, please ask what it means. No one will mind! Hopefully this list can clear up some confusion for the new shooters out there. Welcome to the world of shooting sports and the vast shooting world. We are very glad you are here! n

LadyShooter LifeStyles

shotguns

The CZ-USA SCTP Sterling A GOOD OPTION FOR YOUTH AND LADY SHOOTERS, SAYS MATTHEW GAY

big thanks goes out to the folks at CZ-USA for making a sample of this innovative target breaking machine available to LadyShooter LifeStyles for a review. The Sterling came packaged in a heavy-duty ABS case branded with the maker’s name. Upon removing the shotgun from its packaging, it was clear that this was a very different model than I had reviewed before. The stock was obviously purpose built with youth and lady shooters in mind. The accessories case held three additional extended choke tubes and accessories for the adjustable comb. Manual and warranty card were contained within the case.

The Stock There is a lot to unpack here but first and foremost, this configuration was the brainchild of CZ-USA’s Dave Miller. In order to create the stock dimensions for the Sterling, he measured four separate stocks of youth shooters who had custom made or fitted gunstocks on their target guns. What he discovered was a consistent set of measurements throughout, increased pitch, more LadyShooter LifeStyles

The stock features a high degree of adjustability and attractive stippling

shotguns

drop at comb and adequate cast. The SCTP Sterling was the result of David’s observations and fits a category of shooter that continues to expand at record rates. The Turkish walnut on this sample was nicely figured and sported an elegant oil finished satin sheen, and modern styled laser stippling on the grip and forend, providing excellent grip

mechanical trigger had very little play on the bottom barrel and broke at just under 4 lbs. Reset required adequate, but not excessive, forward motion of the trigger blade and broke at 4 ¼ lbs. for the top barrel. The toggle barrel selector is done in the traditional Italian style, located on top of the manual safety switch. One brilliant feature on this model is found in the way CZ-USA

secures the barrel selector. Some shotguns with similar designs can fail to fire if the barrel selector gets bumped slightly out of battery or is moved to the middle of the safety tang. With the Sterling, in order to change the barrel selector, the safety must be engaged. Once the safety is moved to the fire position, the barrel selector is locked in place and cannot be moved.

characteristics. A very comfortable, yet not extreme right handed palm swell makes for a comfortable grip. The forearm is the Schnabel type with the same stippling in place of traditional checkering and locks solidly in place with a standard lever mechanism which latches securely to the barrel lug. A Southpaw version is available for lefthanded shooters at no extra charge. The three inch drop at heel is considerably more than many sporters, due to the Monte Carlo style stock. The factory installed four-way adjustable comb on this model is well designed with excellent hardware. With factory provided aluminum spacers to install under the comb, the drop adjustment can be secured without relying on set screws alone to hold it in place. The factory installed rubber butt plate is well fit and ½ inch thick.

The Receiver The Sterling receiver is perhaps where the name comes from for this model. The combination of mixed polished and brushed finish makes for a handsome contrast, without looking too busy. Although this gun was not designed for a six-foottall, 245-pound man like myself, I appreciate the “all about business” but elegant motif this model displays. A small amount of floral engraving decorates the top lever, while the brand and model designation is engraved on the bottom of the receiver. CZ-USA employs the time proven Browning style under-lug locking system employed by many shotgun manufacturers for nearly a century, making for a solid lock-up. The single selective

Uses the time proven Under-lug locking system LadyShooter LifeStyles

shotguns

The Barrels When it comes to a sporting gun, barrel construction and design can make or break a model’s performance and reputation. Being cognizant of this marketing and functional reality, CZ-USA tests the barrel regulation of all target guns before they are shipped from their Kansas City warehouse. The barrels on this sample measured thirty inches and were well constructed with a nice dark blued finish. The ventilated midrib was well executed and provides capacity to dissipate the heat of those high-volume shooting days. The 8-millimeter ventilated top rib on this model is best described as flat in orientation. The barrels are finished with a white Bradley style front bead and no mid-bead. The Sterling is provided with five extended choke tubes (CYL, IC, M, IM and Full). The chokes are threaded using the Beretta Mobil choke system.

