Shooting Divas

Funny Gun Story: San Diego Woman Shot in Head

August 3rd, 2011

Elisa

A few days ago I received an email from a friend with the following story and had to share the laughs with all of you. It’s really not as gruesome as the title sounds. Enjoy.

San Diego woman shot in head:

Linda Burnett, 23, a resident of San Diego, was visiting her in-laws and while there went to a nearby supermarket to pick up some groceries. Later, her husband noticed her sitting in her car in the driveway with the windows rolled up and with her eyes closed, with both hands behind the back of her head. He became concerned and walked over to the car. He noticed that Linda’s eyes were now open and she looked very strange. He asked her if she was okay, and Linda replied that she had been shot in the back of the head and had been holding her brains in for over an hour.

The husband called the paramedics, who broke into the car because the doors were locked and Linda refused to remove her hands from her head.

When they finally got in, they found that Linda had a wad of bread dough on the back of her head. A Pillsbury biscuit canister had exploded from the heat, making a loud noise that sounded like a gunshot, and the wad of dough hit her in the back of her head. When she reached back to find out what it was, she felt the dough and thought it was her brains. She initially passed out, but quickly recovered.

Conclusion:

Linda is blonde, a Democrat and an Obama supporter, but that could all be a coincidence.

The defective biscuit canister was analyzed and it was determined to be Bush’s fault.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Janie’s Got a Gun: New Shirt Design

July 21st, 2011

Elisa

After working on some icons for last month and later flipping through an international icon design book, I came up with this shirt design. Simply put it’s [woman + gun = Shooting Diva]. Take a look at all the products with this design or view other designs I’ve created.

I hope you enjoy this shirt! I have some more designs in the works and welcome any ideas you have.

So what does this have to do with Aerosmith’s song, Janie’s Got a Gun? It’s been going through my head while I’ve been preparing this post. I’ve included the song below for your listening enjoyment.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

July’s Shooting Diva of the Month: Britney Starr

July 14th, 2011

Elisa

I’m proud to introduce you to the Shooting Diva of the Month, Britney Starr! She has a lot of experience with guns specifically in hunting.

Britney Starr Shooting Diva of the month

Shooting Diva of the Month:

Name: Britney Starr
Age: 25
Company: Starr & Bodill African Safaris
Hometown: St.Ignace, MI
Current City: Kalamazoo, MI

Guns She’s Shot:

Browning 7mm
MagnumMossberg 12 ga pump
Stoeger Condor 12 and 20 ga
30-06 Weatherby
300 Weatherby Magnum
.38 Smith & Wesson
Ruger 22
Taurus Millennium .40 cal

Places She’s Hunted:

South Africa – multiple safaris
Quebec and Canada – caribou hunting
Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Michigan – turkey hunting
Michigan and Canada – grouse and woodcock hunting
Michigan – whitetail deer hunting

Her Personal and Hunting Goals:

To network with women that are or want to become involved in the outdoors.
To help foster awareness of shooting and hunting so other women may experience the passion I have for these amazing sports.
Complete the North American Grand Slam of turkeys (two down, three to go).
Bag a huge mule deer in New Mexico this November.

Britney’s Story:

I grew up in Michigan’s upper peninsula with an amazing dad who has a passion for hunting. I feel very fortunate that he always shared his knowledge of the outdoors and guns with me. Hunting is a huge part of who I am and I have been doing it for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest hunting memories are from when I was around 5 years old and following behind my dad while scouting for turkeys. I would always pick up turkey poop and show it to him.

I received my hunters safety certificate when I turned 12 (Michigan’s age requirement) and “Santa” brought me a Browning 7mm magnum rifle for Christmas that same year. My dad and I promptly went on a Caribou hunt the following year where I harvested a very respectable bull from Quebec, Canada. I also shot my first Eastern turkey at age 12 and have been obsessed with turkey hunting ever since. At age 16 we started going on safaris. I have been fortunate to have completed multiple safaris to South Africa and have harvested 12 animals, including a “Springbok Slam” and the elusive Bush Pig. My love of hunting and Africa has progressed throughout my life. My dad and I are now partners in a safari company called Starr & Bodill African Safaris.

