Oh the Stories at Babes With Bullets Camps…

Danielle of Smith & Wesson and Maggie Reese Instructing

The third week of April I attended another Babe’s With Bullets Camp in Shreveport, LA at Kay and Jerry Miculek‘s range.  This camp was a rifle/pistol combo instruction.  Of course the M&P pistols that S&W provides for the camps all have the HIVIZ sights installed on them. 
We had about 30 women, some of us sponsors of the camps and/or women of the industry attending, S&W, HIVIZ, Atlanta Ammo, Ducks Unlimited, etc.  One younger girl that came on at the last minute had been quite competitive and played international soccer a few years back.  Long story short, she had been in a bad car accident which ended her budding soccer career.  She is one of those natural athletes and her dad wanted to see her get back into a sport that would drive her competive nature once again.  Well, some of us stayed in the bunk house on the range, there being several bunks in our room.  I was the oldest of the women in there.  I was elected for the top bunk, the very TALL top bunk.  We let the young 20 year old girl, having permanent rods in her legs from the accident and Maggie Reese, one of the instructors and former Top Shots alum coming off knee surgery, have the two bottom bunks.  I’m the early riser in the bunk house…so I’m slowly trying to climb down in the dark.  I must have been making some creaking and groaning, old-lady-struggling-sounds, when the 20 year old on the bottom calls up “can you get down alright?!”  Bless her heart, rods in both her legs and all…but boy did that make me feel old and darned it made me want to beat her time on the stage when we got out there!  I may be “older” but certainly not “OLD”!  The other “older” ladies there got a kick out of that story though. 

Instructors, I don’t think you could ask to be in the company of any better!  Kay Miculek I believe holds the most National and World titles of any woman shooter!  Maggie Reese and Athena Lee, both top competitors and Top Shot alums.  Annette Aysen, Master Class revolver shooter and Lisa Munson another National and World title holder and Shiela Brey.  All amazing from different walks of life but with this one common thread, shooting sports.  Athena is originally from the Phillipines and one late evening a small group of us was sitting around relaying stories and using an old adage to describe someone we all new.  We laughed and laughed…Athena laughed…and after awhile stops dead face serious and says, “what does that mean anyway?”  Too funny.  What an incredible group of ladies. 

USA Shooting came out the last two days to film us running the stages.  Of course those camera guys have a way of sneaking up on you when one lady finished her stage and was relaying her feelings about a little blip she had on a few of the targets…..well, lets just say those little “blips” are now going to be “bleeped” from any airing!  Ooops!  She will now be forever known to me as ______ “FREAKIN” ______ , (who shall remain anonymous in my blog).

Between stages and waiting your turn to shoot one lady, Jennifer was teaching some of us her belly dancing moves.  I don’t know how she moved like that…apparently not to be on my lists of talents!  After awhile another lady is joining in….gee I never had the guys I shoot with be this entertaining! In fact, I really don’t want to see any of the guys at my range belly dancing!

Oh…the stories we could tell!

The Hunt is On Baby! ….(for Women’s Hunting Apparel!!!)

My daughter and two other hunters maybe...all rolled into one!

I just put down a deposit on my first guided elk hunt for this fall!  I am so excited.  Bison, black bear, and now my third hunt EVER…bull elk in Colorado.  Bit by bit I’ve been acquiring hunting gear, as I was starting from scratch not long ago.  Must haves first, my Remington 700, 30-06 rifle and Luepold scope.  Nice rifle sling, range finder, and some Primos Trigger sticks, www.primos.com.

The first hunt I was fortunate enough to be at the Prois, www.proishunting.com,  shop in Gunnison during a WOMA Retreat, www.thewoma.com, nearby and picked up some fantastic women’s RealTree camo pants and jacket.  Great fit and feel.  They did it right!

The second trip for bear, as it was being filmed by TNT Outdoor Explosion, www.tntoutdoorexplosion.com, and their other sponsor was Mossy Oak, I was now scrambling to find some Mossy Oak pattern clothing to wear.  This entailed a little more searching on the internet as just about every major outdoor retailer carries Mossy Oak patterns, not as many carry women’s sizes.  I thought maybe I can settle for a men’s small.  Well, the smallest they carried was a men’s medium!  I finally found some at Russell Outdoors that still carried Women’s Mossy Oak …and one of those items was now discontinued.  I did find pants and jacket in my size, but it wasn’t my first choice at the time.