Shooting the SCTP Sterling Since the SCTP Sterling is designed for youth and ladies, my trap shooter wife Cheryl was the test subject for fitting, shooting and feedback. After some fitting and eye alignment work to get things just right, we headed to the club. The first stop was the patterning plate. A few shots from each barrel with different loads, combined with a little fine tuning established proper eye alignment, confirmed that barrel regulation was excellent and verified point of impact was 60/40. Then it was off to the course. Out on the course the SCTP Sterling performed well. The accuracy of fit, thanks to the flexibility and purpose-built nature of this model, was an obvious factor in making for comfortable shooting. Although she had no issues shooting heavy target loads, she really enjoyed the oneounce 1180 FPS loads. Operation was flawless with well-timed ejectors and smooth functioning of all the controls. At 7 lbs. 12 oz., the weight of this shotgun factors in two major considerations when evaluating a shotgun designed for youth and lady shooters. This slightly sub-8 lb. gun has enough heft to eat up recoil at a quantifiable rate while not over burdening a shooter with excessive weight out front. The balance on the sample gun was ½ inch front of the trunnions. As youth and lady shooters continue to make up a significant portion of participants in the clay LadyShooter LifeStyles

target sports, it was important to build a production model which can fit them out of the box. CZ-USA stepped up to the plate, did their homework and created an excellent option at a perfect price point. For any youth or lady shooters looking for an awful lot of gun for the money, the CZ-USA SCTP Sterling must be a consideration.

For additional information or to find a dealer near you visit CZ-USA at cz-usa.com n Editor’s Note: Matthew Gay is a shooting instructor from Michigan, the Head Coach of the Olivet College Shotgun Team, Vice President of the Michigan Scholastic Clay Target Program and an NSCA Master class competitor.

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CZ-USA SCTP STERLING 2 GAUGE 30” 14” 1 1/2” (AS TESTED) (ADJUSTABLE) 3” (AS TESTED) 9 DEGREES 7LBS 11 OZ 5 EXTENDED (CYL, IC, M, IM, F) AVAILABLE $1519

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industry expert

Keeping Score CASEY CHASE KNEW THERE WAS A BETTER WAY TO MANAGE TOURNAMENTS SAYS KERRY LUFT

or years, Casey Chase has been a smiling face behind the registration desks at sporting clays tournaments across the country. She’s earned her reputation as an unflappable friend to shooters, helping them to juggle events, find the right course at the right time, and navigate the sometimes-arduous process of online registration. Less well known but equally deserved is her reputation as a problem solver for shooting clubs. Event managers who hire Chase and her colleagues know that no matter what arises during their tournaments, they won’t have to worry about registration. The problem? There are only a few people like Chase, and cloning isn’t an option. Recognizing the need, Chase set out to develop a new tournament-management system that reflects her wide knowledge and deep experience in creating solutions to unexpected problems. The result is Score Chaser (scorechaser.com), a completely new platform for clubs and shooters. It also provides a modern, intuitive format and state-of-the-art interactive tools that Chase believes sets it apart from the competition. “It’s a cleaner way to look at information,” she said.

With Shooters in Mind Early reviews are positive. “Eagle’s Nest switched to Score Chaser for many reasons…” says Christina Loudenslager. “The innovative platform, financial perspective for registered and non-registered tournaments. We’ve seen what Score Chaser could bring to the future. The sporting world seemed to be changing and growing rapidly and other scoring platforms weren’t keeping up with the growth and change.

There’s no more uploading programs and backing up data. It’s a simple connect to the internet and log in! “Our customers seemed to welcome the change right away. At first some were nervous with the change. People are creatures of habit after all. There were and still are a very small handful of seasoned shooters that say they struggle with it. These seasoned shooters also struggled with other platforms. I’ve found after a couple questions of their registration process that many of these seasoned shooters that were struggling hadn’t even given it a try yet. For Chase, the new system is the latest step in a career that spans her entire life. She grew up in Mojave, California, in a shooting family — her parents would “haul me, my two younger sisters and our nanny around to tournaments,” she recalled. Casey’s father, Homer Hansen, was a huge influence. He runs a trap sales and rental business.

“In 1999, we took a family vacation and drove to Montana so my parents could shoot in the U.S. Open at Big Sky Sporting Clays, and then 20 years later I ran the registration and scoring for their state shoot.” Her father, Homer Hansen, helped pave the way. He launched a trap sales and rental company that still exists today, providing machines and support for clubs throwing larger tournaments in the southwestern United States. Casey was soon enlisted to help, first pedaling her bicycle around the courses to gather scorecards and deliver them to the tournament management team, then transitioning to a role in the office. “When I was about 16, I ran my first tournament, and then when I finished college, I was of the mindset that I wanted to work for myself,” she said. “Sporting clays was something I was already pretty versed in, and it really sort of naturally happened and took off that summer.” Today Chase and a team of nine manage technical support, Pro Shooter accounts, club transfers, development and provide on-site registration services for approximately 50 tournaments each year—sometimes two or three on the same weekend. That experience, gained while using all current scoring systems, was a key in her decision to develop Score Chaser. She believed other platforms had a limited future, and that none served shooters or clubs completely or efficiently. Chase backed up that belief with field research — in this case the thousands of conversations and other interactions she’s had with shooters during tournaments she has worked. “Shooters share experiences with the registration process, or mention how they’d like to look at scores, or relay frustrations during a tournament, and I tried to understand those LadyShooter LifeStyles

circumstances and then question why there wasn’t an easy and obvious solution,” she said. “I constantly found myself trying to figure out how to trick (the existing system) to accommodate their scenario. So, building Score Chaser started with compiling all of these notes and memories of things I’d heard, seen or run into.”

