A Day on the Range

Go ahead punks, make our day.

It was a muggy 87 degrees on the side of a misty NY mountain. In the stillness of the morning, a couple dozen yards across a grassy clearing, were a myriad of foes just begging to get shot. Among them several metal cutouts shaped like miniature bison, bowling pins perched upon platforms, chain- suspended steel silhouettes and paper targets that bleed green where hit affixed to sheets of plywood.

Your ATV Connection editors were paid a rare visit this past weekend by Shine United’s Laci Warden representing the Shoot United initiative. The mission? To enjoy a day out on the range, put some holes in targets, share a laugh and learn about responsible firearm handling and care.

Many of our readers (and ATV enthusiasts in general) are already very familiar with the reality that riding and shooting activities go hand in hand. Whether using our machines for hunting and dragging detail, hauling firearms and supplies to backyard ranges or even just strapping for potential protection from wild animals while exploring/ camping.

Around here we enjoy some friendly competitive shooting at a dedicated outdoor range setting so the opportunity to do so while gaining a better understanding about Shoot United and its goals was a natural fit. We even learned some interesting facts along the way.

For example, did you know that statistically shooting is one of the safest recreational activities in the county? More than 60 million individuals participate in shooting sports each year (more than two-and-a-half times the number of people who golf). Or that 7.5 million US adults became first time gun owners between 2019 and April 2021?

Laci, tell us a bit about Shoot United and your involvement.

Shoot United is a brand-new initiative that was created after a need was recognized – people needed a platform to find helpful, authentic knowledge and connection to others. The main goal is changing the narrative by bringing awareness of responsible gun ownership, education/information for new participants, and showcasing all the fun it is being part of the outdoor industry. Not to mention all the personal development target shooting brings to young and old alike: determination, mental clarity, dedication, confidence, and team-building skills, just to name a few.

I’m the director of PR who gets to work with mainstream media partners, like ATV Connection, on being allies because they believe in the mission and understand the value of what Shoot United is trying to do…unite people in an inviting, educational, fun way to experience the shooting sports.

When did you first start shooting? What was your first gun?

My first true shooting experience wasn’t until I was 29. I grew up around firearms and hunting but had never done it until I found myself as the PR specialist for Winchester Ammunition back in 2013. At the time, my brand-new agency team took me to the shooting range to help me get familiar with everything from handguns to rifles to shotguns, and all the ammo for each one.

My first gun was a Winchester SX4 12-gauge shotgun. I bought it as a gift to myself for my 37th birthday last year.

Do you have any favorite memories involving shooting?

I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of epic adventures being in this industry, but a few come to mind…

The first time I got to shoot with my brother was pretty special. We set up a target in the field on a friend’s property and spent quality time together, just the two of us. We’re close in age (two years apart), but sharing a love of the outdoors has brought us even closer, which makes me even more grateful for those moments.

My first deer season spent with my cousin and uncle on their family farm is another cherished memory. No running water in the farmhouse, a wood stove heater, no cell service, and frigid temps, but I wanted to experience all that comes along with it, and it did not disappoint.

From a true shooting at the range experience, it’d have to be spending time getting lessons from the USA Olympic Shooting Team. Having Kim Rhode, the most decorated Olympic shooter, and her dad, who coached her, take the time to give you a personalized lesson is beyond cool. As was orchestrating an editor to be at the Olympic training facility to interview and shoot with several other members of the USA Shooting team. It’s not very often one gets to wear an Olympian’s medals or be in the presence of athletes at the top of their game. But the thing that sticks out the most, was how down-to-earth, kind and inviting every one of them are.

What advice do you have for individuals out there looking to get into the sport?

I’m a firm believer of getting hands-on experience, having a great time and learning important life skills – so my advice is to go for it. Do your homework, find a range, grab your friends or family and go try it. There are resources out there, like Shoot United, to help people get more familiar with all the different aspects of the sport itself, then you can take that knowledge and put it into practice with a trusted instructor.

The vast majority of people I’ve encountered on my own shooting journey have been more than willing to help me become more confident, proficient and keep a smile on my face while doing so. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to show up with the curiosity to learn and the willingness to get out of your comfort zone.

How can readers learn more about Shoot United?

The Shoot United website is a great starting point. Readers can sign up for newsletters with helpful information hitting their inbox directly or they can follow along on social media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Also in attendance was NRA instructor/ NY police officer Jack to provide us with safety tips, demonstrate proper technique and show us the ins and outs of the firearms on hand.

So Jack, could you describe for us your involvement in gun safety?

My involvement in gun safety is paramount. I’ve been a certified NRA handgun instructor since 1997. I teach the basic pistol course (which is required in order to obtain a NYS pistol permit).

The course involves teaching the student about the different actions pertaining to handguns. Topics also include information on ammunition, cleaning of firearms, safe handling and storage of the handgun, and of course emphasis on the NRA rules on gun safety.

The student is informed that these safety rules are to ALWAYS be practiced whenever a firearm is handled. No matter whether it’s a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or air gun. It also doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an expert shooter with 50 years of experience. The gun safety rules will always apply to everyone, anywhere whenever handling any firearm.

You typically recommend students also take the Personal Protection certification course as well – what are the benefits of doing so?

The benefits of the Personal Protection course begin with it offering more advanced training over the basics. In fact it offers hands-on training with your firearm, the one you will be carrying.

I had previously mentioned that the basic pistol course was mandated in order to apply for your pistol permit in NY State. The Personal Protection course is not mandated. People sign up for this course because they want to learn what personal carry is all about. They want a better understanding of the legalities, to learn ideas and techniques to protect themselves in the home and what to do outside the home. I highly respect these people as gun owners. No one is mandating this training. They are there because they are responsible and eager to understand the dos and don’ts of the legal system.