Now as I am preparing for my fall elk hunt, I need the blaze orange vest and hat.  Hat no problem…vest is another story.  I know I don’t need to be fashionable out there, but the first couple outdoor retailers I visited had 3XL and 2XL.  Really?  I finally found a men’s medium…again the smallest they had out.  Took it home and it was huge even over my heavy camo jacket.  Three retailer visits later, I ended up returning the vest.  This running all over shopping is making me tired…I’m thinking I’m going to have to train hard this summer if I’m ever going to keep up on an elk hunt now!   In my searching I came across one lone ladies vest.  Nice but $160 was not getting me too excited here.  Now my physical ailments have just been compounded with a headache!   This vest hunt will continue at a later date I’m afraid.

Last week I returned from the NBS show in Fort Worth.  While there I came across another vendor, Kenetrek Boots, www.kenetrek.com.  They had some fantastic insulated women’s hunting boots.  I had boots already, but not good quality insulated boots.  I know if I’m going to enjoy my hunt, warmth is a big plus in my world!  I spent a little time in their booth.  He measured my foot and let me try on a pair.   I’m sold!  I was able to purchase my boots the following week and have had them out twice so far. Very comfortable.  He suggested I put about 30 miles on them before the actual hunt to break them in.  Plenty of bike trails close to the house and as the temps warm up a bit, I can hit the trails in the foothills by Fort Collins.  I’m determined to be in shape and have comfortable boots!

Gloves:  I have some “youth” hunting mitten/gloves that aren’t too warm.  I found plenty of men’s huge  gloves….which is ok if I don’t have to actually handle a rifle or use the reins on the horse I’ll be riding in on for the hunt….gee two things that may be slightly critical.  I did come across another vendor, Manzella www.manzella.com.  At the end of the show when I had a little time to look around, I stopped in his booth and noticed he had only men’s large sizes in his booth.  I spoke with him a few moments and shared my plans for this fall.  He remembered and at the next trade show he brought over 2 pair of women’s gloves for me to try!   Outstanding!  My fingers actually fill in the gloves!  I can be functional with these.  Such a little thing, but it means a lot to have fit and functionality for hunting.

While I am piecing together my clothing, the outfitter sent a checklist: minimum 0 degree sleeping bag.  I thinking if he is suggesting 0 degree bag for his usual big burly hunters, -30 degree bag is going to be my minimum to stay warm at night!  I found one online at MidwayUSA, www.midwayusa.com.  It delivered this past week and my gosh, am I glad horses are packing us in!  This is huge!  Definitely not your backpacking size bag; very toasty though!  Along with this, I am taking an insulated foam pad to put beneath the bag on the cot.  This will keep the cold air from permeating through.

I have one more item to get, a good hunting pack.  I have my eye on a Badlands pack model 2200.  It has the hydration pack available and the gun pouch for the butt of your rifle when strapping it to your pack.

I’m more fortunate than the average person. Working the trade shows in the industry, I am able to at least see what is available for women. Granted it is still somewhat limited, but the women’s market is definitely growing.  Don’t give up and settle for the men’s clothing that doesn’t fit!  A little time researching and you will find what works best for you.  Really, it has to be better than the men’s 2XL and 3XL’s adorning all the local retailers racks!

Evolution of my “princess” …..

My "Girlie-Girl"

My daughter at 22 years old, came with me to her first Babes with Bullets Camp, www.babeswithbullets.com. We hopped in the truck with all my gear loaded and began our road trip north from Colorado through Wyoming and Montana, ending in Plains, MT, north western side of Montana and 14 hours drive for us from Fort Collins, CO.  I have my concealed carry permit and two ladies driving alone in no-mans land that far, I had the seat holster and my M&P 9mm between my knees.  I can only imagine my daughter thinking what did her mom get her into here!

My daughter has never shot nor really had much interest in going to the range to watch me shoot any of my competitions as of yet.  Somehow I talked her into signing up for the camp.  She was the “girlie-girl”in camp when we got there.