A Tiered Offering Planning and design took more than a year. Researching potential software companies to design the platform took six months. Once Chase chose one, months of planning and design followed. Testing of different features took place throughout the process, and full-scale tests began in June, 2020 before the launch in early July. The painstaking process paid off, said Cory Moore, owner of Moore N’ Moore Sporting Clays near Los Angeles and an early adopter of Score Chaser. “When I saw this, I knew it would be done well and signed up right then,” he said. “I was telling people that the other programs were developed by programmers,” Moore said. “This program was developed by someone who runs shoots every day of her life. My team said, ‘This is so easy to score with.’ “That’s probably because Casey has listened and knows all the obstacles she’s faced, and she’s done a good job addressing all that.” Longtime California shooter Gary Cappelletti said he found registration on Score Chaser to be easy and intuitive. “If I can do it, anyone can,” he joked. “Anything Casey is involved in will be done the best way it can be done,” he added. “Her record speaks for itself.” For shooters, Score Chaser is accessible on three levels. Guest status allows competitors to browse tournaments, register for events and view results. Those who choose to create an account are granted a basic membership, which includes the ability to update and change registrations and store pertinent information for future use. At the Pro Level, members pay a monthly fee for features including an interactive map of upcoming tournaments, text notifications including reminders of rotation times during events, and a concierge service that will automatically register shooters for as many as eight tournaments a year. Those pre-registrations can be based on numerous factors, including specific tournaments, LadyShooter LifeStyles

industry expert

shooting preferences including favorite events, starting times and squad mates, and the number of targets a shooter prefers to tackle in a given day. When asked about the benefits of the Pro Shooter membership, Loudenslager stated “The event reminders have been a game changer for me. I don’t have to look up my registration pdf or carry my receipt around with me any more. A text comes across on tournament day telling me exactly where I need to be and what time I need to be there. I’m pretty sure I haven’t even realized every function that’s included with the pro membership. But, I still find it’s totally worth it.” Clubs also can use Score Chaser to set up tournaments and report scores for free. For an annual fee, clubs receive support around the clock, manage registration, and additional reports that provide Clubs with tools that improve the efficiency of tournament administration. At the highest level, clubs get expanded text and email capacity for tournaments, additional score-reporting capabilities, and featured tournament listings on scorechaser.com

With Efficiency in Mind Score Chaser also has the ability to process deposits, prepayments and credit card payments during the event, a feature that Chase developed because of the anti-firearm policies of companies that offer other payment methods. “The NSCA still processes many shoot reports manually because results are sent in on paper,” Chase said. “This system can help increase efficiency for our entire sport if these results can be processed more rapidly, and a big deterrent has been the expense associated with operating on other platforms. Free is pretty affordable.” Many of the program’s features appeal especially to clubs and tournament managers. Drawing on her experience, Chase made sure that the squadding system was user-friendly, automatically flagging conflicts and allowing changes with a simple click-and-drag. Another feature is targeted toward clubs in remote locations. If Internet access proves problematic, Score Chaser allows offline data entry and automatic synchronization once a connection is re-established. Score Chaser even has the ability to generate shooting menus for stations and parcours, and a scoresheet generator is in the works. “A lot of it is based on knowing what reports

clubs are looking for,” Chase said. But most of all, Chase said, she designed Score Chaser with shooters in mind. “Shooters are the customer, so it was vital to actually consider their needs,” she said. “Literally every aspect of Score Chaser has saved our team time inside and outside the clubhouse”, says Loudenslager. “The registration process behind the desk is a breeze in comparison to other platforms. Easy to navigate all event details, entrants’ details and club reports. It’s all just a click away.” “Printing of event menus and score cards is the most helpful and time saving. No more custom menus or name labels to place on score cards. It’s very hard to say what feature has been the most instrumental. We use every bit of what Score Chaser has to offer. The features as whole is what makes Score Chaser awesome!” Score Chaser is a web based app, easily installed on mobile devices. The team evaluated mobile app performance and implemented minor changes that optimize score updates, and released app installation instructions that are displayed anytime the site is accessed from a phone or tablet. “I’ve built this program in a way that won’t be limited by technology,” she vowed. “Score Chaser can grow in all directions and in any way that I can imagine and articulate.” Chase entered Stage 2 planning for Score Chaser in December of 2021. This phase will introduce Digital Scoring, a Lesson and Instructor module, expanded Entrant List details for individual tournaments, Shooter Performance Statistics, and administration advancements that provide Clubs with the ability to execute Leagues and Points Races. Score Chaser will be the hosting software for the 2023 NSCA National Championship. “I am honored to have this opportunity and grateful to the team that made it a possibility.” n