Some people acquire a pistol permit and buy a gun. They slip it into a pocket and consider themselves armed and ready. I don’t mean to burst anyone’s bubble, but no, such a person isn’t armed, they are simply carrying a gun. Do they know the law regarding the justified use of deadly physical force? Do they know when and how to use the gun in a panic situation? Under the right conditions when verbal commands should be used? Are they aware that even simply brandishing a firearm could get them arrested and cost them their license to carry? If you are carrying your firearm while driving and get pulled over by a police officer, what now? Do they know the difference between physical force, deadly physical force, or excessive force? Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

I am a big proponent of training. I have 33 years of law enforcement experience as well as 25 years of instructing behind me and I consider myself in training. When it comes to something as potentially dangerous as a firearm, the mindset to constantly learn is so beneficial. Plus, the more you learn, the more knowledge you are able to pass on to others getting involved in the sport.

I should mention, if a person is involved in a shooting incident, they are going to find themselves in front of a grand jury. An attorney will ask, “Have you ever had any formal training with a firearm?” I wouldn’t want to be the person to have to answer no to that question.

I urge anyone reading this considering carrying a firearm to do some research and find a reputable training course near you. Get all the training you can get. Believe me, you’ll be amazed to know how much you don’t know.

When did your interest in shooting begin? Still have some of your early firearms?

When I was young, I had a sincere interest in firearms. My father forbid firearms in our house. I remember hearing my friends at school talk about how fun it was to target shoot or, the adventure they had going hunting.

Then one day in 8th grade a friend told me his father decided to sell off all his firearms. I went to his house after school. His father had all his long guns lined up around the room with their actions open. I remember touching the wood on a shotgun. My friend told me to pick it up, check out how it felt. I declined—no one ever let me handle a firearm before. I didn’t even know how to properly check it to see if it was loaded or not. I remember he said he wants $15 for that pump shotgun.

He also had a single-shot .22 rifle he was asking $5 for and for $6, he would throw in a cleaning kit. Of course, I had to have it.

I went home and told my dad that I found a swinging deal on a .22 single-shot rifle. It was an immediate and stern no as expected. After days of begging, compromising, (ammo stays in my parents’ room, only touched with adult supervision etc.) and a perfectly clean BB gun track record, my dad finally relented. He reached in his pocket and gave me the 6 dollars. “Go on, grab it before he offers it to someone else.”

I was thrilled! An honest-to-goodness gun owner! I lived in the city where safe target shooting opportunities were sparse so every Saturday afternoon he would stop at the sporting goods store and buy a box of .22 shorts. He would take me out to the country where we would set up tin cans in a creek valley. I remember the both of us laughing and just loving the experience. When the box of 50 was gone, we couldn’t wait until the next Saturday to do it all again.

I learned gun safety as I went along but never knew you should never dry fire a .22. You guessed it – doing so eventually caused the firing pin to snap. I don’t know what ever happened to that rifle but I do still have that cleaning kit.

I was married in Nov. 1973. In 1974, my wife bought me a Winchester model 150 lever action .22 rifle. I spent all my spare time plinking and squirrel hunting with that rifle. I put an unimaginable amount of rounds through it. It never once let me down.

Then she bought me a 12 gauge shotgun. That was it. I was in the woods every free moment I had. That motivated me to finally apply for my pistol permit in 1975. I had to have a handgun to accompany the other two. I was hooked on the sport of shooting.

I had purchased a .22 pistol. Then I bought a .38. The .38 ammo cost more than the .22 ammo. So, I learned to reloading for the .38. Shooting opened up a whole new world for me. I just went on from there. By the way, I do still own that Winchester .22 and that 12 gauge shotgun.

Any favorite shooting memories to share?

So many! I shared that story with you about my dad and me shooting tin cans. The bonding we shared is unforgettable. That story happened in 1967. I think back to it now and it still brings a broad smile to my face. I have so many great memories of shooting and hunting with friends. I also have even more memories out in the woods by myself.

When I just started shooting, I hunted in those days as well. I had a small dog appropriately named Tiny (my wife named her). When she brought her home, this pup was no larger than a field mouse! She was half dachshund and small beagle – runt of the litter. SHE LOVED TO HUNT!

I used to smoke a pipe in those days with very aromatic tobacco. I would be walking across the forest floor puffing my pipe and Tiny would kick out rabbits from places I would never even think of searching.

She would bay and chase that rabbit to me. She would then fall behind knowing I would take the shot. I would then take the shot. That dog and I spent endless hours in the woods. I would take some sandwiches in my coat pocket. We would take a break and I would share my sandwiches with her.

My father-in-law would cook all the game we’d harvest on those hunts. I could go on and on but there is not enough magazine ink or server space to share all the memories.

What advice do you have for individuals out there looking to get into the sport?

Those of you who hunt, target practice or shoot competitively already know exactly what I’m talking about when I tell my stories involving shooting sports. It’s just an atmosphere of camaraderie, excitement, adventure and laughs.

Those of you who haven’t yet ventured into the shooting sport segment – don’t be intimidated. There are many individuals such as myself who get excited at the prospect of welcoming new members to the fold.

Take a gun safety class. Link up with someone who’s into the sport. Have a day of firing a gun at a target. The more you do it, the better you get. It’s one of those activities good for all ages and genders. It’s also a fun family event.

ALWAYS put gun safety at the top when handling a firearm and I guarantee this sport will change your world. I know it changed mine.

Special thanks to Shoot United and Shine United for helping us spread the word. The off-roading lifestyle and the sport of shooting are often closely linked. We’d love to hear some of your own favorite memories as well.