She had no idea before hand what to actually expect.  Keep in mind you have Kay Miculek and other top competitors teaching the camps.  We shoot 600+ rounds in two and a half days.  The first day about noon, my daughter tells me she is tired and thinks she’s had enough shooting for one day.  Oh no…dear, you aren’t close to being done with these ladies!

I see a little lip quivering and I’m thinking, please don’t cry in front of these women… Had it not been my daughter I would’ve been thinking, get your big girl panties on and get with the program already!  But this is my baby, and somehow she sucked it up and when it was all over, had a great time and has shot more since attending her first camp. It was a fantastic mother/daughter trip that neither one of us will ever forget.

This past year I went with her when she purchased her first firearm!  My princess has evolved!  From “girlie-girl”, which she still is….to purchasing her first firearm. What a journey for her, and it’s only beginning! 

Montana Babes With Bullets Camp

I am so proud of her and excited for her journey that lies ahead, not just in shooting sports, but all the opportunities for her to experience new adventures in life.  Don’t be afraid to reach beyond your comfort zone!

“Bearly” There for Christmas!

 The week before Christmas and also happened to be my birthday..the taxidermist called to let me know my bear rug from my May hunt in Canada was finished!  Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to me! 

Being this was my first big taxidermist work, I was very anxious to get it back. I felt like a little kid waiting for that big present at Christmas…. then again, what’s wrong with being a kid at heart? 

Well of course I had to put him on the floor in front of the fireplace for a picture first.  Who hasn’t heard of the nice bear skin rug in front of the crackling fireplace in the middle of Colorado with a bottle of Merlot and… oh…oh another story..ha!

Pictures taken, my daughter came by and helped me hang him on the wall in the livingroom.  After some laughing and a few errant nail holes in the wall, we finally have him placed just right!  Some how on the wall, he looks more like this enormous flying squirrel!  Looked better on the floor, but the wall turned out to be more practical.  We’ll live with it.

Now as I sit back and enjoy the bear skin, I’m eyeing up other wall space for elk….it’s on my list!!!

Count your blessings…

Yesterday brought sad news with a call from one of our reps that Ray Murski had passed away in an auto accident.   Ray, among many other things, owned Murski-Breeding Sales.  I was just getting to know Ray a little more with each show or visit.  He was very kind to me and was the first one with words of encouragement when I returned from my first hunt.   It was maybe not significant to others, but it’s one of those moments that meant something and will stick with me.  Of course later he shamed me into buying my first Remington rifle! 

I know Ray had touched many lives and my heart goes out to his family and the Murski-Breeding group I’ve come to work with.  “Extended family” as it may be, the pain felt for those is real.  I can only be thankful that I was fortunate enough to have my path cross with Ray’s…even if it was for a short time.  

This morning brought more sad news of another rep’s passing, Tim Schlatter with Ferguson-Keller & Associates.   Tim and I did the Bass Pro meetings together….another very gentle and kind man.   They referred to him as their “Gentle Giant”.   It is truly our loss.   This time of year only seems to compound the blow.  Death is very much a part of life, however difficult it is to accept, yet we must. 

I can’t say enough about the short time we spend here.  Celebrate each day and count the blessings of those friends you’re able to share part of your life with along the way, no matter how brief it may be.  Life continues with cherished memories of their lives.

Respect the Competition

As a general rule when choosing your booth space at a trade show, you and your direct competitors don’t normally want to be in adjoining booths or directly across the aisle from one another.  Not that there are any big industrial secrets going down or spying across the dividing booth curtains.  It’s just not the optimal placement for you, period.

When arriving to set up my booth at a show last month while unpacking I chatted with the adjoining booth person setting his own.  I had all my work done in a few hours and had the product out etc.  No secret that HIVIZ was occupying the booth here.  The neighbor hadn’t had his product pulled out and I hadn’t really paid close attention while setting up if there were any company signs up.

Too close for comfort????