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cultural differences

Shooting Across the Big Pond

BY USA SHOOTING ATHLETE BRANDY ELROD

ucket list item—the ability to compete in a shotgun tournament overseas—I checked this item off of the list this past September. Winning a World medal—a penciled-in item on my bucket list— add a checkmark to that one too. Team Bronze if you were wondering. Attending the Paralympics is in the process! In September of 2021, I attended the WSPS World Para-Trap Championships in Lonato, Italy representing USA Shooting. I was one of four athletes to represent the U.S. My teammates consisted of Becky Noble (not pictured, see the article about the Trap Queen, she is the absolute queen in the chair and the #1 ranked female chair shooter) Sophia Bultema, our young force on the Concordia Nebraska Shotgun team; and Sam Rudloff, our lonesome guy that actually killed it in Lonato for his first major competition and is now officially our BFF for life- we are forcing him. Para-Trap is not currently a Paralympic event so USA Shooting is unfortunately not able to fund the Para-Trap athletes due to rules set forth by the Olympic Para Committee. This is not just in the United States, this is across the entire world. As Para-Trap athletes, we fund all of our travel, ammo, entries, and firearms. As you can imagine the expenses are quite hefty. We need sponsors, if you or someone you know has the ability to help. I was informed by an Italian athlete that this year’s WSPS World Championships were the most important as this was the last time the OPC was giving the ParaTrap world the ability to reach 32 countries to have participated in a WSPS World Para-Trap championship. Without the 32 countries competing, Para-Trap would not be able to become a Paralympic event for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. We were informed during the closing awards ceremony that the

country quota was met. However, this is just the beginning stages and now the work begins for the World Shooting Para Sports committee to petition for Para-Trap to become an official sport. In America, women really do have the freedom to pursue any shooting aspiration we so choose. The American Para-Trap team currently consists of three women and one man. A female to male ratio, that is very uncommon in a maledominated world. I did not realize until traveling overseas how lucky I am to live and compete for the United States of America. My first experience was meeting and speaking with a female athlete from a Middle Eastern country. At all times, she was required to be with a chaperone, she was required to shoot in her traditional Middle Eastern clothing, as well as the most interesting encounter was when I tried to help her off of the awards stage, I was immediately stopped by her chaperone that was not on stage with us. He was very polite but it did catch me off guard as I was only trying to keep her from rolling down the stage ramp since she was in a wheelchair. My next encounter with cultural differences between the U.S. and other countries was when my team won the Bronze medal, our team consisted of two females and a male athlete. We were the only team that had a female podium. In the Para-Trap world, all genders compete together. There are no medals strictly for a male or female category. The sport is simply not large enough for the separation yet, as well as there are just not enough female athletes competing to warrant the separation. For the American team to consist of mainly female athletes was a win for the WSPS Para-Trap committee, this is another selling point to add the sport to the 2028 Paralympics. Here in the U.S., we have our own tournaments we compete in, a separate ladies individual category, or even teams at tournaments. Is it needed? Not necessarily, as

women are just as competitive as men in shooting sports but it does allow for recognition in a sport predominantly male. I set the American record during the WSPS World championships this year. I am now ranked 13th overall in men & women combined, as well as ranked 2nd overall in the world for women. The number one ranking female is a 21-year-old from Italy. When I asked her what it was like to be the only female competing in Italy she did say she faced many struggles because she is the minority in a country that outnumbers any other country in Para-Trap athletes. Guilia has a degenerative disease that is slowly moving her into a wheelchair. Currently, she is very lucky that she only has to wear braces on her legs to maintain her mobility but she did say she will eventually end up in a wheelchair. She is a powerhouse though. She only missed the PT2 (lower body impaired athlete) finals by a few targets! Personally, I believe her outing at this year’s World Championships will open the door for her in her country and she will gain the recognition she deserves as an athlete. Guilia and our male athlete, Sam claimed the Mixed team victory. The moral of this entire story...ladies, get out there and chase your shooting dreams because I am living proof they really do come true. Becky is in a chair, I have this weird shooting stick on the front of my gun because I can only lift my right arm to my belly button, and Sophia is missing part of her arm from the elbow down. If we can represent the U.S. overseas, you can certainly go harvest that whitetail buck or drop some ducks, or even break some orange targets. The best part about all of this is that if you have an injury and you think you cannot pick up a shotgun, contact me because where there is fire and determination, there is a world-class athlete! n

