North American Outdoors

Heidi Lyn Rao was hired by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 1998 and has recruited, trained, and retained volunteers, as the Hunter Education Specialist for Southeast Texas. In 2010 she also assumed the role as statewide Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Coordinator.  During her TPWD career, she developed many partnerships and organized many education & outreach events. She started “Take Me Outdoors Houston” in 2009, when the Texas Wildlife Expo ended, and brings this annual family-friendly, free, hands-on outdoor event to Discovery Green, Downtown Houston. She hosts wildlife workshops ranging from alligators to big game. She promotes hunting and outdoor safety to groups ranging from elementary-school aged to flying offshore via helicopter to speak to oil and gas employees in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico on a platform. From teaching firearm safety to Rodeo Clowns during the Houston Rodeo, to hosting Hunter Education classes at the Sam Houston (horse) Raceway, conducting National Archery in the Schools Program and Student Air Rifle certifications, and partnering with many hunting, shooting and conservation organizations across Texas.         She has coordinated 27 statewide BOW workshops across Texas, including the first-ever VIRTUAL BOW in 2020. She has reached over 7,000 Ladies who have attended BOW and continued their outdoors skills ultimately becoming hunters, anglers, and archers, especially through mentored BOW hunts. To date, 10 Texas Outdoor Women Network (TOWN) groups have launched across the state because of the statewide BOW. She received IHEA's Professional of the Year; IHEA's Executive Director's Award; TPWD's Terry Erwin Hunter Education LEGACY award, Houston Safari Club Educator of the Year and she is also in the Texas Hunter Education Halls of Fame.  She and her (now retired) TPWD Game Warden husband of 25 yrs., John, have 4 boys: Dominic is 21 and works for Laser Shot Simulations in Houston; Matthew is 20 and is a sophomore at the University of Arkansas with a 4.0 and on his way to be a large animal vet; JohnJohn is 17 and is a Junior; and Luke is 14 and is in 8th grade. The Rao's are avid hunters and enjoy camping, trapping, and the shooting sports together.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hunting season is not only for adults. Many kids look forward to getting in the field with their parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or any other adult role model. This is especially true if it is a kid's first-time going hunting. Unfortunately, many adults do not understand what a huge responsibility this is. What happens on a kid's first hunt can be a big factor in his or her decision to continue hunting. The next generation of hunters are who will ensure that our hunting heritage continues. It is up to us to make sure that we recruit this new generation. How we recruit this next generation makes a difference. Adult mentors must take their role seriously. This means dedicating the time, expense, and providing the right equipment to first-time hunters for the best outdoor experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From as early as he could talk, he could sing! Luke loved to belt out the latest and greatest songs from an early age, and fortunately that has continued until his early teenage years. I can only hope he continues his journey growing his voice and talent! He's been in choir during elementary and middle school - and has earned solo spots over the years. Although he was a bit hesitant, he quickly overcame his shyness after he warmed up his pipes! We do not own the rights to any of these songs - only using them in the background so Luke could sing along and keep the rhythm. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever since Luke was a baby, our family takes an annual summer vacation to Yellowstone National Park. Over the years we've ventured further and further around the local communities throughout Wyoming and Montana in search of the best fishing spot. His memories have always included a summer adventure to the Northwest and across the woods and waters of the great outdoors. We did what we could, fishing the banks and shorelines with the gear we had. Without much luck, we learned from our mistakes and struggles, and each year we did a little bit better. We'd visit with the local sporting goods stores, grocery stores which doubled as bait shops, and chatted with the individuals who lived in the communities. We'd gather tips and tricks, and heard of great spots to add to our fishing 'bucket list.' This year we did something completely different - we bought an inflatable boat! We were tired of watching from the shoreline, everyone else catch fish on their boats over the years. We wanted to be "those people" too! And we were! It was one of the best trips we'd ever been on, and Luke said so himself! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most visited National Parks in the world is Yellowstone National Park, located in Northwestern Wyoming. Yellowstone is an incredible place to view wildlife. All the large mammals that were present when Yellowstone first became a National Park in 1872, are still roaming the landscape today.  These wildlife species include grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions, elk, bison, pronghorn, moose, and bighorn sheep. Not to mention the hundreds of other species ranging from birds to small mammals, reptiles to amphibians and aquatic life. For these larger animals, there are rules in place to keep not only the visitors safe, but the wildlife safe as well. There are strict guidelines in place to keep everyone and every animal safe. One of the most important rules strictly enforced in National Parks is to never approach wildlife. If you are hiking or picnicking in an area and you see wildlife emerging nearby, leave the area safely. Never follow or approach an animal to attempt to touch it or try to get closer to it to take a picture. Never feed a wild animal. If a wild animal is fed by humans, they may soon become desensitized to people and start approaching humans and become aggressive, resulting in the animal being trapped, relocated, or dispatched and removed from the population to prevent future human encounters. There is a saying “a fed animal is a dead animal.”    Be a courteous and respectful wildlife watcher. Those around you are doing the same. Wildlife is here for everyone to enjoy. Those who abuse that privilege not only risk their own safety but the safety of the animal and rob others of the enjoyment of viewing these magnificent creatures. When an animal is removed from the population because someone did not follow the rules, the next generation of that animal is lost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all take our safety and security seriously when we are at home, going to and from work, and while running errands around town. Sometimes we let our guard down and are lax when we go on vacation. Afterall, vacations are supposed to be fun and carefree, and a time when you should not have to worry about your safety and security. Many times, when you are on vacation, these are the times when you are most vulnerable and need to be most focused on safety.  Depending on your destination there are certain things you need to be aware of. Many times, based upon your activities and what you are doing, you may need more than one firearm and different types of ammunition. Just like when you are at home, there is not one firearm for all purposes, just as there is no one correct type of ammunition for every purpose. Do your research and plan accordingly.  There are four areas you need to be concerned with when vacationing with a firearm.  1. Know the laws in all the jurisdictions that you will be in; 2. Traveling to your destination; 3. What to carry while at your destination; and 4. Knowing the correct ammunition to carry to address the potential threats you may encounter while at your location. For many, summertime means vacation time. The last thing we want to happen while we are enjoying our time off is an unexpected encounter with a deadly threat. Do your research and be prepared. The safety of you and your loved ones depends on it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I conduct a basic rifle class or lesson, I will get questions regarding trapdoor, rolling block, and falling block rifles. The questions will not be centered on the types or the operation of these rifles. Rather, the questions will be much more basic. Most of my students will have a puzzled look on their faces and ask, “What are these?” If a student likes old guns and history, he or she knows what I am talking about when I mention trapdoor rifles, rolling block rifles, or falling block rifles. Unfortunately, most new gun owners are more interested in the latest and greatest innovations in firearms, not the classic guns that paved the way. Knowing and understanding these “primitive” firearms leads to the admiration of the soldiers who had to use them. Single-action revolvers have a storied past that many young shooters are unaware of. Samuel Colt patented the first functional revolver in 1836. That is the year Texas won its independence from Mexico.   