Image courtesy National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF.org)
It seems sometimes as if there's a new cause being assigned to a month on a monthly basis, doesn't it? Underwater Basket Weaving Month may still have a long way to go, but August marks a month that really means something to you and to America: National Shooting Sports Month! With millions of new gun owners since 2020 alone, this August is a terrific time to celebrate this uniquely American pastime with your friends and family. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), which is the firearm industry trade association, has a list of 10 fun ways to make National Shooting Sports Month your own ... and you should definitely read to the end, because one of them just might win you a great shooting-sports prize giveaway!
- +ONE® Movement — It helps to have a mentor show you the ropes when taking up a new activity. NSSF’s +ONE Movement asks experienced shooters to mentor newcomers and novices on how to safely handle firearms and develop skills to hit their targets, whether they’re paper, steel plates or moving clays. Experienced shooters can help secure the future of shooting sports by taking the pledge to introduce someone new to target shooting this August!
- A Date at the Range — Make it a date! Ask your spouse, partner, boyfriend or girlfriend to go target shooting with you. You’ll have a great time together. Women are the fastest growing group in target shooting, and more gear than ever has been designed for our fit and comfort. Don’t have someone to go with? Call the range and ask about their leagues and training classes.
- Rediscover Shooting — Haven’t shot in a while? Dust off your shooting gear—always check to see if firearms are loaded when removing them from storage—and call an old shooting buddy or ask your granddaughter or grandson to join you. Clay target sports such as skeet, trap and sporting clays are perfect for socializing.
- Learn What to Expect at the Range — Safety orientation, range rules, range officers ... there are things you need to know about if you haven’t spent much time at a target shooting range, or perhaps you need to refresh your memory.
- #LetsGoShooting — #LetsGoShooting is the theme of National Shooting Sports Month. Share the hashtag and your experiences on your favorite social media networks and remind others to head out to the range for a day of fun and socializing. Discover the skill-building and fun other target shooters are having at the range by following the #LetsGoShooting feeds.
- Cash in on Deals — Retailers and ranges will be offering specials during National Shooting Sports Month at thousands of events nationwide. Find a participating business near you to take advantage of these offers at LetsGoShooting.org.
- Tune Up for Hunting Season — Many people are taking up hunting because they’re interested in harvesting their own healthful food. If that’s you, a trip to a firearm retailer or range can provide answers on how to get started hunting, such as enrolling in a hunter education course and practicing your shooting to be ready in time for the fall seasons. NSSF’s LetsGoHunting.org website has loads of information.
- Practice Firearm Safety — The shooting sports are safe. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Responsible gun owners safely handle their firearms and securely store them when not in use, whether at home, in a vehicle or at the range. Thanks to responsible gun owners and programs like NSSF’s Project ChildSafe, fatal firearms accidents are at all-time low levels.
- Celebrate Freedom and Tradition — In addition to passing on the great tradition of target shooting, you can educate others about the unique American freedoms that make firearm ownership and the shooting sports possible. See NSSF’s Proud to be a Firearms Owner pocket card and video and also learn about NSSF’s Gun Owners Care.
- Win a Great Prize! — Finally, enter the Gearbox Giveaways at LetsGoShooting.org for a chance to win great prizes from generous National Shooting Sports Month sponsors.