Lately, I have made it a personal goal to do more hunting activities on my own. My dad has always been my hunting partner, and always will be, but a lot of my youth was spent relying on him to call turkeys in for me or take me hunting. I know he won’t be around forever and I want to feel the sense of accomplishment that I CAN do those things too. Sometimes this can be a scary feeling but the rewards are endless.

I’m proud to say I have had many “firsts” over the past couple of years. I bought my first bird dog two years ago, a German Shorthair Pointer named Wesson whom I trained completely by myself (credit is due to my dad, who gave me books, advice, and lessons dog training). Wesson and I hunted our first fall together last year and I can’t tell you the satisfaction I got out of actually shooting a bird over my own dog. It’s an amazing feeling when everything comes together. I also had my first attempt at guiding with Wesson when I took my Uncle Ken out pheasant hunting. Mind you, Uncle Ken can’t hit the broad side of a barn, but Wesson sure did his job. LOL.

I also guided a friend turkey hunting this spring. I called a tom in to 30 yards for him. It was an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment for me to know that I could and did call a turkey in, all by myself.

I bought my first fishing boat at the beginning of the summer. It’s just a 14 foot flat bottom for small lake fishing but I have had a blast fishing so far. I also had the experience of filleting and cooking my own fish for the first time. Gotta love the taste of success.

Britney’s Advice:

I will be the first to admit that hunting is not for everyone. Not all women like gutting animals and smearing blood on their face like I do (I know, I’m twisted). There are many other ways you can get involved in shooting sports that don’t involve hunting. Joining a gun club that has trap, skeet, clays, rifle/pistol ranges opens up huge possibilities for activities. Some clubs offer a women’s league which is a great way to network with other women also interested in the sport. My club offers a course on handgun safety and shooting that is geared towards women. Often times the club will provide the guns, ammo, eye/ear protection for you.

Become educated in whichever sport you choose to participate in by using all the resources available to you. Talk to other women, and men that are involved in the outdoors. Read books and go online. There are many websites and blogs full of information, tips, and how to information geared towards women in the outdoors. The best part of being involved in the hunting community is that there is always someone there to lend a helping hand or give you advice. I have had countless encounters with random strangers who are willing to help me in any way they can. They quickly become friends.

My point is this, hunting and shooting may seem intimidating at first, but once you jump over those initial hurdles the experiences you have will give you an immense feeling of accomplishment. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or tips. Become educated and proficient at whatever it is you decide to do. Don’t EVER let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Give it your best shot. You never know, it might become a passion for you. Or even a way of life.

Thank you Britney for sharing your story. If you would like to share your story and be featured as a Shooting Diva of the Month in the future, email your story and photos to elisa@shootingdivas.com.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Father’s Day Deals for the Shooting Dad

June 9th, 2011

Elisa

Ladies, your father has been good to you and Father’s Day is just around the corner; are you ready? If not, I’ve got some sales that will help you shop for both your gun-loving Dad and yourself.

Bass Pro:

Whether your Dad is a target shooter, hunter or outdoors-man Bass Pro has you covered. With discounts store-wide you can’t go wrong. Still can’t decide? A gift-card is a good option too.

Springfield Armory:

With over 200 products on sale for 30% off I’m sure you’ll find just what you’re looking for. Choose from apparel, XD gear, 1911 gear, M1A Rifle accessories, M6 Scout accessories, professional optics, and more .

Cabela’s:

Cabela’s offers great gift ideas by category and budget as well as offering $5 shipping on orders of $150 or more. Simply enter the promo code WDADSDAYnow through 6/13/11 to receive this offer.

NRAstore:
The NRAstore is offering FREE shipping on orders of $60 or more when you enter the promo code NRADAD now through 6/14/11. If you’ve had items saved up, now is the time to take advantage of this free shipping offer.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to shop.

Happy Shooting & Happy Father’s Day!
Elisa

Note: Shooting Divas is an Affiliate for Bass Pro Shops

Gun Quote Friday: Richard Henry Lee

May 27th, 2011

Elisa

Today’s gun quote comes from a not so well known founding father named Richard Henry Lee. He lived in Virginia and is known for giving the motion in the Second Continental Congress that called for the colonies’ independence from Great Britain. Lee was also a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

‘‘To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.’’

