by Karen Mehall Phillips - Monday, May 25, 2015
We hunters and NRA members have much to be proud of as our NRA is the largest pro-hunting organization worldwide. Through NRA programs, legislative efforts, grant funding and our publications, NRA continues working to strengthen our hunting and shooting traditions. We are all so fortunate because at some point each of us had a mentor—a family member, friend or co-worker—who took us under his or her wing in a safe, comfortable, controlled environment and introduced us to safe gun handling and shooting. Unfortunately, many Americans have never even held a gun or been exposed to the joys of hunting and the shooting sports. That’s why NRA Publications is taking steps to help do something about it through the NRA Mentor Program.
Launched on May 1, the NRA Mentor Program is an outreach program from NRA Publications in conjunction with SIG Sauer and Magpul Industries encouraging all 5 million NRA members to take beginning shooters to the range during the month of May and beyond. In addition to introducing a newcomer to firearm safety and handling, please keep in mind that statistics indicate nearly 40 million Americans purchased their first gun over the past five years. Many would benefit from having an NRA Mentor.
"Getting involved is easy," says NRA Executive Director Doug Hamlin. "Visit NRA Guide For New Shooters for details on the NRA Mentor Program, including the free, detachable “Guide for New Shooters,” which supports mentors with basic advice on how to get started, firearm safety, gear, shooting tips, and details on gun cleaning and storage.Because new shooters are prime candidates to become new NRA members, the guide includes a membership application. Just think how strong NRA will be, going into the all-important 2016 elections, with tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands or even a million new members in our ranks!"
As the nation’s leader in firearm safety and education, NRA offers a variety of courses through its national network of NRA Certified instructors. You and your new shooter can click here for course options and you can learn how you, too, can become an NRA-Certified instructor.
“When given fair opportunity, nearly everyone enjoys shooting,” Hamlin adds. “It’s fun, it’s gratifying, and it’s a practical skill well worth developing. By lending a hand, we can show, once again, that NRA members are the good guys. Please join me and become an NRA Mentor!”
Please share the NRA Mentor program’s Guide for New Shooters with the new shooters in your life. While you mentor them in their pursuits, be sure to teach those who wish to become hunters about the social, economic, and ecological benefits of hunting as we hunters readily contribute millions of dollars each year in support of wildlife management and conservation.