Early Exposure to Guns: A Lifelong Passion for Safety and Responsible Ownership
Growing up in a household where guns were present from a young age has shaped my understanding of both the importance of gun safety and the responsibility that comes with owning firearms. My story begins at the tender age of 5, when my parents first introduced me to the awe and responsibility that comes with handling a gun.
My First Exposure
I was 5 years old when my parents decided to buy me my first firearm, a bolt action magazine-fed.22. This was a significant moment in my life, but it was not just a demonstration of my parents' trust; it was also my first lesson in gun safety. Even then, my parents made sure to instill in me the importance of respecting and handling firearms responsibly. They explained to me that even unloaded guns should be treated with extreme caution, and I learned to take ownership of my own safety and the safety of others.
Early Lessons in Responsibility
By the time I reached my ninth year, I had learned to use my.22 rifle effortlessly. I was old enough to take it out and use it whenever I wanted, provided I had my father's supervision. This experience not only taught me the technical aspects of handling a firearm but also the significant responsibility that comes with it. It was a vital step in my journey towards becoming a responsible gun owner.
Expanding Access and Safety
Although I was raised with a deep respect for firearms, my first official interaction came when I was around 6 years old. I remember being taken to a property where my father's friend had a muzzleloader. I was allowed to shoot it, which was a thrilling yet controlled experience. Shortly after, at 7 years old, I received my very first gun that I could call my own—a cheap, used import muzzleloader. This marked a significant milestone, as it represented a personal connection and responsibility that I had to take care of a gun.
The story took an interesting turn when the percussion nipple on the muzzleloader blew out the back. This taught me an important lesson in safety and the maintenance required for firearms. Later, for my eighth birthday, I received a new Traditions muzzleloader with a kid's stock. This gun, which I still have today, was a Christmas gift that I can vividly remember. The next year, at the age of 9, I killed my first deer with that very gun. This moment was both exhilarating and humbling, illustrating the power and importance of firearms in my life.
Becoming a More Experienced Shooter
By the age of 12, I had outgrown my initial muzzleloader and was introduced to a T/C .50 Renegade and a Mossberg 500 12 gauge. The T/C .50 Renegade was a gift from a raffle at a turkey shoot, which I cherished immensely. Over the years, I continued to hone my skills and gain more experience with these firearms. To this day, I keep all three—my first.22, T/C .50 Renegade, and Mossberg 500—each a cherished reminder of the lessons learned and the memories made.
In my current life, I live in Georgia and my career and family commitments kept me out of the woods for over 20 years. However, my passion for hunting and responsible gun ownership never faded. Recently, I have resumed my hunting trips, often hunting with my father in Ohio. He is now 78, and our experience allows us to pass on our knowledge to future generations.
Today, as a gun safety supportive and responsible owner, I strongly believe that all women (and men) should be able to protect themselves. That's why I continue to emphasize the importance of gun safety and responsible ownership.