LadyShooter LifeStyles

protect your hearing

2022 Trends in Hearing Protection for Shooters

THE RESEARCH THEY SHOULD DO! BY AUDIOLOGISTS GARRY GORDON AND ROBERT M. TRAYNOR

Boom….!

very time the trigger is pulled on a loaded shotgun the average intensity of impulse noise is between 150 to 161 Decibels! This research was accurately conducted by Rasmussen (2009) and cited by Meinke 2017. Rasmussen and colleagues found these levels from shotguns at the left ear of a right-handed shooter. As far back as the 1970s, Krammer, Ph.D. from Ball State University was hired by the U.S. government to see if it was possible to acoustically fingerprint a weapon. While Krammer was unable to find firearm acoustic imprints he noted that the impact sounds from these weapons were approximately 14 dB beyond the threshold of pain and more than sufficient to cause a sudden hearing loss or acoustic trauma. With the introduction of muzzle brakes and porting, the risks of hearing loss from rifles and shotguns increased dramatically. Adding to the complications of such noise exposures, 30%-40% of those who participate in shooting sports complain of tinnitus or ringing and buzzing in the ears. Treatments for tinnitus vary and can be managed by consulting several medical and audiological networks such as the American Tinnitus Association (ata.org). Further, shooting from inside an enclosure such as a goose or duck blind will add to the sound intensity. There is no way to “sugar coat” this problem: hunting and other shooting sports without adequate hearing protection will permanently damage hearing. According to the literature, untreated hearing loss is rampant with 1 in 5 people not doing much about it until it becomes a serious hinderance to

daily activities. In fact, the audiology literature states that those with hearing loss wait 5-7 years after they know they have a hearing loss before they seek treatment. Even now, with all the publications regarding the dangers of excess noise exposure, Loughran (2020) found that the number of shooters across the board (including hunters and casual plinkers) using ear plugs to protect their hearing ranged from 3%-14.6% and very few indicated they always or often use ear protection. For many years the results of reduced hearing were thought only to be hearing difficulties, but since enlightenment by the studies of Lin et al (2013), we also know that untreated hearing loss contributes to diminished thinking abilities and the progression of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The list of other comorbidities goes on and on. So exactly what are the options for hearing protection in shooting and hunting sports?

Options Available to Hunters and Shooters For most shooters custom fit earplugs offer positive benefits. These products are typically made from high grade room temperature curing silicones that can be manufactured “on the spot.” In this case, the ear impression becomes the finished product and, typically, requires buffing and slight modification in addition to a silicone coating on the outside surface to obtain a good a seal with the finished product. When correctly constructed the average noise reduction rating (NRR) is 30-32 dB.

The second custom earplug option is fabricated from heat curable silicones. These require ear impressions to be sent to a laboratory for processing and, in many cases, can be modified with filters or music transducers. Laboratories using today’s current technology can digitally record the ear impressions enabling most end users to simply call the provider and/or manufacturer and place a new order without LadyShooter LifeStyles

protect your hearing

suggestions for obtaining high level hearing healthcare: n Who is the manufacturer of this product and what is the warranty? n What is the process to get service or follow up? Do I call a specific office, or reach someone on a cell phone who has no office? n If service or repair is required, how long does it take and what is the average cost?

requiring new ear impressions. Additionally, if the client has a good set of custom plugs these may be used as an ear impression and digitally recorded. This process has been especially helpful during the COVID pandemic, permitting shooters to order replacement custom earplugs without obtaining new impressions. A growing trend for hunters, range masters, shooting instructors and shooters has been the use of electronic devices, either in the form of custom molds or earmuffs. For most, but not all shooters, the custom version has been well accepted because they do not interfere with glasses or positioning of a rifle or shotgun. The majority of these 21st century protection devices are digitally programmed for better sound clarity and often include a memory button that can change the frequency response for filtering out background sounds, such as the wind. Many also include a removable lanyard which hunters often request to minimize the risk of loss. Traditionally, the majority of these products have been manufactured so that the portion inserted into the ear canal (the SHELL) is made from a Lucite or hard material. When made properly the NRR (noise reduction rating) for most products will be 22 to 26 dB. The newest choice, offering better sound suppression, are electronic modules that can be fit to the ear canal with either a high-performance foam tip or inserted into a custom silicone providing an estimated NRR of 31dB - 32 dB.

