Improving my archery skills and being comfortable holding a firearm are two goals I have for this year. As luck would have it, the Shoot Like A Girl® Home of the Brave Tour is making its first scheduled stop of the year at Bass Pro Shops in Fort Myers, Florida for a free interactive event. The experience introduces women to shooting sports in a fun, safe, and comfortable atmosphere.
Founded in 2009, Shoot Like A Girl’s mobile range experience has been trekking the country for 12 years, bringing a state-of-the art experience, certified female instructors, and gear with the goal of making the shooting sports more accessible to women. With gun sales at an all-time high and the FBI reporting Jan. 2021 with an all-time high of firearms background checks, resources and education for new shooters are in high demand. Shoot Like A Girl’s Home of the Brave Tour brings these resources directly to customers in an innovative and safe way at no cost.
This weekend will be their first time in Fort Myers. Well, it’s the first time the experience has been here. Some of the staff have visited in the past to take advantage of the turkey hunting or visiting family.
My (Limited) Experience with Firearms
I’ve shared this before, growing up, I had limited access to firearms and bows. We had a shotgun and maybe a rifle in the house but always stayed away. I guess you can say my dad hunted, rabbit with shotgun pellets was an interesting weekend meal, and my brother was into for a bit. Being a girl, I was excluded from most shooting activities.
As president of the Florida Outdoor Writers Association (FOWA), I’ve experienced different activities. Ones I probably wouldn’t have explored on my own. I’m open to new adventures and experience and learning all I can. I ain’t gonna lie, holding a firearm is intimidating. That small, metal object harnesses a lot of power and should be treated with respect. At the same time, firing one at the range is an exhilarating experience! Especially when I have respectable groupings on a target.
Although I have my conceal carry permit, I do not own a firearm. Is one in my future? Possibly. I do own a bow, purchased at a FOWA auction a few years ago, yet I haven’t shot it! I don’t even know if “shot” is the right terminology to use with a bow.
Anyway…
Image Courtesy of Karen Butler/Shoot Like A Girl
Why Visit the Shoot Like A Girl Mobile Range?
I asked Shoot Like A Girl team why should women check them out?
“The Shoot Like A Girl mobile range experience is an amazing way to get out and become involved in the shootings sports at no cost. It’s free, safe, fun and the best confidence builder for women being introduced to the shooting sports for the very first time.
“Experienced shooters are also encouraged to visit us and try new products, families are always welcome (guests must be 16 years of age or older to participate inside the mobile range), and beginners will feel comfortable learning from our incredible staff of female NRA or USCCA-certified instructors. Our guests tell us all the time that they walked into the event feeling apprehensive, but they left with a newfound confidence. That’s the greatest compliment we could ever receive!”
What to Expect During the Shoot Like A Girl Experience at Bass Pro Shops?
New and experienced shooters are invited to visit the Shoot Like A Girl trailer in front of Bass Pro Shops. Learn safe and responsible gun ownership and the many benefits of firearms from certified female instructors who are eager to share their passion for the shooting sports. Attendees are encouraged to bring their families and young children to discuss and hear about firearm safety. No experience is necessary to participate in this free event. All equipment is provided to guests upon arrival.
Inside the range, attendees who are 16 years of age or older will be able to handle and shoot handguns and long guns with guidance from instructors, using a military-grade firearm simulator which provides immediate recoil, impact and sound feedback. Archery coaches will also be onsite to assist guests with shooting bows.
Outside the range, at the Shoot Like A Girl gun counter, visitors of all ages are welcome to compare a variety of disabled firearms, including revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, shotguns and rifles. Additional products from corporate partners will be on display, including optics, conceal carry bags, holsters, TrueTimber camouflage, SABRE pepper spray products and much more.
Shoot Like A Girl Event Details
Who/What: Shoot Like A Girl Home of the Brave Tour
When: Saturday, February 6, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33913
How: Women 16 years and older. It’s also a free event.
Why: Learn. Build confidence. Feel empowered.
If you can’t make the Fort Myers event, the tour will be at the Bass Pro Shops in Daytona Feb. 12 – 13. Check their calendar to see where else they’ll be. See ya at the mobile range!
COVID-19 Safety Measures
Shoot Like A Girl has implemented COVID-19 protocols in accordance with the CDC and will be practicing social distancing and utilizing a waiting line app which allows people to wait from anywhere near the premises. Attendees will be issued a full TrueTimber face mask (provided by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s), eye protection (provided by Birchwood Casey) and non-latex gloves (to keep). Inside the trailer, capacity is limited to two instructors and two guests any given time. CDC signs will be posted, and surfaces will be cleaned regularly. Hand sanitizer will also be available (provided by Leadslingers Whiskey) for use throughout the event.
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