Single-action revolvers are still in use today and are still very popular with gun enthusiasts. Colt, Ruger, and many other gun manufacturers still produce and offer new models of these “Old West” firearms. There are also Cowboy Action Competitions, where competitors use the classic single-action design in their events. Many firearms trainers are starting to use single-action revolvers in their training. These firearms are proving to be invaluable in teaching new and old shooters alike, the proper knowledge, skills, and attitudes in properly and safely using a handgun. Shooting a single-action revolver takes considerably more muscle memory than modern striker fire semi-automatic pistol. There are many more steps to follow from the time you load one to the time you fire it.  These firearms have a very interesting history. Trapdoor rifles, rolling block rifles, and falling block rifles as well as single-action revolvers should be on every gun enthusiast's shooting wish list! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the shotgun world, trapshooting is a specific form of clay target shooting. Trapshooting is a game of movement, action, and split-second timing. It requires the accuracy and skill to repeatedly aim, fire and break the 4 1/4" disc which is hurled through the air at a speed of 41 mph, simulating the flight path of a bird fleeing a hunter. Shooters need to know that we have our roots in shooting. We have a responsibility to teach others we come in contact with, train or introduce to the shooting sports, our shooting history, tradition and proud heritage. Trapshooting started it all. Trapshooting began in England in the late 1700's using live birds placed in shallow holes or under hats. Lines were attached to the hole covers or hats and when the shooter called "pull" the cord was pulled, knocking over the hat and freeing the bird to make an elusive target. We've come a long way in the development of biodegradable, environmentally-friendly clay birds and clay throwing machines. Visit your local shooting club to meet the league or squad of trap shooters, watch them, interact with them, and ask questions. Soon you will be invited into this very competitive and challenging game of trapshooting that will keep you coming back to the range frequently and often to improve your skills! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2nd Amendment is for all Americans, not just those who traditionally exercise their gun ownership rights. The 2nd Amendment was written by our framers to give everyone the ability to protect themselves from tyranny, and from those who seek to do them harm. There are many reasons why Americans own guns. Some of these reasons include hunting, recreational and competitive shootings, collecting, self-defense and for personal protection. But the most complete and thorough answer is because we can! We all deserve a “seat at the table” when it comes to gun ownership and gun rights.    Men dominate the market when it comes to firearms ownership, training, and even writing about this topic. Since men dominate the world of firearms, it would make sense that men have the most “seats at the table.” Generally speaking, this is because men own more firearms than women, take more training than women, and go to the range more often than women. But wait, do not give up hope!   The “table” is getting larger. Much larger! Women make up the fastest growing demographics in the gun world.  It is important to remember that just because you deserve a seat at the table, does not mean you are going to get one! It takes more than pulling out the proverbial “chair” and just sitting down at the “table.” Like any subject matter, it takes work to become proficient in any topic. As an experienced participant in any activity, it takes research, dedication, training, and practice. Firearms are no different. Unfortunately, we live in a world today where people equate watching YouTube videos with becoming proficient or an “expert” in any topic. There is no shortcut to excelling in any given activity. You have to put your time in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we age, there are things that we cannot do as well as we could a few years ago. We all slow down, but it is the degree of that slowdown that affects how well we can instruct the next and younger generation. We all will, at some point, experience decreased strength, mental acuity, and stamina.  This is just a fact of life!   Firearm Instructors, Trainers and Coaches are no different from any other type of instructors. Not only do instructors become physically and mentally compromised, but they become stale. This means that you get stuck in a rut. Everything changes; there are new advances in technology and equipment, and you have to become familiar with these new trends. Remember, your students are taking your course to learn about all types of firearms and actions, not just the ones you like.  There are ways aging instructors can stay relevant. It might just take changing the way you teach. Small changes can make a big difference in the quality of your class. There are techniques to deal with physical and mental changes, as well as things to avoid being stale that instructors can do. But remember, when all else fails, recruit a teaching partner. If you do not know anyone that is familiar enough with guns to help teach, you can always approach one of your more outstanding students and ask them if they are interested in “team teaching” with you.    Be mindful of your teaching techniques and style, stay current and recruit help when necessary! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As an instructor, it is your responsibility to keep all your students safe, including those who may need a bit more special attention. Your responsibility of meeting the needs of your students begins long before the class starts. When you advertise a firearms training course, there is usually a way for potential students to register for the class or some type of communication between the individual seeking training and the instructor. One of the first things I look at what someone registers for my class is their age. I also send an email to each student with the particulars of the class such as starting time, how to dress for live fire activities at the range, and asking if there is any special needs or request. If there is no request for special accommodation, I take it upon myself, based on their registration information, to ensure everyone's needs are met. Many times, the individual is embarrassed to admit there may be vision, mobility, or any other issues normally associated with age. I do my best to accommodate these individuals both in the classroom and on the shooting range to not only keep everyone safe, but to give my students the best experience they came to receive! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to author Ms. Morin, there are 13 things mentally strong people do not do. By following each of these items, you can become a stronger person in your daily life. Each of these items can relate to the outdoors and shooting sports, as we teach, learn and are always on the quest for training. Not only must we train ourselves physically, it is equally important to train mentally as well. Do not waste time feeling sorry for yourself: Mentally strong people do not indulge in self-pity. Instead of dwelling on their problems, they focus on finding solutions and taking action to improve their situation. Do not give away their power to others: Mentally strong people take responsibility for their own lives and choices, and do not allow others to control their emotions or actions. They recognize that they are in charge of their own destiny and make their own choices. Do not shy away from change or avoid taking risks: Mentally strong people are willing to step outside of their comfort zone and take calculated risks to achieve their goals. They embrace change as an opportunity for growth and learning. Do not focus on things you cannot control: Mentally strong people focus their time and energy on things that are within their control, rather than worrying about things they cannot change. Do not worry about pleasing everyone: Mentally strong people recognize that they cannot please everyone and focus on being true to themselves and their values. Do not dwell on the past or make the same mistakes repeatedly: Mentally strong people learn from their mistakes and use them as an opportunity for growth. They do not dwell on the past or let it define their present or future. Do not fear alone time or being by yourself: Mentally strong people are comfortable being alone and do not depend on others for their happiness. They use alone time as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Do not feel the need to be constantly busy or productive: Mentally strong people recognize the importance of rest and relaxation and do not measure their self-worth based on their productivity. Do not expect immediate results or overnight success: Mentally strong people understand that success takes time and effort, and are willing to put in the work and be patient in pursuit of their goals. Do not dwell on negative thoughts or let them consume them: Mentally strong people acknowledge their negative thoughts and emotions, but do not allow them to control their actions or decisions. They focus on positive self-talk and taking constructive action. Do not make the same mistakes over and over again: Mentally strong people learn from their mistakes and take steps to avoid making the same mistakes repeatedly. Do not ignore emotions or fail to express them: Mentally strong people are aware of their emotions and communicate them effectively to others. They do not bottle up their feelings or suppress them. Do not give up easily or lose hope when faced with challenges: Mentally strong people are resilient and do not give up easily in the face of challenges. They remain hopeful and focused on finding solutions to overcome obstacles. Some of these items come easier than others, but overall if you practice each of these 13 suggested items, you will be amazed at the results and your changed behaviors and attitude! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eye dominance is important when shooting a rifle or shotgun because it affects how the shooter aims and where the shooter places their shots. Eye dominance refers to which eye the brain primarily relies on for visual information, and it can be either the right eye or the left eye, and not necessarily the same as your dominant hand. When shooting a rifle, the shooter must align the front and rear sights with the target and maintain that alignment while pressing the trigger. If the shooter's dominant eye is not used to align the sights with the target, the shooter may experience difficulty in aiming and may end up shooting inaccurately. For example, if a right-handed shooter has a dominant left eye and uses their right eye to aim, they may have difficulty lining up the sights and could end up shooting to the left of the target. In contrast, if the shooter uses their left eye to aim, they will be more accurate and more likely to hit their target. Therefore, it is important for a shooter to determine their eye dominance and use the corresponding eye to aim their firearm. This can be done through a simple eye dominance test, which involves pointing at a distant object with both eyes open and then closing each eye one at a time. The eye that remains fixed on the object when the other eye is closed is the dominant eye and should be used for aiming. Knowing which is your dominant eye and shooting your rifle and shotgun on the shoulder which falls under that dominant eye, will significantly improve your shooting performance! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Safety is the #1 priority on and off the range. Everyone must do their part to prevent accidents. When properly trained, firearm incidents are rare. Those that happen are the result of ignorance (lack of knowledge) and/or carelessness (not following safe gun handling procedures). If we are trained and plan to instruct or coach others in the proper and safe use of firearms, we need to focus on Risk Management, which is a four (4) step process: Identify risks, Evaluate risks, Select an approach to deal with risks, and Implement the approach by reducing or eliminating the risk, avoiding the risk, accepting the risk, or transferring the risk to someone else. We have a responsibility to the public and those we are working with, both on and off the range, around firearms. Failing to fulfill this responsibility is considered negligence. We are negligent if we fail to exercise skill and knowledge normally possessed by other like-minded trainers, instructors, and coaches. When determining negligence, four (4) questions are asked: Duty: Did you have a responsibility to the injured party in this situation? Breach: Did you fail to fulfill this responsibility? Damages: Was there an injury to the party to whom you owed the responsibility? Causation: Did your failure to fulfill the responsibility cause the injury? Learn about the nine (9) responsibilities and duties of a good trainer, instructor or coach to prevent negligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout history, people have depended on wildlife for survival: as a source of food, clothing, and even tools. Loss of habitat and other factors began to impact many species, and there were no limits on the numbers of animals that could be taken. Once abundant species dwindled, and some became extinct. By the early 1900s hunters and conservationists rallied to support legislation that would sustain North America's wildlife populations. Hunters, conservation organizations, and states worked together to pass laws in the US to fund wildlife research and conservation efforts through taxes on hunting and the shooting sports. A list of seven tenets have shaped wildlife conservation and management practices in the US and Canada. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation has shaped wildlife management practices and significantly contributed to efforts to sustain species. Wildlife species are now monitored, populations are managed, and hunters pay excise taxes on sporting goods contribute billions to support habitat and wildlife conservation annually. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation: Wildlife resources are a public trust Markets for game animals have been eliminated Allocation of wildlife is by law Wildlife may only be killed for legitimate purposes Wildlife is an international resource Wildlife policy is science-based Hunting is a democracy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is important that kids be taught the safe handling and rules regarding firearms, by removing the anomaly or the taboo surrounding them. The key to introducing kids to firearms is exposure. When kids were no longer exposed to firearms is when the mystic of guns took over.   Not too long ago, it was common for firearms to be in nearly every home. That was back when more people hunted for food and sport. When you talk to people who were raised with guns in their home, their attitudes towards firearms are almost universally the same. When asked what it was like to be raised in a home with firearms, their responses were almost scripted: 1.    We were taught to respect guns. 2.    We knew never to touch the guns in our home. 3.    Growing up with guns removed the curiosity and mystery concerning firearms. These three responses are the reason there where less firearm accidents with kids in the home than there are today, where there are far fewer homes with firearms. You may have grown up around firearms and this information may be second-nature to you. Remember that when teaching a young person. The key is teaching to their level and in a way they can understand. It's all about passing on the knowledge, skills and proper attitude in the safe and responsible handling of firearms. We are ensuring the future of our Second Amendment and shooting sports through this necessary education. Pass it on! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are things that hunters, hikers, and backpackers can do in the backcountry to minimize the risk of bear and human encounters.  Knowing how to handle food, meat, and other “smellables” is critical to staying safe while in the outdoors.  It is also important to know the correct way to hang a bear when in bear country.  Knowing these skills can be a matter of life and death.   Preventing bear encounters can be essential to saving your life as well as the life of the bear.  This begins during the off-season.  Start by doing your research on which large wildlife predators might be in the area you are hunting so you know what precautions to take.  Learn what a bear bag is and how to properly hang it.  Make sure that you have enough equipment and materials to hang all your meat to keep you safe from hungry wildlife predators.  For example, if you are elk hunting, you might need three or four bears bags to hang all the elk quarters after a successful hunt.    Protecting yourself from bears starts long before you take an elk, deer, moose, etc.  When camping or hunting in bear country, always keep a clean camp. A bear has a very good sense of smell and is attracted to all odors, good and bad. Never camp near trash cans, garbage dumpsters, or other campers who are not bear savvy. Never leave cooking items in the open if you leave your campsite.  Cook over a camp stove rather than a campfire whenever possible. No food should be allowed to fall on the ground. Any food that falls on the ground needs to be scooped up immediately along with any dirt around the fallen food that has the smell on it. It is also very important not to sleep in the clothes that you cook in. It is extremely important to remember that everything is considered a “smellable” to a bear.  Your normal toiletries such as toothpaste, lip balm, shampoo, and even plastic water bottles attract bears.  This means that everything must go into a bear bag, not just the quarters of your game.  