BLAZE Magazine Special Edition 2006-2016 | Page 51

However, Carolyn, never found hunting
a sport she had to do. Jim continued
the situation
(done within
split
second)
you
to encourage
her to a try
target
shooting,
may have to pull the trigger. Of course once
which she loved. We invited her to go
you do, you own the rounds you fire down
on an Arkansas duck hunt and she was
range. Ensuring you hit your target is critical.
enthralled with wing shooting. Jim and I
loved going out west to shoot prairie dogs.
Third, the idea of taking another life does
Carolyn agreed to go on one of those trips.
not come naturally to us. We cherish life.
Once engaged, Carolyn discovered she
We celebrate births, birthdays, and mourn
loved long distance shooting..
death. I have heard a number of people
who carry a firearm claim they don’t want to
Soon I got the itch to go to Africa again.
have to shoot anyone. Good! No one does.
I asked Carolyn if she was interested
But then some go on to say things such as,
to make
the trip.
will will
never
her
“Hopefully
seeing
my I gun
be forget
enough
response.
She
said,
“
Bobbie,
I
will
need
to scare them,” or “If I have to fire my gun I
to try
deer to hunting
see if the
I can
shoot
am just
going
try and to
wound
person,
something
that
has
those
“big
brown
not kill them.” This is the wrong perspective
eyes.”
Once while
she harvested
to have.
Again,
we don’t her
want first
to white-
ever
tail,
she
was
addicted!
have to use deadly force, much less kill
anyone, if you carry this apprehension along
find strength
with Women
your firearm,
chances and
are encouragement
if faced with a
through
camaraderie
of
knit under
friends
deadly force situation you will close
hesitate
and
companions.
Perhaps
it
is
part
of our
stress or fail in your attempt to only wound
nature. by
Through
the subject
missing Jim’s
your encouragement,
target. Either
and is knowledge,
my leaves
passion
for
way, patience
the outcome
not good and
you
shooting You
sports could
exploded.
at a hunting
tactical and
disadvantage.
end
up dead yourself or with your rounds hitting
unintended targets.
Finally, you need to have a plan to deal
with the aftermath of an armed encounter.
Do you know a criminal defense attorney
Over the years, I have reflected upon the Bobbie Wallace Parsons, daughter of
memories realizing that my love for the George Wallace, four time governor of
you can call? Do you have concealed carry Alabama and Lurleen Wallace, first lady
outdoor challenge has always been a part
insurance such as a policy offered by CCW
of who I am. However, I needed the right governor of Alabama, is a lady who chose
Safe (ccwsafe.com) or the U.S. Concealed
person Association
to foster my (usconcealedcarry.com).
desire and challenge her own path of accomplishments. In
Carry
the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, women in hunt-
my
goals.
Do you know what to do and say, or not
ing/shooting sports were few in number.
to do and say, when responding police
Bobbie soon staked her claim and the rest
Mentoring
education
officers
and through
detectives
arrive? Is provides
there
first step
for women.
When health
Rebecca is history. Southern charm and grace cap-
a the
clergy
member
or mental
Wood, Founder,
Executive
Director, met tures the twinkle in her eye as she shared
professional
you can
talk to following
her story with me. Humbled by her bless-
with
Jim to
and
I, she
the mission
of
an
event
help
you shared
deal with
the
ings of opportunity, Bobbie gathered her
post
traumatic
stress?
Do you We
have
Outdoor
Women
Unlimited.
were very
memoirs and wrote a book titled Journal
another
The OWU’s
one you infrastructure
used
excited firearm?
to learn that
of a lady Hunter( a little bit of magic). Her
in
the shooting
will
be of
taken
as
included
a diverse
venue
opportunities
story revealed the life of a woman(Bobbie
evidence.
for women to learn or advance in outdoor Wallace Parsons) who pioneered a trail
skills/activities. OWU is the “first step” to that opened the frontier for women and
The
choice
which firearm to carry
“Accept
No of Limits.”
captured the hearts of all who followed.
and how you carry is a personal
Bobbie shared one of her most favorite
decision. There are pros and cons for
Carolyn and I have shared many hunting quotes from a book she read many years
revolvers, semi-autos, different ammo
adventures. The “little bit of magic” we
choices, and carry methods. No doubt, prior.” There’s a sweetness in surrendering
both carry has given us memories that
some will offer you an advantage in a life to something I will never be good at, and
will be in our
hearts but
and ultimately,
minds for you
many
threatening
situation
have still finding pleasure in doing it.” It’s the
years.
to
carry what you feel most comfortable with doing it that’s fun.” I agree.
and are able to shoot best.
Don’t forget however, your best preparation
for a life threatening encounter is mental
preparation. You can’t buy it, but before you
carry a firearm, you best have it. It is your
responsibility. You owe it yourself and others.
Nothing is more important.
You’re a girl who knows
what she’s looking for.
Set your sights on
First Community Bank.
www.fcbca.com
Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org
FALL/WINTER 2015 | BLAZE | 15