An event that was a resounding success back in October of last year will be held again on April 27 by the Mariposa County Fish and Game Protective Association, in conjunction with the Safety First Shooting Association.
On that Saturday, women and their families are invited to experience a handgun test drive, absorb basic firearms safety training, and learn about self-defense and other less-lethal devices from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the Fish and Game Range at 4443 Old Highway in Mariposa.
“At the last event we had about 100 people turn out and 80 participants, and we’re expecting a larger crowd with the nicer weather,” said Stephen Cole, president of the Mariposa Fish and Game Protective Association.
This event, like the last successful gathering, is designed for women and youngsters. There’s even a special venue for the kids to experience firearms that are age appropriate. “It’s kind of a mini-safety clinic for the kids,” said one instructor.
Women get the chance to “test drive” handguns with the help of certified experts. They can try out different pistols in different sizes and calibers to discover what they are comfortable with. All the firearms and ammunition are provided. Attendees are not allowed to bring firearms to this event.
They will also receive basic self-defense information as well as details on other less- than lethal devices that are available.
“Statistics right now show that more than 50 percent of new gun buyers are women, so we want to promote good training and safety and get that information out there. We don’t want ladies to just go into a gun store and be told what they need. With our test drive, they can determine what fits them best and what they are confident in handling,” Cole said.
“This is a community event for the whole family,” Cole noted. “Women have always been a target for violent crimes. With our southern border situation, human trafficking, and women that we’ve seen disappear even from our region, we recognize the need for teaching safety and situational awareness,” Cole explained. “We know we’ve got an influx of the criminal element coming across our border. It’s important that we reach out and teach people how to defend themselves and what tool to defend themselves with.”
“If you’re sitting at a stop light and someone breaks your window, that presents a situation that requires a response,” Cole explained. “Assisting women with an emergency circumstance is one of our prime motivators.”
Dave and John Givens of Hammerstryke Self Reliance Training, Inc., which is based in Mariposa, along with NRA (National Rifle Association) certified instructors from Safety First Shooting Association in Atwater will offer guidance and direction to the participants.
“We’ve done some events for women to ‘test drive’ weapons, pre-Covid, and it was well received, so the Fish and Game Association reached out to us to lend a hand and we were happy to do so. John and I, and my wife Connie are all on the board at Safety First, which is providing the qualified manpower,” Dave Givens explained.
Safety First and Hammerstryke provide all the firearms and ammunition, and NRA grants help fund that effort. All the instructors on the firing line are NRA certified and are qualified to offer instruction and guidance.
“We’ll have a booth set up to provide information on CCW’s (concealed carry weapon permits), hunter safety, and details on the Right to Bear insurance organization,” Givens added.
Community partners will be on hand to share information, including the California Highway Patrol and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. The John C. Fremont Healthcare District had a booth at the last event spreading information about women’s health. Other participants are anticipated. “We’re trying to get other partners involved,” Cole added.
There will be a fundraising raffle and food vendors. Sal’s Taco Truck and Lemon Drop will be on hand. There is no internet available at this location, so cash is required for all purchases. Information about joining the local Fish and Game Protective Association will also be available.
Anyone seeking additional information can call (209) 347-7263.