Bears are most active during the late evening, nighttime, and early morning hours.  This is normally the time we are curled up in our sleeping bags, sleeping in our tent.  When in bear country the only thing that you should take in your tent at night is yourself, your sleeping bag, one change of clothes, and something for protection such as your firearms and bear spray.    Remember, when in bear country - always use a bear bag! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who would have ever thought that you could do all that we can now do, right on the comforts of your phone. As our life gets easier, we have all become spoiled when it comes to research and communications. A technological type of shorthand is developing right before our eyes. In the past, written documents, papers, or articles would have the acronym in parentheses after the formal phrase was spelled out such as National Rifle Association (NRA). Now when we read technical or information articles there are stand-alone acronyms because the author assumes (something you should never do) that the audience knows what you are talking about. I have also seen acronyms listed and the meaning in parathesis behind the letters. Texting and messaging are now the primary ways we communicate. Texting has now given birth to a whole new language of acronyms. This ease of written communication is now spilling over into our verbal communications. I have had young students in my NRA firearms training course in their 20s who even incorporate acronyms such as LOL (laugh out loud) and BTW (by the way) in their normal verbal communications. Technical ballistic information regarding bullets is no different. Acronyms are now part of the firearms and ammunition world. Many times this shorthand is not defined with once again, the writer assuming everyone reading knows the meanings of the string of letters on paper. As shooters and firearm enthusiasts, it is our responsibility to learn all we can about these acronyms so we can better educate ourselves and those around us, especially new firearm owners and shooters. We'll discuss MOAs, BCs, SDs, POI, POA, NPA and NAA, Can you identify and define all of these acronyms? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Founding Fathers had the vision to give us the 2nd Amendment. Giving citizens of the United States the power to resist tyranny, the 2nd Amendment allows for security and safety in our society. The United States was founded on the belief that a good citizen is responsible for their own security. The time it takes Law Enforcement to respond to a crime has dramatically increased over the past few years. Peace Officers cannot be everywhere, and criminals know this. This means if a crime is happening to you, you are pretty much on your own! Rampant crime is an indication of the breakdown of society. The Constitution states that individuals have the right to bear arms. This right allows U.S. citizens to protect themselves, their families, and others in their community from criminals. These numbers are the reasons why women make up the fastest growing demographic of new gun owners. Not only do women own guns for protection of themselves, but also protection of their family. With the recent rise in crime, the percentage of women owning firearms for personal protection is growing exponentially.  At the same time gun ownership by women is rising, women are increasingly seeking out information so they can gain the proper knowledge, skills and training for the safe and proper handling and use of firearms. Firearms instructors across the nation are reporting a rise in the number of women students who are signing up for classes, more than ever before. Not only has there been a rise in the number of women who are attending classes as students, there has also been an increase in the number of female instructors who are teaching firearm classes. It is now common to find “women-only” firearms classes advertised and conducted by female instructors. Exercise your 2nd Amendment right and gain the knowledge, skills, and proper attitude to promote firearm ownership and the safe and responsible use of them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many times when we visit the shooting range, we only are practicing our marksmanship and trying to get a nice and tight grouping on the target. What about stepping up our training and practicing real potential situations. How many times have you actually practiced drawing your firearm from a concealed position and then shooting for consistency and accuracy? This is a skill that is learned through practice, and a lot of it. Just like any skill that is learned, you must first learn the basics and fundamentals before you can build upon it to advance. It's important to seek knowledgeable and credible instructors who, themselves, were properly trained to teach you these skills. The best practice you can do is frequent and often dry-fire practice, in the comforts of your own home, making sure your ammunition is separate and far away. You should practice each of these steps Slow & Controlled to ensure the proper steps and technique is being followed. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast! Practicing wearing a cover jacket, vest, or button-down shirt that is left open, or by wearing a shirt or sweatshirt that covers your concealed firearm. Whichever clothing you choose to wear, you must practice with the clothing you will be wearing when you make the choice to carry your firearm concealed. The proper steps, as taught by the National Rifle Association (NRA) Conceal Carry Workshop (CCW) are: Access; Grip; Pull; Rotate; Join; Extend; Fire, if Necessary; Scan and Assess; and Reluctantly Holster. By practicing these steps slowly and controlled, frequently and as often as possible, you will soon be living the motto: Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mindset is the habitual mental attitude that determines how you will respond to a situation. How you train is a good indication of how you should react to any situation you might encounter. Develop an individual personal protection plan to suit your particular needs, including a plan of what to do to avoid a confrontation. Visualize scenarios you may encounter outside of your home and mentally practice how you will respond to them. Get into the "When-Then" way of thinking. This puts you in the more assertive and prepared mindset when you plan what you are going in your mind WHEN this happens_____, THEN I will react by doing _____. It is also important to incorporate stress into your training, so you train and learn how to perform under stress. Knowing that if we are ever under an attack or an assault, our bodies will go through a series of psychological responses, as well as ways we may react to it. There are perceptual changes we may experience that are out of our control. We can put ourselves in many situations and simulations both through visualization and on the range, but we will never know how we will react to a situation if it were to really happen. Keeping the proper mindset at all times is one step in the right direction to prepare for any situation imaginable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Firearms have always been a part of our lives, and we raised our four boys to respect them and know how to use them. Listen to 13-year old Luke share his upbringing around firearms, the training and safety he learned, and introduction to hunting from as far back as he can remember. "It's just something we've always done." Luke talks about youth hunting opportunities in Texas and how to go about taking advantage of them. He'll share some of his successes when he was drawn for some of these hunts. He'll explain how some of these youth hunts works here in Texas. Luke will share one of his hunting trips and what he learned along the way. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Situational awareness is keeping your head on a swivel, checking, and assessing your surroundings at all times. You never want to be in a position where your "guard" is let down, making you a "soft target" and not being mentally or physically prepared for a potential attack or encounter. It is important to know the four levels of awareness: UNAWARE AWARE ALERT ALARM Unaware: These are the people who are so distracted, head down and eyes glued to their phones, they walk into poles or fall down steps because they have no idea what is going on around them. Aware: This is the state we need to be in at all times. You are conscious of your surroundings, know who and what is around you, and have your "head in the game." Alert: Now you are in a heightened state of awareness, identifying a potential threat or multiple threats Alarm: At the level of alarm, the potential threat is now a real threat to the intended victim's physical safety. Whatever action you had planned in the alert level - now must be implemented. It is best to avoid, if possible, a potentially violent situation once we become ALERTED. Just as it is important to recognize these four levels of awareness, it is equally as important to TRAIN in these levels. Start visualizing your day, before you even leave your home. Mentally walk through your events and consider alternative options, looking for a secondary exit in a building or restaurant, and how you are going to get from point A to point B. Training through visualization is important to practice every day. Get out of the mindset "IF xxx happens, THEN I will do xxx. Rather, start thinking WHEN xxx happens, THEN I will do xxx. