BLAZE Magazine Special Edition 2006-2016 | Page 41

Outdoors & Education CHIP McEWEN T HE I NSTRUCTOR ’ S C ORNER T FEAR vs. FACTS he members of Outdoor Women Unlimited (OWU) who are Accepting No Limits can be found on a wide continuum of outdoor enthusiasts. This presents a challenge to feature some information that will be encouraging to that wide range of experience. Beginning a journey with encouragement to just do it as well as for the experienced women to see their role as challenged mentors exemplifies the OWU vision-to lead the organization into the next decade of service to women. As a volunteer NRA firearms instructor with Outdoor Women Unlimited, my service has been rewarding and enjoyable. The personal satisfaction received when the “light bulb” of understanding turns on “makes my day! This usually signals a degree of confidence and understanding. However, an unpleasant emotion by being aware of danger can rise up within us and the light bulb dims. This will hold someone back in many things in life, its name is FEAR. In my work career in providing training for team building and sales management this was a topic that was so simple to see but was the first thing that had to really be overcome to build a high performing team or make the sales presentation. Some of the most memorable and exciting moments we remember are when we conquer it. In training classes I try to help students understand that FEAR is not their enemy and is easily defeated!!! Just remember that FEAR is really False Evidence Appearing Real. So to defeat this “self-limiting” thinking we just need to replace it with FACTUAL EVIDENCE consisting of new learned behaviors which bring success or simple facts Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org Competent training in an activity from certified experienced Instructors helps provide, truth in fact, that an activity can be completed safely. In my experience with members of Outdoor Women Unlimited, who have participated in OWU Classics or attended OWU sponsored training courses, have faced their FEAR and with new learned behaviors no longer are concerned about touching/handling a firearm. When these “light bulbs” turn on the new person becomes an outdoor enthusiast. The more experienced realize how they have personally witnessed the birth of an enthusiast and see their obligation to mentor these persons. Go to outdoorwomenunlimited.org and read all the stories about all the OWU members who faced their FEAR of “IF I HAD NOT” and were successful on their hunts. They defeated the FEAR and replaced it with the actual FACTUAL experience. As OWU moves into its next decade, each member has the opportunity to turn FEAR into FEARLESSNESS! You are a part of an organization which is helping in the movement to increase the participation of women in the outdoor “laboratory of life!” They say you can “lie with statistics” but people like to use “statistics” to prove FACTS. So, here are a few statistics and put the challenge to defeat FEAR in your hands. Whether you are that new member just beginning or the experienced member who is leading the way as a mentor, the information below will share awareness to the “fastest” growing population in firearm participation today. FACTS -- National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reports participation by women INCREASED in both target shooting (46.5%) and hunting (36.6%) over the last decade. -- A 2009 NSSF survey reported the number of women purchasing guns for personal defense increased a whopping 83%. -- According to the DOJs Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. gun related homicides DROPPED 39% over the course of 18 years from 1993 to 2011. -- FBI background checks for gun purchases in 2012 totaled 19.6 million which was a new annual record and a 19% increase over 2011. -- Introducing outdoor recreation and physical activities early in life has a lasting effect. Among adults who are current outdoor participants, 75% had physical education and 42% enjoyed outdoor activities in elementary school according to the 2015 Outdoor Foundation report. -- The total number of women hunters surged by 25 percent between 2006 and 2011, after holding steady for a decade, according to Census Bureau statistics. At last count, 11 percent of all U.S. hunters were women, compared to 9 percent in 2006. ff you have any questions about this article or firearms in general please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Chip McEwen is a NRA Training Counselor & Chief Range Safety Officer. SPECIAL EDITION 2006-2016 | | 41