I’m off for a free afternoon of fly-fishing…that’s what is on my mind.  After a beautiful full and relaxing day, I’m ready to call it a night and get up early for the show opening the next morning.  I rise early and head down the elevators to grab a coffee and yogurt and head over to the show.  I get to my booth and darned if a direct competitor, although new to the market, isn’t the one that was setting up beside me the day before.  I looked at him and said, “how the heck did this happen?”  I joked a little and told him I had already picked my booth space for next year, so make sure he checks out where I’m at…and NOT go there for 2012.  In fact one of the owners was a former pro staff member for us …interesting.  I knew him when I first started with HIVIZ 12 years ago, although he probably didn’t know me then.  Well ….shoot….this is going to be interesting.  Like I said, no big industrial secret stuff going down but this is the show where I have all my distributor appointments set with buyers, laying out our 2012 programs and pricing.  Now I feel like I have big ears close by.  I’m sure the same thoughts may have crossed his mind too.  What the heck, we are all in the same business here trying to eek out a living.  Right?

I introduced myself and told him I knew of him from his HIVIZ affiliated days way back when.  Friendly enough…we chatted off and on through out the show over the next few days.  You have to keep in mind people move around in this industry.  Treat your competition with respect…you don’t have to divulge all your companies dealings of course.  But you just never know what company that person may turn up in down the road.  I’ve seen people be spiteful and cutthroat only to have it come back and bite them in the butt.  We’ve dealt with customers that have moved around in the industry, one that has gone from S&W to Remington, to Mossberg now.  Another that went from Smith to Ruger.  Anyway, you get the idea.  Respect….it’s a reflection not only on you but on your company.

I’m not naive in business, but you don’t necessarily have to be real cutthroat and nasty out there to be successful.  And word does travel if you deal dirty…I’ve had my own impressions of a few, well actually one that doesn’t deal so nicely, and I thought it was just my impression, but talk in the industry tells me I wasn’t far off the mark.  So, again, treat your competition with respect.

I’ll admit, the thoughts did cross my devious mind while the competitor next door had customers come by.  I thought of cranking the volume on my Fowl Life TV video to distract them!  Just picture it, he’s trying to show them sights and geese are honking, shots are ringing left an right….birds are dropping, people are stopping in the aisle to watch this video…”oh, I’m sorry were you trying to have a meeting over there?”  Ha!  My fleeting thoughts at some psychological warfare…

Honestly though, I really enjoyed getting to know this new competitor.  Yes…we are all here in the same business…let’s enjoy a little healthy competition..afterall, isn’t that what brings out the best in our market!?

Making the Most of Trade Show Traveling

This is travel at it's best!

October 31st I packed and headed to Reno, NV for our NASGW Show.  This is the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, www.nasgw.org.  This is a much smaller venue than the SHOT Show in January but a very important show for the industy’s manufacturers.   This is the time to set appointments in your booth with your Distributors to present the 2012 pricing, programs, and get any new products set up in their listings.  SHOT Show is too late to make it to market for that year with most Distributors.  So, it looks to be a busy and packed few days while here.

I arrived into Reno at the Grand Sierra Resort about 9:30 PM and run into one of my buyers and several of our reps already.  Head up to the room to get settled in so I can get moving early tomorrow morning!  Booth set up is open at 8:00 AM.  HIVIZ has just a 10×10 booth here, so I don’t expect it to take too long.   I hit registration and booth selection for next year and then head over to tear into my crate.  After so many shows, I’ve perfected…or improved upon, my set-up.  By 10:30 I am finished.  My day is clear until the Industry Awards Dinner later that evening.

Dave Stanley: "Man-Hook" recipient!

Knowing this I had planned ahead and called Chad Belding with The Fowl Life TV, whom HIVIZ, www.hivizsights.com, advertises with.  He and his brothers live in the Reno area.  I did not want to sit around in the casino killing time….and probably kissing my money good-bye.  So I asked Chad if he knew any Fly-fishing guides.  Just so happened he did.  He hooked me up with Dave Stanley at Truckee River Outfitters, www.truckeeriveroutfitters.com.  I booked a half day and Chad’s younger brother, Clay joined me.

Me and Clay Belding...holding HIS fish!