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With our 2nd Amendment right to own firearms come responsibilities. It is our responsibility to store, operate and maintain his or her firearms safely. It is our responsibility to ensure that unauthorized or untrained individuals cannot gain access to our firearms. It is our responsibility to learn and obey all laws related to the purchase, possession and use of a firearm in the area in which we live. It is also our responsibility to know the laws when traveling across our state and into other states, and what we must do to stay legal wherever we travel.   There are two main causes of firearm accidents: Ignorance and Carelessness Ignorance is not knowing the rules of gun safety, and Carelessness is failing to apply the rules of gun safety. ALWAYS keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. ALWAYS keep your firearm unloaded until ready to use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we hunt? What is it that lures us into the woods, fields and waters each year during hunting season, and throughout the "off-season?" Not only is hunting a lifestyle - it is also a state of mind. But where did it all come from and how did we get where we are today? To be where we are today requires an understanding of where we've been. We as hunters and outdoor enthusiasts must recognize that: _the natural environment creates and eliminates plant and animal life each year; _human beings are a product of the environment; _all living things, including humans, depend on other living things and nonliving natural resources to survive; and _human use of products and natural resources is ecologically and socially acceptable (and LEGAL) in all 50 states. Learn about subsistence hunting, market hunting, and recreational hunting, and the role of wildlife biologists and state conservation agencies who protect and conserve these resources, so we have them for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With so many hogs, you would think that every time you head to the field, you can count on bagging a hog. It is just the opposite.   Feral hogs are considered an invasive species. There are an estimated 9 million hogs nationwide doing about $2.5 billion worth of damage annually. The reason why feral hogs are such a problem is because of how fast they reproduce. Sows can breed as young as 3 months of age. They can breed 2-3 times a year and have 1-14 piglets per litter. They come into “season” every 18-24 days and can have a litter any month of the year. To add to their prolific ability, feral hogs are some of the smartest creatures in the animal kingdom. They are as smart as a dog, and some cognitive tests show that they are as intelligent as chimpanzees. These are some reasons that feral hogs are difficult to eradicate. Just ask any landowner or rancher that has these pests on their property! As smart as feral hogs are, we are smarter! We can use their keen senses against them to put a pig in the pot. Learn tips about baiting, masking scents, masking noises, and attracting scents for a successful hunt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anyone who has ever been hunting will tell you, it is after you take your animal that the real work begins! Game recovery is not only taking possession of game animals, but field dressing and legal quartering. Depending on the state, legal quartering is how far you can cut up the animal in the field. Legal quartering is usually two shoulders, two hams, two backstraps, two tenderloins, and boned-out rib and neck meat. The right tools make the easy and efficient recovery of game possible. Failure to pack out the edible portions of game is illegal in every jurisdiction. To intentionally waste something negligently or inappropriately is referred to as “Wanton Waste” and offenses of these statutes are taken very seriously. To recover game animals, there are several items that every hunter must have: knives, bone saws and transportation devices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are things that you can do to help you fill your tag during this time of year. You must take advantage when deer, especially trophy bucks, drop their guard and make a mistake. That does not mean that they are just going to throw caution to the wind and prance around in a meadow, presenting the best broadside shot for you. This means that the odds are still in the deer's favor, but you can take advantage of any mistakes made by late season wary deer. From brushing-in your hunting blind, to using shooting sticks and camo netting to finding the most comfortable chair, taking the extra time to think outside the box to have a successful late season hunt. If you are well-placed, camouflaged, and comfortable, sitting in a deer blind for 12 to 14 hours will pay off in the end! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I just can't get enough listening to Matthew play his guitar. He picked it up while recovering from a knee injury during football his Junior year of high school. While recovering, he began picking away. It wasn't long before he became really good at it! Enjoy some of his progress... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn all about the world of cutting horses through the eyes and experiences of Matthew. Since he graduated high school in 2022, he moved to Northwest Arkansas and became a Razorback, attending the University of Arkansas. His degree is in Animal Science with a focus of large animals and equine, and possibly as a pre-vet student. During the first week of school the Animal Science college had a career fair and Matthew attended. He met some other students and professors and was encouraged to visit the "Barn" and join one of the judging teams. Intrigued by this invitation, he went. He learned about the Cutting Horse Judging Team and the Ranch Horse Team. He enjoyed this so much that he continued working with other students and professors and spent many hours each day at the Barn. Little did he know he could actually receive college credit for being on the Cutting Horse Judging Team. He carried a full load of classes, 18 hours, and by the end of his first semester had straight A's and made the Dean's List. Matthew caught on to all of the Cutting rules and learned to score so well, that he placed in the top 5 of his group. This earned him a trip with the his collegiate teammates to Fort Worth, Texas, to the 2022 National Cutting Horse Association, NCHA World Championship Metallic Cat Futurity. Hear all about how Matthew earned not one, but TWO belt buckles at this event putting his newly found talent to the test! Learn about Cutting Horses and what it takes to judge with the best! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Teaching is a skill. There is an entire industry and profession dedicated to being a good communicator through teaching. This also applies to a firearms instructor. I have encountered many beginner shooters who were reluctant to go to the range a second time because of their first experience. Unfortunately, I think we have lost many individuals that otherwise would be part of the shooting community because of bad instructors. When we lose a new shooter, we not only lose an addition to our community, but also a pro-2nd Amendment supporter. When someone takes a new shooter to the range, he or she must know how to properly do so. There are 5 things you must understand to properly take a beginner shooting. You must know how to instruct, you must know how to choose a range, you must know how to dress, you must know what firearm to use, and you must know the beginner range techniques. Good instructors create good students. Learn the proper way of instruction and your students will leave with the skills they need to improve their marksmanship. Enjoy!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to be a courteous and ethical firearm owner? Most all of us were raised to follow the “Golden Rule” of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This same rule applies to all those who own firearms. It is our duty to maintain a high level of responsibility and respect any time we are around firearms or are handling them. We have a responsibility not only to ourselves, but to all those who are around us.          An ethic is an unwritten rule for the way we behave and act even when no one else is watching. It is the personal standards we were raised with, and the code by which we live each day. Everyone has their own unique set of ethics and morals. There is no “right” or “wrong” ethic, just the boundaries you set for yourself for how you believe you should be acting.   