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Electronic circuitry within the device is designed to compress loud sounds before they reach dangerous levels. These devices are not marketed as hearing aids but are classified as assistive listening devices, since hearing aids are considered a medical device. Additionally, there are ear protection devices (wired or Bluetooth) often used by trap shooters or motorcyclists that can be used for listening to music or communication.

Hearing Aids That Are Hearing Protectors Many shooters using electronic ear protection often ask about having a multi-functional device that can be used as both an ear protector and a hearing aid. The devices come with two interchangeable couplers to the ear, one with a solid tip for hearing protection or for use with custom plugs and a second tip that is open for use as a hearing aid. These dual-purpose devices may be taken to any of hundreds of designated audiology clinics and reprogrammed to a different hearing profile for more hearing benefit and/or upgraded to a higher performance hearing technology. The design of these dualpurpose, rechargeable instruments is the latest in sophisticated technology standard with up to 4 memories and the ability to connect via Bluetooth to a cell phone or TV — truly the ultimate in hearing benefit and hearing protection technology and utility.

n Providers should be able to describe how each product works in addition to the Noise Reduction Rating. n In the event the client is not happy with the results what is the privilege to return? n Where were you trained and how long have you been in business? Look for someone who has experience and proper training. n Proper ear inspections and in some cases hearing testing should be conducted before any fitting with a hearing protection device. You have the right to ask what they are looking for during an ear examination. n What about fitting children who are growing and beginning to learn the sport? It is critical to have the child or parents stay on top of any changes with growth requiring refitting. In some cases, custom hearing protection devices may simply be recoated with a seal coater to create a better fit. n For clients who prefer earmuffs or generic foam, or silicone plugs these come with several options and should never be downgraded should this be the choice that best meets their needs. n Finally, what is the bottom-line expense for my purchase in addition to the length of the warranty. In some cases, extended warranties are available at the time of purchase.

Do Not Hesitate to Ask Questions

Epilogue

As a result of advanced technology new and better items are now available for those who want to minimize the risk of hearing loss and/or its complications such as tinnitus. Following are

Clinical data verifies that the risk for a noise induced hearing loss is extremely high in shooting sports, so it is important to look for someone who will take time to answer questions and provide

protect your hearing

options for the absolute best in hearing protection. If there are questions about your hearing, see a hearing health care professional for an accurate assessment. There are numerous

sources for receiving an accurate hearing test in a sound treated environment. n

Editor’s Note: Article provided by Garry Gordon, MS— CEO/Owner and Audiologist/Instructor at E.A.R. Inc, as well as Robert M. Traynor, Ed.D., MBA, FNAP.

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trap queen

The OG of USA Para-Trap BY BRANDY ELROD

he OG of the USA Para-Trap team is none other than Rebecca (Becky) Noble from Rapid City, South Dakota. Becky paved the way for the rest of the team. Becky is an outdoors woman— she hunts, she fishes, she participates in shooting sports, her career is even centered around the outdoors working for Cabela’s. In 1996, Becky lost the use of her legs due to a car accident thus landing her in a wheelchair. Becky was raised on a dairy farm in Minnesota and actually did not start competing in shotgun events until after she had her accident in 2009. In 2014, Becky began to compete competitively in American trap. After competing for a few years in American trap, Becky learned about Olympic Para-trap and decided to attend a qualifying match in Kerrville, Texas, in February of 2018 where she met her qualifying score to make the USA team and travel to Lonato, Italy.

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Becky was the first person to compete for the USA in Para-Trap and was the only female athlete to compete at the World Championships in 2018. In 2019, Becky received the Bronze medal at the USA Para-Nationals. Becky has also made the All-American team in American Trap in the Chair shooter category from 2019-2021. Becky has numerous other American Trap wins from all over the country under her belt. Most recently Becky was the Silver medalist in the seated category at the inaugural U.S. Para-Trap Grand Prix held in Hillsdale, Michigan in May. This earned Becky a spot for the third time on the U.S. team for the World Championships that will be held in Al Ain, UAE in November. Becky is also an avid hunter, advocate for disabled hunters, and youth shooting sports coach. Becky is coaching her local 4-H trap team, as well as she also coaches women & other individuals with disabilities and helps them

