It's (almost) hunting season, ya'll!

Before I climb back into a tree after Virginia whitetails, I want to share something with you about my personal growth. I hope that my vulnerability will help a few of you out there.

I just returned from an incredible opportunity to participate in a veterans-only mission trip with Freedom Alliance in Costa Rica. That mission trip was capped off with my first deep-sea fishing trip, where I scored my first sailfish and then landed my second, third, and fourth by the end of the day. I'm no deep-sea fishing expert, but I'd say that's a damned good day.

Guess what? The deep-sea fishing trip was the least impactful thing I did that week. Together with three retired Marines, this Sailor helped build a greenhouse and a chicken coop for Costa Rican men battling drug addiction near Jaco, Costa Rica. At night, we veterans challenged ourselves and each other with testimonies and some uncomfortable truths about our failures, problems, and challenges in life. By the end of the week, my fear response was gone, and I finally learned to channel caution with optimism.

Yeah, I know this is a macho, smack Grizzly bears with your bare hands for the fun of the outdoor community, so admitting to all of you that I often shook in my boots on many hunting trips will not win many friends. But it's the truth.

It was my truth until, one day, I faced a fear that broke me. A few years ago, I had a terrible day that turned into a bad week and an awful month. Thanks to a good friend, I got some help with what I thought was depression, only to find out I was coping with post-traumatic stress. Now, more than four years later, I'm stronger, healthier, and happier than I have ever been - and so are the people I love because of the mental health work I did for myself.

I'm not the only one with a story, though. I know many of you have one of your own - or know someone who does. I'm telling you my story because it may help at least one of you ask for help or be the help that your friend needs to conquer his or her fears.

Could you ask the next time you head to the woods with your friend, "Are you okay? "Am I alright? "If not, ask for help or be the help. They're worth it, and so are you.

Have a great season,

Jay Pinsky
jay@theoutdoorwire.com

We talk a lot here about preparation and checklists, but one thing we believe is more important than any of them is firearms safety. It’s not just a checklist - it’s a mindset and a commitment that begins the moment you pick up a gun and continues for the rest of your life. Cutting corners is not an option when it comes to safety. Responsible firearms owners know how the consequences of taking shortcuts can be devastating, both legally and morally. The responsibility goes beyond the aspects of what you do in the field. It’s about ensuring that every action you take is deliberate and informed, with safety as your top priority.

This starts with the basics everyone is taught from the beginning—always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, keep safety on always, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it. These are the habits we form from the beginning to set ourselves up for success, and in the heat of the moment, they are the difference between life and potential tragedy.

Safe storage is just as crucial. When your firearms aren’t in use, they need to be secured to prevent unauthorized access. A locked safe or dedicated storage solution is non-negotiable. Not only is it in compliance with the law, but it also protects your loved ones, community, and the firearms you own. We know a gun in the wrong hands is a disaster waiting to happen, and it's up to us to ensure that never happens.

At TFL headquarters and in our homes, trailers, and lodges, we have unique needs for reliable security. SecureIt understands these needs more than anyone else. They have made it their mission to create storage solutions that benchmark what firearm security should be.

Achieving safety is about discipline and respect. Please remember to regularly check your guns to ensure they’re in proper order and never take shortcuts on cleaning and maintenance. Your small effort is minimal compared to the peace of mind gained, knowing that you’ve done everything in your power to prevent an accident.

When it comes to storage, traditional gun safes can be bulky and restrictive. They lock your firearms away in a mess that’s more about keeping them out of reach than having them ready when you need them. SecureIt has changed the game by focusing on both security and practicality. No more rummaging through a cluttered safe. At TFL, our firearms are neatly stored, clearly visible, and accessible within seconds, thanks to SecureIt.

The company’s roots are steeped in military armory design, where quick access and unyielding security are essential. SecureIt brings that same level of expertise to civilian gun owners, offering storage solutions that keep firearms out of the wrong hands while ensuring they’re ready when needed.

In today’s world, where technology is ever-evolving, we trust SecureIt because it stands out as a company that hasn’t lost sight of what matters: keeping our firearms safe and accessible. When it comes to this, there’s no room for compromise. Check them out at www.Secureit.com and see the difference they make! You should never feel you have to choose between safety and readiness. As we get closer each day to another season of chasing the migration, stay safe and keep talkin'!

By Scott Stuhr

4-H Shooting Sports is a nationwide positive youth development program that uses firearms and archery equipment to develop life skills. At its core, it’s about fostering responsibility, discipline, and respect for firearms and the community. The focus on safety ensures that every participant understands the handling of firearms and archery equipment, and the importance of following rules. 

Firearms and archery equipment, when used responsibly, can be valuable tools for education, sport, hunting, and competition. For participants in the 4-H Shooting Sports program—many of whom may be handling firearms for the first time—learning and practicing safety is critical. 4-H emphasizes safety from the very beginning, aiming to prevent accidents and promote responsible firearm use. By instilling a deep respect for firearms, archery equipment, and each other, 4-H helps young people develop a sense of responsibility that extends far beyond the shooting range.

Every 4-H Shooting Sports instructor undergoes a minimum of nine hours of discipline specific training to ensure they are equipped to teach both shooting techniques and safety. Certification is achieved through a standardized process that includes classroom instruction, which includes a minimum of three hours in positive youth development theories and standards, along with hands-on learning. Instructors are responsible for teaching and modeling safe behavior at all times, setting an example for the 4-H participant.

All participants receive safety training in their shooting sports discipline. This education includes the basic rules of firearm and archery safety: always treat a gun as if it’s loaded, never point a firearm or bow and arrow at something you don’t intend to shoot, and always be aware of your target and what lies beyond it. Firearm instructors teach and enforce MAT which stands for Muzzle (always pointed in a safe direction), Action (always open until on the line and ready to shoot), Trigger (finger off the trigger until ready to shoot), to all participants. Additionally, participants learn the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear, such as eye and ear protection.

A crucial part of maintaining safety is the regular inspection of firearms and equipment. Before any shooting activity begins, instructors and RSOs thoroughly check the condition of all firearms to ensure they are functioning correctly and are safe to use. Any malfunctioning or unsafe equipment is immediately removed from use, ensuring that only the safest, most reliable gear is used.

Handling firearms and archery equipment demands a high level of personal responsibility. Participants learn to take ownership of their actions, understanding that their decisions can have serious consequences. This sense of responsibility is reinforced through consistent practice and the guidance of instructors, preparing participants to make responsible choices in all areas of life.

Shooting sports require concentration and discipline. The safety protocols demand that participants focus on the task at hand, pay attention to details, and follow instructions. These qualities—discipline and focus—are transferable skills that benefit participants in other aspects of their lives, including academics and future careers.

The 4-H Shooting Sports program emphasizes respect—not only for the rules of the range but also for the rights and safety of others. This respect extends to their peers, instructors, and the broader community, fostering a culture of mutual respect and consideration.

The 4-H Shooting Sports program is much more than a way for young people to learn about firearms and marksmanship. It is an educational experience that places a strong emphasis on safety. By adhering to strict safety protocols, 4-H ensures that participants develop into responsible, disciplined, and respectful individuals. These qualities not only make them safer competitors but also better citizens, equipped to contribute positively to their communities. 4-H Shooting Sports’ commitment to safety is a testament to its dedication to developing well-rounded, responsible young people who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

To learn more about the 4-H Shooting Sports program please visit 4-HShootingSports.org, or contact Scott Stuhr, National Program Coordinator, at 402-643-0704 or coordinator@4h-hshootingsports.org