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. 

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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!

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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!

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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:

1. Wildlife resources are a public trust
2. Markets for game animals have been eliminated
3. Allocation of wildlife is by law
4. Wildlife may only be killed for legitimate purposes
5. Wildlife is an international resource
6. Wildlife policy is science-based
7. Hunting is a democracy

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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!

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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!

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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?

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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1. UNAWARE
2. AWARE
3. ALERT
4. 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.

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  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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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! 

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Being situationally aware is critical to keeping safe and being prepared. There is no such thing as a "safe" place anymore. From your front yard to your vehicle to the parking garage, bad things happen to good people. Are you caught off-guard when something does not "look" or "feel" right? Or have you mentally prepared for a situation just like this, and know how to either remove yourself from that situation and go a different route, or prepare to defend yourself if an attack or encounter is inevitable.

Always keeping your head on a swivel and being a "hard" target will deter an attack from someone with bad intentions. Do your part to take care of yourself and be in the proper mindset every time you have to travel. 

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        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."

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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!  

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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!

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• 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!

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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!

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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!

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 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!  

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