determine what shooting techniques, shotguns, and equipment is best for them. Becky serves on two different shotgun sports related boards. She serves on the board for the Rapid City Trap Club where she focuses on making sure that the club is offering the best services for shooting sports enthusiasts. She also serves on the board for the South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures. South Dakota Youth Hunting Adventures’ mission is to teach and educate young people about hunting safety, ethics, wildlife and conservation while providing a hunting experience that will instill a lifelong enthusiasm and respect for hunting and landowners. The youth not only learn about conservation through hunting, they learn about hiking, kayaking, packing, and various other activities in order to hunt in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Becky is also an amazing supporter of individuals in wheelchairs. She was given a Track Chair which would allow her to hunt on her own through the hard terrain of the South Dakota Black Hills. Becky chose to share her chair with other individuals to give them the same opportunity she was given and she donated it to South Dakota Fish and Game. The Track Chair is now allowing for numerous individuals in South Dakota to be able to hunt in areas they would not otherwise be able to reach. Becky is also working with the South Dakota Fish and Game to raise funds to build a world class shooting range in Rapid City that will have three Olympic trap bunkers. Currently, Becky has to drive eight hours to the nearest range in Nebraska or Colorado with an Olympic trap bunker. Her only means of practice locally is a wobble trap that has had the spring tightened but

it is still no comparison to an actual bunker. With the addition of the Olympic Trap bunkers to Rapid City, her goal is to help grow the sport of Olympic trap amongst youth shooting athletes and to pave the way for the future of the sport. Now that you know Becky is the queen of trapshooting, here is what she gets to endure in order to pursue her passion for shooting sports. When you first pull up to a shooting range and you get out of a vehicle, you do not think twice about the material of the parking lot or even the shooting stations. Becky has to think about this because her chair does not move freely on materials other than asphalt and concrete. Picture shooting while sitting in a chair. What do you think your site picture is like? You are definitely seeing the targets later. That is why Becky likes higher targets and wind pushing targets down can prove a problem. What about that skeet bag or vest you wear to store your shells? Not so wheelchair friendly, is it? Becky has a custom vest for shooting on the USA team made by Castellani and sponsored by Ultimate Shooting Accessories that has a higher back so she is not sitting on her

vest, as well as higher pockets for her shells for easier accessibility. When walking from station to station, you simply put your gun over your shoulder or walk with it at your side, right? Imagine having to roll a wheelchair from station to station while balancing your shotgun and not falling off of a station or trying to roll over a rubber mat. Classic example—at the 2019 ParaNationals in Colorado Springs, Colorado, field three was built specifically for para-athletes, but the one thing they did not take into consideration was the chairs rolling forward. During the first day of shooting, a board had to be added to the front of the concrete to prevent a chair shooter from rolling forward off of the station. The chair shooters also had difficulty moving about the Olympic shooting park because it is mainly gravel and they had to stay in one area. Becky’s goal, after attending a match where she was constantly starting and stopping her wheelchair because of the gravel, is to make range owners more aware and open minded to more accessible ranges for shooting sports enthusiasts from all backgrounds. Becky lives life just like she shoots trap, one target at a time. n

PHOTO COURTESY BECKY NOBLE FACEBOOK

trap queen

@Bnoble1978 Becky Noble Athlete

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range etiquette

Range Etiquette W

hen you go to any shooting range, there are some things you will already be expected to know BEFORE you ever shoot. Range etiquette is extremely important as it incorporates all the safety measures and protocols for keeping everyone safe at the range. You should know range etiquette before you ever go shooting for the first time. You should have familiarity with your gun BEFORE you ever go shoot for the first time. Yours and everyone’s safety depends on this. Everyone was/is self-conscious when a new shooter and visiting ranges. That’s okay. The points listed below will give you tremendous confidence and give the range tremendous confidence in you as well. By knowing these items, your range session will be more enjoyable and productive too! Whether an indoor or outdoor range, these expectations are the same. But before these expectations there are safety rules that I refer to as “gun religion”. Know them, use them, live them. There are several versions.

NRA Gun Safety Rules

What to Expect You always must sign in, show ID, and sign a waiver at any range—sometimes yearly, sometimes every time depending on the range’s standard operating procedures. They ask for ID so they know who is shooting on their range at any given time. Some ranges just scan it, others take it and clip it to the board for the lane you will be in. Don’t forget to get it back at the end of the range session. You must pay for targets. Some include one target each range visit while others charge for every target. But be prepared to pay for targets. You must pay a range fee for your lane. This is usually broken down by time segments. Most fall into charging for a fraction of an hour. 15 or 30 minutes is what you usually find. This allows them to turn the lanes over quicker. If you rent a gun from the range, you are expected to use only ammunition that you purchase from them. This is the case everywhere. They want a controlled situation for their property. Do not ask them to make an exception to this policy.

BY RANGE OWNER CRYSTAL DUKE

You will be expected to know how to operate and shoot your gun. The RSO (range safety officer) is there to monitor every shooter and jump in when there is a safety issue. They are not there to teach or give you a lesson. If you don’t have this experience with your firearm, book a private lesson with a certified firearms instructor to learn those basics. Any competent firearms instructor will get you up to speed within an hour so you are able to go to the range safely and independently. You must have the appropriate safety gear such as safety glasses, hearing protection and closed toed shoes. A brimmed cap is also recommended as it keeps hot brass off your head and face.