I had only fly-fished once before, so there was some “re-training” involved for me!  Drop flys, wet flys……and all that other fly fishing techy jargon doesn’t mean much to me yet, but I’m learning!  The weather is a little chilly and the wind is picking up.  I cast and haven’t hooked any trees yet.  That is a plus for me.  I’m getting lots of good stories and getting to know Dave and Clay a little better.  I’m a bit of a story teller myself, so we’re yuckin’ it up quite a bit.  I see a huge brown trout jump out of the water just after my fly passes that spot – WOW, he was huge! Of course the dumb thing missed my fly, don’t know how that happened.  He’s actually really dumb or really smart…I’m thinking it was the latter though.

Dave changes the fly and rod on me.  A little different casting style on this one.  Roll casting?  My first cast was beautiful; second cast stank worse than the fish!  After what Dave termed “breaking my wrist” on the second roll cast, he decided to call my first cast good and leave it at that.  He explained we were using barbless hooks.  I don’t know about barbless, but on one of my attempts at the second roll cast I hooked Dave’s cap – ooops…he didn’t tell me I had the “man-hook” on my rod!  At least I didn’t get any flesh…thank goodness.   After freeing himself, he moves a safe distance from me.  I’m a little paranoid now and I turn and look over my shoulder during the cast to see Dave standing there with his face guard…whatever you call it…pulled up over his nose!  Gee, there goes my confidence!  The guide is nervous!  I can see him laughing in his eyes.  I thought the “man-hook” comment was funny….guess it didn’t feel the same on the receiving end.

24" Rainbow!

Now doesn’t this beat sitting in the casino all afternoon?!

This is my way to spend free time at a trade show!

“Making Your Mark”…. Paying it Forward

"Who's Your Favorite Aunt?"

Who’s your favorite Aunt?  That’s the question I asked my niece, pictured to the right, just as I handed her the new Remington 870 pink camo youth model 20 GA, www.remington.com,  I picked out for her.  So for now I’m definitely in the lead as this ten-year old girl’s favorite Aunt!  However, this article is not about me or her, but what you can do to “Pay it Forward” or maybe we should think of it as “Plan it Forward.”  We often take for granted the gifts and liberties we have available to us in this country but did you ever consider that many young Americans (especially girls) may never engage in the shooting sports for lack of a mentor and opportunities?  Mentors and opportunities meet up with the new outdoor enthusiast when there is communication (articles, photos, videos, social media = communication) to encourage them and of course that personal invitation never hurts either.

Last year I became involved with the Women’s Outdoor Media Association (WOMA), www.thewoma.com and currently serve on their Board.   The WOMA’s goal is to increase awareness of women in traditional outdoor sports, especially shooting, hunting, fishing, and archery.  There are categories of membership such as active media and industry professionals.  Industry professionals include people like me who make their living in the firearms industry and it also includes National and World Champions, even Olympic competitors.  The WOMA went on to develop an Ambassador program as a way to reach out to younger women, for example USA Shooting members.   womabrochure

 

 Those of us involved in the industry can share in some way and you don’t have to make a “big splash”…just pay it forward one by one.  I may not have changed my niece’s life dramatically and yet I know I’ve had an impact on her through my support and encouragement  to expand her horizons into the shooting sports.  I encourage you to check out the WOMA website and pass along the article  to others who may be interested in learning more about women’s involvement in the outdoor areas of shooting, hunting, fishing or archery.  Possibly you know people who would be interested in joining the WOMA and contributing their experiences.

The WOMA does “Cool Gear Reviews”  where members and sponsors may submit their product for our writers to review.  There is a “Business to Business” tips for women working in the outdoors industries authored by Marsha Petrie Sue, writer, motivational speaker and President of the WOMA.  The site also features blogs by our members with links provided to their industry related websites.   For instance you can follow or favorite twin Biathelete sisters (and members of WOMA), Lanny and Tracy Barnes on their “Road to Russia” articles in training for the 2014 Winter Olympics.  Or follow updates on GSSF, (Glock Shooting Sports Foundation) as it creates shooting history!

The demographics of this industry are evolving….increasing numbers of women are becoming more and more active!  You can make an impact and however small, it all counts.  

Is paying it forward worth the trouble?  Just check out the smile on this little girl’s face below!

Bella, at the range with my Ruger 10/22, www.ruger.com, won at a Sportsman’s Team Challenge Match.  I fixed it up with a colorful  Boyd’s Custom Stock, www.boydsgunstocks.com, and set her up with some Do-All, www.doalloutdoors.com, self healing targets.  