If you surround yourself with people who make good choices and decisions, you are more likely going to model that behavior of good choices and decisions. Likewise, if you have a high set of standards, good decision-making skills and positive ethics, those around you will also reflect your behaviors.   By taking care of the land where you hunt, those you interact with, and the animals you are hunting, you are setting high ethical standards for all who know you as a hunter. As Aldo Leopold, the Father of Wildlife Management, famously stated: "Ethical behavior is doing the right thing when no one else is watching - even when doing the wrong thing is legal." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction; Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; Always keep your firearm unloaded until ready for use; Always treat every firearm with the same respect as if it were loaded; Always use proper ammunition for the firearm; Always be sure of your target and what is beyond; Always handle your firearm in a safe manner; Always pay attention and control your emotions; Always wear hearing and eye protection while shooting; and Never drink alcohol or take any drugs, over-the-counter or prescription, while handling firearms. Hunting and shooting are among the safest of sports. From the time you pick up a firearm to the time you safely store it away, you are accountable for everything that happens during the time in between. As a firearm owner, you are responsible for knowing the safe operation and maintenance of your firearm, how to safely transport it, clean it and store it. You are also responsible for identifying unsafe gun handling by those around you. Do not be bashful when it comes to gun safety. Speak up and advocate following these 10 rules of firearm safety. Remember: Firearm safety begins and ends with you!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have an image in our heads of what a strong woman is. Especially NRA Women who are empowered to take charge of their lives and provide for their own safety by exercising their Second Amendment rights. I consider myself a strong NRA Woman. Like most other strong modern women, I rely upon all the conveniences of a large city. My day-to-day issues include misplacing my smart phone, being stuck in a traffic jam or waiting for hours for a service technician...Not having to face a grizzly bear on my way to the mailbox! Recently meeting two incredibly remarkable women that embody the true meaning of strength, I quickly realized there are strong women, and then there are STRON WOMEN! I met these two NRA Women in Cooke City, Montana, which is located halfway between somewhere and nowhere in southeast Montana, just past the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Terri owns and operates Big Moose Resort, and her daughter Autumn owns and operates Big Bear Resort. The two resorts sit across from each other, separated by Highway 212. During wintertime, learn how these two Ladies must travel to the nearest town by snowmobile, pulling a sled behind them, for supplies. Oftentimes they without electricity for days or longer after a big snowstorm. They are the managers, greeters, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and any other job you can think of for their perspective resorts. In addition to those duties, Autumn is the waitress, cook and dishwasher in the restaurant for her guests. Their situation is hardly unusual in their town. After speaking with them, it is clear that women run things in the Wyoming and Montana wilds! According to Terri and Autumn, women have the biggest say in town, and women tell the men what to do, when to do it and how to do it. They both agree that this is the way it has always been. Perhaps it harkens back to Wyoming being the first state to grant women the right to vote, hold public office and own land.       These are some of strongest women I have ever met; if you ever make your way to Cooke City, Montana, be sure to stay at one of these resorts. If you are just passing through, stop in and meet them. You will not regret it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As firearms instructors and trainers, we all use several common phrases when teaching others. These include: Keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction Keep your firearm unloaded until ready to use Your firearm should "surprise" you when it discharges All of these statements are correct, but when teaching others about firearms, you need to be able to explain what these mean as well as the applications of each to ensure that when your students leave, they have learned the correct behavior. Always look at the original intent of the phrase. The terms we use matter. Common mistakes in terminology when describing firearms, ammunition and accessories include: magazines vs. clips; cartridge vs. shell; autos vs. semi-autos, and so on. If you are fortunate enough to help new firearm owners become familiar with their new purchase and comfortable on the range, it is important to remember one thing: Teach and train at their level, and make sure you are introducing the proper terminology from the beginning. Remember how long it took you to get to the level you are with your firearms knowledge and handling. We want these brand-new gun owners to have a positive first experience, so they recruit more new gun owners to share the knowledge, skills and attitude. Using the correct terminology during firearm instruction ensures that future generations of shooters are well on their way to doing the same. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever attended a meeting, presentation, or listened to a speaker who was a self-proclaimed "expert" on a particular subject? Worse yet, if you as the listener have knowledge of that particular subject matter and the speaker is completely off-topic, off-track, or just giving wrong information? What does that do to your opinion of that speaker? Have you completely turned "off" and stopped listening to his or her message? Or maybe now you are listening more intently realizing he or she has no idea what they are talking about! The speaker has now lost all credibility in your eyes, and nothing they can do will redeem their reputation as the self-proclaimed "expert." Do your homework. If you are going to invest your precious time and money into an event, workshop, lesson or training, find out who the presenter is and what the topic(s) will cover. Learn a bit about their background and credentials so you can be assured you are getting solid information. If a speaker or trainer is that great, he or she will have some type of accreditation through a company, website, social media or testimonials from other students. To me, the title "expert" signifies the end or top level of an achievement. I feel there is always room for improvement, more education, training, knowledge and skills. What does that word mean to you? Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Above and beyond the hunting backpack basics, such as binoculars, a range finder, extra ammo and knives, there are other items you may not think about until you are deep into the field and realize you may need them. These items include extra pens, ziplock and trash bags, duck tape, toilet paper and a haul line. But on top of all of these items, there are even a few more necessary items that I find essential to keep in my hunting backpack. Not only my hunting pack, but everywhere I go where I carry a backpack such as camping trips, fishing excursions or on a day hike. There are essential items every Lady should carry in her pack to make her trip more enjoyable. If there are any Ladies out there like myself, are you also the "go-to" person where others always ask for items they have forgotten? Do other hikers, campers and hunters like to have you nearby because they know you always have everything needed to get through the trip and be comfortable while doing so? My backpack is an ever-changing pack, and I am continually adding new items and removing those I really didn't need when in the field. Always keeping my outdoor comfort in mind first! Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you hunt, you probably have a hunting backpack that stays packed year-round. Every hunter I know keeps their pack filled and ready to go in case a hunting opportunity presents itself. The items every hunter should keep in their hunting pack are things needed for a successful hunt. These include binoculars, range finders, extra ammunition, and skinning and field dressing knives.  What about the items you do not think about ahead of time, until you need them? These are the items that when needed, you really need them! It is always the incidentals that can turn a good hunt into a stressful hunt. How many times have you thought, “I forgot to put this in my pack, again!” Make a list of the extra items you need for your specific needs and requirements and keep that list in your pack. That way, before every hunting season, you will find the list you made last season of the items you normally forget and will remember to pack them this time! Keeping these small but mighty items with you every time you head out to the field will make your hunting experience much more enjoyable and successful!  