– Richard Henry Lee, 1787

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Painter: Charles Willson Peale

30th Annual Hoag Charity Shoot Recap

May 25th, 2011

Elisa

About a month ago I shared with you the details for the 30th Annual Hoag Charity Shoot. Today I’m sharing the results of the fundraiser. 135 shooters raised more than $160,000 benefiting the Hoag Hospitals and Health Centers located throughout Orange County, CA. For the full details read the official press release below.

TURNER’S OUTDOORSMAN AND HOAG FOUNDATION 552 CLUB
HOST 30TH ANNUAL HOAG CHARITY SHOOT
Event co-chaired by Gene Lumsden, CEO of Turner’s Outdoorsman and
Marcus Berry, co-founder of Drive for a Cause

Hoag Charity Shoot 2011 CoChairs Gene Lumsden and Marcus Berry

Newport Beach, CA. (May 6, 2011) – A team of veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project were among the 135 shooters who raised more than an estimated $160,000 at the 30th Annual Hoag Charity Shoot, benefiting the Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, Hoag Hospital Irvine, seven Hoag Health Centers and three Hoag Urgent Care Centers located throughout Orange County.

Presented by Hoag’s 552 Club, Turner’s Outdoorsman and Honorary Chairman Tim Abell (Grateful Nation), the clay target shooting event took place on April 29, 2011 at Triple B Clays Shotgun Park in South El Monte, CA. Gene Lumsden, president and CEO of Turner’s Outdoorsman and Marcus Berry, co-founder of Drive for a Cause co-chaired the event.

This event was also held in the memory of Kristin McNulty, daughter of John and Nina Townsend. Townsend has been a long-time supporter and participant of the charity shoot and last year, was honored with the Vin Jorgensen Award.

“The Hoag 552 Club is like family and events like this give us the opportunity to support the dedication of Hoag’s doctors and nurses to their patients,” Berry said, “It is really special to be part of an event with such heritage and tireless support from volunteers and the community.”

“Turner’s is proud to partner in this important event that marked 30 years of raising awareness and widening the circle of support for Hoag Hospital,” said Lumsden who, in 2005, was inducted in the California Trap Shooting Hall of Fame for twice tying the world record in competitive trap shooting. Lumsden is a partner in Legacy Sports International, an importer of firearms based in Reno, Nevada, and Turner’s Outdoorsman, a 14-store retail chain based in Southern California.

The Charity Shoot co-chairs and committee members would like to thank all major contributors for this year’s event, including Fred Erdtsieck of Summit Plastering, Steve Selock of Able Services; John Curci of Dbac, Craig Martin of Jacobs, Vince McGuinness, Paul Holzschuh, Rick Ehrke, Straub Distributing, and all other underwriters, sponsors and volunteers for their generous contributions.

The Annual Hoag Charity Shoot has raised more than $1.5 million for Hoag since its inception in 1981 and has attracted more than 3,000 shooters.

Honorary Chair TimAbell and Dr. Mike Smith of Country Hills Animal Clinic

Hoag Charity Shooters

Hoag Charity Shoot 2011-TTerry

About the Hoag 552 Club

The 552 Club is a community-based hospital support group of individual volunteers and donors dedicated to promoting and financially supporting Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. As the oldest and largest of Hoag’s volunteer financial support groups, the 552 Club has raised more than $37 million for the hospital since its founding in 1966. The club and its members participate in a year-round calendar of exciting events. These include the Toshiba Classic Champions Tour golf tournament, the Newport Beach Breakers season of World Team Tennis, Movie Screening, Stag Shoot, Invitational Regatta for The Hoag Cup, Christmas Carol Ball and other friend and fundraising activities.

The 552 Club also adopts Hoag’s fundraising projects as personal priorities. The club has raised funds for construction of the Patty and George Hoag Cancer Center, construction of Hoag Heart and Vascular Institute’s Cardiac Outpatient Center, expansion and renovation of the emergency care unit, operating room renovation, computerized patient care information system, and Hoag’s Endowment Fund. Its newest accomplishment is the completion of the goal to raise $10 million for the Sue and Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion. The 552 Club is now focusing on raising funds for Hoag’s five Centers of Excellence, the renovation of the emergency care unit and the Mary and Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag.

