Did you know that August is National Shooting Sports month? If you regularly go to a shooting range in your area, then you may know this already Or if you belong to any of the national gun organizations, like the NRA or Gun Owners of America, you’ve probably heard about it in the emails or monthly newsletters.
Granted, National Shooting Sports month has only been around for five years. So in this fifth year, it’s time to get involved if you haven’t before. Many businesses tie in events and activities surrounding the celebration of this national campaign that increases the awareness of shooting sports.
The main sponsor of the month is the Firearm Industry Trade Association (NSSF), an organization that advocates for Second Amendment rights and causes. Let’s take a deeper look at the month-long celebration they’re sponsoring.
How to Encourage Participation
The best way to celebrate National Shooting Sports month is by going to your local shooting ranges and retailers. Take some family and friends to make a day of it if you haven’t been to a shooting range in awhile. Recreational shooting is a great way to spend a day.
Another way to honor this month is by bringing someone new to the shooting range who has never been before. The NSSF calls this the “+ONE Movement.” Just make sure that everyone you bring understands the rules and regulations of the shooting range.
Try Out a New Weapon
If you use the same gun all the time at the range, maybe it’s time to try something new. If you are shooting at indoor targets all the time with a pistol then you should try going to an outdoor range. You could learn how to skeet shoot with a shotgun at a clay target in the air. It will truly expand your skills and knowledge of shooting sports to go with different options in shot practice.
Events Near You
Visit Letsgoshooting.org to learn about events happening in your area. It also lists retailers who are having celebration sales and events at their stores. Giveaways and prizes are given out when you sign up by lots of retailers and gun manufacturers like Sig Sauer and Winchester.
Bring Your Spouse or Partner
If your spouse or partner isn’t a shooter, it’s the perfect time to introduce them to the sport. In fact, women are actually the largest segment of the population that are getting to the range. So make it a date night for dinner and a trip to the shooting range. There are all kinds of gear and guns that are made for a woman to shoot that have comfort and fit in mind.
Get ready to have some fun this month and keep it going with support of shooting sports all year long. Happy Shooting Sports Month everyone!
And I was born in August!