Firearms instructors everywhere will tell you that business has never been better.  With crime increasing in nearly every city in the United States, gun owners are looking to become responsible for their own security and protection.  The National Rifle Association's efforts in defending our Second Amendment rights is working, and more people are getting the message out that responsible gun ownership includes proper training.But, firearm training can be expensive.  Remember you are paying for an instructor's experience, knowledge and time.  Every single instructor out there has his or her own style and flair.  You need to do your homework and research, and find the one that best fits your learning style.  Do your homework, and lots of it.  Find out the credentials of potential instructors.  Make phone calls and ask for references.  You want to make sure your experience is a good one right from the start.  It will take time, but in the end will all be worth the effort!Enjoy!

From the moment you get up and ready for your day, you should have a plan.  Have an idea of where you will be traveling, the stops and errands you will be running, and if you will be carrying your firearm on your body - where you can and cannot go.Based on your answers, this will determine what type of clothing you will be wearing for the day.  Ladies - will you wear a belly band to conceal your firearm?  Or a sports-bra that doubles as a carry bra to neatly tuck away your compact firearm?  Will you have an IWB (Inside the Waistband) holster, or will you wear an OWB (Outside the Waistband) holster for the day?  Or do you plan to carry your firearm in your purse?Next, have a plan with all of the errands and locations you will be traveling with your firearm, of what you will be doing with your firearm.  Will you be frequenting areas which allow firearms, or will you have to remove your firearm and find a way to safely and securely store your gun in your vehicle for a while until you return back to your vehicle?Do you have any overnight travel that you need to consider?  Will you be stopping for fuel and what is the safest way to protect yourself in a vulnerable location?  Even as simple as stopping at a red light - are you prepared for potential danger or trouble?Keep your situational awareness radar always on, and especially heightened when you are carrying a firearm.  Know where you can and cannot go, and what you can and cannot do.  Enjoy!

Your home is your safe space.  It's a place for you to relax, unwind, and let your guard down.  Until it isn't...Are you in the proper mindset...not "IF, THEN..."   IF this happens, THEN I will...but "WHEN, THEN..."  WHEN this happens, THEN I will...Are you always aware of your surroundings, even in your safe place?  Is your home an easy target?  Are there places leading up to your front door that an intruder can lay in ambush and quickly make you a victim?  Shrubs, lighting, places to hide?What about indoors?  Do you have a plan if someone were to break in while you were home?  Or even worse, what if you came home to someone already inside?Start thinking now how to make your home a place where intruders do NOT want to visit.  Ramp up the security, doorbell camera, motion lighting, and difficulty of access to your space right now.  Consider alternatives to add precious seconds to an attack. when the intruder only wants to "smash and grab and get away"  One thing many criminals do not like, is attention.  They want to get in, do their dirty deed, and get out as quickly as possible.  What can YOU do to make it difficult to intrude?  How can YOU make your home a very, very difficult target?Hope you take away some tips and tricks to keep your awareness level elevated, even in the comforts of your home.  Enjoy!

There is a specialized law enforcement department that has the sole responsibility of protecting our natural resources.  Collectively referred to as game wardens or conservation police officers, these men and women are the ones who interact with hunters and fishermen to make sure those taking our natural resources are following the rules.  Ensuring that hunters and fishermen are following the laws regarding the hunting seasons, bag limits, means, and methods, are just some of the duties game wardens are tasked with.  Unfortunately, we now live in a society where disrespecting law enforcement is becoming the norm for many individuals in our communities.  There are many individuals in our society that actively seek to harm our law enforcement officers. If you are in the field often enough, you will eventually encounter a game warden.  How you react to that encounter can set the tone on how the interaction will go.Game wardens are almost all in agreement in what you can do to keep yourself as well as the officer safe, and to avoid any misunderstandings.  When you encounter a game warden you should display a safe firearm, have all your documents ready for inspection, have a good attitude, comply with request, and do not look to be offended. Attitude is contagious.  If you have a good one, you'll quickly infect others with it!

What is baiting and what is considered a baited field?  These are the most common questions I get from migratory bird hunters.  The first thing you must remember is that hunting migratory birds over bait is both a federal and a state violation in every state in the U.S.  According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), “Baiting is the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, distributing, or scattering of salt, grain, or other feed that could lure or attract waterfowl to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to take them.”  Additionally, according to the USFWS, “A baited area is any area on which salt, grain, or other feed has been placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered, if that salt, grain, or feed could serve as a lure or attraction for waterfowl.” It is important to remember that it is up to each hunter to know the laws and regulations of each species he or she is hunting.  Follow the rules and you will not have to worry when that game warden suddenly shows up!

If there is an accident involving a firearm in your class or firearm training session, it is the instructor who is ultimately responsible.  This includes any firearms training course being taught, either an NRA or non-NRA Course.  The level of the instructor's liability is dependent upon several factors.  By allowing the wrong firearm and ammunition combination, not adequately knowing the different types of firearms out there, and lack of safety protocol are examples of potential accidents that can become a liability nightmare to the instructor.There are 4 things that I have experienced in firearm training classes that I have taught, which could have led to serious accidents, some of which could have been deadly to the shooter or others in the class.  These include antique firearms, sporterized rifles, choked shotgun barrels, and loose ammunition in the classroom and on the range.  Any of these things can lead to serious bodily injury or death.I do not make exceptions in my classes or training sessions when dealing with firearms, because safety is always paramount.  

Choosing the right shotgun is more than personal preference.  Different types of hunting call for different types of shotguns.  When bird hunting, you need to know if the game birds you are hunting are classified as an upland game bird or a migratory game bird.  You also need to know what type of environment you will be hunting in.  Is it open prairie, coastal marsh, timberline, or forest?You need to take into consideration the weight of the gun, recoil, shell capacity, and the laws related to migratory bird hunting.  Each type of shotgun action functions differently, so the shooter should get the type of action that he or she can operate easily, comfortably, and safely.  The types of shotguns commonly used by bird hunters are pump actions, semi-automatic actions, and hinge actions which include over-and-under and side-by-side shotguns.Knowing which shotgun is best for you depending on the birds you are hunting, and make sure you know the laws to stay safe and legal out there!  Enjoy!!