About Hoag

For nearly 60 years now, Hoag has been the health care leader our community has trusted most. And as our community has expanded, we have, too—with more world-class facilities, physicians and staff—nurturing and maintaining the vitality of the people we serve.

Hoag is a not-for-profit regional healthcare delivery network in Orange County, Calif. that treats nearly 30,000 inpatients and 350,000 outpatients annually. Hoag consists of two acute-care hospitals, seven health centers and a network for more than 1,300 physicians, 5,000 employees and 2,000 volunteers. Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, which has served Orange County since 1952, and Hoag Hospital Irvine, which opened in 2010, are designated Magnet hospitals by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Hoag offers a comprehensive mix of health care services including Centers of Excellence in cancer, heart and vascular, neurosciences and women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute. National Research Corporation has endorsed Hoag as Orange County’s most preferred hospital for the past 15 consecutive years. And for an unprecedented 14 years, residents of Orange County have chosen Hoag as the county’s best hospital in a local newspaper survey.

This event has raised more than $1.5 million for Hoag since its inception in 1981 and has attracted more than 3,000 shooters. Will you be part of the action next year?

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Gun Quote Friday: Ann Coulter

May 20th, 2011

Elisa

Today’s gun quote comes from the article “What Liberals Don’t Know About Guns” by Ann Coulter, a Legal Affairs Correspondent for Human Events and author.

“It’s so adorable when people who wouldn’t know a high-capacity magazine from Vanity Fair start telling gun owners what they should want and need.”

– Ann Coulter, Author

It is true that most people who are against guns don’t know the first thing about them. Many have never even held a gun let alone shot one. What do you think? Should people who haven’t used a gun be able to pass gun laws?

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

Books by Ann Coulter:

Photo credit: David Shankbone
Note: Shooting Divas is an Affiliate for Amazon.com

Armed Forces Day Sale

May 19th, 2011

Elisa

Armed Forces Day History:
Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches: the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. It was created in 1949 and is celebrated with parades, open houses, receptions and air shows. President Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday in 1962.

I would like to personally thank all U.S. soldiers serving to protect our country. May God bless them and keep them safe.

If you’d like to celebrate Armed Forces Day by arming yourself Caswells has you covered with their Armed Forces Day Sale. If you are in the East Valley of Phoenix, come by for great discounts, a raffle, and lunch!

Armed Forces Day Sale at Caswells-Mesa, AZ

Happy Shooting and Shopping!
Elisa

Diva Sleeve Review

May 18th, 2011

Elisa

In a previous post I introduced you to the Diva Sleeve, a fashionable concealed weapons holster created by MoonStuck Leather. As a thank you for for spreading the word about this great new holster Beckie Moon offered to send me one. I was excited to design my own custom Diva Sleeve.

Custom Zebra Print Diva Sleeve

Custom Zebra Print Diva Sleeve and Glock

Specs of my Diva Sleeve:

• Made for a Glock 27

• Leather: Black and White Zebra Cowhide

• Bling: Red Flower

• Trim: Red

Rating: 5 Stars! The pictures on the site don’t do it justice. I was amazed with the quality and highly recommend them.

How to create your own custom Diva Sleeve:

Step 1: Visit the Diva Sleeves Site. You can also find Diva Sleeves on Facebook.

Step 2: Choose from 14 leather options: Black and White Zebra Cowhide, Hot Pink and Black Zebra Cowhide, Brown and White Giraffe Cowhide, Baby Leopard Cowhide, Golden Leopard Print, Red Acid Wash Cowhide, Turquoise and Brown Floral Rose, Brindle Cowhide, Red Embossed Ostrich, Pink Embossed Ostrich, Blue Embossed Ostrich, Tangerine Ostrich Print, Lilac Embossed Ostrich and Turquoise Embossed Ostrich.

