Glamour magazine, best known for fashion, recently sent a correspondent to the 40th Annual SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade) Show in Las Vegas. She asked 12 different women why they own a gun. Two of the 12 said they do so because of their ties to hunting. Their answers, as printed, are shown below:
Alicia, 26 (pictured on left)
From: Duluth
Occupation: Freelance journalist
Why do you have a gun?
For hunting purposes. I shoot to practice so I can take an animal when the time comes. We’re getting ready for bird hunting now—we probably go shooting at least 10 times before the season starts.
What do you say to people who question the value of a private citizen owning a gun?
People who don’t know any better, I can see what they see on mainstream media—that they can have this perception of guns that isn’t completely accurate. People are smart, and they can find out the truth. People should find out for themselves. What I tell people is to come shoot with me or watch me shoot and educate them that guns aren’t these dangerous things. People are the ones that shoot the guns. If you have control over the gun, you’re fine.
When mass shootings or school shootings happen—like the one this week—does it ever make you rethink your position?
No. At this point I’m educated enough about guns. There are just bad people in this world, and it’s not necessarily guns that are the problem.
Jessica, 27 (pictured on right)
From: Duluth
Occupation: Real estate management
Why do you have a gun?
I grew up hunting—that’s my primary reason. And then for self protection. Both my parents hunt, so I grew up doing it, since I was…before I can remember. It’s just something I’ve always done.
What do you say to people who question the value of a private citizen owning a gun?
I think it’s hard to make that decision when you don’t know both sides of it, so I just encourage people to learn both sides of whatever the topic is.
When mass shootings or school shootings happen—like the one this week—does it ever make you rethink your position?
No. I don’t take anything that mainstream media really to heart. I like to do my research on things and be well-informed instead of just following what I hear on the news.
(Photo source: Glamour)