Dove Season is the unofficial start of the hunting season.  You can see the excitement and anticipation on the face of every hunter, regardless of if they hunt dove or not.  This is because dove season is the official count down to all the other types and species of hunting.  If you do participate in dove hunting, you want to make sure that you have the right equipment and accessories to be both successful and legal.            There is only one way to describe dove hunting – FUN!  Especial in Texas, dove hunting is a social gathering where hunters get together and have fun.  People have cook-outs and bar-b-ques and might even conclude in a big party with music and dancing.              Dove are considered migratory game birds.  Where it is legal to hunt, all native doves are state and federally protected.  This means that you can be checked by state game wardens and federal game wardens.  State regulations vary from state to state but the federal regulations regarding dove hunting are the same in every state.  Be sure to check the laws in your specific state to make sure that you are in compliance. Because they are migratory make sure that you comply with federal law.   There are six primary areas of federal laws that relate to dove hunting.  These are daily bag and possession limits, legal shotguns, hunting over a baited field, using live birds as decoys, hunting from a motorized vehicle, and using a motorized or sailing vehicle to rally birds.  These federal laws are mirrored in the state you are in so there is uniformity between the state and the feds.There is no such thing as a bad day hunting!  As long as you do your research, know which birds are legal to hunt, and follow the hunting rules and regulations in your area, memories will be made to last a lifetime! 

There are many laws you need to follow when you are waterfowl hunting.  Many laws address equipment, such as using a shotgun that is not capable of holding more than three shells.  There are laws that address when and where you can hunt, such as the prohibition of hunting over a baited field.  There are also laws that address licensing requirements, such as hunting with a valid hunting license, the required state endorsements, and a valid federal waterfowl stamp.  Lastly, there are laws that address what you need to do with a legally taken waterfowl once it is in your possession, such as keeping a fully feather wing attached to bird until you reach your final destination.There is another law that migratory bird hunters must follow to legally hunt these birds.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) defines migratory game birds as ducks, geese, swans, brant, coots, doves, woodcock, rails, snipe, sandhill cranes, moorhens, band-tailed pigeons and gallinules.  This law has to do with reporting requirements of bagged migratory birds.  Many hunters do not understand or even know there are laws that require reporting.  This reporting requirement is commonly referred to as being “HIP Certified.”  HIP is an acronym for “Harvest Information Program.”  All migratory bird hunters are required to be HIP Certified during the current licensing period and carry proof while hunting.  Responsible hunters take HIP Certification seriously.  The data gathered is very important to the management of all species of migratory birds.  The information gathered lets biologist determine if a species is declining in numbers or there is an abundance of specific birds.  This allows biologists to develop management plans for a specific species that can assure they do not become “threatened” or “endangered.”   It could also mean that bag limits might be increased, and seasons lengthened.  HIP Certification is your way of helping the sport you enjoy! 

As a firearm instructor or trainer, it is important to do everything you can to keep safety at the forefront.  By following simple three rules, you can ensure you have a stress-free class.  The three rules are:ALWAYS ask questionsALWAYS anticipate emergenciesALWAYS inspect firearmsThese rules will help you, the instructor, to create a safe and enjoyable learning environment. After all, it is the instructor who takes credit for the class being good or bad, safe or unsafe, or enjoyable or unenjoyable.  It starts and ends with the instructor.  It is imperative for you to prepare the best you can ahead of time in order to prevent problems or accidents.Remember, this is your class.  You set the rules and classroom policies.  By implementing the NRA classroom rules with any policies that you set depending on your unique classroom and range situation, you will create a learning atmosphere that is both safe and fun!

As we are driving north to start a new chapter of our lives, Matthew will soon be a University of Arkansas Razorback.  Reflecting on these past few weeks as we pack him up, and sort through his bedroom of 18 years, what is a MUST to bring along, what can be passed onto his brothers, and what can head to Goodwill - it dawned on me that I have raised some pretty strong and independent boys.Family is the nucleus of all we do together.  We've always made it a point and priority to be involved in the boys' lives.  From sports to school activities, either my husband or I, or ideally both of us, would always be in attendance.  When the boys would scan the bleachers or crowded room of onlookers, they would always be able to find us as we supported their every success and struggle.  We vacation together, spend holidays together, and travel together.  Hopefully one day these values will continue on and be passed along to their future families.Growing up with a strong church foundation has helped shape the boys into the young men they have become.   Spending their entire youth in Boy Scouts has also shaped their independence.  Each of my 4 boys have stories to tell about challenges along the trail and overcoming adverse weather or stressful campouts.  They never left early or called home for a ride.  They stuck it out and have become stronger and tougher because of these life-shaping events.Matthew may be starting a new chapter in another state, several hours away, but the rest of us back home in Texas are starting a new chapter too.  We'll continue to nurture the remaining brothers and make sure they stay strong and tough through their teens and beyond.Enjoy! 

The only way to become a better marksman when shooting rifles and pistols, is to learn your shooting fundamentals.  The only way to successfully achieve this is to start with a good position.  Your position is the foundation where all shooting fundamentals take place.   Your position should be comfortable, balanced, stable, and aligned with your target.  A great position is from the benchrest.Once you are comfortable and set up in your position, it's time to start working through each of 5 fundamentals with every shot you take.  These fundamentals of shooting are:1.  Aiming2.  Breath Control3.  Hold Control4.  Trigger Control5.  Follow ThroughOne builds on top of the last, and to have a consistent shot grouping, these fundamentals should be practiced with every shot you take.  If you have any issues along the way, stop, reset, and start the process over again.Practice doesn't make perfect - PERFECT practice makes perfect!  Take your time and become successful with each of these steps to become a better marksman!Enjoy!

Want to ride the rapids this summer in your raft, canoe or kayak?  Prepare for your next adventure by knowing the hazards you could face.Whitewater sports like rafting, canoeing and kayaking return to popularity as winter transitions into spring, and are in full swing during the summer.  Fortunately, North America is home to some of the best rivers in the world for whitewater activities.  The Rio Grande, Arkansas, Snake, Salmon and several others are ideal to experience the power that nature has to offer.These whitewater activities are some of the most exciting, yet dangerous, sports available to the outdoor enthusiast.  Sportsmen and women looking to experience the thrill they offer can either do their own research and work their way up to “angry” waters, or hire an outfitter or guide to teach the proper and safe techniques.  Like any sport, knowing the hazards and how to avoid them is critical to averting a tragedy.  This is especially true when engaged in water sports.The water that flows over underwater obstacles is called Rapids.  There are many natural hazards to be aware of when traversing a fast-flowing river.  These dangers can be experienced above or beneath a fast-flowing river, and include strainers, sieves, holes, under cuts, foot entrapment and hypothermia.  Knowing which Class of Rapids you are in is very important as well, to know the skill level necessary for a safe and enjoyable outing.Enjoy!