CNBC & ABC Spotlight Women Hunters & Gun Owners

“Women are becoming a bigger focus in the gun world, and with an appearance by Sarah Palin at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the message is loud and clear.” That’s the description used to sum up this CNBC video “Women and guns: Size matters” that aired the week of SHOT Show. The recent NSSF report of women and guns confirms it.

I loved the fact that CNBC chose to talk to so many women, including Smith & Wesson’s Laurel Smith who spoke about the M&P Shield. My closing comment in the piece sums up how I feel about it, “It’s an exciting time in our industry.” Indeed it is! Focusing on fit and features, the firearm industry recognizes that female shooters and hunters are important!

This week ABC also covered the trend with an interview with Eva Shockey. Eva doesn’t fit the mold that mainstream media tends to showcase as the “typical” hunter and shooter. Neither does former Miss America contestant Theresa Vail, host of a new show coming out on the Outdoor Channel called Limitless, who I had the pleasure of meeting at the Benelli 828u launch party. Then there’s Sara Palin. Love or hate her, she has that dynamic personality that mainstream media jumps at the chance to cover. She’s also a hunter that’s passionate about our gun rights.

Why are women embracing gun ownership? The NSSF stats point to self-defense as a primary reason, but the fact is that choosing to own a gun or heading out in the field to hunt is personal. Whether it’s choosing a firearm as a personal protection equalizer, getting outside and providing healthy food for the family or becoming inspired by women in the shooting sports, our reasons are our own. The best part? There are more and more of us choosing to do so than ever.