End result of my investment:  ”Priceless!”

Zip Lining! – Check One Off the Bucket List!

 

Me coming across the zip line!

Historic Banning Mills in Whitestown, GA is where I experienced zip lining for the first time! 

 

  I was recently traveling for work and had a free morning.  I thought what am I going to do traveling alone…  I did not want to sit around in a hotel room and I was unfamiliar with what might be in the area.  After I had my booth set at the event in Douglasville, GA, I drove back to my hotel and changed, getting ready to walk to a nearby restaurant for a light lunch.  The brochure stand in the hotel caught my eye and I saw Zip Lining Adventures!  Wahoo!!! This was an item on my “list” and as it turned out it was only about 30 minutes drive from where I was staying.  Perfect! 

 

  I called and booked one of their zip line adventures for the next morning.  It was about 4 hours worth.  Having never done this before I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.  After all, the brochure bragged about the “Sreamin’ Eagle” and “Big Daddy” zip lines, achieving speeds of up to 60 mph!   AHH! 

 

  When I arrived they put me with a group of about seven people.  A large group of Army personnel were also there doing some team building exercises.  They looked tough and now I’m wondering if I may be in over my head! 

 

  You go through a brief instruction and safety course…how to brake when you are flailing and flying like a madman

Jumping off tower!

before you body slam into the guide at the other end!  Just kidding…it was quite controlled and I lived through it all!

 

  Anyways, we climb up the first tower and I thought, I’ll hang back and observe this entire operation while someone else takes the initial plunge.  The guide turns to me and announces “You’re first!”  Wait, how did this happen?  This is definitely not to plan here.   He hooks me up and give me the “Jump” command.  I had a small audience and I didn’t want to show any fear in front of these guys….  I took a deep breath and  jumped.  Hey, this is kind of cool… and not nearly as scary as I thought!

 

  We traversed from zip line to zip line for several hours, including crossing a few sky bridges.

Until the end where we raced parallel with another zip line…carreening at 50 mph…tuck and lean back as best you can to get the best speed.  What an exhilarating experience! 

 

 

Coming in for a landing!

Don’t be afraid to try things that may be outside your comfort zone.  …or to go it alone.  I met some wonderful and interesting people in the group I was with.  You may just find out things aren’t nearly as frightening as you thought.  YOU CAN DO IT!

Advantages of Fiber Optic Gun Sights

HIVIZ Handgun Front & Rear Sights

  Many people ask “Why do I need a fiber optic sight?” or “What are the advantages over the factory sights?”  At HIVIZ we use an injection molded resin to form our LitePipes.  They are in the fiber optic family, but not an extruded fiber optic rod like some other manufacturers use.  Ours are custom molded to fit perfectly and tightly to each individual sight design.  The LitePipe collects light along the rod and transmits it to the viewing end of the sight. 

  To me, shooting handguns, it was very apparent why they are a huge improvement over the factory blades.  I just either couldn’t make out the sight alignment with front and rears being all black or depending upon my target, couldn’t see the sights against the target at all!

 

  Well, let’s face it, when you hit what you’re aiming at and experience that success, you’re going to have fun and enjoy it more. You are more likely to continue in the sport.  I know this is especially true for beginning shooters.

 

HIVIZ CompSight for Shotguns

Shotguns are a little different versus the handgun sight concept.  With handguns you are focusing on your front sight, with shotguns you are focusing on the target itself.  That fiber optic front sight is like the white line on the side of the road.  You aren’t staring at that either; it’s in your peripheral vision to help you judge your alignment on the road.  Same goes for our shotgun sights.  It’s in your peripheral vision allowing you to acquire that proper muzzle/target relationship while in motion.

  With shotgun, there are three common techniques for achieving lead on a moving target.  Sustained lead, pull-away, and swing or pull through.   Which ever one you choose is a matter of personal choice.  Some target presentations may be more effectively shot with a different technique than another.  regardless of the method you choose, follow-through is one of the most critical elements of a successful shot.  And while having a HIVIZ fiber optic sight may not be necessary for your shooting, I truly believe it is an advantage when picking up your target and lead management!

Now that's what I'm talking about!