SHOOT! Magazine Editorial - Volume 8, DEC 2000/JAN 2001 

Now that it is almost the end of the year, it is time to give thanks for what we have to look forward to this coming year. All of us should think about what we can do to promote our favorite shooting sports next year. What areas are most important to address? Hmm, that may take a few moments. What should be at the top of the list? I would say that opposing gun legislation, and supporting the NRA and all of the shooting clubs we participate in is a definite must. Taking that as a given (I hope everyone agrees), what are some of the other things we can do to make our sport better and appeal to a larger audience? Each of us should think about this and actively participate in these efforts. Remember, it is up to each and every one of us to ensure that new shooters are comfortable and having a good time, as well as keeping current shooters still coming out to shoot. The attitude you display while shooting, as well as before and after, is the one that will be remembered.

Here are some of the items I have thought of:

· If you haven't ever been a posse marshal, give it a try. You will gain a new a perspective toward marshals and shoot organizers.

· Help get flyers of your club shoots out to the local community. See if you can get them into barber shops, salons, doctor's offices, dentist office's, and any other places of business where people have to wait. You could always leave a copy of SHOOT! Magazine there for people to read while they wait.

· Try to get local newspapers and TV stations to cover one of your shoots or re-enactments.

· Give credit to the posse leaders and organizers. Don't complain! There are outspoken people out there that when they don't like a stage, state somewhat emotionally, "I'm never coming back here again if they do that." That is NOT the way to promote good feelings and the sport. As long as it isn't a safety issue, go with the flow; enjoy it. This is supposed to be fun, so let's make it fun for all by having an attitude that is supporting and friendly, and by participating in all aspects of the sport. If you want to make suggestions, that's fine, but make them in a positive and friendly manner. Talk to the Match organizer after the shoot and thank them.

· If you haven't ever made up a scenario or set up a stage, try it. This will also give you a new perspective.

· Volunteer to set up and take down targets.

· Ask your local club what you can do to help them.

· Have a get together with your shooters and organizers to analyze your shoots and get suggestions on determining what positive actions your club can take to make your shoots or re-enactments better. Have the people who make good suggestions participate in the implementation process.

· For annual events, remember that you want every vendor, sponsor, participant, and visitor to have an enjoyable experience, and to come up before they leave and say, "I really enjoyed this match and I'll definitely be back next year." Ask yourself how you can make that happen.

· Tell your friends and neighbors about how fun the matches are and invite them out to watch, or take them out to the range with you, or show them some of your fancy guns and gear.

· Have a new Juniors Only Day, where juniors that have never shot in a match can come out and shoot a scenario (an easy one). Use .22s and make sure that you have proper supervision and safety. Don't forget to publicize the event.

· Have a Ladies Only Day, where ladies that have never shot in a match can come out and shoot with other ladies. Again, publicize the event.

· Have a First-Time Shooters Day where only first-time shooters participate with experienced helpers.

· Gamers, if your getting stressed, take a breath and go to a match with the express purpose of not winning! Rather, just relax, participate in the other aspects of the event and posse experience, and enjoy it. You might bring the fun back into it.

I'm sure that there are many more good ideas to promote the sport and our enjoyment, but hopefully these ideas will stimulate thought and action. We all need to participate in keeping these shooting sports alive.

Happy trails and shoot safe,  Chucky

Please send your comments to editor@shootmagazine.com, or you can post your comments on the SHOOT! MAGAZINE BLOG or SHOOT! MAGAZINE FORUM.

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