TargetTalk

Sure hope I don't cross the line by posting a WSJ link here.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-stigmat ... 1460673461

Well competitive sport shooting is ironically a soft target for stigmatization and not being much of a spectator sport and underfunded in general compared to
most other Olympic sports it's not surprising that the public in general has no understanding how awesome it is and the level of dedication and skill
it takes to get to the top.

With the decline of national military service worldwide over the years, the rise of xbox / playstation games for youngsters and the extreme imbalance
in numbers between men and women participants it seems that being introduced to the sport and attracting bigger numbers is also less likely.

In the UK you can't own a rapid fire or sport pistol even if it's never going to be used outside of a gun club. You have to go the channel islands or
France to practice unless you want to be a criminal! . You can shoot a Free Pistol but it has to be modified so it has the look and "stink" of spineless socialism.
You will never win any Olympic medals that way.

Rant over! I feel better now ;-)

There is hope.

I am proud to say I'm from Minnesota, even though we are a state usually run by liberals, we are bucking the trend.

All this is due to the work of Jim Sable (video link below), thank you Jim and all the people working to expand the shooting sports in MN!

High School Sporting Clays (both skeet and trap) is growing by leaps and bounds. We are getting money to develop/expand ranges to accommodate the teams. Yes I know not rifle or pistol, but I have faith they will be next. Air pistol/rifle then ... who knows.

2001-2008: 3 teams, 3 schools, 30 athletes
2009: 6 teams, 6 schools, 60 athletes
2010: 13 teams, 15 schools, 340 athletes
2011: 29 teams, 34 schools, 707 athletes
2012: 57 teams, 100 schools, 1,715 athletes (spring/fall)
2013: 115 teams, 215 schools, 4,200 athletes (spring/fall)
2014: 185 teams, 275 schools, 6,100 athletes (spring)
2015: 268 teams, 425 schools, 8,600 athletes (spring)
2016 will be over 10,000 athletes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjc1gmfEqO0

- Dave

I read the article with great interest. It is heartening and disheartening at the same time to realise that you, in the US, have the same cross to bear as we do down under despite your all powerful gun lobby.

Bob