What Every Range Will Expect From You They expect you to comply with their policies. Each range has a different procedure. They don’t care what you do at other ranges. They expect you to comply with any RSO

PHOTO CREDIT: THADDIUS BEDFORD, COURTESY NSSF

n ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. n ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. n ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

Cooper Rules n Treat all guns as if they are always loaded. n Never point it at anything you are not willing to destroy. n Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you’ve made the decision to shoot n Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it.

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PHOTO CREDIT: THADDIUS BEDFORD, COURTESY NSSF

repack safely, load your gun, change magazines, open the cylinder if a revolver, what caliber your gun is, unload and show clear, lock the slide back, how to grip and stand properly. And, you are expected to know the 180 rule. The 180 rule means that the muzzle must always be pointed towards the targets and come no further back than 180 degrees. That would mean you are pointing it at people in the lanes beside you. This is a big violation! Muzzle awareness is one of the most important good safety habits you can develop. If for some reason your gun doesn’t go bang, ALWAYS keep it pointed in a safe direction! You could have a misfire, a hang fire, or the worst, a squib. ALWAYS keep the gun in a safe direction. People have turned their gun around and looked down the barrel and it went off after a delay. Unfortunately, there was a tragic outcome. If your gun does anything out of the normal, get the attention of an RSO. Do not pull the trigger again. Be able to describe what happened. They will take it from there. ALWAYS keep the gun in a safe direction. The RSO will put a rod down the barrel, remove the obstruction and then you can continue your range session. They will expect you to have good enough muzzle awareness when shooting that you don’t shoot the ceiling (or the walls for that matter)! There are lights and target carriers and HVAC and all sorts of things in the ceiling. Safe direction in an indoor range is at the backstop. If an outdoor range, don’t point your muzzle over the top of the backstop or side berms. Keep it pointed at the targets. At a shotgun range, you must have the action open while walking around. If you have an over/ under, then rest the butt stock on your shoulder

PHOTO CREDIT: THADDIUS BEDFORD, COURTESY NSSF

instructions given. RSOs own the safety on the range and they have full authority to stop someone acting or shooting in an unsafe manner. Be courteous. Don’t be an arrogant jerk! My experience has shown that the more arrogant someone is, the less they know and are trying to cover it up with their behavior. They expect you to admit what you don’t know. No one knows everything and we are all here to learn and help others. There is no shame in not knowing something and asking for help. They absolutely expect you to have familiarity with your gun. They are there to help with any malfunctions or big issues. They will be happy to answer a question, but they must move on and monitor the line. They expect you to pay attention to what they are saying at your lane. The RSO will expect you to unpack and re-pack your gun in a safe manner! That means knowing which way the muzzle is pointed before you unzip it. Use a paint pen, sticker or some manner of indicating muzzle direction so it’s always aimed in a safe direction (down-range) at all times. If you happen to open your pistol case and it’s pointed towards you or sideways, don’t touch the gun. Simply close the case and turn it so the muzzle is pointed downrange. Then unpack it and place it on the bench. The RSO will expect you to know how to lock your slide back and show clear (unload and show clear command) if they need to inspect your gun for any reason or they call a cease fire and need everyone to unload and show clear. The RSO will expect you to be able to explain any weird quirks about your gun if they need to inspect it. Some safeties work strange, or the slide doesn’t lock back (this is a rare type of gun), etc. You are expected to know how to unpack/

range etiquette

LadyShooter LifeStyles

and the barrel cracked open and pointing down. It’s very disconcerting when someone does it the opposite way and you are looking down the barrel of a shotgun. Muzzle awareness is paramount— regardless of what type of gun you are shooting. You can only load your shells when in the station and the muzzle is pointing towards the target area or you are the next shooter up in trap and 5-stand. If you ever start to reload your own ammunition, most ranges will let you keep your brass. Keeping brass is a policy where there is a lot of variation. Ranges sell once fired brass to reloaders and make a little extra money. If an event is being run by an organization, follow their protocols. That’s a lot of expectations! But it’s vital for everyone’s safety that every shooter has this knowledge. It’s the most basic knowledge and it’s better to gain it BEFORE you visit a range. If you are renting a gun from the range and need help, they likely have the personnel to dedicate for that. If you have a question, ASK! If you need help, ASK! If you ask, LISTEN! After a couple of range visits, you will be a seasoned pro at it and won’t feel self-conscious anymore. n

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