Step 3: Choose from 18 bling options: Large Crystal Crown, Small Crystal Crown, Multi-Colored Cross, Black Bling Cross, Amber Cross, Blue Beaded Cross, Pink Cross, Silver Crystal Cross, Crystal Bling Cross, Fleur De Lis, Pink Flower, Red Flower, Spur Rowel, Amber Heart, Muti-Colored Heart, Red Beaded Heart, Crossed Pistols and Crystal Starburst.

Step 4: Choose from 5 trim options: Black Pebble Grain Trim, Red Trim, Turquoise Trim, Chocolate Pebble Grain Brown Trim and Pink Trim. You are now ready to fashionably pack heat!

If you are a Shooting Diva you must have a Diva Sleeve! Order yours today at divasleeve.com.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa

P.S. Yes, those are my real nails

Shooting Diva of the Month: Mary Liszewski

May 16th, 2011

Elisa

I recently received an email from Mary asking if she could share her story with other Shooting Divas. I was so glad that she reached out to me. I had been thinking about ways to feature gun stories from women on the site and now here we have it – Shooting Diva of the Month. Read Mary’s story below to find out how her opinion of guns changed and she became a Shooting Diva.

Shooting Diva of the Month:

Name: Mary Liszewski
Age: 27
Hometown: Manahawkin, NJ

Guns she has shot:

Smith Model of 1957 .41 Magnum
Taurus 82 .38 Special
Glock 23 .40
Ruger security six .357

Training:

First Steps: Basic Pistol Certificate
Red Cross: First Aid Certificate and Healthcare Provider CPR Certificate
April 2011: Refuse to be a victim course certificate
May 2011: First Steps: Basic Shotgun Certificate

Her Personal Goals:

To learn about every style of shooting, and become a competitive shooter.
She would like to one day teach gun courses for women in all areas.

I WAS one of those people who was “Against Civilians Owning Guns”

I was very one-sided when it came to gun ownership. In the beginning, I felt unless you were a police officer, you should not own or have possession of a gun. That all changed in 2009, when I was introduced to the sport of shooting.

At first I never considered the fact that “shooting was a sport.” To me real sports were football, basketball, hockey, baseball, etc. I was introduced to shooting by a competitive shooter and attended several competitions throughout New Jersey. I was blown away to see the level of skills, coordination, concentration, and talent that is needed to even compete.

From there I have sat for several more competitions and seen couples, fathers and daughters competing, and as time went on I realized, wow, I was so judgmental over gun owners. These people are not criminals; they are having fun and competing in a sport. I found how much of a family-oriented sport shooting has become.

As time progressed, everyone kept coming up to me asking me, “how come you are not shooting?” I would reply, “I am not trained yet” or “I am here for a competitor.” In 2010, I went to my First Steps Basic Pistol course at Beachwood Firearms and learned so much and have gained another level of respect for this sport.

Then, people were coming up to me asking, “Did you get trained yet?” I was able to reply, “YES, and I learned a lot and I have been shooting.”

Everyone who attends the competitions are very friendly and helpful, and the first thing a gun owner talks to you about and teaches you is “Gun Safety.”

I have actively been going to gun ranges to shoot pistols and revolvers to train myself more properly more and more to one day enter a competition.

I thank the women who keep this sport alive. If you would have asked me my views in 2008 on guns, it would have been a different opinion than today. I was wrong to judge what you do not know and cannot make any preconceived notions on any sport until you fully learn about the sport and the people who enjoy them.

For the ones who were just like me: Take a course or go to a gun competition and see for yourself, which is what I finally did. Shooting is just like any sport and with any sport certain precautions must be taken. If you have the proper training and education, this is a very enjoyable hobby for anyone.

I am happy to say I am attending in the forthcoming months the First Steps Shotgun Course, The Refuse to Be a Victim Course and I am looking to train in the Cowboy Action Course as well.

So, for those who are fighting the gun laws, gun owners, and the sport, please take the time to watch a competition before you pass judgment on those who are safely and actively using this as a sport.

Once again I’d like to thank Mary for sharing her story. If you would like to share your story and be featured as a Shooting Diva of the Month in the future, email your story and photos to elisa@shootingdivas.com.

Happy Shooting!
Elisa